15 lines
4.7 KiB
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15 lines
4.7 KiB
HTML
<html><head><title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
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<div class="head">Day By Day By Grace</div>
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<div class="subhead">Bob Hoekstra</div>
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<div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020">December 31</div></div>
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<div class="main-just"><div class="pad2030">
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<h1>The Manifold Grace of God</h1>
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<div class="block"><i>The <b>manifold grace of God</b>…but <b>grow</b> in the <b>grace</b> and <b>knowledge</b> of <b>our Lord</b> and <b>Savior Jesus Christ</b>…Brethren, the <b>grace</b> of our <b>Lord</b> <b>Jesus</b> <b>Christ</b> be with <b>your spirit</b>.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('1Pe', 4, '10-10');">1 Peter 4:10</a>; <a onClick="return mV('2Pe', 3, '18-18');">2 Peter 3:18</a>; and <a onClick="return mV('Gal', 6, '18-18');">Galatians 6:18</a>)</div>
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<p><b>The manifold grace of God</b> is such an appropriate truth for our concluding meditation. It is both <b>humbling</b> and <b>faith-building</b> to be reminded of the majestic diversity of God's grace.</p><p>God's <b>grace</b> is <b>manifold</b>. It is like a heavenly diamond with <b>innumerable facets</b>. Every vantage point reflects a new insight into the gracious resources of our Lord. From some biblical viewpoints, the <b>justifying grace</b> of God is seen: <i>"<b>justified</b> freely by His <b>grace</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mv('Rom', 3, '24-24');">Romans 3:24</a>). Yet, our devotional studies have concentrated upon <b>sanctifying grace</b>, grace for <b>growing</b>. <i>"But <b>grow</b> in…<b>grace</b>."</i> Many scriptural vistas display this sanctifying grace in its manifold beauty. It can be seen <b>stabilizing</b> the inner man. <i>"It is good that the <b>heart</b> be <b>established by grace</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Hbr', 13, '9-9');">Hebrews 13:9</a>). It can also be seen in its <b>edifying</b> ability. <i>"I commend you to God and to the <b>word</b> of His <b>grace</b>, which is <b>able</b> to <b>build you up</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Act', 20, '32-32');">Acts 20:32</a>). From another angle, God's sanctifying grace can be seen for its <b>strengthening</b> capacity. <i>"Be <b>strong</b> in the <b>grace</b> that is in Christ Jesus"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Ti', 2, '1-1');">2 Timothy 2:1</a>). It can also be observed in its <b>fruit-producing</b> role: <i>"and is <b>bringing forth fruit</b>, as it is also among you <b>since</b> the day you heard and knew the <b>grace</b> of God in truth"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Col', 1, '6-6');">Colossians 1:6</a>). It can also be seen in its <b>ministry-developing</b> function. <i>"But by the <b>grace</b> of God I am what I am, and His <b>grace</b> toward me was not in vain; but I <b>labored more abundantly</b> than they all, yet not I, but the <b>grace</b> of God which was with me"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('1Cr', 15, '10-10');">1 Corinthians 15:10</a>). From still another viewpoint, the sanctifying grace of God can be seen <b>sustaining</b> through the agonies of one's "thorny impossibilities." <i>"My <b>grace</b> is <b>sufficient</b> for you"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Cr', 12, '9-9');">2 Corinthians 12:9</a>). What heavenly riches await us in a lifetime of observing, and appropriating, God's manifold grace.</p><p>What final words would be fitting for us now? The closing benediction in so many New Testament epistles would be perfectly suitable. <i>"Brethren, the <b>grace</b> of our <b>Lord Jesus Christ</b> be with <b>your spirit</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Gal', 6, '18-18');">Galatians 6:18</a>). Ultimately and essentially, grace is found in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and it is experienced through His work in our hearts, as we humbly seek to know Him more and more. <i>"But <b>grow</b> in the <b>grace</b> and <b>knowledge</b> of <b>our Lord</b> and <b>Savior Jesus Christ</b>."</i></p>
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<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Dear Lord of manifold grace, I earnestly yearn to grow in every aspect of Your grace. Lord Jesus, I humbly desire to find increasing intimacy with You. Please work Your grace deeply into my heart and manifest it fully through my life, in Your matchless name, I pray, Amen.</div></div></div><div class="desc-center"><div class="pad2020"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/12/1230.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
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