As we shake off the effects of negativity, please join me in praising God for His mercy and grace but most of all grace. Let’s press in and focus on Him for a bit.
Today’s Prayer
Father, I come before You on behalf of my brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere on this day to say thank You for Your wonderful promises! Though in this world, we face troubles, you have told us to take heart because You have overcome the world! (John 16:33 ). I am so relieved and thankful that through You, we are over comers. So, Lord, when we are overwhelmed or discouraged or faced by great challenges or tempted, please remind us that we can overcome when we rely on You. Remind us to “take it to the Lord in prayer” and allow You to carry us through. We also pray for wisdom and for that way out when temptation comes our way. Thank you. In the matchless name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Let’s eat.
Grace
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2 8-9
What is grace? Grace is the free gift of God. You’re not saved by joining a church, getting baptized, singing in the choir, preaching a sermon, or leading a Bible study. You’re saved by the grace of God.
Grace is not given because of works of any kind. Works don’t save and works don’t help save. Romans 11:6 says, “And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, work is no longer work.” You can’t mix grace and works. If it’s by grace, forget your good works. Baptism, whether a spoonful or a tankful, can’t take away your sin. Your prayers, your pilgrimages—anything you do—cannot take away your sin.
This sufficient grace is all you’ll ever need. You’re not going to run out of the grace of God. According to 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” You’ve got all you need. I can testify to this. I’ve been on the trail a long time, and God’s grace has never been insufficient. Do you think you’re going to run out of grace? Is a minnow in the Atlantic Ocean going to run out of water? No. Thank God for His sufficient grace.
What matters in life are you tempted to believe are too big or too small for God?
When have you tried to work to earn God’s favor? Why will this never work?
Put this in practice; pray and tell God where you are struggling and ask for His grace in those areas.
Quote of the Day
If we do anything to further the kingdom of God, we may expect to find what Christ found on that road – abuse, indifference, injustice, misunderstanding, trouble of some kind. Take it. Why not? To that you were called. In Latin America someone who feels sorry for himself is said to look like a donkey in a downpour. If we think of the glorious fact that we are on the same path with Jesus, we might see a rainbow. ~Elisabeth Elliot~
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY