October 2, 2015

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

“READ — Our acceptance in God’s eyes is a no-strings-attached gift. It isn’t a reward for our good behavior. It’s not something we can pay God back for by doing all the things we think he wants us to do. God gave us our salvation. Jesus paid a high price for it, so it wasn’t free; but it’s free to us. It’s a gift that he wanted us to have because he is good and loving. Paul said it like this: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”.

THINK — God’s grace is hard to grasp because in the world nothing comes for free. Grace is the way of God because that’s how deep his love goes. The awkwardness we feel when we realize Jesus died to save us and there’s nothing we can do to earn our salvation is a glimpse of how deep God’s love and goodness goes. It’s almost awkward to be loved this deeply. This is intense, overwhelming love. It’s love beyond anything we could ever repay. It’s too much. It’s too good. And, well, that’s who God is. He is too good. He is too much. He is overwhelming love.

LIVE — When you sin, return to God. But remind yourself of what Jesus did in order for you to do so. Then, even though it’s difficult, bring your sin and guilt to God and receive the love that he offers in exchange. Sit in the intensity of the moment; don’t run from it.

As you experience all kinds of feelings, know this: You’re experiencing the intensity of God’s love. This is God’s heart. He is audaciously loving, shockingly kind and unfailingly forgiving. Let it sink in to your heart that this is who he is and what his heart is like. He is so incredibly good.” (THE NIV 365 DAY DEVOTIONAL – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015, No Strings, 2014 HaperCollins Christian Publishing)

“G*d is audaciously loving.” I can think of no better way to say it than that. This is what Grace is about: G*d demonstrated a willingness to take the surprisingly bold risk by sending Jesus to the cross. This is the audacious act of love that G*d has done for each one of us. G*d was audacious enough to show love for all people through the cross of Jesus. There was no application process for us to go through — no proving ourselves worthy. G*d acted first before we could do or say anything. Each day we should try to focus on the “audacious love” of G*d — and allow that to lead us to live into that love — and to share that “audacious love” with others.

Pastor Dave