Wages

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

If we are justified by what we do, then there is no point in grace. Grace is not needed if the love and acceptance of God are the wages for what we do. It is not a gift.

But praise God that we can not earn His grace. Praise Him that we can never be justified by our works. Under the law or not, we can never do enough to stand before God. We can fall on our faces and beg for His love, but without His Son and acceptance of His Grace, we have nothing. We really aren't anything.

But He loves us. He chose us. He wants to use us to see His Will done. He has called each of us on a mission. And what are our wages for this type of work? Grace. A master does not have to thank his servant for doing his job. Likewise God does not owe us anything but our wages for this type of work. As believers, we are given Grace. As slaves to sin, we are given death. It's an easy choice really.

Lord, let Your grace fill my heart today! Let me work for Your Kingdom. Forgive the sin and evil in my heart. Forgive how much I go astray. Show me how to live only for You. Guide me in Your will today. I give this day to You. Let it glorify Your Holy Name. 

Praise You Father!
Amen. Amen. Amen.

Commendation

In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul writes this list of tings that He and the other disciples do in order to commend themselves to the churches. It is not a list of good works but of very painful events. Suffering. Hunger. Hatred. Persecution. You name it; it's on this list. There are some good things there too. Having God's power. Speaking truth. Love. As I read it, I see the list of what we must do to be a Christian. Not just day to day obedience, but day to day battles. I really do think that if you aren't struggling and fighting, something is probably wrong.

Which means for me, something is probably wrong...

Lord, help me to dive into situations where I can talk about You. Do not let me fear mentioning You and correcting according to Your desires. I pray that  I would be sold out for You. I pray that my desires for myself would fade away and that I would only desire You.

I give you my life!

Amen. Amen. Amen.