The Riches of God’s Amazing Grace!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

The Riches of God’s Amazing Grace!

To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8

Do you personally know the amazing grace of God? What is God's amazing grace? We could sum up the meaning of grace in one sentence: Grace is God's unmerited favor; mercy; and compassion, (Nelson's Three-In-One Bible Reference). God does not give us what we deserve, but rather, what we do not deserve, that is, life eternal, without punishment on Judgment Day. Our Lord gives us His Holy Spirit to be our Guide, Counselor, Deliverer and Friend as we walk through our life in this sinful world. He is with you all the time and wants to direct your steps every day of your life.

I pray that you will read and then re-read these scriptures I have included in this devotional. They are very powerful. I pray that you would be hungry enough to look up in your Bible concordance to read all the scriptures on “grace.” Can you imagine the riches of God’s grace that He is lavishing on us with all wisdom and understanding?

God’s amazing grace is so powerful that it brings salvation to ALL men. You and your beloved spouse can say “No” to ungodliness and worldly desires and live decent and honest lives in this world.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12

"We believe, that the work of regeneration, conversion, sanctification and faith, is not an act of man's free will and power, but of the mighty, efficacious and irresistible grace of God.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

PTL! Will you pray for a mighty harvest this Lord's Day at all our churches around the world? Let us pray in agreement for all prodigal spouses, teenagers and lost loved ones that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit calling their name today to "Come Home!" to their Lord and back to their spouse and family because of God's amazing grace. May thousands of sinners come to know God's amazing grace for their personal salvation this Lord’s Day.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

When I think of the word grace, I think of the song"Amazing Grace," written by John Newton. He was a slave trader in the 1700's, but by God's grace, God got Newton's attention. One day the grace of God put fear into the heart of this wicked slave trader through a fierce storm. Being alarmed and fearful of a shipwreck, Newton began to read a book,"The Imitation of Christ," by Thomas Kempis. God used this book to lead Newton to Jesus Christ. A dramatic change took place in Newton's life. He felt a call and continued on to become an ordained minister in England. Newton introduced simple heartfelt hymns rather than the usual psalms in his services. When enough hymns could not be found, Newton began to write his own hymns. John Newton never ceased to marvel at the grace of God that transformed his life so completely.

Is that not what you want for your spouse and loved ones? The grace of God can put a fear into your beloved spouse who may pick up a book or watch someone on the television or listen on the radio. This transformation that Newton had was like Saul had on the Damascus Road with His Lord before becoming the Paul whose writings we all love to read. I pray that John Newton's testimony will give you hope and encouragement for you and your beloved spouse.

God loves all sinners. He wants them each to turn from their own selfish, self-centered, prideful, sinful nature and ungodly lifestyles. We need to pray for all spouses that they will stop being selfish and self-centered husbands or wives, but they will put God, their spouse and children before themselves. May each of us never lose sight of this truth as we pray for all prodigals, all spouses and all loved ones. Let us never forget God's amazing grace every day of our lives.

"Amazing Grace" -
"Amazing grace! How sweet the sound - That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.

"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

"The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.

"Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come; "Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

"When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise, Than when we'd first begun."

Written by John Newton, John P. Rees, stanza 5. Public Domain

Regardless of what you are facing today or in the future regarding your marriage problems, your financial needs, problems with your children or if you are having health problems, God is saying to you:

…"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ will take away every sin for both you, your spouse and other loved ones who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. God's amazing grace is what will restore your marriage!

…But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20b-21

God bless,



Charlyne Steinkamp