Verse of the Day 5/12

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Yesterday we considered returning and rest, quietness and strenth in the context of worship and in the praise song "The Heart of Worship" where we sing it's all about You Jesus. I read an article yestrerday by David Murray titled "Selfaholism" which he described as being "characterized by self centerednes, self righteousness, self promotion, self sufficiency, self will, self worship, self love, self praise, and so on." He pointed out that these symptoms manifest themselves differently, depending on the age of the addict. Reading that statement lead me to this verse and in particular the words from the NKJV "and that not of themselves". We should be thankful that our salvation is not dependent on anything that we can do in and of ourselves. No amount of personal effort, self will or self sufficiency can bring it about. It is a gift from God found in the surrender of our will for His. In doing so, He will work in us something far greater than we could ever achieve on our own. Samuel Davies wrote,"Faith implies the enlightening of the understanding to discover the suitableness of Jesus Christ as a Saviour, and the excellency of the way of salvation through him. While the sinner lies undone and helpless in himself, and looking about in vain for some relief, it pleases a gracious God to shine into his heart, and enables him to see his glory in the face of Jesus Christ". Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Blessings, Mike www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 2:8-10(AMP) For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; 9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] 10 For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [b]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].