2 Corinthians 10:17-18
But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. To be sure, it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You provide everything for us. All our blessings—homes, food, families, and clothing—are given through you. You give us the tools to make a living and all we need to survive. Our employment is not ours; the skills to earn an income come from you. You give us our vocation. All the physical things come from you; we are the managers of our time, abilities, and money.
Our spiritual needs are far superior to our physical necessities, and they are given to us through faith; you give us all we need for eternal life. Through faith, we recognize the sins that divide us from you and then know how essential it is to have a Savior. Without Jesus, we are condemned, but he suffered our punishment when he went to the cross. Jesus redeemed all people; this gift is received by faith. So we boast in Christ who has saved us.
We do not bring ourselves to you; that is the work of the Holy Spirit using the tools of Your holy Word and sacraments to spark faith and then fan that spark into a flame. As Paul wrote, “It is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.” Commend us to yourself so we can boast about your grace and mercy; let us know and trust in your love for us.
Permit us to boast in you that we point to your gospel so that your Word will direct those who do not know you to faith. Please begin in faith in them so they will also boast about your love for them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God formed us to be with him and has done everything to make our salvation and eternity possible. His love for us has done everything, and we get to be the bystanders of a great fortune. The gift God gives us is received by faith alone in Jesus.