The Savior At Work in Us
Thursday’s Verse:
From James 1:21 ESV
“Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James does not gently flatter us here. He tells us to get rid of the sinful clutter we too easily tolerate: resentment, pride, careless speech, secret habits, and the stubborn desire to run life on our own terms. It is a needed kick in the rear—not to shame us into despair, but to turn us again toward the only One who can save us.
Notice that James does not say we save ourselves by cleaning up our act. Rather, we are to humbly receive “the word planted in you.” That Word is Christ Himself, given to us in the Gospel. Through Baptism, preaching, Scripture, and the Lord’s Supper, God continually plants and nourishes faith in us. The Holy Spirit exposes our sin, calls us to repentance, and directs us back to Jesus’ forgiveness.
The Christian life is therefore daily repentance and daily faith. We put away what draws us from God, not because we have earned His love, but because in Christ we already have it. The Savior who died and rose for sinners is at work in us, replacing the weeds of sin with the fruit of His grace.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, forgive the sin I have allowed to take root in my heart. Tear away my pride and self-reliance, and give me a humble heart that receives Your saving Word. Plant me firmly in Your grace, so that I may live today as Your forgiven child. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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