20th. September. 2021. Daily Devotion.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
We are saved by grace. Have no doubt; it is grace that saves us. Salvation is a gift that has been given by God. Unless God gave us this gift, we would not have it. It is His action, not ours, that makes it possible for sin to be forgiven and for us to find eternal life, in Heaven.
If we have true faith in Christ, our lives will reflect it. We cannot live lives filled with gluttony, selfishness, pride and love for the things of this world, and think that we are possessed of saving faith, for as James puts it, “Faith without works is dead.” But it is not the works that save us. It is God’s gift, operating through our faith.
It is also useful to remind ourselves and others of our equality before God, when we are tempted to lift ourselves or another person up as a figure of holiness. We may admire the learned, the pious, those who speak or teach well and lead others to grow in faith. But they are, ultimately, in the same boat as us: saved not by the devices of their person, but by the gift of grace. M. Barge.
Lord, let me never boast of piety, for my salvation comes solely by Your grace. Amen.
For Contentment
Heavenly Father, I have spent my life constantly wanting more. Let me be content. If I am having trouble paying my bills, let me look to those who live in cardboard shacks without clean water; if my vision is poor, let me help the blind; if my mobility is impaired, let me visit a prison filled with those who can walk and run; if I envy the young, let me pray for those who were killed by their mothers in the womb.
I too often look to those who have something I do not, or more of something I want; let me give thanks for the great bounty you have showered upon me, oh Lord, remembering in my envy and pain that all I have is a gift from you. In the name of Christ I pray, Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit to be with Me This Day
In utter humility, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I come before you this morning, Eternal Spirit of God, to offer myself, my soul and body to you. I live in awe of your purity, your justice, and the power of your love. You are the strength and light of my soul, for without you I have neither life nor goodness. I desire never to grieve you by unfaithfulness, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against you.
Mercifully guard my every thought; and grant that I may always watch for your light, and listen to your voice, and follow your gracious inspirations. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to listen first for your voice in everything I may say or do, this day and always, Amen.
Dear Lord,I have been the recipient of so much of your goodness in my life.
Please keep me open my mind and heart to receive whatever grace you wish to give me.
In this time of pandemic, it could be that you are giving me new eyes to see
how much I have been taking for granted in my daily life and how much I have
received without taking notice.
You have given me years and years of blessings.
When my friends and I emerge from this period of isolation, may we
truly treasure each person we know as a gift from You.
I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
