Abundant Grace
And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 1:14 (NKJV).
Glory to the Almighty God for giving us the opportunity to witness another new month in the year 2024. The focus this month is “Abundant Grace.”
Grace is God giving me what I do not deserve. These include Salvation from sin and the promise of eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ; His daily care, strength, guidance, and all other good things; and His special strength and wisdom to handle difficult situations.
Several resources estimate that the word “grace” appears around 170 times in the King’s James Bible Version. The first instance occurs in Genesis 6:8, where it states, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” This context reflects both the meaning of favor and the New Testament concept of undeserving kindness to needy humanity.
It’s important to note that while Genesis 6:8 is the first instance of the word itself, the concept of God’s favor and undeserved kindness occurred before this verse. In the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve disobey God, they are banished from the garden. However, God’s grace is evident in Him not destroying them entirely. He even clothes them with animal skins, hinting at the future sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ needed to cover sin (Genesis 3:21).
Grace comes through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17- And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. John 1:16 (NKJV). In Christ, we receive the fulness of several things through grace:
1. We receive Life:- John 10:28; Peace – John 14:27; Joy – John 15:11; and His Word – John 17:14.
2. We receive Grace for grace:- God gives new grace to supply old grace – James 4:6-But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisted the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
3. We receive Grace upon grace:- As the waves of the sea roll into shore, God’s grace comes to the believer being heaped one upon the other. John 1:16.
4. We receive abundance of God’s grace – 1 Timothy 1:14.
God’s grace is needed for every situation we face in our lives. We need His grace for times of prosperity and adversity. In the days of our youth and when the shadows of age begin to lengthen, we need His grace. We need grace when we are persecuted and when we are accepted by others. We need the grace of God when we are on top of the mountain and in the valley of despair, depression, and discouragement. In order to bear our burdens or the burdens of others, we need grace from the Lord. We need God’s grace when life is stable or confusing. God’s grace never fails to meet any situation for He gives new, satisfying grace continuously and without interruption.
Jesus deals with us on the basis of grace and truth. Grace without truth leads to compromise and deceit. Truth without grace would be condemning and depressing. Christ deals with us in a balance of grace and truth. He hates sin but loves the sinner. Truth says that our sin brings death. In grace, the Lord paid the price for our sin and with His death we are made righteous in Him by our faith in Him.
We are saved by His wonderful grace, not by our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. Therefore, confess your sins to the Lord, ask for forgiveness and receive the abundant grace of the Lord Jesus Christ into your life.
PRAYERS
1. Heavenly Father, Lord, of the Universe, thank you for your grace over my life through the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Father, I know that I’m not perfect. I know that my sins are not hidden from you. By your mercy Lord forgive my sins and wash me with the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. Please, Lord, come into my life and offer your grace. Lord, help me see the clear, narrow path in front of me so I can walk in your ways and in your glory.
4. Gracious God, I pray for your favor. Guide my steps and open doors to opportunities that will allow me to use my talents for good and grant me success that brings glory to your name. Amen.
5. The same grace upon Noah, Elijah, Elisha, Zerubbabel, and Apostle Paul, the grace to make the impossible possible, let it come upon me and my children in Jesus’ name. Thank you, Lord, for answers to my prayers.
Welcome to the month of May 2024, the month of abundant grace. May the abundant grace of our Lord with faith and love which are in Christ abide with you in Jesus’ mighty name.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
