All tagged Grace

If a man seeks Jesus Christ as a means of escaping the hardship and suffering of the world then he will be sorely disappointed when at last he meets Him, because no man ever suffered as Christ did. Are we ready to continue on in faith and to seek righteousness even though we know that tribulation awaits us? Can we face life’s suffering and rejoice in it, or will we complain, mourn, and eventually, lay down our cross as we yield to our own personal comfort? A Christian’s love for Jesus exceeds his desire for selfish pleasure, and his love and desire for eternity with God endures the lessons, and responsibilities, of the cross. 

Are you dealing with temptation in your life right now? Is there a fragrance that wafts around you like a vapor and whose scent lures you towards something sinful? Perhaps it is an attraction to someone other than your spouse, or to a person who is already married. Maybe you are hungry, and are being drawn to steal a meal, or thirsty and want to grab another’s flask. Whatever it is, and temptations abound, do you linger in these thoughts, or do you pray for freedom and release from them? Do you ask God for an escape?

All that we do every day should be done for the glory of God. When we are set upon by our enemies, and we call upon God for help, it shouldn’t be to satisfy our own selfish reasons but to free us so that we might better do His will. We should summon His aid so that He can demonstrate His might, and His love for us before all the world. Our testimony regarding deliverance, provision, and His love, should always be given to glorify our Heavenly Father alone. 

Grace... how do we understand its meaning? as used in the Bible, we interpret it to mean mercy, pardon, power, healing, kindness, and in all cases... unwarranted favor. We are told in scripture that it comes to us from God by way of His Son Jesus. However, the Hebrew definition is a bit different, and means to render kindness to another as their superior. In both cases there is an implied sense of beauty associated with the act. So how will God’s grace be given you today? In what beautiful way will grace be rendered in your life?

The world works hard every day to cast the image of God after itself, and to reshape His Word in such a way as to do its own bidding. We hear it ringing across the land as men compare God to the beauty of tall buildings, or the mighty dams they have built to hold back rivers. We hear it echoing in our houses, governments, and churches, as the Word of God is bent in strange and twisted ways so that people can feel good about their debauchery, and justify such things as the taking of blood. Do we fall prey to this wooing and to these lies of the dark one?

When we see ourselves as strong, mighty, and self-sufficient then we are foolish, but when we consider ourselves as small, and humble before God, then we are wise indeed. How do we view ourselves, and conduct our affairs? Do we spend our time gathering sustenance from God’s Word, seeking safety and protection in His shadow, walking obediently in the way of righteousness, and completing our day by humbly worshiping before the Father’s feet?

How good do we think God is? How faithful is He to His Word, and how complete is His love for us? As Christians we have the utmost faith in these virtues of God because we see their evidence revealed to us through Jesus Christ. He gave the very life of His Son Jesus in exchange for our redemption,His goodness is revealed to us by His Holy Spirit, and He showers us in a cleansing downpour of mercy, and grace

Are we sick, or dying? Are we growing old, and feeling the pains of a body that is winding down? Is our mind failing us, taking with it the things we once knew, and were so precious to us? If our bodies and minds are wasting away take heart, because our souls are forever young, and are renewed in the Lord every day. Don’t allow what is happening to a body, that is designed to last for a short while, to cause you to lose sight of what is eternally important and constructed within you.

Are we merciful to others? Do we give of ourselves, and our bounty, when it would be easier to take? Sometimes we hold back out of laziness, sometimes stinginess, and others out of selfishness; we can find many reasons not to give, but when we do it rewards us immensely. We are increased spiritually, physically, and in such things as joy, happiness, and peace of mind. By giving we provide a blessing to others, but God works a great miracle within us.