Posts with the tag “grace”

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28    We’ve been talking a lot about pursuing the dreams and purposes God has placed in your heart. For some, that idea is exciting. It sparks a sense of hope and motivation for what God can do through them.  But for others, it might bring a sense of guilt or f...  Read More

"Freely you have received; freely give." - Matthew 10:8    Have you ever considered the kind of impact you make when you give without expecting anything in return? In a world that often operates by the "you get what you give" mindset, your selfless generosity can be a life-changing picture of God’s grace.  When you give without any need to be repaid, you’re showing someone a glimpse of how God wor...  Read More

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."- 2 Peter 3:18   There is a trendy phrase young basketball players have started to use when a player masters a new move. The phrase “he’s in his bag” or “I’ve added that to my bag” is commonly used when players pull out new moves that others haven’t seen them use before. It’s a way...  Read More

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." - 2 Corinthians 9:8    In a world that often operates on the principle of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours," it's counterintuitive to serve others without expecting anything in return. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher sta...  Read More

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."- Romans 8:28   Have you ever experienced pain or suffering that seemed so unbearable? Have you wondered if God could possibly bring something good out of the destruction that has entered your life? The truth is, God specializes in repurposing our pain for a greater purpos...  Read More

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."- Hebrews 13:8   Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has shifted? When adversity strikes or challenges arise, it's easy to wonder if God has changed. But the truth is, God remains constant and unchanging, steadfast in His love and faithfulness towards us. It's often during times of hardship or distance from God that we may p...  Read More

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you." - Matthew 7:1-2   It's all too easy to look at the lives of others and be quick to judge areas of weakness in their lives. We notice their mistakes, flaws, and sins, often without considering our own. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He remin...  Read More

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33   What if you decided to go all in on God? Imagine a life fully surrendered to God—a life where every thought, every action, every decision is guided by His wisdom and His love. It’s a life of purpose, of passion, of unshakeable peace—a life beyond anything you could ever imagine. W...  Read More

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 5:20-21   Have you ever felt like you've messed up so badly that there's no way God could forgive you? Maybe you've made mistakes that haunt you, leaving you feeling unworthy and ashamed. But he...  Read More

"Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them. They aroused the Lord's anger." - Judges 2:11-12   Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle of doing what's right one moment, only to find yourself stumbling back ...  Read More

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8   God's love is a love unlike any other—a love that transcends human understanding and defies earthly logic. While we often show conditional love, based on performance or how others treat us, God's love stands apart, independent of our actions and unwavering in its devotion. Consider for a moment th...  Read More

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16   We live in a world that often celebrates individualism and self-promotion, and therefore it can be easy to get caught up in the desire to stand out and be known for our own uniqueness or brilliance. Yet, as followers of Christ, our greatest desire should be t...  Read More

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Revelation 21:4    Life on this earth is filled with trials and tribulations. We face pain, suffering, and heartache on a daily basis. But as followers of Christ, we have a hope—a hope that transcends our present circumstances and points us toward a f...  Read More

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." - Galatians 6:1   In a world that often champions individualism and self-reliance, it can be easy to adopt a mindset of "I'll do me, and you do you." Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to something greater—a community of beli...  Read More

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" - Matthew 25:21   Have you ever considered that the path to greater blessings often begins with faithfulness in the small things? It's a principle deeply rooted in the wisdom of God. He can't trust us with the big t...  Read More

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." - Psalm 103:12   Too we often find ourselves tangled in the threads of sin and shame, feeling unworthy of the love and mercy of our Heavenly Father. Yet, in His infinite grace, God extends forgiveness to us—time and time again—removing our transgressions as far as the East is from the West. The truth is, we ca...  Read More

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9    Did you know the God you serve is a God of boundless forgiveness? 1 John 1:9 encapsulates the essence of this truth: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  God's forgiveness is not lim...  Read More

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28    In the midst of difficulty, God invites us to see a profound truth, He doesn't desire for us to merely "try harder" in our struggles, but to surrender them to His unwavering strength.  Often, we fall into the trap of attempting to navigate difficulties in our own strength, believing that trying harder wi...  Read More

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world." - John 15:19   God often reminds us that we are not meant to conform to the patterns of this world. Instead, He commands us to be of Him: set apart, distinct, and aligned with a higher purpose. The words of Jesus in John 15:19 illuminate this divine callin...  Read More

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13   In our previous devotion, we dove into the importance of forgiving ourselves and embracing God's grace. Now, let's explore the other side of forgiveness—extending it to others, even when they've wronged us. The challenge is this: if God, who is perfect,...  Read More

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8   Take a moment to reflect on your life journey. Have you ever made mistakes, stumbled, or strayed from the path you knew was right? We all have. But in those moments, there's a truth that remains constant: God never gives up on you. In a world that often seems quick to j...  Read More

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - Romans 3:23   In life, we are each woven with our unique struggles, sins, and imperfections. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the reality that no one is exempt from the grip of sin, regardless of the form it may take in our lives. It's essential to acknowledge that ou...  Read More

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18   Sin carries a heavy burden—one that is often felt most acutely in the depths of our hearts. Engaging in sinful behaviors frequently leads to feelings of guilt and shame, emotions that further hinder our ability to approach God with confidence and open hearts. In these moments, guilt and shame can ma...  Read More

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." - Micah 6:8   Humility is a virtue often misunderstood in a world that celebrates self-sufficiency and independence. Yet, a humble heart is at the center of God's transformative work in your life. It is the key to recognizing your dependence on God, a...  Read More

"But where sin increased, grace increased all the more." - Romans 5:20   Have you ever questioned whether your sins are too great, whether you've strayed too far from the path of righteousness? It's a struggle many face, feeling that they've fallen beyond redemption. But today, be reminded that you can't “out-sin” God, for His grace is always greater than your sins. Romans 5:20 speaks of a profoun...  Read More

Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."   In ...  Read More

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) - "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."   Walking with God is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey of transformation. In this journey, we come to understand that we will never reach perfection on our own. However, our desire sh...  Read More

Romans 6:1-2 (NIV) - "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"  God's grace is truly endless, covering our mistakes and offering forgiveness when we fall short. However, as recipients of this boundless grace, we must be mindful not to abuse it. Instead, God desires that when we mes...  Read More

Psalm 34:18 (NIV) - "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."   In our journey of faith, we are not immune to making mistakes. But even in our failures, God's grace abounds. He can use our mistakes as opportunities to deepen our dependence on Him, drawing us closer to His loving embrace and guiding us toward growth and transformation. Psalm 34:18 assures u...  Read More

Romans 8:28 (NIV) - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."   Have you ever made a mistake that left you feeling broken, unworthy, or discouraged? The good news is that God can use even our mistakes to bring about something amazing. He is the master of redemption, turning our brokenness into beautiful testimonies...  Read More

1 John 3:5 (NIV) - "But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin."   The impact of 1 John 3:5 on our lives is immeasurable. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus' sacrifice and the profound implications it has for our sin-stained lives. Through His appearance, Jesus came to take away our sins and offer us the gift of forgiveness and r...  Read More

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17   Your past does not define you. Regardless of the mistakes, failures, or pain you have experienced, God offers a fresh start and a new identity. Let's explore the liberating truth that in Christ, we are no longer bound by our past, but transformed into new creations. Our past ca...  Read More

"In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3   The way we begin our day sets the tone for what follows. Starting our day alone with God in solitude and seeking His presence can have a profound impact on our hearts, minds, and spirits. Let's explore the benefits of carving out sacred moments each morning to connect with our...  Read More

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." - Matthew 16:25   Picture this: You're standing at the edge of a vast ocean, ready to dive into the depths of an adventure that surpasses your wildest dreams. But to embark on this extraordinary journey, you must surrender your life to the greater purpose that God has in store for you. As believe...  Read More

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." - 1 Peter 2:9    Have you ever felt like you didn't quite fit in? Like you were meant for something more? As children of God, we are set apart for a special purpose. We are not meant to conform to the ways of th...  Read More

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." - Ephesians 1:7   Have you ever felt like you're beyond repair? Like no matter what you do, you'll never be good enough? We've all been there, but the good news is that we don't have to stay there. As believers, we are redeemed through Christ. His blood shed on the cross paid the p...  Read More

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13    Are you quick to judge and slow to forgive? Do you hold onto grudges and refuse to extend grace to others? As followers of Christ, we are called to love and forgive one another, just as the Lord loves and forgives us.  It can be difficult to extend gra...  Read More

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8   Have you ever made a mistake that you just can't seem to forgive yourself for? Maybe it's something you said to a friend that you regret, or a decision you made that had unintended consequences. Whatever it is, it's weighing heavy on your heart, and you just can't seem to let ...  Read More

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." - Romans 8:1   I have a question for you today. When you sin, are you beating yourself up time and time again? If so, I want you to understand the importance of not beating yourself up when you sin. It's easy to fall into a pattern of self-sabotage and shame when we make mistakes, but God's grace reminds us that we don't ...  Read More

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33   Today, I want to talk about something that's on all of our minds: priorities. It seems like everyone is busy these days, with work, school, family, hobbies, and social media taking up so much of our time and energy. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: what's really importa...  Read More