“But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.”  Romans 5:15 – 17

“Perhaps the authentic moral stature of a man is determined by his choice of weapons which he uses in his fight against the adversary. Of all weapons, love is the most deadly and devastating, and few there be who dare trust their fate in its hands.” (Howard Thurman. Deep Is the Hunger . Ravenio Books. Kindle Edition.)

The Grace of Jesus Christ is a free gift. We need to contemplate more fully the reality of Grace – the Grace we receive through the cross of Jesus, and the Grace we are to show others in our relationships. Grace is a gift to the undeserving. Grace is being justified, being made right with G-d, and the only requirement to receive this gift is faith. Now here is the amazing part – faith too is a gift. We cannot earn faith – we cannot purchase faith – we can only receive faith as a gift through the Holy Spirit. Martin Luther’s explanation to the third article of the Apostle’s Creed states: “I cannot come to faith in Jesus by my own reason or strength, but it is through the Holy Spirit that calls me through the Gospel, enlightens me with His gifts, sanctifies and keeps me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church…”

When the Holy Spirit dwells in us, we not only grow in faith understanding, but we also find that our faith lives come alive – we find that we become empowered with the gifts of the Spirit. My friends, remain open to the spirit – open to the Word – open to the presence of Christ. The love of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit will give you a new purpose in life, and in your faith understanding and faith living.

Pastor Dave

“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” Hebrews 10:22 – 23

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“There is no guarantee that the decision I make will not, in the end, form a mistake, a bad judgment, a movement in error. But I shall bring to bear upon it the fruits of my cumulative wisdom in living, the light from as many lamps along the way as I can see, and the greatest spiritual resources available to me. It has taken more than a thousand years to determine whether the death of the Son of Man on a cross outside the city wall was a mistake. It was madness; but with that madness Jesus discovered a new world.” (Howard Thurman. Deep Is the Hunger. Ravenio Books. Kindle Edition.)

I like the verses of Proverbs mentioned in the devotion. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insights; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths”. The relationship G-d wants with each one of us is a relationship based on trust. The promises of G-d are steadfast and true. If G-d promises to do something, then it is done. When Jesus promises to be with us to the end of the age, then we believe and trust that Jesus is with us. When Jesus promises to be in the bread and wine of communion, and in the word and water in Baptism, then we trust that Jesus is there. Our lives are filled with people who will break their promises and forget their vows. Jesus is not on that list. When we think we have been forsaken by our G-d, it is time to assess our expectations. Knowing the difference will help us for a trusting relationship with G-d, and ultimately with each other.

Pastor Dave