by Lydia Harris
**Has your world shattered and left you with no hope? Discover a God of grace that cares deeply about you in this Online Bible Study: http://thelife.com/study/charactergod.html?section=come_know_god&subsection=discover_merciful_god&ft=BSG-OS
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace (Rom. 6:14).
Please read: Romans 6:12-23
Laws protect and order our daily lives. When we disobey them, consequences usually follow. For example, exceeding the speed limit may result in accidents, injuries, or a costly ticket. Once as I sped down the street, late for the evening church service, I saw an unwelcome flashing red light. A glance at the speedometer confirmed my fears–I was speeding. Pulling the car over, I thought, “I hope this officer is lenient.” He was. I received only a warning. It was a time for grace.
We also need rules for harmonious family living. Regulations and boundaries help children feel secure and loved while teaching them right from wrong. When our children were young, rules included bedtime at eight, tidy rooms, and treating others kindly. Disobedience usually brought consequences.
I remember one summer morning when both children were misbehaving and fighting. Before long, all three of us were upset. Their behavior deserved punishment, yet the thought came to me, “Teach them about grace.” As they repentantly approached for their correction, I hugged each one and said tearfully, “I love you.” It was a time for grace.
God established laws for us to obey, and disobedience brings consequences. Although God disciplines us, He also offers grace. How should we respond? Should we sin and take advantage of His grace? Paul answers emphatically, “By no means!” (v.15). We are not slaves to sin but are freed to become slaves to righteousness (v.18). Although we deserve death, through God’s grace, we receive eternal life (v. 23).
~ Gracious God, thank you for Your grace, so freely given. I want to bask in it, but not abuse it. May Your grace abound in my life today, overflowing into the lives of others.
Questions: Can you give an example of how God has shown His grace to you? In what ways have you extended grace to others?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/lydia-e-harris/
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August 2nd, 2008 at 5:44 am
after battelling a time of deep anger at my spousc who walked out on me after 28 years . I FELT so deeply that I JUST KEEP
August 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 am
God showed me His infinite mercy and grace when He allowed me to see my lost condition, though I had been certain I was a Christian. I had not experienced being ‘born again,’ and therefore did not understand it, and was even suspicious of those who talked about it, thinking they were just ‘zealots.’ And so, I am forever thankful to Him for forgiving me my self-assurance, and offering me His assurance of salvation! As I was so undeserving of His mercy, this is the height and depth of ‘grace!’
Thank You, Father God, for devising a plan of salvation for us! Thank You, Jesus, for implementing that plan on our behalf! Thank You, Holy Spirit, for quickening our hearts and drawing us unto You, that we might know the immeasurable love You have for us! Help us to live our days in memory of Your ‘amazing grace!’
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:43 am
THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR AMAZING GRACE
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:05 am
linda r thank you for your nice welcome to the site. also thanks for this devotional today
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Boy it sure is quiet on here today!!! Well how can one ever begin to say where God has shown me Grace!!! There are far too many ways. All I can say is thank you for the privilege of being brought up in a Christian Home, Thank you Thank you for all You have Done for Me, Given Me and What I have Waiting Ahead for Me In HEAVEN, THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! Lord Help Me never to forget the Amazing Grace that You so Freely Gave Me and Help me to always be willing to extend that grace to others unconditionally! Hugs, Linda !!!
August 3rd, 2008 at 1:16 am
This is grace…..God in his mercy didn’t give me what I deserved. He gave me eternal life through his son Jesus. He forgave me and now sees me as righteous because Jesus paid the price for my sin. Now that is grace and I thank him and desire to live my life for him. Since he has extended his grace to me I am obligated to extend grace to others, giving up my rights and showing mercy when it is undeserved. Forgiving when it is undeserved. Loving when it is undeserved. That’s my calling through Jesus Christ our Lord. Praying you are all well…Loving you all from Australia….Donna
August 3rd, 2008 at 6:30 pm
Rom.12:1-2 I beseech you therefore brerhen by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is
your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Beseech equate urging or
encouraging. Yield your body unto God as living sacrifice. Some of us are half
dead. God the Holy Spirit give us the ability to have victory of not flirting
with sin. Ex. enternet, t.v. don’t think you can dable with it. Are you taking a little of this and a bit of that slide it in . syncronize around
sin and flirt about it a little . God is the God of grace He will help those who call him and just imagine texting him or calling him in the cell phone.
This is mainly what I heard in church this morning . The analogy of texting and cell phone are mine.