2Corinthians 8:9, 2Corinthians 9:8; Revelation 22:21
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all . . . And God is able to make all grace abound toward you.
What of Today’s Verse…
We have seen that abundant grace is available from the Lord, not only for justification, but also for sanctification. Yet, how does a person access the sanctifying grace of God? How does one actually live day by day by grace? Soon, we will consider the two relational realities that God wants to develop in our lives that we might live daily by His grace. First, a reminder of where that grace is, and the ability upon which it all depends.
The grace we need is always found in a person, not a procedure. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ .” Consequently, in order to access this grace, we must be seeking after the person in whom the grace resides. No wonder that many of the letters of the New Testament end with “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” (Rev_22:21).
Our God is not one who wastes words. He does not speak vainly. Nor does He stand on human formalities. These repetitious conclusions are an emphasis from the heart of God. When all is stated on any subject to any people, the ongoing need will ever be that they learn to live by the grace that is found in Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, upon whose ability does the grace of God depend? We so easily become preoccupied with our own ability. “Will I be able to please and serve God?” “Will I be able to be an effective witness?” The focus of the word of God is on His ability, not ours. “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace” (Dan_3:17). “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him” (Heb_7:25). “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jud_1:24). “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph_3:20).
Concerning grace we may even be thinking, “Will I be able to live by God’s grace?”Again, God’s ability is the issue, not ours. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you.” If we are willing to rely upon the one who is able, God, we will experience His sanctifying grace abundantly in our lives.
Let us Pray:
Dear Lord, Teach me these great matters of access to Your grace. Remind me often that grace is found in Jesus. I confess my tendency to explain the Christian life by a formula, instead of by a person. Help me to remember that living by grace depends upon Your matchless ability. I admit my inclination to hope in my inept ability. So, Lord, I now look to You to abundantly pour out Your grace upon my life, through Christ Jesus, my Lord, Amen.
Words of Wisdom
Joy
My soul sings a song of joy.
Many different activities connect me to the joy that is deep within me. Being enveloped by the silence of a snowfall may fill me with quiet joy. Listening to a choir or joining in the singing of my favourite songs may lift my spirits.
The simple touch of a loved one’s hand or the gentle support of a caregiver may lighten my heart. Lighting a candle, saying a prayer and blessing a meal can all be sources of joy in my day.
Whatever the activity, I realize joy when my mind is fixed on finding Spirit within each of my experiences. True and lasting joy comes from within–from God, the Source of every joy.
Clap your hands, all you peoples; Â shout to God with loud songs of joy.–Psalm 47:1
