Daily Devotion: The Choice Is Yours

Scripture:
Ephesians 2: 1-10

Main Verses:
Ephesians 2: 8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

Observation:
It is humbling to be reminded once again that we have been saved from eternal condemnation because the Lord has granted us His grace. God has manifested his favor upon us by sending His Son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, and this is something that we cannot brag about. Our salvation is something that we cannot earn through good works. Helping the poorest people on earth or giving your wealth to those who are need are both honorable and good deeds, but if we do not recognize Jesus as Lord of our life and only Savior, we can never receive the favor--God's grace--in our lives.

Application:
Because of our sins, we were separated from God. Because of the sin of Adam, we were separated from the Father and our spirit was forever condemned to die. But God is indeed a gracious, loving, and kind Father. He wanted to reestablish His relationship with us. He did not want any of His children to perish. He wanted everyone to enjoy eternity with Him in heaven. You have the choice to receive His mercy and grace, or reject this free gift. This is God's gift to His most precious creation. The choice is yours.

Now if you have received God's grace in your life, you should live a life that honors this gift from God. Remember, your salvation came with a price, the blood of Jesus. So be thankful always for this expensive gift that came from our Father through His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for your abundant grace. I was unworthy to receive your grace, but you gave me an opportunity to witness your kindness and faithfulness. I pray, oh Lord, that you will speak to the hearts of your people, especially to my loved ones. May your grace fall upon them and may they experience your loving kindness. Let them understand that they need Jesus in their life to receive the grace that comes only from you. All these I pray in Jesus's name. AMEN.