Grace

February 15th – 2 Peter 3:18

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 2 Peter 3:18

Peter tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” But have you ever wondered what that means exactly, and how one can grow in grace? Is it our responsibility, God’s or both of ours? Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. This is not our doing, but a gift from God . One through which we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. Grace is defined as “unmerited favor”; a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God, through His grace that justifies, sanctifies, and eventually will glorify us in heaven. This sanctification process, (becoming more and more like Christ), is actually synonymous with growing in grace.

Therefore to grow in grace actually means to mature as a Christian. We grow in grace by reading God’s Word and letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16). Peter also mentions growing in “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ“. This happens  by praying and communicating with God, our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. And It’s also important to note it’s not about gaining more grace from God, for His grace never increases; it is already infinite. But we do need to seek and trust Him for it. Because grace will be the attribute of God that will enables us to break free of our sinful nature and follow Him. It will give us strength and protect us from the evil one.

Blessings,

Sue

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God Has Mercy on Whom He Chooses – Romans 9:14-29

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Romans 9:14-29

In the previous section of Romans, Paul wrote of God’s sovereign power to save His people and of the inability of any other power to separate us from His love. But now, Paul is primarily dealing with the issue of election, or God’s choice. The apostle wants to show us that membership in the family of God has always been by God’s choosing based on His own will and purposes, not on man’s ancestry or anything he does. …

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November 12th – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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2 Corinthians 12:9

I suffer with psoriatic arthritis. And as a result, not a single day goes by when I am not in pain. The number of times I’ve prayed for healing is beyond counting. Yet God’s answer is always the same. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Hardships, pain, and trials are a part of life. And our suffering is no way a measurement of our faith. Look at the apostle Paul. A great man of profound faith who suffered with an unknown, “thorn in the flesh.” He cried out repeatedly for healing, yet God’s answer was always no. God told Paul, like He tells us, that His grace gives us all we need to endure any and all suffering. For His power is made perfect in our weakness. And when we trust and depend on Him, there is nothing we cannot endure. So rejoice and give thanks. For even in our pain, the power of Christ rests upon us.

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October 7th – Ephesians 5:1

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Ephesians 5:1

When my son was little he used to love to imitate everything my husband did. From stomping around in his work boots, to pretending he was drinking coffee before going to work. He was always trying to be just like his daddy. And as Christians, we too should be imitators of our Father in heaven. Living lives that reflect the grace, kindness, mercy, and love of Jesus. For the Lord is our perfect example in all things. And with hearts and attitudes of thankfulness, each day we should be striving to grow more into the beautiful likeness of our Savior. That means casting aside our fleshly living with it’s lustful desires, and “me first” attitude. And instead imitating the life of Jesus by walking in truth, obedience, humility, and love. So whoever sees us knows by our actions, to whom we belong. That we are the children of the most high God, and a fragrant aroma to the world!

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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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