Tag: grace

November 17, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

God Will Help You Even When You Feel Unworthy

Opening Verse

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Introduction

Feeling unworthy is a common struggle, but God’s love isn’t based on our perfection. His grace meets us in our mess and reminds us of His unchanging commitment to us. When guilt or shame creeps in, it’s vital to remember that His love is unconditional.

Devotional Story

A man named Peter once felt utterly unworthy. He had made mistakes that left him ashamed and isolated from his loved ones. One evening, as he sat by a quiet riverbank, he prayed a simple prayer: “God, if You’re still there for me, please let me feel it.” At that moment, a soft breeze stirred the trees, and Peter felt a deep peace wash over him—a reminder that God hadn’t left him.

Peter was reminded of the Apostle Peter in the Bible, who denied Jesus three times. Yet, Jesus didn’t cast him aside. Instead, He sought Peter out after His resurrection and reaffirmed His purpose for him, saying, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Just as Jesus restored Peter, He restores us when we feel unworthy.

What This Means

Your worth isn’t determined by your past or your feelings. It’s defined by God’s love and the price Jesus paid on the cross. God uses imperfect people to fulfill His perfect plans. You don’t have to earn His help; it’s freely given.

Think About This

  • What mistakes or feelings of unworthiness are holding you back?
  • How can you trust God’s promises even when you feel distant from Him?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me even when I feel unworthy. Remind me that Your grace is sufficient and that nothing can separate me from Your love. Help me to trust in Your plan and to walk in the purpose You have for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” – Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

October 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Undeserved Favor

Opening Verse

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (KJV)

Introduction

We often think of favor as something to be earned. Yet, God’s favor isn’t based on our merit. Even when we’re at our lowest, making mistakes or wandering far from His ways, His favor finds us. This is the beauty of divine favor: it comes when we don’t deserve it and offers us what we couldn’t achieve on our own.

Devotional Story

A young man, after a string of poor choices, found himself in a difficult place. Jobless and discouraged, he’d all but given up on himself, feeling unworthy of anything good. One evening, he received a call from an old friend offering him a job. Though he felt undeserving and reluctant, he accepted, and over time, the job helped him rebuild his life. This opportunity was not something he could have arranged himself; it was divine favor.

The friend later shared, “God placed it on my heart to call you. I knew you might need a hand.” Despite feeling unworthy, God’s favor reached him through the kindness of others, changing his life in ways he could have never predicted.

What This Means

God’s favor is not based on how perfect or “good” we are; it’s based on His love. Even when we feel like we’ve fallen too far, His grace reaches us. Divine favor reminds us that God’s love is relentless and unconditional. He doesn’t wait for us to be “good enough” before blessing us—He blesses us to show His goodness.

Think About This

  1. Recall a time in your life when you received an unexpected blessing, even when you felt undeserving. How did it remind you of God’s love?
  2. Is there an area in your life where you’ve hesitated to ask for God’s help, feeling unworthy? Reflect on His willingness to bless us, regardless of our past.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your favor that finds us even in our lowest moments. We know we are unworthy, yet You show us kindness beyond measure. Help us to remember that Your favor is a gift, not something we can earn, and to walk humbly in gratitude. May we share this favor with others, showing the same grace You’ve shown to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” — Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

October 22, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cycle of Sin

Opening Verse:

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23 (KJV)

Introduction:

The cycle of sin is a constant struggle in the life of believers. It begins with temptation, leads to sin, and often results in guilt or separation from God. Yet, this cycle doesn’t need to end in defeat because God has provided a way to break free through Jesus Christ.

Devotional Story:

A man named Ted found himself trapped in a repeating cycle of sin. He knew what was right and often committed to doing better, but found himself slipping back into old habits of anger and frustration. One day, after a particularly heated argument, he sat alone, overwhelmed by guilt and shame. He opened his Bible and read Romans 7:19:

“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.”

Ted could relate to this. He felt trapped in a cycle he couldn’t break. But as he read further, he found hope. Romans 8:1 declares,

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”

This promise lifted his spirits. He realized that while he struggled with sin, Jesus had already paid the price for his forgiveness and offered him strength to overcome.

What This Means:

The cycle of sin—temptation, failure, and guilt—does not have to define our lives. Though we all fall short, God extends grace through Jesus. We can find freedom by confessing our sins, repenting, and trusting in His power to help us live differently. No matter how many times we stumble, God is faithful to forgive and guide us toward righteousness.

Think About This:

  • What are the areas in your life where you feel trapped in a cycle of sin?
  • How can you trust God more fully to help you break free?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I often fall into the same sins over and over again. But I believe in Your power to set me free. Thank You for Your grace through Jesus, and help me to live a life that pleases You. Amen.

Closing Verse:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (KJV)

August 28, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Brother’s Heart

Opening Verse

“And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.”
– Luke 15:28, KJV*

 

Introduction

The story of the prodigal son is one we know well. It’s about a wayward son who returns home, and a father who forgives. But there’s another character in this parable that often gets less attention—the older brother. His reaction to his brother’s return reveals a heart condition that we still see in churches today.

Devotional Story

The older brother was out in the field when his younger brother returned home. After squandering his inheritance, the younger brother had hit rock bottom. When he came back, expecting nothing more than to be a servant in his father’s house, his father welcomed him with open arms and threw a grand celebration. But when the older brother heard the music and dancing, he became angry. He refused to join the celebration.

Instead of rejoicing that his lost brother had returned, the older brother was filled with resentment. He saw the celebration as unjust. “These many years do I serve thee,” he said to his father, “neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends” (Luke 15:29, KJV). His heart was hardened by self-righteousness, bitterness, and jealousy.

What This Means

The older brother’s attitude is not uncommon in the church today. How often do we see Christians who feel overlooked, undervalued, or envious when others receive blessings or forgiveness that they believe should be theirs? This attitude can create division within the body of Christ. Instead of celebrating the grace that God extends to others, some are quick to judge or withhold love, feeling as if their own faithfulness has gone unnoticed or unrewarded.

This parable shows us the danger of harboring such feelings. The older brother’s self-righteousness blinded him to the joy of his brother’s return and to the grace that was always available to him. The father reminded him, “Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine” (Luke 15:31, KJV). The same is true for us. God’s love and blessings are abundant; there’s no need for envy or bitterness.

Think About This

Do you find yourself resentful when others are blessed? Do you struggle with feeling unnoticed or unappreciated in your faith journey? Remember, God’s love for you is constant and unfailing. Don’t let self-righteousness or jealousy rob you of the joy of seeing others come to Christ. Rejoice in the grace and mercy that is available to all.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have been like the older brother, harboring resentment instead of rejoicing in Your mercy. Help me to see others through Your eyes, with a heart full of love and grace. Teach me to celebrate the victories and blessings of others as if they were my own. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
-1 Corinthians 2:9

 

July 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Touched by the Coal

Opening Verse

“And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”  – Isaiah 6:7 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Isaiah’s encounter with the holy God is a powerful moment that illustrates God’s ability to cleanse and purify us from sin. This vision offers a vivid picture of redemption and the transformative power of God’s grace.

 

Devotional Story

Isaiah found himself in the presence of the Lord, overwhelmed by the glory and majesty of God. He immediately recognized his own sinfulness and cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” An angel took a live coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips, declaring that his iniquity was taken away, and his sin purged. This act symbolized the cleansing power of God’s forgiveness.

 

What This Means

God’s grace is sufficient to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just as the coal touched Isaiah’s lips and purified him, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross purifies us from our sins. We are made clean and acceptable before God, not by our own efforts, but by His mercy and grace. This transformation empowers us to live a life that honors Him.

 

Think About This

– Have you experienced the cleansing power of God’s grace in your life?

– How does understanding God’s forgiveness change the way you live each day?

– What steps can you take to maintain a pure heart before God?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and the cleansing power of Your forgiveness. Help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness. Purify my heart and guide my steps, so that I may honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”  – Psalms 51:10 (KJV)

June 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Intention and Tone of Our Faith

Opening Verse

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Colossians 4:6 (KJV)

Introduction

Understanding the intention and tone of our faith is crucial. It shapes how we live, how we interact with others, and how we represent Jesus Christ in our daily lives. Our words and actions should reflect the love, clarity, and urgency of the Gospel.

Devotional Story

Consider a small church nestled in a busy neighborhood. Every Sunday, the pastor delivers sermons that are simple yet profound. He speaks with urgency, knowing that the message of Christ is too important to be misunderstood or ignored. His tone is always clear, filled with grace, and seasoned with the love of Christ.

One Sunday, a visitor entered the church. He had been searching for meaning and truth in his life. The pastor spoke about the intention of our faith—to love God and love others—and the tone we should use—one of compassion and clarity. The visitor was moved by the simplicity and urgency of the message. He realized that faith wasn’t about complex rituals or lofty words, but about a genuine relationship with Jesus.

What This Means

The intention of our faith is to share the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Our tone should be clear, urgent, and filled with grace. We should strive to communicate in a way that everyone can understand, ensuring that our words and actions reflect the heart of the Gospel.

Think About This

  • How do your words and actions reflect the intention and tone of your faith?
  • Are you communicating the love and truth of Jesus with clarity and urgency?
  • How can you ensure that your speech is always seasoned with grace?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help us to understand the true intention of our faith and to communicate it with a tone that reflects Your love and truth. May our words be clear, urgent, and filled with grace, so that others may come to know You through us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

June 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Sin’s Fly Trap

 

Opening Verse

 

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Sin often catches us off guard. Just as a fly trap ensnares its prey, sin can capture us when we least expect it. We might start our day filled with the Spirit, but a moment of weakness can quickly pull us back into the struggle against sin.

 

Devotional Story

Imagine walking through a beautiful garden, enjoying the sunshine and the fragrance of blooming flowers. Suddenly, you notice a small fly trap. It seems harmless, even interesting, but as you draw closer, you see it snap shut on an unsuspecting insect. The fly is trapped, struggling to break free.

 

Our daily walk with God can be similar. We begin our day with prayer and devotion, filled with the Holy Spirit and ready to face the day. But sin lurks like that fly trap, waiting for a moment of distraction or weakness. A wrong thought, a harsh word, or a moment of pride, and suddenly we find ourselves caught.

 

What This Means

Just as the fly struggles to escape the trap, we too must fight our way out of sin. It’s a constant battle, but we are not alone. Jesus Christ has given us the power to overcome sin. When we find ourselves trapped, we can call on Him for strength and deliverance. His grace is sufficient, and His mercy is new every morning.

 

Think About This

Reflect on your daily walk with God. Are there moments when you feel trapped by sin? How do you respond when you realize you’ve been caught? Remember, it’s not about never falling into sin, but about how quickly you turn back to God for help.

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your unending grace and mercy. I confess that I often fall into the trap of sin, but I am grateful for Your forgiveness and the strength You provide to overcome it. Help me to stay vigilant and walk closely with You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”- 1 John 1:9 (KJV)

 

 

June 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Accuser

Opening Verse

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” – Revelation 12:10 (KJV)

Introduction

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter various challenges. One of the most persistent is the accuser, Satan, who seeks to undermine our faith by bringing up our past sins and failures. Understanding his tactics helps us to stand firm in our faith.

Devotional Story

A young woman named Grace struggled with guilt and shame from her past. Every time she prayed, she felt unworthy, as if a voice constantly reminded her of her mistakes. This accuser made it difficult for her to accept God’s forgiveness and move forward in her faith. One day, during a Bible study, she read about how Satan accuses believers day and night. This revelation was pivotal for her. She realized that these accusations were not from God but from the enemy trying to weaken her faith. With this understanding, Grace began to reject these negative thoughts and focused on the truth of God’s Word.

What This Means

The Bible tells us that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. His goal is to make us feel condemned and distant from God. However, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who has already paid the price for our sins. When we feel accused, we must remember that Christ’s sacrifice covers all our transgressions. We are justified by His grace, not by our works.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where you feel accused or condemned?
– How can you remind yourself of Christ’s sacrifice when you face these accusations?
– What steps can you take to reject the accuser’s lies and embrace God’s truth?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be our advocate. Help us to recognize and reject the accusations of the enemy. Remind us daily of Your grace and forgiveness. Strengthen our faith so that we can stand firm against the accuser’s lies. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” – Romans 8:33 (KJV)

April 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Living a New Life

Opening Verse:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” – Romans 6:1-2, KJV

Introduction

In Romans 6:1-2, Paul confronts a critical question about the Christian life. These verses challenge believers to consider the implications of grace and how it transforms our lives.

Devotional Story

Imagine a person who has been sick for many years finally receiving a cure. This cure isn’t just a temporary fix; it completely eradicates the illness, giving them a new chance at life. Would it make sense for them to go back and willingly expose themselves to the same sickness again?

In the same way, when we accept Jesus Christ, our old life of sin is cured. We are given a new identity and a fresh start. Paul uses this passage to remind us that returning to our old ways after experiencing God’s grace contradicts the very essence of our healing.

What This Means

For Christians, continuing in sin after receiving salvation is like to the cured person returning to their illness. Paul’s strong words, “God forbid,” underline that our actions should align with our new identity in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, but alive to God.

Think About This

How do you view your past sins and current temptations in light of God’s grace? Are there areas in your life where you might be ‘returning to the illness’ despite having been cured?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that not only forgives my sins but also empowers me to live a new life in Christ. Help me to turn away from old patterns and to embrace the life You’ve prepared for me. Guide me in Your ways, so I may truly live free from the bonds of sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4, KJV

April 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Wilderness

Opening Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.”
— Proverbs 3:5-7

Introduction

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses emphasizes the lessons learned during Israel’s tough journey through the desert, particularly highlighting the importance of humility and the risks of self-reliance and disobedience to God.

Devotional Story

The wilderness journey of the Israelites serves as a reminder for our spiritual paths. When they trusted their own wisdom and strayed from God’s commands, they found themselves literally wandering in circles—stuck in a harsh, unyielding environment for forty long years. Yet, even in this severe correction, God’s grace remained evident in small but profound ways.

What This Means

Being wise in our own eyes can trap us in a spiritual wilderness, just as the Israelites were trapped in the desert. Ignoring God’s direction and clinging to sin prevents us from moving forward. However, God’s grace never leaves us. During Israel’s wanderings, their clothes never wore out, and their feet never swelled. These overlooked miracles are vivid reminders of God’s constant presence and care, even when we are blind to it.

Think About This

Consider the ‘small miracles’ in your life that you might have overlooked. How has God shown His grace to you in ways you didn’t fully appreciate at the time?

Prayer

Lord, help us to see Your hand in every part of our lives, even when we feel lost or stuck. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own understanding rather than Your wisdom. Thank you for Your unending grace that sustains us, even in our spiritual wilderness. Amen.

Closing Verse

“And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.”
— Deuteronomy 8:3