SHOWING THANKFULNESS FOR GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed,
but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ
will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
(Philippians 1:2)

MEDITATION:
Moderation is good in some things like eating,
sleeping, recreation, exercise, finances, etc.
But when it comes to spiritual warfare, moderation is not enough.
When it comes to believing the Bible, moderation is not enough.
When it comes to loving the Lord, moderation is not enough!

Suppose someone asked their spouse,
     “Do you love me?”
and their reply was,
     “Well, moderately.”

How do you think the person would feel?
If the world considers us a “moderate” when it comes to
our Christianity, we are riding the fence of ‘lukewarmness’.
So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I
am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

God has saved us to serve Him,
and not just to lazily bask in his graciousness.
We have been given a story to tell (testimony), and we need
to be prepared for opportunities to share it with others.

We may wonder how we can ‘open the doors’ of opportunity.
If we live a life similar to Jesus, it will happen, because we
care for other people, and look for ways to encourage them.
When they are sad and hurting, our heart hurts for them,
and we have a desire to ‘reach out’ to them in love.

ACTION:
Ask God to help you become a passionate worshipper,
and a bold evangelist in a sea of lukewarm apathy.
If your Christian life is worth anything, it’s worth everything.
Imagine Jesus on the cross for you; take what you see there
and let it ignite a flame of holy boldness in your heart.

When we see others turning to drugs, alcohol, etc.
we know they are searching for something.
If they don’t know about the Jesus who can fulfill their
needs, they will continue on their road of destruction.

Resolve today to have a testimony prepared
so you will be ready to share when opportunities arise.
Think about some experiences you have had
and how Jesus helped you to get through them.

Maybe you had a major decision to make,
or financial problems, or addictions,
or a heartbreaking loss of a friend or loved one,
or a medical condition, or an emotional issue,
or relationship problems, or (fill in the blank).
Be ready for God to give you an opportunity to share with
someone how His grace helped you in your circumstances.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for when You have been with
me during difficult and trying times! Help me to reflect on
those experiences, so that I will be prepared to comfort
someone else You have placed in my path. Teach me the
value of encouraging others and considering them as more
important than myself. Replace my selfishness with selflessness
so that I can learn to live more like Jesus. Thank You now for
the opportunities You will give me in the future to share how
You have loved and cared for me, a sinner saved by Your grace.”