God's grace

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.                         Phil. 4.23

Here’s another short verse that opens up a whole array of wonder and blessing. Paul very simply prays the grace of Jesus on the Philippians.

The grace of Jesus is immense. It is all embracing and totally releasing. Nothing is impossible when the grace of God is released, and this is what is given to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This grace that Paul spoke of to the Philippians is available to each and every one who receives Jesus as Saviour and Lord. It is all sufficient. It is enough: My grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor. 12.9).

I live in the grace of God. I choose to live this way and I would not have it any other way. I could rely on my own strength and ability, but I know this would only take me so far. Yes, I use my God given abilities and I go forward in the strength that God has given me. But I do not restrict myself to these. I know there is more for me, and the more is in Him. I give my utmost to reaching that right balance between what I am meant to do in my own enabling and then looking to God for what only He can do, and what I can do only in Him. I don’t always get the balance right. I need to persevere.

Every situation is a new challenge. But as I cultivate the practice of fixing my eyes on Jesus, and keeping them fixed on Him, then I progress in achieving the balance I need, first in my spirit, then flowing through into my body and my behaviour.

Dear Lord Jesus,

I look to You. Yours is the only way I want to go. Lead me in Your way. Journey with me, in Your precious name I ask.                Amen.

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Benediction

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.                                 Phil. 4.20

What a glorious benediction Paul shares with us here. May God, who is not only our God but also our loving Father, receive glory at all times – without ceasing. Let us honour God and sing praise and glory to Him in continuity and perpetuity.  

As I ponder on these words, I reflect how great and wonderful God is. He has made everything that there is. He created it all, and it is a creation of love. God extends His love from the greatest to the least. No created thing is denied God’s love. This is wondrous and most worthy of our glory and praise.

I have said that nothing in all of creation need be deprived of God’s love but, sadly, many choose not to receive it. They scorn and even abuse our wonderful God.

This is cause for intercession. Believers can stand in the gap created by others’ rejection of God. We can stand in this space and place, and humbly beseech God to reach out and draw these people to Him. I do not interrupt my praise and glory of God to bring this prayer to Him, I merely incorporate intercession within my praise, adoration and glory.

Lord, Mighty and Loving God,

I praise You and glorify You for Your great being. I thank You for the wonderful things You’ve done in my life.

I pray for those who do not acknowledge You as I do. I cry out for them, and ask You to draw them to You. Show them the reality of Your love. Bring them to that place of knowing You, of truly knowing You.                  Amen.