Faith and Righteousness

4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” 9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Romans 4:4-9(NLT) As I was reading these past few days I have been in the book of Romans and I have been looking at it and struggling with what it means to my life and walk with Jesus Christ. Than I struggle with how best to relate it to those who read this devotional. What I can tell you from this verse is that if what you are doing in your local church or your life is done out of obligation to God for the sacrifice He made for your soul. Than you need to examine where you are placing your trust. Works do not bring salvation but are a manifestation of what being blessed by God should look like. God's grace has been given freely just as the gifts of the spirit are given to those who believe on Jesus. The problem is we fail to understand and apply these truths to every area of our lives. It is by faith that we are saved. It is by faith that we have been granted eternal life. It is by faith that we pray and live for God to be merciful and hear our prayers. It is by faith that healing comes. It is by faith that prophecy is given to those who by faith will except it. Through our faith we believe that God has already forgiven our sins. It is simple to understand that when Jesus taught of God's grace it was available to all; not just those who looked like and acted like the Jews but this also was by faith. Does your faith reflect the rightouesness of God; or do you walk in your own light? I understand that is a hard question but it is one we need to know the answer too. Are you living in faith in what you are able to do or are you dependent on God? Our faith in God's divine power is what brings righteousness not our faith in ourselves. I leave you with a prayer that Your hearts and minds will find faith in God to a point that He can bless you and everyone you meet. Have a truly blessed day as you walk in the light of God's Word.