Monday, September 22, 2008

GOD's Grace


In our generation today, pride, self-righteousness and hypocrisy are the enemies in the spiritual realm.

John 1:16
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."

Definitions of Grace:
a. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.
b. Mercy; clemency.
c. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people.
d. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.
e. An excellence or power granted by God.
f. a reprieve meaning...
1. a postponement or cancellation of a punishment
2. a warrant granting a postponement or cancellation
3. a temporary relief from pain or harm

But GOD's grace is not temporary. It is permanent. Believe it or not, you are always under GOD's grace.

Seven Main Points to know that you are experiencing GOD's grace

1.) Humility
John 3:30
"He must become greater; I must become less."

It is by true grace that you gain true humility. Only GOD's grace can change a life.

James 4:10 (NIV)
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up."

But I love the translation of the TLB (The Living Bible) version...

James 4:10 (TLB)
"...When you realize your worthlessness before the LORD, HE will lift you up, encourage and help you."

It is when you realize that you are nothing before GOD that you experience and embrace GOD's grace. You begin to realize that GOD is everything and you are nothing without HIM. That you can only be something because of HIS undying grace. But even if you are something because of GOD, you glorify GOD above all.

"Humility doesn't mean you think less of yourself but that you think of yourself less." ~Max Lucado
A text message sent to me by my ninang Leja Good.

Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast."

GOD's grace assures humility. You will learn that when grace is given to you, you won't have room for arrogance.

Romans 11:6
"And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace."

Galatians 3:3
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"

Nothing that you do is good enough for GOD but because of HIS endless grace, HE always accepts everything you do especially when done for HIM.

"You will never be obedient enough to merit HIS favor." ~Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams

"GOD never intended for you to relate to HIM on the basis of your good day-bad day performance. Your performance is never good enough to be acceptable to HIM." ~Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of GOD's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of GOD's grace." ~Jerry Bridges (The Discipline of Grace)

2.) Acknowledgement of Sins
Romans 6:14
"For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace."

You experience GOD's grace when you admit your sins, confess them and turn away from them.

Romans 3:22-23
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

We should never abuse GOD's grace because JESUS paid the price.

"If life is the most costly gift one could give ever give.. I wouldn't mind paying the price.. Just to make you mine.." ~JESUS CHRIST
A text message sent by Glen Ramos.

Romans 6:1-2
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

"And until we know the seriousness of our diagnosis, it is impossible to appreciate the cure. Unless we are willing to admit that we are sick, guilty, and separated from GOD, we will never experience the power of GOD's miraculous cure - grace." ~Ben Young


3.) Acknowledgement of our Savior JESUS CHRIST
Titus 2:11-12
"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Galatians 2:20-21
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

If we can be righteous because of the good deeds we do, because of the obedience in GOD's Commandments then GOD's grace is useless and so is CHRIST's sacrifice for us.

2 Peter 3:18
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

GOD's grace is for everyone. Not only for unbelievers but also for believers. And we grow in GOD's grace through what JESUS CHRIST our Savior has done for us.

Romans 5:17-21
17
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

20The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

We get to go to heaven because of what JESUS CHRIST did for us. That is why they call it "Amazing Grace."

Romans 6:1-2

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

Romans 8:1
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,"

4.) Faith that of a Little Child

*innocence from sin like that of a little child
*wisdom from GOD that is pure

Luke 18:16-17
But Jesus called the children to Him and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—"

A text story sent to me by Pastora Girlie:
A doctor was fond of letting the kids listen to the beat of their hearts during check-ups. She loved seeing their young faces light up when they hear the thump of their own hearts. But one question from a little boy touched her the most. He asked, "Is that JESUS knocking?"

5.) Blessings
John 1:16
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."

Ephesians 2:7
"in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

Psalm 21:3
"You welcomed him with rich blessings and placed a crown of pure gold on his head."

Proverbs 10:6
"Blessings crown the head of the righteous, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked."

Romans 15:29
"I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ."

Galatians 3:14
"He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Ephesians 1:3
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."

1 Peter 3:9
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."

When we receive HIS grace, it is then that we are blessed spiritually and that we start blessing others, too. Not just by actions but also with prayers. All kinds of blessings will overflow after every trial. Double portion of blessings.

6.) Thankfulness
Colossians 4:2
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

Colossians 2:6-7
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

It is when you begin to be thankful for everything (blessings and trials) that you appreciate GOD's grace.

7.) Intercession
Isaiah 53:12
"Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

Just like JESUS CHRIST, we should intercede for others, too, as HE Himself intercedes for us.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

1 Timothy 2:8
"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing."

When we receive GOD's grace and experience it everyday and appreciate it every minute, we learn not only to pray but also to intercede for others. Intercession is a humble act of love.

8.) Joy in Living
Psalm 5:11
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

Psalm 16:11
"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Psalm 19:8
"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."

Psalm 21:6
"Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence."

Psalm 28:7
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

Psalm 45:7
"You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy."

Psalm 68:3
"But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful."

Psalm 90:14
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."

John 16:20
"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy."

John 16:24
"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

Acts 2:28
"You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence."

Acts 14:17
"Yet He has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

Romans 5:1-2
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Romans 14:17-18
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men."

Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

After receiving GOD's grace, we begin to live with so much joy even if we undergo trials for we know the reward we have in heaven. The reward of eternal life with our Beautiful Father. We focus on our goal and that is to end the good race with GOD's grace.

Our GOD's grace is always available for you. Do not hesitate to ask for it.

Make an impact. Make a difference. Make a ripple. Tip the scale.

GOD'S GRACE BE UPON YOU ALWAYS! GOD BE WITH YOU! GOD IS GOOD AND FAITHFUL ALL THE TIME!

ALL THE GLORY BELONGS TO GOD ALONE!!!

P.U.S.H.

When you feel GOD's love, OVERFLOW!

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