WATCHWORD:
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:20-24
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:2-6
Meditation:
Can We Ever Get Enough Grace?
That is a question that should not stump anyone. The answer is a resounding NO! Lord keep your graces coming. We love because of your graces. We rejoice on your graces. We live and breathe on your graces. Will there come a time when we have had enough grace? Of course, and we’ll be able to tell God in person. But, until then, precious Lord, keep the flood of your graces coming.
There is a slice of grace by another name that we read in our meditations. We hear in our prayers. We seek with tears and remorse. It is a very special kind of Grace called forgiveness. We use a lot of different phrases; wash me clean, cleanse the thoughts of my mind and heart, unstop my ears so that I can hear You, open my eyes so that I may see the work that you would have me do. Forgiveness in all of its forms, is grace that abounds.
We are familiar with the apostle Paul and his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and it changed his life, and ours. We are all familiar with the story behind the hymn, Amazing Grace. It’s the story of a very cruel man, a slave runner, who found the Lord and it changed his very life, and by association, many others.
I would wager that Amazing Grace is numbered among your favorite hymns. I cannot hear it or sing it without emotion. Some church services include Amazing Grace as part of their liturgy. It can be sung in the most secular event or concert, and a hush will fall on the audience. Eyes will tear up. And not just the eyes of Christians. Grace is what hearts cry out for! Grace is what people long for, even those who don’t know Jesus. I would say, especially those who don’t know Jesus. Amazing Grace is grace, indeed.
Bulletin Board:
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
A Prayer for Your Grace In My Life:
Help me O God, because like all the children of men, I need your daily grace. Yesterday’s blessings can encourage but will not take care of the burdens of today. May I know Thee as the Shepherd of my life and eternal soul. May my fears be dissolved by faith in Thee and through the power of Thy love. Help me to love and manifest the spirit of love under all circumstances to all people. May my life be a glory to Thyself, a help to my fellow-man and rewarding to me. Amen.
