DECEMBER 16, Hebrews 8:10

Although I grew up in church, I thought that in order to be saved, I had to do good works, such as attending church activities and going for Sunday school classes. Have you thought this way too? Good works are the result of a person’s salvation and not the means to earn it. It is not our works but God’s work in us that brings us salvation.

How does God start His work in our lives? Just as He chose Israel to be His people in the Old Testament, He starts His work in us by choosing us to be His children. John 15:16 tells us, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you...” Thank God that He did not leave us in our sins but chose us to be His children.

God continues to work in our lives because He has made a covenant or agreement with us. It is through Jesus Christ alone that we can enter into this covenant with God. But unlike those that are made between men, God’s covenant with us can never be broken. He promises that He will cause us to persevere in faith till the very end. There may be times when we stumble, but He remains faithful to bring us back to Himself.

How does God cause us to continue walking in faith? He does this by putting His laws into our hearts and minds. Many may read the Bible but it never convicts their hearts or persuades their minds. It is an academic exercise or duty to them and there is no real thirst and hunger after God’s truth. The conviction of the heart and mind is of God! It is all His work to illumine our minds and open our hearts. There is nothing for us to boast of! Even when your teachers teach you God’s Word, it is still His work to help you understand and obey it. Whether you are young or old, God will cause you to know Him!

If you are doing your best to be good and obedient, ask yourself if you have first been convicted by God’s work of salvation. Do you have a thirst and hunger to know Him more? If you are doing all these things in order to earn your salvation, you are greatly mistaken. Only by believing in Jesus sincerely from your heart, and repenting from all your sins, is there true salvation. It is only then that God will approve of your good works!

Thought: God alone is the Author and Finisher of my faith!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for choosing me to be Your child and for Your promise that You will continue to work all things out for my good. Help me to persevere in faith and grant me a greater desire to know You more. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.