For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24 WEB.It is easy for us who are used to having positions, titles, and seniority in the workplace, to carry those ideas into the church. After we've been around the church for a while, we can begin to feel we have earned our position and salvation. We may even think that God is lucky to have someone as dedicated as us. We can become like the pharisee that stood on the street corner and thanked God that he was not like other men (Luke 18:11).
The disciples of Jesus often argued over who was the greatest among them, and at times, we still do today. In Matthew 18:1, the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. In Mark 9:34, the disciples were arguing over who was the greatest among themselves. In Mark 10:37, James and John asked Jesus to be seated on His right hand and on His left. The rest of the disciples became angry about their idea. In John 13:3, Jesus rose and washed the disciple's feet because all of them were far too important to perform a servant's task. "Who is the greatest" was never far from their mind.
Yet, like they were, we are all in the same boat here on Earth. A boat named grace. We are brothers, sisters, and peers. Jesus said that the least among us would be the greatest (Luke 9:48). Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone thinks that he knows anything, then he doesn't yet know as he ought to know.
We are floating in a sea of sin, and if it were not for God's mercy, we would not even be on His boat. We would all drown in our sins just as the ones that missed the ark in Noah's day. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), and our accomplishments, as dung (Philippians 3:8). We are saved simply through the grace of God. It is a free gift that can never be earned, and it comes by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
Be thankful today that God has given us the free gift of His grace. It costs nothing to be forgiven of everything you have ever done wrong. Yet, just like a true gift: We did not earn it. It is something given to us freely because the Giver is good, and He wanted to.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation. Please forgive me for my foolish pride and keep me balanced in my life. You are awesome and so good to me, and I am truly grateful for all You do. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
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Amen
Yes, Amen, for His Goodness to us...Greatful for His Mercy, Grace and Forgiveness...
Amen Father Thank You for all You do
In Jesus name I ask,Amen.
AMEN. Heavenly Father, Thank you for forgiving me of sins. Thank you for your blessings of Grace and Mercy. Amen.
Amen, Thank you Father in Heaven for loving me and forgiveness.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of grace and for the sacrifice you made for me! In your most precious name I pray, Amen!!
Thank You Father For All Of The Blessings You Give To Each And Everyone Of Us Amen
We thank you Jesus for all our blessings.We love and worship you.You are awesome. Amen
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation. Please forgive me for my foolish pride and keep me balanced in my life. You are awesome and so good to me, and I am truly grateful for all You do. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Amen thank you Father for your grace good morning RHM family.
Praise the Lord for His eternal gift! Lord, You are awesome and so good to me! AMEN
Thank you dear God for caring about us. I love you
Thank You Heavenly Father for showing me that pride is not the way we should show to others while we walk on His path. The Lord has shown us through the scriptures that we need to follow His designs, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord I pray, Amen.
Yes Pastor, thank you for this great devotional. God bless you and Sylvia, Amen.
Thank you heavenly father for all. My blessings in jesus name amen
Amen!
Yes, amen Lord
Amen
Thank you God for bringing me to a place where I can learn more about you & grow - Amen