My daily journaling from God’s Word. SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. Today’s journal comes from reading Romans 4. 

Scripture

“Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” –Romans 4:4-5

Observation

God justifies an ungodly person who has faith in Him, not based on works for which we could boast. No one can ever claim that they deserve God’s salvation; rather, God chooses to justify on the basis of faith. Faith takes HUMILITY. Pride is the enemy of faith. Pride trusts in itself (its works). Humility trusts in God!

Application

Salvation is not earned–God owes us nothing. It is given on basis of faith. But so is spiritual growth. Our entire relationship with God is based on FAITH, not works. Our faith (and love) are to produce good works, but they are not the reason God gives us grace.

Prayer

Father, as I mature and serve you, there is a tendency to trust my good works and feel that you owe me a blessing. But that’s not true. You owe me nothing. All that I am is Your gift. And You choose to give me Your grace on the basis of faith.

Help me to always be aware of my dependence on You. Might I always walk in humble dependency on You. I know you saved me on the basis of faith in Christ–this is also how I will serve you.

I will not trust in my wisdom, my education, my money, or anything else. I will place all my trust in the Lord God! In You alone will I give glory.

Father, teach me deeper lessons of walking by faith. Do in and through me things I could never do on my own. Let me live a life that truly sparkles with the supernatural!

For the glory of Your name,

Amen.