August 10, 2010
Just had a thought as I was reading Ezra this morning. It follows from the discussion at small group last evening. I have been saved by God out of His grace and mercy. All I have and all that I am is a gift from God. When someone asks me what I did to receive any of these things or to become what I have be come, I must answer nothing. It is all a gift from a loving, wise and powerful God. I am what I am and who I am because of God's gracious will. We are to believe. It is by faith we are saved. Knowing is good, but it is not the knowing that changes us. Pharaoh knew, Satan knows. But, they will not believe. Faith, believing and trusting are the way. Trying and doing on our own will not achieve what we need.

So, what do we do, what should we do? Is it wrong to try to be good? Not at all. Grow in knowledge and wisdom. Who better to know right from wrong, good from evil. Be humble, submit to the Holy Spirit. Believe always. Trust in the Lord. Those who believe should know that they are not righteous. Only God is righteous. We cannot save ourselves. God has mercy on those He chooses. His is the only vote. If He has chosen you be grateful. Love the Lord your God with all your hear, with all your mind and with all your strength.

So, what do you tell a non-believer to do? There is nothing they can do to become righteous. God alone can save them for eternal glory. God alone can prepare them for a glorious life of service for Him. They can ask God for this life and He can grant it. If He does it will all be according to His terms. The new life will not be according to our expectations. It will be different and it will be joyful. But, it will probably not be what we desired or expected.

Who do you think is better equipped to try to lead a righteous life, the believer or the non-believer? Of course, the one who knows and trusts his maker is better equipped to speak and act well. There can be impostors. And, they can be convincing. These are the deceivers. Satan knows about God. He does try to deceive us. He appears where God's work is going forward. He does not need to deceive those who are already in his army. So, when you are turned back by the world do not assume it is God speaking. It may well be Satan or one of his workers. Trust God and obey Him.

So, talk with God everyday. He listens and acts on our requests. He will answer our prays for our best. We are His children and He loves His children. Ask Him to keep you in His will. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and actions. And, then believe He will do it. Pray and read His word daily and He will glorify your life. We cannot change ourselves. But, we can believe In the One who can. Do not believe that we can become like God. Trust God and have a nice day.