Devotional 3-18-09

We may fail, but God’s grace is sufficient

Scripture: “but God’s mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we are spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God’s grace…You did not save yourselves; it was a gift form God.” Ephesians 2:4, 8b.
Paul’s message to the Ephesians is one of hope. God, in his mercy had changed them from being spiritually dead to new life in Christ. This is our hope as well. Max Lucado put it this way: “God’s mercy plucks us up from the destruction of our countless sins and places us in Jesus Christ’s righteousness.”

As we prepare ourselves for the resurrection of Christ in this season of Lent, it seems important for us to examine the multifaceted concept of grace and remember the ways it changed us from who we were to whom we are becoming in Christ.

Prevenient grace comes before we are saved. It is the love of God wooing us, drawing us, pursuing us, freeing us, empowering us much like a magnet draws a piece of metal. God’s plan is that we will be in relationship with him. Justifying grace saves us and makes us as if we had never sinned. It takes a sinner like me and brings salvation and healing. I did not save myself, but it was a gift from God. Sanctifying grace is growing and sustaining grace that gives us a desire and power to give God our undivided attention and whole heart and to be Christ in the world. As I look back during this season of Lent I am grateful for the grace that has sustained me and provided leadership in how to be Christ’s representative here in this place.

Prayer: God we thank you for your grace that pull us to you, saves us, and enables us to produce fruit in your vineyard. Give us the strength and will to be your hands on the earth. Amen.

Maudie Karickhoff

Mission Prayer and Response Focus:
March 18: HHH provides after school tutoring. Give a dime for each person you have in elementary school.