7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:7-10
It is mentioned twice in Ephesians Ch 2 – by grace, you have been saved! Do you believe it?
When the Oakland Church gathered online during the pandemic, brothers and sisters were often required to lead singing hymns. I admired the brothers and sisters doing their best to sing every song with heart! We might not be qualified by the world’s standards! We could sing out of tune, with the wrong rhythm, the wrong melody, or even couldn’t complete the song. But I found the pleasure of the Father in our midst! With the presence of the Lord! There were brothers and sisters who loved, encouraged, and appreciated one another! Really not because of our outstanding works, but out of the grace of God! Because this grace is more important than our perfect works! We praise God with this grace! We please God with our faith!
Do you believe it? We are not saved because of our good works, it is all by the grace of God! We have weaknesses, failures, and setbacks. But God is not trying to save a perfect, well-behaved Christian. His power & grace are manifested & perfected in our weaknesses!
We are God’s masterpiece!
My grandfather was an artist, and when he was doing artwork, I never dared to take part in a single painting, for fear that I would destroy his masterpiece! We should also be careful not to spoil God’s masterpiece! Don’t try to trade works for salvation! Salvation is by grace, do you believe?
When we brought our son back to Singapore for the first time, my father-in-law even invited my one-year-old son to paint with him. My son scribbled on the painting of my father-in-law. But I saw the kind grandfather happily creating art with his grandson! The child’s messy strokes become another new creation under the artist’s hands!
After we are saved, we have become God’s masterpiece, the body of Christ, the hands and feet of the Lord. God will use us and to create (work) together with us! When we have the heart of a son, simply trust the Father! We serve with God’s gifts, don’t be afraid of mistakes! Heavenly Father will cover our mess! Do you have the heart of a child to enjoy Heavenly Father’s affection? With this relationship and confidence, we are bold enough to work for God!
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me in Christ to be your precious child! Teach me to use simple faith, not to see my weakness and failure, but to see that I am your great masterpiece! Please give me the confidence and strength to live out your calling every day! Let people give glory to God when they see my good deeds for you!
Song:
Glorious
1. Glorious, glorious – The hour I first believed.
I have been joined to the Lord, In one spirit.
2. Wonderful! Wonderful! Now I am in Christ.
It’s no longer I who live, But a new man.
Chorus:
The precious Lord lives in me. Co-heir with Him of all things,
I partake His glory, Father’s love and the Spirit.
4. Love that’s true, love that’s true, What a love it is!
I want You to be my Lord, Live in love with You eternally.
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 