acts. 20:24+32

Thursday April 28th-But by the Grace of God

6:00 PM

 


Grace-  Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him. [1828 websters dict.]

*Grace comes from Jesus

24 But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

4  I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 1 Corinthians 1:4

 

*Grace builds us up and is with us.

32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.    1 Corinthians 15:10

 

*Grace, with it we are supplied abundantly for every good deed.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 2 Corinthians 9:8


*Grace is perfected in our weaknesses, so that we can boast about Him and not of ourselves.

9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9


*Grace is given to us so that we can know how to respond to those we come in contact with.

6  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6


*Grace comes to the humble.

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. James 4:6

If we have received the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we then can walk and live in His grace.  It empowers us for everything we need to live out our lives on this earth.  We are weak but He empowers us and we can do all things through Him who strengthens us. It allows us to know how to respond to others.  God’s grace comes to those who are humble and not proud. 

Are you walking in His grace today or are you still doing things in your own strength?  Are you spending time in His Word?  Do you stop and think before responding to others and ask for His help?  Do you share with others what God is doing in your life or do you boast about what you are doing?

Take sometime today and sit with Him in His Word.  Let Him pour out His grace upon you. 

Selah,

Lyn

And don't forget to head over to Facebook and join the discussion. just follow the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

 

 

 

Challenge for 2022

Approaching His Throne of Grace

9:00 AM

Girl with basket is a painting by Johann Georg Meyer von Bremen 

This was how I used to picture myself approaching God's throne. As a daughter weighted down by the cares of this world, ready to leave them at my Father's feet. Only if I'm honest, I didn't always leave them all there. Often I'd pick much of them back up and continue on my way once more. 

It must have broke my Father's heart for Him to see me pick them all back up and keep going just like I was. Didn't I trust Him? Or better yet, why didn't I trust Him with everything?

I believe the reason I continued to carry the weight of my worries is because I truly didn't know Who God was at that time! And if there are others like myself out there that find themselves anxiously worrying unnecessarily, who pray and immediately pick up their basket of burdens just as soon as they have prayed, I want us to pause for a bit this morning as we get set to study prayer during this month and focus on Who we are approaching. 


 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Not only is Jesus our Savior and Lord, Jesus is God's anointed High Priest, through whom we have been made fit to approach the awesome throne of God Most High. This means Christ's high priestly role is an eternal and continuous one.

He is our perfect Priest, who through His own sacrifice, has once and for all atoned for all our sins forever and ever. We've been sealed by His Holy Spirit which can't be rendered void. And our access to a Holy, Omnipotent, God has been sealed as well. 

Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate and final Word of God. He is the incarnate Word, who took upon Himself human flesh (John 1). And as our great, High Priest, He is forever interceding day and night for His Church. Jesus is the only Mediator between man and God. 

Imagine for a moment that Jesus, our Savior, not only died to pay for our sins and make a way for us to be with Him one day in paradise, but He is now interceding for us constantly before God! We need to remember this each time we seek to approach God's mercy seat. 

Beloved, Jesus is our righteous, Kinsman-Redeemer, who has become our Mediator. He was given the name that is above every name. He cannot fail! And all of us who have trusted in His death, burial, and resurrection, for the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life, have been called to "hold fast our confession." (v.14) 

We are commanded to stand firm in our faith that:

  • Jesus is the Son of God, 
  • Jesus is our great High Priest,
  • Jesus has put away our sin forever by His death on the cross
  • Jesus' resurrection gives us the assurance of eternal life 
  • Jesus ascended into heaven so that one day we too will be with Him in heaven. 
  • Jesus is forever interceding on our behalf until we all make it home.

When we put it this way... Wow! No wonder we are exhorted by the writer of the book of Hebrews to hold fast to our confession! 

To take God at His word and boldly approach His throne of grace in order to leave our baskets of burdens there at His feet; trusting the One Who is able to make all grace abound to us! 

He waits to hear from you!

I pray this month's study on prayer will not only increase our faith, but our prayer life as well! Will you pray with me...

Father of my Lord Jesus Christ I come. With a grateful and repentant heart I come to my Rock, my Lord and my Redeemer who has made this all possible for me at this moment. 

I know that You shall listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lay my basket of burdens before you and lift up my hands towards your holy sanctuary. Lord, please give Your people strength ...

I want to praise You, Lord, for You have heard my cry for mercy. You alone are my strength and shield.; The One i will place my trust You with all my heart. You are my help, and my heart is filled with joy! Thank You, Lord Jesus for making a way for me. My heart is full to bursting with thanksgiving for simply loving me. Amen.


Blessings! 

sue

 



Glory

Friday Feb. 18th-To Him be the glory!

6:00 PM

 

Father,

Keep us in Your Word each day as we seek to do Your will in our lives.  Help us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Help us to walk in a manner worthy of You, pleasing You in bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You, God.  Strengthen us with all power according to Your glorious might reaching for steadfastness, patience and joy.  Help us to always be thankful to You Lord in everything.  To You be the glory forever and ever,  Amen

Selah,

Lyn

 

2Peter

What Does it Mean to Grow in Grace?

9:00 AM


 Second Peter 3:18 tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” , but have you ever wondered what that means exactly, and how one can grow in grace? Is it our responsibility, God's or both of ours?  

Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not our doing, but it is a gift from God and we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. We know that grace is defined as "unmerited favor", and is a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God, through His grace that justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually will glorify us in heaven. This sanctification process, (becoming more and more like Christ), is actually synonymous with growing in grace.

Therefore to grow in grace actually means to mature as a Christian.

We grow in grace by reading God’s Word and letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16) , for Peter also mentions growing in "knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ", and also by praying and communicating with God, our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

But through all I've studied I've come to understand that these actions alone won't mature us, but God will use these spiritual disciplines to help us grow. 

For He has promised to "conform us into the likeness of His Son." (Romans 8:29). He's promised that He will help us accomplish all He has called us to do. (1 Thes. 5:24)  And Philippians tells us, "For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure."

Therefore, maturing in our Christian faith is not so much about what we do, but about what God is able to do in us by His grace. 

And It's also important to note it's not about gaining more grace from God, for His grace never increases; it is already infinite, but we do need to seek Him and trust Him for it, for grace will be the attribute of God that will enables us to break free of our sinful nature and follow Him. It will give us strength and protect us from the evil one.

I liked what John Gill's Commentary had to say on 2 Peter 3:18: In the gifts of grace, which, under a divine blessing, may be increased by using them: gifts neglected decrease, but stirred up and used, are improved and increase... There is such a thing as growth in grace, in this sense; every grace, as to its act and exercise, is capable of growing and increasing; faith may grow exceedingly, hope abound, love increase, and patience have its perfect work, and saints may grow more humble, holy, and self-denying: this is indeed God's work, to cause them to grow, and it is owing to his grace; yet… a growth in which saints should be concerned for: the knowledge of Jesus and his glory.

 Bottom-line Beloved, 

  • God's Word contain all the knowledge we will ever need to learn about God, His Son, and His Spirit, in this life. 
  • God desires for us to grow in His infinite grace. 
  • For those He has saved us and He wishes each to be sanctified - set apart as holy like Himself.
  • He promises to transform us into the image of His Son. 
  • And He will use His Word as we study, and apply its principles to our lives and commune with Him each day until one day...
  “We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Blessings, 

sue

adultery

Looking Beyond Fault to See True Need (John 8)

11:30 AM




Reading For Today:  John 8


 I love many of the quotes from Toby Mac on fb. This one especially resonated with my heart as I reflected on the story of the accused adulterer in John 8.   “To love a person is to see all of their worth and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”


In this well known story, Jesus is teaching in the temple courts and he is put in a tricky situation. “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”” (v3-5)


Well, the first thing interesting is that only the woman was brought before Jesus and not the man. The 2nd interesting thing is that Jesus initially didn’t say anything at all. He wrote on the ground with his finger. The Bible doesn’t tell us what he wrote but I imagine that it could have been thought provoking. Perhaps it caused those present to check their behaviors and self reflect. Perhaps, even, he was just making a point of not immediately engaging with them to deescalate the  charged emotions of the crowd. But, what is important to know and reflect upon, is what he did say. It was a penetrating statement that took focus off of the woman’s circumstances and put focus on the individual circumstances of every single person present that day. 


“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”” (v7)

One by one, her accusers walked away. When only the woman was left Jesus let her know that she was forgiven and did not have to be forever defined by her transgressions. She could start anew. ““...neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”” (v11)


People don’t throw physical stones today. But, we throw stones nonetheless. We can be quick to pass judgement and hurl accusations at one another. We gossip, backbite and condemn. Perhaps we do so out loud or perhaps we do so within our own minds. But, what if, instead of seeing the sinful behaviors, we looked instead at the value and worthiness of the person that God could redeem and transform. What if we offered grace, just as God offered to us. What if we remembered that we are guilty of sin and only redeemed by God’s mercy and salvation? What if we prayed for that person and rebuked, if needed, in brotherly and sisterly love. What if we extended support and help to those who just need some compassion and opportunity to turn their lives around.? 


I know that I need to remember, when I am annoyed and finding fault with those around me that I need to extend compassion and grace instead of hurling stones of condemnation. I need to remember that only God can change another and I should pray and support instead of criticize or judge. I need to see people through the eyes of Jesus and hate the sin but love the person. I need to remember that I am no different myself from the accused woman for “ all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). How grateful I am that Christ extended the same precious blessing to me as he looked upon the sin that enslaved me....”


“...neither do I condemn you.  Go now and leave your life of sin.” Thank you Jesus for your mercy, extended to me!

2 Corinthians 12

Walking in Wisdom - God's Overflowing Grace (2 Corinthians 12)

8:30 PM



Please read: 2 Corinthians 12

I know for sure that having to go through some kind of affliction is not an easy task! All of us have experienced pain and suffering of some kind, but most important, is how we deal when in this situation.  Especially now that we are going through this world-wide pandemic!

Jesus before warning his disciples of the afflictions they were to endure, reassured them that in Him they would have His peace and would overcome with Him, too!

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” (John 16:33 AMP)

Isn`t this something we should treasure as a promise for us too?
Paul was not the exception, he also endured many hardships throughout his life and ministry, but in today´s scripture Paul speaks of a ¨thorn in the flesh¨ that he begged the Lord to remove.

“ Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! “ (Vs.7 AMP)

The Lord did not remove this thorn, but gave him the strength to bear it:
“… but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” (Vs.9 AMP)

"God will always honour our prayers, and sometimes it is a golden answer to deny us our request, and give us the very opposite of what we seek… What a sad thing it must be not to be a believer in Christ, because thorns we shall have if we are not in Christ, but those thorns will not be blessings to us?.” (C. H. Spurgeon)

Paul in the following verses continued boasting with joy of the power of God that enabled him to thrive in his ministry; he was certain that this affliction, this “thorn on the flesh” -that God would not deliver him from- would keep him steadfast and humble. 


“There is sublime joy in holy boasting of the power of God in a life that is totally dependent on Him.  There is sublime peace in accepting the sufficiency of God´s grace by allowing Him to be strong in us where we are weak.” Marie Chapian

What an example we have in Paul: God’s Holy Spirit working through a totally surrendered life!  Paul knew there was a holy purpose in his affliction! God did not spare Paul from the suffering, but gave him the power to conquer it!
Let us consider: Are our weaknesses the opportunity for God´s power to be made perfect in us?

Before I close, let us reflect on these words by Matthew Henry:
“Grace signifies the goodwill of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified.”

This is my prayer for us here at Women in the Word.
Mari



1 Corinthians 1

It’s All About Jesus (1 Corinthians 1)

9:15 AM



For Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 1

We like to think that we are in control. We like to think we have all of the answers. We like to think that it’s all about us...what we know, what we think, what we want, when we want it, how we want it, etc. But, God’s Word says that our righteousness has “ NOTHING” to do with us. We can’t earn it and we can’t perform in our own human effort to attain it or keep it. No, it’s not about us!  But, the pivotal moment in a believers life is when they realize it’s all about Jesus. 

How should that impact your life?
You realize that to serve Him, you must be taught of and by Him.  You have to get in His Word and let Him speak to the depths of your heart. He will enrich you. 
“that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

You have to realize that you can not save yourself but the salvation of Jesus pays it all. As He said on the cross...” It is finished.” He equips us. He sustains us. 
“so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭

You have to trust God. Others may break their promises, let you down, fail you, etc. This life, this world, and the circumstances around you are not under your control, but you can put your confidence in the One who is faithful and in control. 
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

You can honor God by being unified with your brothers and sisters in Christ. There should always be common ground that we can agree on and unite on.....that would be Jesus!  Jesus being the only way to the Father. 
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭

You must place your identity as God’s child on the work of the cross. Others may think they can earn their way to right standing with God, but His Word is clear that only  Christ crucified for you would ever make you worthy to stand before Him. 
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭

You can be transformed into a useful, glorifying masterpiece by the God of the universe. No single stroke of color stands alone but rather beautifully blends in to a bigger picture of His making.  You are personally made by Him and known by Him. He has a unique purpose and calling for your life.  The key is to humble yourself and let Him do all of the work of transformation as only He can.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-29‬ ‭

You can adorn yourself with the garments of His righteousness. Put aside your desire for self recognition or importance. Focus on being used by God. Others should see Christ in your life and His love should shine in all that you do.
“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:30-31‬ ‭

1 Peter 1:3

God’s Grace and Mercy (John 1: 1-18)

12:00 AM


Please read John 1: 1-18

What a wonderful week we have had studying about His Grace and Mercy, as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Today as we read John 1, it brought to my memory how difficult it was for me to realize that I had to stop trying to earn God’s favor through works and that the traditions which were the foundation of my faith were worthless. That I was dead in my sins and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-5) and only through Jesus I would be saved!

In some way I can understand why the Jews of those days reacted in disbelief when John the Baptist testified about the “True Light which was coming into the world (1:9):
“10 He (Christ) was in the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession], and those who were His own [people—the Jewish nation] did not receive and welcome Him.

Their religious pride and their judging by the Law made it difficult for them to grasp this Truth.
“12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—“

“Only BELIEVE in Jesus and RECEIVE HIM in your heart, asking His forgiveness, for He paid the penalty of your sins on the Cross (Col. 2:13-14)”, I was told.
This was the first time I had heard this! What kind of religion was this? But there was this deep thirst inside of me that longed for Him and needed to BELIEVE!

“Often doubts will prevail. What a mercy it is that it is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but His hold of you! What a sweet fact that it is not how you grasp His hand, but His grasp of yours that saves you.” (C. Spurgeon)

 “Faith is described as ‘receiving’ Jesus. It is the empty cup placed under the flowing stream; the penniless hand held out for heavenly alms.” (Spurgeon)

Yes, I needed Jesus to transform my life, I needed to embrace His Truth and receive Him as my Lord and Savior. I learned that, “As many as received Him” is just another way to say “those who believe in His name”.

“Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received "even grace," a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us.” M. Henry

John 1:13 emphasizes this new birth, as those: “13 who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].

 It refers to the children of God as those “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” God causes the new birth; we don’t. We are not only transformed, but now become His children!  Peter stresses this same thing:
” Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3)

In John 1:14 we read: “ 14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).

“Beloved, notice here that both these qualities in our Lord are at the full. He is ‘full of grace.’ Who could be more so? In the person of Jesus Christ the immeasurable grace of God is treasured up.” (C. Spurgeon)


Verse 16 describes the fullness of grace announced by John the Baptist and brought by Jesus Christ. God the Word, Jesus Christ, brought a different order than the one instituted by Moses.
“16 For out of His fullness [the superabundance of His grace and truth] we have all received grace upon grace [spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing, favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift]. 17 For the Law was given through Moses, but grace [the unearned, undeserved favor of God] and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17)

Grace for grace: “Literally it means ‘grace instead of grace’. Clearly John intends to put some emphasis on the thought of grace. Probably also he means that as one piece of divine grace (so to speak) recedes it is replaced by another. God’s grace to His people is continuous and is never exhausted. Grace knows no interruption and no limit.” (Morris)

Our God in His great Mercy delivered us through Christ, from the misery and punishment of our sins, AND gave us in return “grace upon grace” ! Isn’t it amazing to know that this Grace, His Grace is never ending? Sadly there are many around us who have rejected His Word and His Saving Grace. Let us continue to intercede for them in prayer, and most of all to love them as He loves them!

O what Amazing Grace we have found in Him!!

Mari


God's grace

Hebrews 4:16 ~ ~ God’s Grace and Mercy

12:00 AM

Saturday, March 23, 2019


Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Hebrews 4:16...

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)

Let me begin with the difference between mercy and grace…

Mercy = God NOT punishing us as our sins deserve = deliverance from judgement
Grace = God’s blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it = extending kindness to the unworthy

Everyday we live is an act of God’s mercy. If God gave us what we deserved we’d be in hell for all eternity. As David cried out in Psalm 51…”Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love…” (Psalm 51)

Anything good that we experience is because of the grace of God. God gives us good things that we do not deserve and could never earn. Grace from God is given to everyone, however saving grace is available only through Jesus Christ. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Savior, through His grace we are saved and through His mercy we are delivered from eternal judgement. By His grace we are gifted with an abundant life, a forgiveness of sins and an eternity with Him in Heaven.

Show God everyday, through your worship, how amazing He is and how thankful you are!

Have a blessed day and week everyone!


Ephesians

Scripture Saturday~Grace

12:00 AM

Saturday, November 17, 2018




Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Ephesians 2:8-10...

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Deeds

Grace is Mind-Blowing {Romans 6:1 - 8:17}

12:30 AM


November 6, 2018

 Image result for Romans 7:24

I cannot help but be very excited to be reading the book of Romans.  And it’s quite mind blowing to me to try to wrap my head around God’s grace.  I have to admit, it’s difficult to believe because I struggle with it – giving it and receiving it.

You see, not only do we live in a world full of rules to follow, but the Bible seems to be chocked full of rules as well.  I mean, just read Leviticus!  Then throw in all the distractions of this world and you cannot help but toss out the question of why this person does this or that.  The scope of what we perceive as normal makes it difficult to comprehend how or why some people do things so incredibly different.

The grace of God runs counter to every impulse in me.  I have a desire to earn or receive merit and purchase God’s grace.  I instinctively try to push my way into God’s presence by keeping His law.  Yes, I know I’m saved by grace, but I seem to go into salvation-maintenance mode, which according to my thinking, hinges on my good works. 

Once you become a Christian, your head and your heart align with Jesus Christ and you realize how undeserved you are for the forgiveness of your sins.  Over time, you take seriously the righteousness of God and the heinousness of your sin every day.  You may even ask God, “Do you still love me?” or “Why are you so patient with me?”  or “Why haven’t you killed me for what I’ve done?”

This is why God’s grace is so baffling to me.  God doesn’t give me grace because I’ve earned it.  He gives me grace because He is gracious.  This is why it’s so mind-blowing – God’s grace has absolutely ZERO correlation with earning.  And if this is really true, I may take advantage of God’s grace.  I might start backsliding.  I might go all apostate on God.  Surely a little bit of earning is good, right?  WRONG!

Jesus makes it crystal clear in His parable about the workers in the vineyard.  Those who worked from the beginning of the day assumed they would receive higher pay than those who worked only one hour at the end of the day.  They assumed the master operated according to the principles of “fairness”.  They had worked harder than those who only worked an hour, therefore the “fair” thing to do would be for the master to pay them more.

But the master paid everyone the same amount, which caused a fair amount of grumbling among the workers.

“Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money?  Should you be angry because I am kind?

And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then.”  Matthew 20:15-16

Everyone was quite surprised by the master’s pay scale.  Those who had worked all day were surprised that they only received one denarius.  Those who had worked one hour were surprised that they had received one denarius.

Grace is wonderfully, surprisingly, delightfully not fair!!!!  Fairness has nothing to do with God’s grace.    

God is not ignorant of all the ways we have sinned against Him.  He knows everything we have ever done and is still able to stomach it.  His knowledge of who we really are will never hinder His love for us.  He is even aware of the evil behind our righteous deeds.  The intimacy by which the Lord knows us but is able to lovingly embrace us as His children is supernatural.  God’s grace is just mind-blowing.  Every time I think of this reality, I’m brought to tears because I serve a God whose love and grace baffles me. 

As our hatred for and awareness of our sin increases, we desperately need a biblical view of the grace of God.  We need Scripture to paint a clear picture of who God is and how much He loves us in Christ Jesus.  We need to see the God of the Scriptures who is so gracious it just blows our minds and brings us to tears and repentance.

Image result for loving and forgiving