Finally...Grace...Amen

The last verse in the Bible is a prayer for grace. Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." It has been a joy this month to share with you a few brief thoughts on the inexhaustible subject of grace. I trust that something you have read has been an inspiration or encouragement to you. I continue to be amazed at the Wonderful World of God's Grace. My prayer for you is that you find your Grace Place and your personal Grace Space. That your life may be filled with Grace Experiences and Grace Expressions. And that like Jesus, you will be a demonstration for others of what is to be filled with Grace and Truth. We are God's people, created to thrive and flourish in His Grace. So I conclude by echoing John's words: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with each of you. Amen." Grace and Peace

Surpassing Grace

2 Corinthians 9:14,15 - "And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" Think about it - Surpassing Grace! Surpassing means: exceeding, excelling, extraordinary, transcending, of a large amount or high degree. That's how much grace God has given us! More than what we need to face any crisis or challenge that could arise. Grace goes before us, behind us, and surrounds us. Grace is in us, on us, over us, under us, and flows through us. Remember that God's grace is a constant in our lives. Be encouraged by the fact that God's grace will surpass anything we will ever have to face. It is grace that has brought us safe thus far and grace that will lead us home. Grace and Peace.

"The Sound of Grace"

Today, I would like to share with you a wonderful devotion I read a few weeks ago written by Milan Ford on the subject: The Sound of Grace.

I'm sure you'll agree that one of the greatest (and most familiar) hymns of the church is Amazing Grace, written by John Newton. I don't believe there has ever been a song written that captures the very essence of the transforming power God has over our lives as believers like Amazing Grace. However, I must admit that as a child, every time I would hear this hymn sung in church, there was one phrase that would always leave me confused. Just didn't make much sense to me.

"Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound…”

Wait just one minute!! Did anyone hear what I just heard?
How sweet the sound? Huh?

Every time I heard that phrase I would look up and around at all the grownups singing, just to see if anyone was as puzzled as I was. Never found one. Finally, I mustered enough courage to ask someone. But not just anyone. I went to see Leola Ford. She was one of the senior members of our church's choir. Leola was somewhat of a source of inspiration for our church, and especially for me. Strangely enough, it was not because of her singing. But rather it was because Leola Ford...was blind. After service one day, I asked her a question that my inquiring mind just had to know. She just seemed like the right person to ask.

The Question: Does Grace Have A Sound?

I remember the look on her face like it was yesterday. But more importantly, I remember the answer she gave me. It is one that has stayed with me for quite some time. Leola reached out to locate the top of my head, and as she gave me a few light pats, she leaned over and whispered these words: Live A Little Longer, Milan. You'll Hear It.

While it didn't make sense to me then, fast forward several years, and I now understand exactly what she meant. Grace indeed has a sound.

It's the sound my minivan made last week, just as I slammed on the breaks to avoid colliding with that metal object that flew off the back of a truck in front of me.

It's the sound of my wife's 87-year old grandmother blowing out the candles on her birthday cake last month, as she endures the inconvenience of dialysis treatment every week.

It's the sound my new neighbor's keys make, as she opens the door to a home that someone else last summer no longer had the money to keep.

It's the sound of yet another grocery receipt being printing out, after my wife and I spent the night before racking our brains as to how we were going to fill the fridge.

The sounds of grace are all around us.

If we could ever (as believers) become blind to some of things we complain about regarding our lives, and open our ears towards a faithful God, we may be surprised to discover a symphony of grace and salvation. God's grace is more than amazing. It's the sweetest sound I know. Grace and Peace.

Under Grace

Having received salvation by grace through faith, we no longer live under the law, but rather, under grace. Romans 6:13,14 (NLT) - "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace." Romans 6:14 (NIV) - "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Living under law provokes the flesh to think and act out sin. Living under grace promotes freedom to live for God's glory. Not everyone under stands this, or rather, stands under this principle. Stand under the freedom of God's grace and you will see that your affections will be on things above and not on things of this world. Christianity is not about requirements of law, but about freedom in grace.! Live free! Grace and Peace.

Grace and Humility

James 4:6 - But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." I Peter 5:5 - All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humility is a prerequisite to receiving grace. Pride creates opposition and resistance but, humility causes us to be open and receptive to grace. The proud display an attitude of self-sufficiency and live as though they have no need for God. The humble, on the other hand, recognize and acknowledge their total dependence on God and their need for His grace. Humility toward God and others is vital to good relationships.We are admonished in Scripture to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, to lean on Him, and to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We can be assured that He will daily give us all of the grace we need for every situation. Grace and Peace.

Grace versus Sin - Grace Wins!

Grace is greater than sin! In the same way that light is stronger than darkness, good is more powerful than evil, and love conquers hate; Grace reigns over sin. Romans 5:20 in The Message states the following: "All that passing laws against sin did was produce more lawbreakers. But sin didn't, and doesn't, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that's the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah, invites us into life—a life that goes on and on and on, world without end." When sin increased, grace did more. Grace overcomes, is victorious, and is undefeated. Grace is the champion! If you want to be on the winning side, go with grace. Grace always wins! Grace and Peace.

"Graceland"

A country ruled by grace -- graceland. I want to share these verses from Romans 6:1,3 from The Message: "So what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving? I should hope not! If we've left the country where sin is sovereign, how can we still live in our old house there? Or didn't you realize we packed up and left there for good? That is what happened in baptism. When we went under the water, we left the old country of sin behind; when we came up out of the water, we entered into the new country of grace—a new life in a new land! That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country." Our new life in Christ is meant to be lived in a new land--graceland! Sometimes we talk so much about the law and it makes us sin conscious. Grace makes us God conscious. Its not about what I do or don't do, but about who I am and where I live. Open yourself to experience life in this new light filled world where grace rules and not sin. Learn to live in graceland. Grace and Peace.

Grace Teaches

Grace is a teacher. Consider these verses from Titus 2:11,12 (NIV) - "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age…" God's grace brings salvation by faith freely, but, it also continues to teach us and lead us into a godly lifestyle. Many fear that teaching grace in its fullness will lead to people living carelessly. A true understanding of grace will always produce godliness. Consider the same verses in The NLT Bible: "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed (taught) to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God..." Grace instructs us to leave self-centered, sinful living and pursue God-centered, righteous lives. Grace will teach you to be wise, to worship, and to be pleasing to God and serve others selflessly. Those who receive grace are grateful for salvation and desire to represent God graciously. Allow grace to be your teacher and you will become all that God has destined for you. Grace and Peace

Captured by GRACE

Today, I thought I would like to share with you an excerpt from the Book: Captured by Grace by David Jeremiah. Great book that is based on John Newton's hymn 'Amazing Grace' and Paul's teachings on grace. On the contrast between mercy and grace he shares:

Mercy withholds the knife from the heart of Isaac.
Grace provides a ram in the thicket.

Mercy runs to forgive the Prodigal Son.
Grace throws a party with every extravagance.

Mercy bandages the wounds of the man beaten by the robbers.
Grace covers the cost of his full recovery.

Mercy hears the cry of the thief on the cross.
God promises paradise that very day.

Mercy pays the penalty for our sin on the cross.
Grace substitutes the righteousness of Christ for our wickedness.

Mercy converts Paul on the road to Damascus.
Grace calls him to be an apostle.

Mercy saves John Newton from a life of rebellion and sin.
Grace makes him a pastor and author of a timeless hymn.

Mercy closes the door to hell.
Grace opens the door to heaven.

Mercy withholds what we have earned.
Grace provides blessings we have not earned.

Thank God for His Mercy and Grace! Grace and Peace.

'Grace Notes'

In music, grace notes are notes that are added to the melody or harmony of a song as an embellishment. To embellish means to beautify, adorn, ornament, enhance, decorate, or enrich. It is the grace notes that make a musical piece enjoyable and interesting. In the same way, I believe that is what grace adds to our lives. Grace notes added to to the melody of our life transforms it from ordinary to extraordinary. Without grace, our heart song could and would grow old, boring and repetitious. God brings refreshment and renewal to our lives by adding surprise grace notes. Grace embellishes our life like a great jazz musician in his free-form expression from the depths of his soul adds notes that beautify and enhance a song. "Thank you, Lord, the Chief Musician, for the daily grace notes with which you enrich our lives!" Grace and Peace.

Grace: "Don't Miss It!"

Hebrews 12:15 - "See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." God's grace is made available to us for every difficult, painful, and trying situation we face in life. The context of this verse in chapter 12 of Hebrews is in relation to the seasons of discipline that God puts us through because we are loved by Him. Although this is always for our benefit, still, it can have a profound effect on us. The cycle goes something like this: We are hurt, we get angry ,- we internalize the hurt and become bitter; the bitterness then comes out of us in attitudes, words and actions that hurts those around us. The saying says; 'Hurt people - hurt people.' The only solution for this is to receive the grace of God which enables and empowers us to forgive, let go and heal rather than internalize the pain and grow bitter. Grace helps us to become 'better' rather than 'bitter.' Grace comes to you for every critical situation - Don't Miss It! Grace and Peace.

"Grace for America"

O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America!, America!, God shed his grace on thee.
And crown thy good with brotherhood; from sea to shining sea.

Today, being inauguration day for President Barak Obama, let us pray for Grace for America. We are a country in need of God's grace. Regardless of your political persuasion or preference, we have the responsibility to pray for our leaders. May the God of all grace bless America with His amazing grace today and in the days to come. May we experience His faithful protection and provision and may our leaders look to God for wisdom and guidance as seek Him daily. God Bless the United States of America! Grace and Peace.

According to Grace

2 Corinthians 1:12 - "Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace." We are to live our lives in accordance to God's grace. Our conduct, our relationships, our holiness, our attitude, our sincerity are all by-products of living according to grace. It is God's grace that makes all of this possible. The world has its thoughts and ideas of how life should be lived, but we, God's children, are enabled and empowered by God's grace. Our decisions and actions should be determined by grace. Grace is a wonderful guide and teacher. (More on that subject later.) We can be assured of success in life as long as we stay in step with grace. Grace and Peace.

Sufficient Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he (Jesus) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." The dictionary defines sufficient as: 'adequate for the purpose; enough.' Whatever your situation, whatever your circumstance, whatever your need; grace is enough. Paul's answer to his prayer to God for the removal of his 'thorn in the flesh' came in the form of the words: "My grace is sufficient for you." The answers we want are miracles, healing, provision, protection, etc. Sometimes the best answer from God is a reminder that His grace is enough. If you don't get the answer you want, - grace is enough; more than adequate for the purpose. Grace is God's perfect power made available to you in order for you to endure, withstand, persevere, and overcome. When you find yourself worn down, weary and exhausted, in a difficult situation, and wonder why your answer to prayer has not come, remember; 'Grace is sufficient, Grace is enough!' Grace and Peace.

Be "Graceful" - Full of Grace

Be graceful! Graceful is a word used to describe a person who displays grace in form or action. In other words, someone who is full of grace. We are admonished in Scripture to be filled with the Holy Spirit and the expression of that is to be graceful. Graceful in the way we relate to others, speak to others, and treat others. As we go through our day, it is not uncommon to see displays of ungrace and in some cases, disgrace. People being unkind, unloving, and ungraceful with one another. What is needed is more people being graceful. Let us purpose to be one of those who displays grace. A smile, an unselfish act of kindness, or an encouraging word can make someone's day. Be intentional in showing and sharing God's grace with those you meet. It makes all the difference in the world. Grace and Peace.

Riches of Grace

Ephesians 1:7 - "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Through Jesus Christ we have been given access to God's riches. God's riches are unlimited. Spiritual, physical and material blessings are ours through the complete work of Jesus that has brought us into the relationship of sons of God. 2 Corinthians 8:9 - "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." He gave himself so that we might be enriched. We now enjoy the riches of redemption, forgiveness, justification, sanctification, peace, joy, love and so many other countless blessings. We are so wealthy because of the riches of grace. Grace and Peace.

Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:7 - "But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us —see that you also excel in this grace of giving." You may have heard the saying: 'You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.' Giving is a natural expression of grace. Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." Because we have been recipients of God's grace, we must become dispensers of grace. Sometimes we look at ourselves and think we have nothing to give. On the contrary, we have so much to give. There is much more to giving than just money and material things. Give yourself, your time, your service, your abilities, your gifts, your talents, as well as things. Give forgiveness, words of encouragement, mercy, and hope. Excel in the grace of giving. Grace and Peace.

Grace = Thanksgiving

2 Corinthians 4:15 - "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." Grace translated into Spanish is Gracia. Gracias means Thanks. We say 'grace' before we eat a meal, or rather, we give thanks. Acknowledgement of grace in our lives will always bring about expressions of gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness. Grateful people are gracious people and gracious people are grateful people. Lives filled with grace overflow with words, songs, and actions that bring glory to God. "Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks with a graceful heart..." In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you. Begin your day with a prayer of thanksgiving and end your day with a reflection of God's goodness to you and a word of grace. Grace and Peace.

Effective Grace

1 Corinthians 15:10 - "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace comes from our of God that was with me." All of us want to be effective. Effectiveness is the result of God's grace. Paul realized that who he was, and what was accomplished through him was not through his personal efforts but rather through the grace that was in him and on him. Our doing comes from our being. What we do is determined by who we are. We must recognize the role of God's grace in our lives.Grace gives us our identity - confirms who we are and whose we are. This knowledge then determines what we do. Our lives then become effective because God's grace is constantly at work in us accomplishing all that God wants to do through our lives. Be effective by grace. Grace and Peace.

Strengthened by Grace

Hebrews 13:9a - "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace..." The challenges and burdens of life that we all face have a way of wearing us down and depleting our strength, leaving us weary and worn out; exhausted. Facing a crisis, enduring a trial, daily pressures, and work all draw on our spiritual, emotional, and physical strength. The good news is that God's grace is effective in replenishing our strength. Our hearts can be lifted, energized, and empowered by grace. Let grace refresh and renew you. The precious presence of God will fill you with everything you need to continue moving forward. An old, beautiful hymn states these words: "He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials He multiplies peace. His love has no limits, His grace has no measure, His power no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again." Grace and Peace.

Administering Grace

1 Peter 4:10 - "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." All of us have been appointed as administrators of God's grace. Each of us is a unique individual, therefore, grace will be expressed through us in various forms according to our personality and talents. Spiritual gifts are given to us so that we can bless others. We are responsible to dispense grace to those in our sphere of influence. God's grace flows through us to reach those in need of it. Let us live in full awareness that we must be faithful to share grace as only we can. Every day presents special opportunities for us to be a conduit of God's grace so be on the lookout for those in need of your grace form. You are gifted to that end. Grace and Peace.

Growing in Grace

2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." Peter ends his second letter with this imperative. Grow! Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Not, "you might grow," "you should grow," nor "try to grow," but simply, "Grow." Because we are "in Christ" we will grow as Jesus said that everyone that is connected to him will grow and bear fruit, just as a branch that is connected to the vine grows. The grace of Jesus is to us as soil, water, and sunlight are to a living plant. It nurtures and develops us resulting in growth. As long as we remain (abide) in Him, His grace will continually flow in and through us producing His fruit in us. Growth is not the result of performance but of connection and relationship. Be assured that you will grow as long as you are in Him. The fruit of the Holy Spirit will be evident in our lives as His grace works in us, for us, and through us. We will flourish in Him all the days of our lives. Grace and Peace.

Grace Conversations

Grace conversations make great conversations. Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Paul prefaces this verse by telling us to be wise in communicating our message to non-believers. We often turn people off with our words because they lack grace, (salt-seasoning). Can you imagine how bland and tasteless our conversation can be without grace - like food without seasoning. Words can be dry, boring, critical and judgemental or they can be tasteful, colorful, pleasant and life-giving. What makes the difference is if they are full of grace. We sometimes dispense information, facts, and truth without considering that what people are looking for is a message of faith, hope, and love - the Gospel - or 'good news' Make sure you add some grace seasoning to your conversations. People are listening and everyone is drawn to words that encourage, build up, and inspire. Our message can be so attractive when full of grace - like a delicious well-seasoned meal. Introduce more grace words into your conversation and see the effect they have on those who listen. Grace and Peace.

Abundant Grace

2 Corinthians 9:8 - "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." God's grace is what makes our contribution to life possible. Author James Ryle gives this definition for grace: "Grace is the empowering Presence of God enabling you to be who He has created you to be, and to do what He has called you to do. God never calls us to do anything that he doesn't provide the grace for us to accomplish. Notice the word all in this passage. All grace, All things, at All times, having All we need. God gives us abundant grace so that we can live out the life He has purposed for us effectively. There is grace available to us 24/7 as the Holy Spirit leads us to do God's will. We are saved by a grace that takes us into a lifestyle that is uniquely designed by God for us to live out daily by being a source of blessing and bringing grace to everyone we come in contact with. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We are not saved by works, but a life of good works is the result of having receiving mercy and finding grace. Abundant Grace = Abundant Life. Grace and Peace

"Receive Mercy and Find Grace"

Commenting further on the phrase - "...receive mercy and find grace..." - from Hebrews 4:16. For many of us, our receivers are broken. We have trouble receiving because we feel unworthy, or we have an erroneous concept of God, thinking we must perform or earn favor from Him. Receiving involves nothing more than opening our hearts and hands and allowing God to pour into them. In distinguishing mercy from grace, someone has used the phrase - "Mercy is God withholding from us what we do deserve, and Grace is God giving to us what we don't deserve." Neither mercy nor grace can be bought nor earned. They come from the throne of Grace from where our it pleases our loving Father to lavish them upon us, His children. I think that the words used in relation to mercy and grace in this text are interesting. Receive Mercy / Find Grace. It begins with receiving. When we receive God's mercy, we are then open to discover or find His wonderful Grace. We cannot experience nor give away what we have not received or don't have, but because of God's immeasurable love, Mercy and Grace are ours. Receive and Find. Then we can enjoy and share! Grace and Peace.

Throne of Grace

Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The throne is a symbol of Sovereign Power and Authority. The King seated on the throne can administer judgement or favor. Usually the throne is approached with fear and uncertainty. Coming before the throne can be awkward and make one feel uncomfortable. But our King Jesus sits on a throne of grace and invites us to approach with confidence (or as the KJV says 'boldly'). We are assured of our King extending to us the scepter of His divine favor. You will look into his eyes and see a smile of love and not a harsh look of anger and condemnation. Our concept of God greatly effects how we view prayer. The old song says, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear; what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer." When you approach the throne of Grace you will find arms open wide to you. You will receive mercy and find grace. (More on that later). Our Gracious King awaits! Grace and Peace.

Standing in Grace

Romans 5:2 - "...through whom (Jesus Christ) we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God." Where are you standing? Are you standing in grace? Through our relationship with Jesus, we have been granted access into a grace place, a grace space, - this grace in which we now stand. It is so important to take your life stance in this place of grace. Our perspective is determined by our place of standing. The word 'circumstance' refers to those things that are around (circum) the place we are standing (stance). When we realize that we are in great standing in a grace place, our outlook on those things that surround us is one of hope and joy. God wants us to live in awareness of the space he has placed us in - This Grace, His Grace - so that we experience His mercy, goodness, faithfulness, love, daily provision and protection. Thank God today for the standing that we have in Him. Grace and Peace.