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 grant us the ability to work and earn the income needed to support ourselves and our families; You supply everything we need to survive. Our jobs do not belong to us; even our skills to earn income originate from You. You assign us our vocations. All physical things come from You; we are stewards of our time, abilities, and money.
Our spiritual needs, which are far more important than our physical necessities, are delivered to us through faith. You provide us with everything we need for eternal life. Through faith, we recognize the sins that separate us from You and understand how vital it is to have a Savior. Without Jesus, we are condemned, but He took our punishment when He went to the cross. Jesus redeemed all people; this gift is received through faith. Therefore, 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 as we point others to Your gospel, so that Your Word will guide those who do not know You toward faith. Please instill faith in them so that they too will also boast about Your love for them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God created us to be with Him and has done everything to make our salvation and eternity possible. His love for us has accomplished everything, allowing us to be bystanders to a great fortune. The gift God offers us is received through faith alone in Jesus.