The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of May 4
“My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” – Job 33:3-4
It’s easy to fall into the habit of trying to earn God’s love and grace through prayer, worship or acts of service. How often we forget that merit-based salvation doesn’t enter the equation at all, because grace means we receive salvation as an undeserved, unmerited gift.
Pastor and author Timothy Keller reminds us that the human heart will often revert to its default mode – to the belief that we are saved by our own good works. Instead, says Keller, “Saving faith is transferring our trust from our own works and record to Christ’s works and record.”
We didn’t make ourselves, and we can’t save ourselves. Just as God breathed life into Adam when He made him, God’s Spirit breathes life into us when we are born, and it is His breath that gives us life. As we live each day, the Holy Spirit continuously empowers us, breathing the glory and goodness of God Almighty into our every moment.
Today, as an exercise in resetting the default mode of our heart, let us repeat this verse -- “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” -- several times throughout the day, each time reflecting on the fact that the power of God works in us and through us.
God Almighty, thank You for reminding me that it is You and only You who creates life, sustains life and empowers life. Breathe Your life-giving goodness and love into me today, so that Your power, energy and life may work through me in all things throughout my day. Amen.