How can we experience "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ" daily? A word to anchor us “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” – Philippians 4:23 Living in constant awareness of His grace • Begin each morning by consciously welcoming Christ’s grace: “Lord Jesus, thank You that Your grace already surrounds me today.” • Remember that grace is a present reality, not just a past event. Titus 2:11 – “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.” His grace is actively training and sustaining us right now. • When guilt or fear rises, redirect your thoughts to Romans 8:1: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Feeding on grace through Scripture • Schedule a daily portion of the Word; grace flows most freely where His voice is heard (Acts 20:32). • Trace grace-focused passages and jot brief notes: – John 1:16 – grace upon grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you.” – Hebrews 4:16 – approach the throne of grace with confidence. • Read slowly, turning phrases into personal affirmation: “His grace is sufficient for ME today.” Talking with Jesus: prayer that receives • Approach Him as a generous Father, not a reluctant king. Matthew 7:11 assures He delights to give good gifts. • Use “breath prayers” through the day: on inhaling, “Your grace,” on exhaling, “is enough.” • When needs surface, pray Philippians 4:6-7; the peace that follows is a tangible form of His grace. Grace-driven obedience • Obedience is response, never payment (Ephesians 2:8-10). • Before serving, whisper, “I rely on Your enabling grace,” acknowledging Philippians 2:13 – He works in us to will and to act. • Celebrate victories as evidence of His power, not your prowess, keeping pride at bay. Grace in community • Share stories of God’s daily kindness with fellow believers; mutual testimony strengthens faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Offer the same unmerited favor to others: forgive quickly (Colossians 3:13), serve gladly (1 Peter 4:10). • Receive encouragement; let others minister grace to you instead of standing in self-sufficiency. Grace reflected outward • Treat every interaction as a chance to extend Christ’s welcome (Colossians 4:6). • Give generously, remembering 2 Corinthians 8:7 – excel in the grace of giving. • Show patience to those still far from God; His kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Keeping grace central • End each day reviewing where you saw His hand; thank Him specifically. • Memorize Philippians 4:23; recite it as the final thought before sleep. • Purpose to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), confident that the same grace which saved you will sustain you daily until the day you see Him face to face. |
    |