Page 30 - Livin Light Issue 81

Wednesday July 5 - Nothing to be proud of Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. Romans 3:27
The temptation to congratulate ourselves, even on responding to the gospel and recognising Jesus as our Lord, comes all too easily. But we have done nothing to earn God’s forgiveness. It’s a gift that we cannot boast about. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) says, ‘God saved you by his grace when you believed. You can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.’ The Bible teaches that pride is at the root of our sin. John Stott wrote, ‘pride is your greatest enemy, humility is your greatest friend.’ Both Peter and James, in their epistles, quote Proverbs 3:34: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.’ And his heart goes out to anyone who feels defeated, weary and alone.
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit; we need him to show us when we are being proud. That is because we are often blind to pride’s presence in our hearts and minds, and can be oblivious to how it affects our behaviour and relationship with others and with God himself.
Our part is to come just as we are, trusting in Jesus our Saviour. As we are honest about our weakness and ask for strength and comfort, the Spirit does his loving work of transformation.
Holy Spirit, I can do nothing except by the grace of Christ Jesus. Search me and reveal any proud thoughts and attitudes within me. Amen.
Thursday July 6 - Saved by faith alone ...justified by faith apart from works of the law. Romans 3:28
We exercise faith all day long. We trust that our chair will bear our weight, the bus will get us to our destination, that friends will be there for us. Hebrews 11:6 says: ‘It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.’ The rest of that chapter lists inspiring people who lived this out. So how do we ‘do’ faith and connect with God?
First, faith is choosing to believe that ‘the entire universe was formed at God’s command’ (Hebrews 11:3). Then to offer our lives to God and, like Noah and Abraham, obey him. Moses knew that, although walking in this path of faith would mean suffering, ‘it was better than trusting in ‘the treasures of Egypt’ (vv 24-26). Many prophets and others were tortured, refusing to deny God, but they believed and hoped in his promises of a far better life after the resurrection. Wow! These are some acts to follow!
We, like them, are unable to fulfil the demands of God’s law or attain his standards of righteousness. Only our faith in Christ’s death and resurrection makes us justified and accepted. We must trust in his grace instead of vainly trying to earn his approval. May we remind ourselves each day of our decision to have faith in God, whatever the day brings.
Saviour, I know I am only made right with you by faith. I can do nothing without you! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
28
PRAYER FOR TODAY