JCSM's Weekly Devotions

"Experience Grace and Extend Grace"

Romans 5:14-17  "Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come. But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)"

Titus 2:11-15  "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."

1 Peter 4:9-11  "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Insight: We've been given so much grace from God!  Grace is when we get what we don't deserve.  GRACE = God's Riches At Christ's Expense.  We need to extend grace to others.

Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank you for your grace!  Thanks for giving us so many wonderful things that we do not deserve.  Thank you for giving us life and wonder.  Thanks for giving us a free will.  Help us to give grace to others.  Remind us of the grace that is continually, freely given to us.  Give us patience with joy as well.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

On March 20, 1727, at age 82, Isaac Newton died. He was buried in London's Westminster Abbey alongside kings and queens. His marker reads, "Let mortals rejoice that there existed such and so great an ornament to the human race." Newton was a lifelong student of the Bible. In fact, he wrote more theology than science. His favorite Bible books were Daniel and Revelation, which concern God's plans for the future.

This excerpt was taken from Donald DeYoung's book called, "365 Fascinating Facts From the World of Discovery."

God expects absolute obedience and sacrifice.

When you are successful, God may humble you.

When you make an important decision without prayer and God's direction, you're probably headed for trouble.

Don't let fear dominate your life.

When you're weary, God will strengthen you.

No matter how good and successful you are, you will have bad days.

What's around you isn't as important as what's in you.

God wants us to be energized and empowered by the fruits of His Spirit.

God is able to revive your spirit.

God's into bringing spiritually dead people into life.

When you're able to listen, God will speak to you.

When you experience financial success, don't forget the needy and poor.

Sometimes, we don't slow down enough to hear God's still small voice.

When you're alone, God will enlighten you.

Don't let problems overcome you.

Your family loves you when you're hard to love.

God has His hand on the thermostat and His eye on the clock.  He turns up the heat, for a time, to teach you.

Your life will make a positive difference in the lives of others when you let God lead and guide you.

These quotes came from the Holy Spirit, Tom Thompson, and Jason Gastrich.  If you'd like to read more wise quotes, you can either visit our Quotations Archive or get a copy of Dr. Gastrich's book called, "10,000 Wise Quotes and Spiritual Sayings"!  It's the largest collection of Bible-based quotations in the world.