THANKFUL

Friday, July 26, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

Once again, Jesus, we ask why You are commanding us to do something that is difficult, if not impossible, for us to do. You know we can’t do this. Ephesians 4 instructs Your followers to “be completely humble, not arrogant or believing our own press clipping, nor run roughshod over those who are not on board with everything we believe.” Your Word also states to “be patient, and in Christ’s loving Spirit, bear with one another’s faults and weaknesses” (Ephesians 4:2). This command is for Your followers. For nonbelievers, it’s impossible, since Your commands run contrary to human nature. That’s why You remind us that “to each Christ-follower, grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7). Because our fallen humanity resists doing Your will, it is only by Your grace we can do what You command us to do. We are not self-made believers but rely totally on You, Jesus. You give us the grace to live as we should and do what You command. By Your grace, we forgive others as we have been forgiven, love as You love, speak as You speak, give of ourselves as You give, and have Your compassion for the loss. We can only live for You, Lord, by Your grace.

Relying totally on Your grace, Lord God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.