Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 15, 2017
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. 1 Corinthians 15:10
Anything good in our life is a result of God’s grace. Our success is the result of the grace of God. Our money, our possessions, our spouse, our children, our job and our relationships are all a result of God’s grace. We cannot take credit. Yes, we can be available and obedient, but only because of the grace of God. He is the originator and sustainer of all good things in our life.
If we ever hold on to anything with a tight fist or take credit for His “grace work,” then we are in danger of losing His blessing. Thus, we acknowledge regularly who is responsible for the pleasant and productive things in our life. If we struggle with our lot in life, we can still be grateful for the grace of God that is at work in us. Our personality, our looks and the way we make a living are all a result of God’s grace. Our health, our opportunities, our goals, our aspirations and our dreams are all the fruit of grace.
Celebrate His grace. Embrace His grace. Revel in His grace. His grace is infinite in supply and available in “real time.” Be careful not to take His grace for granted. Grace taken for granted may cease to be granted. Credit grace for its great affect in your life.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you” (Romans 12:3).
The grace of God works hard. There is no conflict between grace and work. They go together. It is because of God’s grace that you work hard. Your good works are a result of grace. This is why grace work has the most impact for God’s Kingdom. Grace work transcends human effort. Your efforts are limited without the grace of God. The grace of God can accomplish twice as much through you in half the time.
And, lastly, grace work is quietly, humbly and relentlessly on point to carry out the will of God. There is no opposition or discouragement that derails grace work. Focus wins the day every time! Invite the grace of God into your work. Acknowledge God’s grace in your work. Most importantly, depend on the grace of God in your work. Grace work works smart and hard. It is Kingdom motivated and Kingdom productive. You work hard and are refreshed by God’s grace. You are who you are by the grace of God. Grace works and receives grace upon grace.
“So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13, AMP).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my heart of grace, so I work out my faith for Your glory.Application
What tasks do I need to trust the Lord with and seek His wisdom and strength?Related Reading
Psalm 45:2; Luke 2:40; Acts 4:33; 2 Corinthians 12:9Post/Tweet today
The grace of God can accomplish twice as much in half the time. #WisdomHunters #graceworksWorship Resource
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