He is my rock and my salvation … my saving grace. His grace saves. I am deeply humbled every day when I think of the Lord’s grace, love and mercy. His power to save me from my humanity.
In Titus 2:11-15 NLT says:
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
These verses speak to me and I realize that God’s love is free and freeing. In verse 11, I am reminded that it’s because of God’s grace alone and who He is, not anything I have or haven’t done, will or won’t ever do, that my salvation is secured. Because of one man (Adam), I was destined to eternity in hell, and because of one man (Jesus), I am righteous. There will never be anything I have to do or could do to earn His love, grace and mercy because in my humanity, I can’t.
It reminds me of the Casting Crowns lyric, ‘Not because of what I’ve done, but because of who YOU are, that I have everything; love, existence, and His love, my freedom. My freedom to not have to be perfect and “do it ALL” right” fades away when love steps in, and God is love, so it’s when God’s grace steps in and finds me.
Hosea 9:15-17 NLT
15 The Lord says, “All their wickedness began at Gilgal; there I began to hate them. I will drive them from my land
because of their evil actions. I will love them no more because all their leaders are rebels. 16 The people of Israel are struck down.
Their roots are dried up, and they will bear no more fruit. And if they give birth, I will slaughter their beloved children.” 17 My God will
because of their evil actions. I will love them no more because all their leaders are rebels. 16 The people of Israel are struck down.
Their roots are dried up, and they will bear no more fruit. And if they give birth, I will slaughter their beloved children.” 17 My God will
reject the people of Israel because they will not listen or obey. They will be wanderers, homeless among the nations.
In these passages, the Lord speaks to me in a way that is revelational. His word brings His wisdom and understanding to a contrite and broken heart, which is teaching me every day. He continues to show me that any good works my hands and feet produce are pleasing to Him when they are in submission to His word and power. It’s ALL about the heart. THE place that He lives.
Psalms 127; 1-5 NLT 1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. I have learned that God does not put expectations on me to build my house or to rely on myself or my labor to produce anything righteous or good. He became righteousness for me, He gives mercy to me, extends His grace to me, how could I not be in love with Him? How could my heart not respond to that supernatural Love? In doing so, I pray His work be done through me. His vessel, His clay, His beloved.
the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. I have learned that God does not put expectations on me to build my house or to rely on myself or my labor to produce anything righteous or good. He became righteousness for me, He gives mercy to me, extends His grace to me, how could I not be in love with Him? How could my heart not respond to that supernatural Love? In doing so, I pray His work be done through me. His vessel, His clay, His beloved.
Thanks you Lord Jesus! For loving me, for finding me with your grace, for showing mercy to me when I deserved death. I pray with the purity of heart you continue to pour into me. I pray you continue to change me from the inside out every day to live in authenticity. My desire Lord Jesus is that You be seen through me as wonderful, glorified and acknowledged as THE power source that is the producer and provider of all good that comes out of me so the world would see through me the great gift that awaits all who call upon The name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sharon (guest on 66 Books)
Sixty-six books in a year 