In what ways can we experience God's grace more fully each day? Grace and Peace to You Philemon 1:3: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Why This Matters • Paul’s greeting isn’t polite filler; it is a Spirit-inspired declaration that grace and peace are ours—right now—in Christ. • Because grace is God’s unearned favor and power (Ephesians 2:8-10), it can be sought, received, and enjoyed afresh every single day. Ways to Open the Door Wider Each Morning • Start with praise. Psalm 100:4: enter His gates with thanksgiving; gratitude tunes the heart to receive. • Read and rehearse promises. Romans 8:1, 31-39 anchors us in no-condemnation love, pushing back self-accusation. • Ask boldly. Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” Grace is stocked for the taking; prayer is the grocery cart. • Confess quickly. 1 John 1:9 links honest confession with immediate cleansing, clearing the channel for grace to flow unhindered. • Humble yourself. James 4:6: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Admit need; grace rushes in. Keeping a Grace-Ready Heart Throughout the Day • Stay Word-soaked—short Scripture pauses (Psalm 1:2). • Maintain a forgiving posture—grace received turns into grace extended (Matthew 6:14-15). • Cultivate godly companionship—encourage one another daily (Hebrews 3:13). • Practice continual thankfulness—“His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). When Grace Feels Distant • Check for hidden pride or self-reliance. Repent and return. • Examine bitterness—unforgiveness dams the river. • Revisit the gospel—remind yourself that Christ already paid; you’re not earning anything. • Rest. Elijah needed sleep and food before hearing God’s whisper (1 Kings 19). Grace in Action: Let It Spill Over • Speak life-giving words (Ephesians 4:29). • Serve someone anonymously—grace loves no spotlight (Matthew 6:3-4). • Give generously—2 Corinthians 9:8 ties cheerful giving to abounding grace. • Pray for those who wrong you—Luke 6:28 calls us to grace that shocks the world. Daily Checkpoints • Am I more aware of God’s favor than my failures? • Did I draw near to the throne today or drift? • Is gratitude shaping my mood? • Have I extended to others what God extended to me? Growing Until Glory 2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Grace isn’t a one-time gift; it’s a lifelong river. Keep stepping in, and watch it carry you ever deeper into the joy and strength of the Lord. |
    |