February 27________________________________________
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is-free and undeserved. -Romans 11:6(NLT)
NOT BY GOOD WORKS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Not by good works are you saved
It is by seeking God’s word and being brave
Since it is through God’s kindness you receive grace
Why not boast of his grace to all of the human race.
Not by good works can we be accepted
God’s grace can help us overcome being dejected
Enjoy this gift even if you really don’t deserve it
Your acceptance will open your heart to God’s spirit.
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Some Christians still do works of the flesh. For many years, I thought that I could do the work of changing myself. I educated myself with self-help books, oblivious to the fact that some of these worldly advice had actually drawn me further away from God. The only time I realized this was when I began to study God’s word. I realized that self-effort and self-reliance wasn’t how God designed me to be. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own understanding. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that God saved you by his grace when you believed. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. It is free and undeserved.
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PRAYER
Lord, remind me to never stop looking at the cross.
REFLECTION
How can you rely more on God’s grace instead on your own effort?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com