Listen to this devotion
Humble Praise
In the Word
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness (Psalm 115:1).
Of the Word
Many of us pray long and hard to discover the work God would have us to do. We earnestly desire the particular job, profession, or state in life that would let us serve God with a lifetime of good works. In a way, we’re asking God, “What can I do to please You?”
When followers asked Jesus, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” they wanted to know what work they could do to please God. God, however, doesn’t want anyone coming back to Him saying, “Hey, I did it!” No. Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” (John 6:28b, 29). But we can’t do this on our own. Belief in Jesus as Savior is a gift from the Holy Spirit. And so is everything else that follows.
You know where your “good works” come from — not from your own desire, but from the gift of faith and His Spirit working in and through that faith. Rejoice in the work He would have you to do — and to His name be the glory!
Walking with my Lord
Lord, let Your gift of my faith make the work that I do
An expression of love and a gift back to You.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 26/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
