Grace

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.


Have you ever run a 5K? Think about how many people can respond yes to that question and how many opportunities there are to participate in a 5K event, often on the same day. Have you ever run a marathon? Fewer people can raise their hand and there are even less opportunities to run marathons. How about a 100 mile run? The number of opportunities and participants shrinks down drastically to a select few. Now, if you are a marathoner did you compare yourself to the 5Ker and feel a sense of greater worth? Be honest. Did you feel your achievement is more significant? How do you think the 5Ker feels about your marathon completion? Inspired?


As humans, we have a natural tendency to compare ourselves through achievement or other means. My concern is two-part, (1) for those that feel that when comparing their faith to others they are not worthy enough, and (2) for those who may look down on others because of their “greater” faith. The good news, according to this verse, is that we are all given the chance to receive Grace.


This is the beauty of Grace. We are all unworthy of what the Lord has offered us. All of us, regardless of our rank, position or even walk in our faith do not deserve the love the Lord has given us. Contrary to what we may think, as we get closer to God we may gain more understanding but that should only humble us more to fully realize what the Lord sacrificed for us so we can have eternal life; His son, Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice. This is why with every stride we take or mile we pass the journey becomes more difficult and the need to encourage, rather than compare, becomes necessary.


Let me encourage you to not become complacent or comfortable. We, as Christians, are challenged to inspire one another and make opportunities in our daily walk to grow closer to Christ and the love he poured out for us.



- Stephen

Grace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Most people enjoy receiving a gift. Some people even enjoy giving someone a gift. There is something about a gift that expresses appreciation, thankfulness, kindness, and love to another individual. To know that someone else has thought of you is a pretty good feeling. As you open the gift you may be filled with anxiety as to what it might be or how you might use it in the future. Gifts are excellent ways to communicate value.

The Bible tells us that we have been given a gift. It is called Grace. It was wrapped up in God’s Son Jesus. This verse in Ephesians reminds us that we did nothing to earn or deserve this gift. It was God’s way of expressing His love towards us and offering forgiveness through faith in Christ. That’s right; the Creator of life and breath has sent you and me a gift. All we need to do is receive this gift through faith.

As you walk through this day, would you take time to thank God for the greatest gift ever given – Jesus? If you do not know Jesus or have a personal relationship with Him, I’d encourage you to talk with someone about it today. I am confident that this is one gift you will want to open. Never forget the expression of Grace we have received – it is an amazing gift.

Finally, let me encourage you to take some time and give a gift to someone else today. Go ahead; find a way to express your appreciation for who they are to you. I hope you know Him today.

Grateful for Jesus,

Tim

Grace

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

How often do we truly realize our own weakness? We are all restricted by abilities and limitations whether they are physical, mental, or situational. The older I get the more I realize weakness in my own life. We all remember our youth when opportunities seemed to be endless and our dreams were not crushed by reality. For example, I was still on the road to become a professional athlete up to middle school, which hasn’t quite panned out the way I once envisioned. As adults we realize that we don’t always succeed in the plans that we set for ourselves. Sometimes we even lose the courage to try anymore.

This passage in 2 Corinthians gives great news for the weak in heart, body, and mind. No matter what our limitations are, this verse pertains to those who believe in the gospel; which is simply that God loves us so much he sent his Son to die for all the sins of the world and through the death and resurrection of Jesus we are wiped clean of our sin and we will spend eternity with God.

The promise that was given from God to the writer of Corinthians, Apostle Paul, was that “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” The challenge I take away is to be open with myself and God about my weakness. The first step towards letting God’s power work in my life is to embrace humility, and it takes humility to address weakness. Remember this week that alone our works will never amount to anything. It is God’s grace that is enough. God is the only one that can use our weakness to show his power.

Grace

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:4-5 (ESV)

In this passage, the Apostle Paul writes to Titus encouraging him to continue his mission of finding suitable elders for churches under his oversight. Paul describes the virtues and qualities that are pleasing for church overseers along with men and women, young and old. The body of Christ is called to be hospitable, self-controlled, upright, holy, disciplined, reverent in behavior, lovers of good, and sound in faith, love, steadfastness, integrity, and dignity.

All of these behaviors are based on the fact that grace, or the “goodness and loving kindness of God,” has already appeared. Since we cannot save ourselves by good deeds or “works done,” our Savior Jesus died for us. By God’s grace and mercy, we are not responsible for making ourselves righteous. Paul’s message to Titus, because we are saved by grace, is to look for Christian leaders that are compelled to “live self controlled, upright, and godly lives” (Titus 2:11-13).

When God’s grace does not compel us, we travel down a path of self-reliance. We become apathetic, prideful, and self-centered. That is when we become entangled in the sin that clings to and weighs us down. This month we want to focus on the grace of God because through his grace we desire to live righteously. By the grace of God we are saved and by the grace of God we are inspired and equipped to break free of our sin.