One of the very formative pastors in my life said: “I am a grace dispenser- if you get in front of me, you’re going to get loved!” How is the grace of God at work in the lives of believers? God offers us grace, we respond in faith, and process of sanctification begins. While it is true that I’ve given Jesus every reason to stop loving me, He continues to love me. How amazing is the love of God toward all of us! God expressed His great love in His Son’s life, death and resurrection. It’s quite counter intuitive, how grace works, but God’s repeating grace and forgiveness do not motivate me to sin more, but rather to be transformed by an inward desire to be holy and allow His Spirit to transform and conform me in every way to the image of Christ. Its as if the old person (who I was) is put to death and a new person is now alive. The law of God could not accomplish what the grace of God is accomplishing in me… and hopefully you as well. We should be like God, grace dispensers!
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now 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! Galatians 2:20-21 NIV
How and when was I crucified with Christ? Am I allowing the dead man to still live in my flesh?
God, as this day begins- oh won’t you take this (old) man who lives in me and nail him up, and let him finally bleed and die. I am choosing to be crucified with Christ, and now live for the Son’s glory. Thank you Lord for the power of grace. I pause to pray for my dear friend Marilyn and her recovery from the head injury. I pray for my sweet niece and nephews, meet their deepest needs, bless them richly, and give their parents wisdom to guide and coach them as adults. I pray for my own children, work within them in every way. I pray for my pastor friend who needs Your confirmation and direction. May he and his wife be in harmony about the future. Oh so many needs in the world, in my world, thank you for hearing my plea.
