For by Grace ye are Saved

[rayofsunshine]

A Daily devotion with Billy Graham

August 11, 2009

“For by grace are ye saved . . . ”
-Ephesians 2:8

“Grace,” according to the dictionary, is the unmerited favor of God toward mankind. The word “grace” is used over 170 times in the New Testament alone. Grace is not bought. It is a free gift of almighty God to needy mankind. When I picture Jesus Christ dying on the cross, I see the free gift of God’s grace in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. I sing with the songwriter, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” Your human mind, with its philosophy of an equal return for favors done, can hardly comprehend the full meaning of this grace of God. But when you catch, by the inspiration of God, its full meaning, you will leave the limits of human reasoning and revel in the spiritual riches of divine truth and privilege.

Yes, the grace of God is a reality. Thousands have tried, tested, and proved that it is more than a cold creed, a docile doctrine, or a tedious theory. The grace of God has been tested in the crucible of human experience, and has been found to be more than an equal for the problems and sins of humanity.

Prayer for the day:

Lord, this day help me to come to a more full and abundant awareness of Your bountiful grace. Stimulate me to serve You.

[Tommyh]

YouTube - Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

[NeedingHelp7]

Prayer for the day:

Lord, this day help me to come to a more full and abundant awareness of Your bountiful grace. Stimulate me to serve You

Amen....and thankyou for posting this. It's always wonderful to be reminded of His grace.
Only He could have saved a wretch like me, and He did. I remember listening to Billy Graham on tv those many years ago (on my way to rehab). He said if you are a drug addict, an alcoholic, no matter who you are or what you've done Jesus can save you this day, He can heal you, He can set you free, and give you a new life. I remember getting on my knees beside my childrens bunkbeds and praying "Jesus if you are all Billy Graham says you are, show me who you are." And He did!!

[NoelleR]

This may be a bit off-topic, but when I was reading this thread, I was reminded the examples my pastor used to define, and show the difference between, 'grace' and 'mercy.' So, I thought I'd put it 'out-there' here.......:

MERCY is NOT getting what you deserve---ie: a mother catches her child sneaking cookies from the cookie-jar. Although the punishment is supposed to be 'xxxxxxxx' (whatever), all the mother does is have the child put the cookies back.

GRACE is getting what we DON'T deserve---ie: same as above but instead of punishment, or no punishment, the mother gives her child a glass of milk to wash down the cookies......

Happy cookies 'n milk guy 'n gals.....! (o:


NoelleR