Blog-votional: God’s Grace — Wow!

Max Lucado has said: “Grace doesn’t have to be logical.  If it did, it wouldn’t be grace.”  Think about that!  Although the Lord has made us to be strong and responsible, the foundational issues of forgiveness and salvation are His gift to us!  It is so cool to comprehend the fact that God favors us.  Not because we are the smartest; not because we are the strongest; not because we have lots of talents; not because we are so handsome or beautiful; not because we do a lot of good deeds — though all of these characteristics may be abundant in our lives.  The Lord favors us out of His deep, abiding, and pursuing love for us, a love that is not contingent upon any effort we put forth! 

We are all in need of this superlative grace.  Why?  Because:

<> The Lord’s grace means He loves us and even knew us before we were born.  “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you.  Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work” (Jeremiah 1:5).

<> The Lord’s grace provides the gift of salvation, a gift that can’t be earned.  “You have been saved by grace through believing.  You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8). 

<> The Lord’s grace is available to us when we are weak.  “In my weaknesses, Christ’s power lives in me” (II Corinthians 12:9). 

<> The Lord’s grace is sufficient for absolutely any need we have — whether health, finances, relationships, temptations, etc.  “My grace is sufficient for you” (II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV).

<> The Lord’s grace provides us with strength we need to overcome temptation and live a victorious Christian life.  “Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given us everything we need to live and serve God.  We have these things because we know Him” (II Peter 1:3).

Need we say more?  The Lord is on our side.  He is ready and willing to help us as we respond to Him with faith.  

Scripture to reflect on:  “Even though you are evil, you know how to give good gifts to your kids.  How much more willing is your Heavenly Father to give good things to those who ask”  (Matthew 7:11).

How to practice grace today:  Do something for someone out of pure grace. In doing it, thank the Lord for doing so much for you out of pure grace!  Ideas: Buy lunch.  Give a Java City coffee coupon.  Better, buy someone a coffee and give a few minutes of conversation.  Make a card and give it to someone with a note of “thanks for being you!”  Get creative and present it with a smile.  All the while, make sure you reflect on how God must feel about blessing you and me and them!  Wow!

Prayer:  Lord, You are so very good and Your love endures forever.  Thank You for my life and your grace being active in it.  Help me to share Your grace with those I come in contact with today.  Amen.

Dr. Stan Parker