32 lines
4.2 KiB
HTML
32 lines
4.2 KiB
HTML
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
|
|
<html><head>
|
|
<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
|
|
<script src="../../../js/basepath.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/nav.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainHeader.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="head">
|
|
Day By Day By Grace</div>
|
|
<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">May 15</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="main-just"><div class="pad2030">
|
|
<h2>A Ministry of Mercy and Grace</h2>
|
|
<div class="block"><i>Therefore, since we have <b>this ministry</b>, as we have received <b>mercy</b>, we do <b>not lose heart</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',4,1);">2 Corinthians 4:1</a>)</div>
|
|
<p>In addition to heavenly liberty, God desires to mark our lives with other spiritual characteristics. One of these is the <b>godly encouragement</b> that comes from living and serving under a <b>ministry of mercy and grace</b>.</p>
|
|
<p>The service we now render to the Lord is based upon <b>mercy</b>: <i>"since we have <b>this ministry</b>, as we have received <b>mercy</b>."</i> We deserved condemnation by God and separation from Him for eternity. Instead, God had mercy upon us, forgiving us our sins. <i>"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His <b>mercy</b> He saved us"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Tts',3,5);">Titus 3:5</a>). Furthermore, by His mercy He enlists us in His service. <i>"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the <b>ministry</b>, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained <b>mercy</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('1Ti',1,'12-13');">1 Timothy 1:12-13</a>). Our ministry is also about <b>grace</b>. <i>"I became a <b>minister</b> according to the gift of the <b>grace</b> of God given to me"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Eph',3,7);">Ephesians 3:7</a>).</p>
|
|
<p>In light of having this type of ministry (one related to mercy and grace), <i>"we do <b>not lose heart</b>."</i> If we were called to serve God based on our merit and our resources, we would lose heart. We can periodically be tempted to discouragement, as we serve our God. Paul's testimony of service is similar to many of God's servants down through the ages. <i>"For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had <b>no rest</b>, but we were <b>troubled</b> on <b>every</b> side. <b>Outside</b> were <b>conflicts</b>, <b>inside</b> were <b>fears</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr',7,5);">2 Corinthians 7:5</a>). At times, we too are surrounded by impossibilities and threatened by apprehensions. What are we to do in such unsettling trials? <i>"For <b>consider Him</b> who <b>endured</b> such <b>hostility</b> from sinners against Himself, lest <b>you</b> become <b>weary</b> and <b>discouraged</b> in your souls"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Hbr',12,3);">Hebrews 12:3</a>). No one faced more battles and betrayals than the Lord Jesus. Yet, no one served more faithfully. In battle after battle, the Father brought Jesus through victoriously. We can count on the Lord to have <b>mercy</b> upon us. He will pour out His <b>grace</b> upon us and bring us through victoriously as well.</p>
|
|
<p>Remember, our service of the Lord is based upon <b>mercy</b> and <b>grace</b>. <i>"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of <b>grace</b>, that we may obtain <b>mercy</b> and find <b>grace</b> to help in time of need"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Hbr',4,16);">Hebrews 4:16</a>).</p>
|
|
<div class="dbdbg_prayer">O God of mercy and grace, You know how discouragement
|
|
sometimes rolls over me like crashing waves. Please remind me
|
|
that my service unto You depends on Your mercy and grace, not
|
|
on my capabilities or performance. Thank You, Lord!</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/05/0514.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/05/0516.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="return"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/index.html">Return to Day By Day By Grace Page</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainFooter.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|