Is Your Faith Driven by God's Grace?

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

God is a gracious God!  We understand that it is by grace (God's undeserved and unearned kindness) that we are saved.  Our response, if we are truly saved, is that we put our faith and trust in what Jesus has done for us.   We don't try to add to the cross by trying to be "good enough" to improve our status with God.  We are His children because of His grace and our faith.  

Many Christians don't realize that grace and faith continue, every day, from the day we are saved to the day we meet Jesus face to face.   I need God's grace every day.  Even though I am saved, I am not able to add to what God's grace is doing in me today.   It is God who works in us to accomplish His purposes.  First His grace teaches me to say no to things that move me away from His purposes for me.   Then it is His grace that teaches me to live a godly life.   God does this work in every one of us who are His! 

So if I can't add to what God is doing in me, what can I do?   Titus 1:11-12 above gives us the key.   First we must be "His very own".   He owns us when we allow His Spirit to control our lives.  He owns us when we respond in faith to the Spirit's leading in our lives.  Second, we must be eager to do God's will.  

Today, I'm waiting for Jesus to come back for me.  He is my Hope.  Today, God is working in my life to get me to say "no" to the distractions of this world.  Today, God will show me where He is working.  And today, I am looking for the opportunity to join Him in someone's life.   Pray for me today, that when I see Him I will join Him so that my faith will be driven by God's grace!  That's how I'm praying for you!