Tuesday, May 5, 2026 

 Scripture 

“The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.” Acts 17:24-25 

Reflections 

Some try to seek the favor of God.  The Apostle Paul encountered people in Athens who were trying to gain the favor of false gods. 

Feeling a sense of guilt or unworthiness, it is natural for some to try to “gain” approval.  We may try by being generous with our time and financial resources.  We may try by being good to other people.  We may even become consumed with the idea of being a “good Christian person”. 

The problem with this thinking is that our best is never good enough.  No matter how hard we try, we become acutely aware of our shortcomings.  We will come to the end of our days with little more than a hope that there might be life beyond the grave. 

The essence of the Christian message is not about what we can do for God.  It is about what God has done for us.  Christ died for sinners like you and me.  He loves those who are inherently weak in the face of sin.  He’s not looking for us to earn his favor.  He’s looking for a heart that is turned to Him.  He’s looking for us to trust in him and receive the gift of life.  Our good works naturally flow from that. 

Prayer 

Lord God, thank you for coming through Jesus Christ.  Help me to be focused primarily on what You have done for me, not what I can do for You.  May everything else flow from that.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Full Reading: Acts 17:12-31