Tag Archives: God’s Grace

Advent, Humility

Humility in the Manger

Luke 2:6-7 While they were there [in Bethlehem], the time came for her to give birth, and she gave birth to her Son, her firstborn; and she wrapped Him in [swaddling] cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no [private] room for them in the inn. 

Beloved, let us reflect deeply on the profound mystery of godliness revealed in Jesus Christ: “He was revealed in human flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16, AMP). The eternal Son of God humbled Himself beyond human comprehension: “Although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped…but emptied Himself [by assuming the form of a bond-servant]” (Philippians 2:6-7, AMP). Consider this divine paradox: the Ancient of Days became an infant of days to draw near to you.

In His humble birth lies a piercing truth: “The Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us” (John 1:14, AMP). The One who declared, “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1, AMP), chose a manger for His first earthly bed. Do you grasp the weight of this? The Creator of the cosmos wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a feeding trough—this is the humility of our King.

The Call to Follow Christ in Humility

Hear the unchanging call of Christ: “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls” (Matthew 11:29, AMP). The stable preaches an eternal sermon: “God opposes the proud but continually gives the gift of grace to the humble” (James 4:6, AMP). Beloved, if you would seek Christ, you must walk the path of humility He has laid before us.

To those chasing wealth or status, consider: “For you are recognizing the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, AMP). Let the divine condescension of Christ move your heart to abandon pride and worldly ambition.

The manger proclaims a hard but beautiful truth: “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith [and as believers, to be heirs of the kingdom]?” (James 2:5, AMP). You cannot cling to pride and truly seek Christ. Instead, come as the shepherds did—simple, humble, and willing to bow low.

The Hope of Christ for the Broken

To the unworthy and weary, take heart! “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him” (John 3:17, AMP). The stable speaks across centuries: Christ came for those who know their need for Him. The message of Christmas is one of hope for the humble and the broken: “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]” (Matthew 5:3, AMP).

Let this truth transform you: “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places…I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, AMP). But the path to this glory begins at the lowly stable. Jesus Himself said, “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted” (Matthew 23:12, AMP).

Come to the Manger and Be Transformed

Beloved, this same Jesus who lay in the manger now reigns at the right hand of God: “He is at the right hand of God [that is, the place of honor and authority], with all angels and authorities and powers made subservient to Him” (1 Peter 3:22, AMP). Will you not come to Him? Lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles, for here is the paradox of our faith: “Whoever finds his life [in this world] will eventually lose it [through death], and whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity]” (Matthew 10:39, AMP).

Come with the faith that trusts, the humility that bows, and the love that surrenders all. For “to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God” (John 1:12, AMP). Just as He left heaven’s glory for a manger’s straw, He promises: “The one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out” (John 6:37, AMP).

Will you come? Will you bow low before the manger and surrender all to Him who gave everything for you?

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, who humbled Himself to become a servant for our sake. Teach us to walk in His humility, to lay down our pride, and to come to You empty of ourselves. Help us to see the beauty of the manger and the glory of Your grace poured out for us. Transform our hearts and draw us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Advent

Favored and Chosen by God

Beloved, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

The message of God’s grace shines brightly in the words spoken to Mary by the angel Gabriel: “Hail, O favored one [endued with grace]! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28 AMP). This greeting reveals not only Mary’s unique role in God’s redemptive plan but also the vast and immeasurable favor of God that reaches down to all who respond to His call. Favored and Chosen by God, let your heart not only hear these words but receive them deeply, for they echo God’s invitation to you today.

Mary’s story shows us the profound truth that God’s favor is not for the mighty, the wealthy, or the perfect—it is for the humble, the willing, and the faithful. Mary, an unassuming young woman from an obscure town, was chosen not for her greatness but because her heart was yielded to God. As one commentator notes, “Grace finds us, not because we are worthy, but because He is good.” The favor of God transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, the lowly into the beloved.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found grace [free, spontaneous, absolute favor and loving-kindness] with God” (Luke 1:30 AMP). These words echo through the centuries to you. Favored and Chosen by God, the same grace that called Mary to bear the Savior now calls you to receive Him. This grace is a gift, freely given by God, unearned and unmeasured. As the Apostle John declared, “For of His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16 AMP).

Mary was troubled and confused at the angel’s greeting, much like we may feel when God calls us to step into His purposes. But her story reminds us that God’s call is never about our ability—it is about His sufficiency. He equips those He calls, and His presence is the guarantee of His promise. As another commentator observes, “The assurance, ‘The Lord is with you,’ is the foundation of courage, the source of peace, and the promise of power.”

Beloved, do not let fear or doubt hold you back. The favor of God rests on you, not because of who you are, but because of who He is. The same God who chose Mary now chooses you. He calls you to bear His life within you, to reflect His light in a dark world, and to walk in the fullness of His grace. Will you say yes to Him? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Let the words of Mary’s surrender become the cry of your heart: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38 AMP). This is the response of faith, the surrender of a heart that trusts fully in the goodness of God.

Reflect deeply on this truth: God’s grace does not find you where you think you ought to be but where you truly are. Just as He stepped into Mary’s humble life, He steps into yours. Matthew Henry’s commentary reminds us, “Those that God designs for the greatest honors are commonly the most humble and least ambitious.” It is not your perfection He seeks, but your willingness to trust Him.

Let me urge you, dear one, to answer His call today. The Lord is with you, and His favor rests upon you. Will you receive this grace and allow Him to transform your life? Remember, you are Favored and Chosen by God.

Pray this with me:

Heavenly Father, Your grace is overwhelming and unearned, yet You offer it freely. I come to You with a heart that is willing but weak. Strengthen me by Your Spirit, and let Your favor rest upon me. I surrender to Your call and ask that You would use my life for Your glory. Lord, may it be done to me according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go, beloved, as one favored by God. Walk in His grace, trust in His promises, and surrender to His call. For His love has chosen you, and His Spirit will lead you into the fullness of His plan. Let your heart echo the Apostle John’s words: “We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19 AMP). Amen.

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Spiritual

Are You Living in the Fullness of God’s Grace?

Beloved, have you considered how deeply God has equipped you for His purposes? Living in the fullness of God’s grace means recognizing the Scripture filled with testimonies of His power to transform, enrich, and empower His people. In 1 Corinthians 1:5-7, the Apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ, we are “exceedingly enriched in Him, in all speech and in all knowledge” and that “you are not lacking in any spiritual gift.” This grace is not theoretical—it is active, practical, and transformative. The question remains: Are you using the gifts God has poured into your life?

God’s Power in Speech and Knowledge

When God called Moses, He reminded him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or the deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11). God is the One who empowers our speech and understanding. Just as He touched Daniel’s lips, enabling him to speak (Daniel 10:16), and opened Zechariah’s mouth to proclaim His glory (Luke 1:64), He has given you the ability to declare His truth boldly. This is part of living in the fullness of God’s grace. Will you speak as the Spirit leads, trusting His words to flow through you?

The early church understood this. At Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). Peter, who once denied Christ in fear, stood boldly and proclaimed the gospel because the Spirit empowered him (Acts 4:31). Just as Joel prophesied, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh… your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17), God has poured His Spirit into you to proclaim His greatness. This is the essence of living in the fullness of God’s grace.

The Call to Excellence in Faith and Action

Paul challenges us to excel in every grace, including speech, knowledge, and love (2 Corinthians 8:7). These gifts are not for personal glory but to reflect the glory of God. Jeremiah understood this when God said, “If you return, I will restore you—before Me you will stand; and if you extract the precious from the worthless, you will become My spokesman” (Jeremiah 15:19). God refines and empowers those who faithfully obey.

Isaiah declared, “Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will shout for joy” (Isaiah 35:6). This is not just a future promise but a present reality for those who trust in Christ. When you open your mouth, God gives you “a mouth and wisdom which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict” (Luke 21:15). Will you trust Him to speak through you and embrace living in the fullness of God’s grace?

The Invitation to Walk in the Spirit

To live in God’s fullness, you must eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1). Pray for opportunities to share His Word and for boldness to speak the truth. Paul himself prayed, “Pray also for me, that words may be given to me when I open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:19). When you align yourself with God’s will, He will open doors for His message to be shared (Colossians 4:3).

The psalmist said, “They will overflow [like a fountain] with the fame of Your abundant goodness and will sing aloud of Your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7). Beloved, this is your calling—to overflow with the goodness of God by living in the fullness of God’s grace, to speak boldly, and to act faithfully.

A Challenge to Act

Today, I challenge you to:

  1. Pray for boldness to use your gifts in speech and action.
  2. Meditate on God’s Word and seek His wisdom, just as the Spirit gave insight to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 3:27).
  3. Speak courageously, knowing that God’s power works through you (Acts 10:34).

God is faithful, and He has called you into fellowship with His Son (1 Corinthians 1:9). You lack nothing in Christ. So, step into His grace, trust His Spirit, and commit to living in the fullness of God’s grace and for His glory. The time is now to let His light shine through you. Will you rise to the challenge? Speak, act, and trust that He will sustain you to the end!

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Calls

Call to Return to the Living Word

Dear friend,

I want to speak directly to your heart today. Wherever you are, whatever paths you’ve walked, know that you are deeply loved by God. He is calling out to you, inviting you into a relationship that is real, fulfilling, and transformative.

Perhaps you’ve been searching for truth and meaning in various places—in philosophies, organizations, or teachings that promise enlightenment or hidden wisdom. Maybe you’ve felt burdened by rituals or obligations that seem to offer much but leave you feeling empty. I want you to know that true peace and fulfillment are found in Jesus Christ, the Living Word.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”(Matthew 11:28). His invitation is open and free, requiring no secret knowledge or complex rituals—just a willing heart. He offers a relationship based on love and grace, not on our efforts or achievements.

Think about the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The son wandered far from his father, seeking fulfillment in distant places. Yet, when he chose to return home, his father saw him from a long way off and ran to embrace him. This is how God feels about you. No matter how far you’ve strayed or what you’ve sought after, He is ready to welcome you with open arms.

The Bible tells us, “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge”(Colossians 2:3). You don’t need to search elsewhere or adhere to secret teachings to find truth. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of all that we need. He is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and through Him, we have direct access to God the Father.

If you’ve been involved in groups or practices that promise deeper insight but leave you feeling disconnected from God, consider this a gentle call back to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. The Apostle Paul cautioned against being led astray from this simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3), reminding us that our faith doesn’t require added layers—just a sincere relationship with Jesus.

Remember when Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-26)? She had searched for meaning in many places, yet Jesus offered her “living water” so she would never thirst again. He knows your deepest needs and longs to satisfy them fully.

I encourage you to lay down any burdens, doubts, or affiliations that hinder your walk with God. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles”(Hebrews 12:1). Embrace the freedom found in Christ, who said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This is a personal invitation. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart (Revelation 3:20). Will you open it? Will you allow Him to fill you with His love, grace, and truth?

Today is the day to step into the light of His love. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You don’t have to walk this path alone. Reach out to Him in prayer, seek guidance in His Word, and connect with others who can support you on this journey.

God loves you more than you can imagine. He is calling you back to Himself—not into religion, but into a relationship. Take His hand, and discover the abundant life He has promised.

Closing Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a humble heart, acknowledging my need for Your grace and mercy. I realize that I have sought meaning and truth in places that have led me away from You. I confess that I have strayed, and I ask for Your forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, You are the Living Word, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again, conquering death so that I might have eternal life with You. I turn away from all that has separated me from You—every false path, every hidden allegiance—and I turn wholeheartedly to You.

Please cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may walk in Your truth and live according to Your will.

I open the door of my heart and invite You in, Lord Jesus. Be my Savior and my Lord. Lead me in the path of everlasting life. Thank You for Your unfailing love, Your endless mercy, and the gift of salvation.

In Your precious name I pray,

Amen.

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