meditations for an everyday relationship with Jesus

Not by works

Titus 3:5-7 He saved us not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

We have done nothing to deserve grace; we did not do this by ourselves nor for ourselves. … “He saved us.” What did He save us from? Eternal separation from God and glory.

God’s Holy Spirit was poured out on us by His own choice. Our participation is simple by comparison: either we accept the gift of grace or reject it!

Simple to do but hard to maintain. That’s why so many gifts of grace remain unopened boxes in dark corners of the soul. Do not let it be so with your gift. Dust it off, open it, take it out, and wear it proudly in the name of Jesus! No works required!

Prayer

Psalm 61:1-3 God, hear my cry; pay attention to my prayer the voice God gave me

I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me, for You have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.

Praying believing is, in my humble opinion, the most difficult thing we can do as Christ-followers. It sounds obvious enough to believe that God will answer our prayers, and it would appear the only way to pray … however, many believers are conflicted in their personal prayer life. Why would be conflicted on such a foundational element of our belief?

 There is not always an obvious cause and effect.

 Prayer isn’t necessarily answered in the positive.

 We are taught that prayer is only for others.

 We may not have a convincing personal testimony.

 We don’t pray as often as we claim to.