Grace

September 19th – Leviticus 19:9

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Leviticus 19:9

Caring for the needy is an idea we can all agree on. But when it comes to putting that idea into action, how many of us step up to the plate? As Christians being charitable isn’t just a suggestion, God says it’s an obligation. When the ancient Israelites harvested their fields, they did so following the rules of God. Rules set up so that the bounty of the fields benefited everyone. For the poor, hungry, and hurting, have a special place in the Lord’s heart. And as His followers, they should have one in our hearts as well. Because once we were in need of charity; needy, poor in spirit, and dead in our sin. But Christ in His amazing love, gave to us the greatest charity of all; the gift of eternal life. And out of hearts of overflowing thankfulness, we should be eager and cheerful to give. The way in which we care for the needy is a direct reflection of our love for Jesus. And to honor the Lord is to extend charity to others based in love, and peppered with grace.

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2 Corinthians 1:5

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2 Corinthians 1:5

During times of trials, we tend to become self focused. We take the problem and wrap it around ourselves like a cocoon, becoming isolated our sorrow. And in our self pity all we can think about is ourselves, our pain, and why God allows our suffering. We cut ourselves off from others becoming cisterns instead of channels. But God in His infinite wisdom, knows the blessings of tribulations. He allows them our lives for a duel purpose. First, adversity deepens our relationship with the Lord as we learn to lean on and trust in Him. Second, adversity allows us to comfort and encourage others. It is only through experiencing our own pain that can we relate to the pain of others. And because of the comfort and grace shown to us, we can extend that same comfort and grace to others. God always stands by our side during even the darkest of times. So we can rejoice knowing He has given us the blessing of doing the same for others.

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August 4th – Isaiah 54:9

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Isaiah 54:9

We’ve all found ourselves in situations that seemed hopeless. Or been in pain that is too deep, and too raw for anyone to understand. And everyone has had times when we’ve felt all alone. But as Christians we are never alone. God is always there ready, able, and willing to shower us with His lovingkindness and compassion. For no matter what we do, God in His perfect love remains the same. When we fail, when we fall, and when are are unfaithful to Him, God’s love stays the course. Why? Because His love is based on His amazing grace rather than anything we do or don’t do. So storms may rage and the winds howl, but nothing, absolutely nothing will shake the promise of peace God offers. That means we can rejoice in all trials. For storms only last awhile, and God is in complete control of every one. And He will see us through each step until the sun shines again.

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The Grace In Which We Stand – Romans 3-5

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Romans 3-5

The book of Romans is one of my favorites. To me it’s the most beautiful letter Paul wrote. And I often find myself turning to its chapters when I’m feeling particularly unlovable and unworthy of God; His love, and His blessings. About the book Martin Luther wrote, “Romans is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.“ …

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July 16th – Ephesians 2:18

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Ephesians 2:18

As fallen beings, we are all born into bondage. Our sin nature makes us spiritually dead in our transgressions, slaves to unrighteousness, and separated from God. This causes us to live in darkness and shame, unable to behold His Shekinah glory. But the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, the darkness is lifted, our shackles broken, and are hearts reborn. Through His precious shed blood, Jesus provides the path to freedom for all. Freedom from sin, death, and most wonderful of all, separation from our Heavenly Father. Now we are free not only to fellowship with the Lord, but to approach God’s throne of grace boldly and with confidence to receive His mercy and grace. (Heb. 4:16) And through this grace, together we are made alive with Christ, raised up, and seated with Him in heavenly places. (Eph. 2:5-6)

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April 21st – Ephesians 1:7

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Ephesians 1:7

When we think of Jesus hanging nailed to the Cross, our hearts break at the torture He suffered. But in actuality, the Cross is Jesus’ greatest triumph. For it was there that the debt we owed was paid, and death was forever conquered. And because of the richness of His grace, we are redeemed, called righteous, and become adopted heirs in God’s family. Our sins are blotted out, we are called beloved, and no do we longer face the penalty of our transgressions. Now, through the love of Jesus, we are freed from being slaves to the world and its wickedness.

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February 15th – Ephesians 2:4-5

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Ephesians 2:4-5

Once we were eternally separated from God, dead in our sin. But because of His great love, God refused to leave us there. So He sent His only Son, Jesus, to become our sin payment. Now because of His sacrificial death, when we receive Christ as our Savior, we once again come to life. It is only through the blood of the Son, that we are once again reconciled to the Father, welcomed into His loving arms, and can look forward to an eternity spent at His side. A gift that we cannot earn, but because of God’s grace, is offered to us freely and lovingly.

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February 8th – Galatians 5:13

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Galatians 5:13

Once we lived under the burden of the Law. But with His death and resurrection, Christ became the perfect fulfillment of that Law. His sacrifice purchased the freedom for us to now live under grace. But make no mistake. That grace is no “license to sin” card. It doesn’t give us liberty to lead lives dedicated to fleshly desires. Instead the grace extended to us through the blood of Jesus, gives us the freedom to serve others in love. To set aside our worldly nature for a Christlike one, which values the needs of others above our own.

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January 17th- 2 Peter 1:3

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2 Peter 1:3

Is one of your New Year goals to clean up your life and grow in your faith? It’s God plan for us to live a life that glorifies Him and to become more Christlike in our nature. On our own, this can seem like an impossible task. But to each Believer, God gives everything we need to grown in faith, grace, and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 3:18) So when we truly have a heart of change, God will equip us to make that change happen, and to live a life dedicated to and anchored in Him!

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December 29th – Titus 3:5

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Titus 3:5

The mercy and grace God shows to us can scarcely be described or imagined. And the unconditional love He has for His children is no more evident than in the sacrifice of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  Once we were eternally separated from God, dead in our sin. But because God stopped at nothing to call us His, He sent His Son, who knew no sin, to pay the sin debt of the world. And from the moment we receive Jesus as our Savior, not only are adopted in the family of God, washed clean from our sins, we receive the gift of life eternal!

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