These powerful waves in the photograph above remind me of God's great power and strength. Watching the surf is a spiritual experience for me, even though I am a little afraid of the water, especially powerful surf like this. I suppose that is like we love God, but are in reverent fear of Him at the same time. That same reverent fear of Him should guide us in leading godly lives.
Grace is unmerited favor; something we do not deserve. Many of you may be familiar with GRACE
being "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." The gift of salvation that is in and through Jesus Christ is God's greatest act of Grace. It is available for all who accept this gift by faith.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9
By His shed blood at Calvary, Jesus was our substitute and purchased every sinner and, once a believer, you are sealed with the Holy Spirit and are a child of God destined for Heaven.
Without going into a lot of detail, the good Lord has helped me to overcome many obstacles and I am forever grateful for that and for His love and guidance. I identify with Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9 : "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." In my life, God has made a way where, humanly speaking, there was no way. I have learned to follow what it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 , "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."
I am weak and imperfect, but when I rely on the good Lord He gives me the strength and power to overcome my weaknesses and to carry on when things get tough.
"Grace, then, is grace, - that is to say, it is sovereign, it is free, it is sure, it is unconditional, and it is everlasing." - Alexander Whyte
"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces. Sanctified afflictions are spiritual promotions." - Matthew Henry
We should be thankful for the gift of grace, and praise God in song and worship. One hymn that brings me to tears is "Amazing Grace", because I at one time was so wretched but God has made me whole through His Son Jesus Christ and I am so very grateful. Below is a video of LeAnn Rimes' version of this moving hymn:
Since God has been so loving and full of grace towards us, we also should extend grace to others. We may not be in a position to make large cash donations, but we can show simple acts of kindness and helpfulness to others. We can be generous with our smiles as well as visit the sick and the elderly. We certainly need to be forgiving of others. Look how much Jesus forgave us!
"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." - Colossians 4:6
Remember, God's grace saves us from death and eternal torment. It also gives us a sense of peace and much comfort to know we are bound for heaven one day.
"But to the God of all grace, Who hath called us into His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." - I Peter 5:10
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