Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" --NKJV In the name of the One Who renews us, amen.
In the explanation to the third article of the Apostle's Creed we confess that the Holy Ghost has called us by the Gospel, and enlightened us with His gifts. We also confess that it is the Holy Ghost who sanctifies and keeps us in the true faith. Sanctification is also part of the Gospel. It is God who justifies and saves us by the work of Christ Jesus, apart from anything we can contribute. But it is also He who works the result of that salvation in us. It is He who creates in us a new heart that desires to live a God-pleasing life in thanksgiving for what He has done for us.
Therefore, even the good works of service that we perform in this life are not really our own works, apart from God, but they are the result of the of the working of the Holy Spirit who desires to benefit others through us. He is the one who molds and shapes us in the image of Christ so that we can be His instruments to mirror that image to the world around us. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have sent Your Holy Spirit to sanctify us so that we can live the new life of faith in service to You and to our neighbor. We ask that You grant us grace to do Your will always. In the name of Jesus we ask this. Amen.
Copyright 2001 Reformation Lutheran Church http://ReformationChurch.org