Be Strong in Grace

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

2 Timothy 2:1 NIV

I think I can be strong in a lot of things but, not have grace. I can be strong in my opinions. I can be strong in my convictions. I can be strong in my stand against injustice. But, I can be lacking in grace. 

Isn't that what the Pharisee's were like. They were confident in what they thought the Scriptures taught. They were willing to defend what they thought was right. And they pursued people who didn't obey the law with brutal consistency.  But, they didn't have a clue about grace. 

As Christ was on the cross, placed there by the people he came to save, between two criminals while Roman soldiers were casting lots for his clothes, he said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing?" (Luke 23:34). I can't imagine a greater example of grace, strength in grace, than that. 

Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for being so gracious to me, even now. Give me strength in your grace to give to others. 

He Told You So

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

The desired state of being is peace. The reality is there's going to be trouble. The need is to be courageous in Christ. The reason is because Christ overcame the world already! 

Lord, we look to you to be our peace in the trials that we will encounter today. Give us the strength and courage we need to fight the good fight in Christ. Thank you that you have already overcome the world and sent you Spirit within us to give us the courage and strength we need. Be glorified in us today!

Proclaim the Righteousness of God in Christ!

Are You Letting Your Hands Be Strong?

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

Zechariah 8:13

If you channel surf you will definitely come across some fitness coach promising that if you use their system you will lose weight and feel better. Self-help programs can aid you to lose some weight and feel better about yourself to some degree. But, they all share the same weakness. Self. 

That is what makes the grace of God so powerful. Grace is built upon the Sovereignty and faithfulness of the Almighty God. His promise is to save us and make us a blessing.  If you lift weights you should have a partner who acts as your spotter. Sometimes when you need just a little help they will pull up on the bar just a bit to help you finish the set. 

The grace of God is where he does a lot more than pull us up a little bit to bring us through. Because we know that we can let our hands be strong, we can act in faith without fear. You see, having a spotter allows you to try as hard as you can without fear that you will be halfway through a lift and your arms will give out and the weights will fall back on you. Let your hands be strong. Don't be afraid to fail. Be a blessing. Be strong in the Lord!

STRONG IN GRACE: II Timothy 2:1

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 
II Timothy 2:1

Where do I find my strength? In the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

I think of David and in the moments of his deepest need he turned to God and reminded himself of God's gracious love toward him. When his boss (Saul) whom he faithfully served to take his life he turned to God's gracious love toward him. When his enemies surrounded him and attacked him, he turned and found his strength in God's gracious love toward him. When his own son turned against him, he found strength in God's gracious love toward him.

So, turn to God and find strength in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

Father, hear our cry and show your grace toward us. Praise be to you for your grace in us today!