Grace is Great!

Definition from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/grace

a.

the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.

b.

the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them.

c.

a virtue or excellence of divine origin: the Christian graces.

d.

Also called state of grace. the condition of being inGod's favor or one of the elect.

Romans 5:1-2b "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."

Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."

Grace is a gift...it can't be earned, just received by faith. This Grace is received through faith in Jesus Christ who allows us peace with God.

Titus 2:11-12 "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"

So not only does this Grace provide us with Salvation(peace with God) it also is a teacher. It teaches us to put off the old and put on the new, even when surrounded by the evils of this present age. So it is by faith that we say no to the worldly passions and live self controlled upright lives.

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 of God that was with me."

This grace is evident in Paul's life...through his work ethic and the way that he spread the Gospel...he says that it wasn't him doing it but this grace that was with Him. Paul seems to be boasting a little here at this work, and he can, because it was done by Grace!

1 Peter 4:10-11 "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the Glory and the power for eve and ever. Amen."

By using our gifts and talents to serve others we become distributors of God's Grace...and apparently God's grace has various forms. It seems that what we possess as talents are also part of God's grace, whether it be speaking or serving.

Now then, verse 1 Peter 4:11 seems to tie back in well with Romans 5:1-2. Because it is by Christ that we have received the grace through faith, and so without Jesus we would not have received Grace to distribute. If then we have gifts, it is by Christ and his power, and if we use them to serve others then this is to Christ's Glory!

My True Brother

Once a month all the young adult small group Bible study groups meet and have a large meeting. We have been going through a study by Tim Keller. In this particular session, he recounted the story of the prodigal sons. In the end he called Christ our True older brother...this got my mind thinking about my brother in light of this. You see my brother is nine years older than me. He has always been one that I've looked up to and desired to be like. Athletic, strong, confident, and successful at what he attempts. When he got a Mustang when he was 15, I wanted one too, when he got a Jeep, I wanted one too. Even after I became a Christian, I realized, I still wanted to be like my brother, or at least wanted his approval. One thing I love to do is work out and try to take care of my body, I think this may have originated in trying to be more like my brother. One thing I have never done like my brother is how he has had many many girl friends. But I did notice a while back, probably 2 or 3 years ago, is that even when choosing a girl that I found attractive, I wanted my brother to approve. Even if he never knew, I would imagine what his response would be to her. But now, I realize that I have a True Older Brother, who I truly want to imitate. I also want to do what pleases him, and take actions He would approve of, because I already have his approval!

My True Father

My last year in College I lost Hope. My parents have always taken great care of me, and I was pretty ashamed, but knew they would help me pay for school, however I was prepared to take out loans if need be. My mom, couldn't help me, but my dad said he would give me what ever I needed. I should point out that my parents are divorced, and that at this time my mom had more going for her financially than did my dad. This really hurt me, but it also inspired me to work hard. It hurt because my dad lives in the middle of no where, in a house that his dad built, that is basically falling apart. He could have chosen to live in a nicer place, close to people. I really hurt for what my dad sacrificed to pay for me to go to school. I went to school, didn't work, got to live in a dorm, was around great friends, got plenty of food, and gas money. While my dad worked. I then graduated in May of 2010. My plan was to try and bring up my G.P.A. This would require me to take more classes, again, my dad paid for my living and for my school....living by himself, and working.

I truly saw the Gospel displayed in my dad's life in his sacrifice and love for me. How much more is my True Father's Love for me. Luke 11:11 Jesus teaches on prayer and how well earthly fathers give to their children. How much more I love my earthly father now, seeing the sacrifice, and love he's given me. How much more motivated I am to work hard and honor him, because of what he has done for me. In the same way, I desire to live a life worthy of the calling I have received, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:27, in order to honor my earthly father as well as my Heavenly Father. Proverbs 10:1 "...A wise son brings joy to his father..."

This is my desire!

The Purpose

I have noticed that often times God reveals Himself to me in beautiful ways in my daily life. But often I forget what He has shown me. It is my hope and prayer that by writing this it will indeed help me to meditate on the Lord and His word all day and night, so that I might not only see wondrous things in His law, but also in His creation.

"Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in You all the day long. Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old." Psalm 25:4-6