The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional 

“Homily Grits Devotional”  http://www.homilygrits.com/

Written by the wise 85 yr old Robert VanHoose @   http://www.homilygrits.com 

July 30

Read Luke 6,

Psalm 103

.        “Graceless Faith”

“God is all mercy and grace— not quick to anger, is rich in love.God is good to one and all; everything he does is   with grace”  Psalm 145:8,9 MSG

If faith without works is dead, how dead is faith without grace?  In view of the riches of God’s grace that we’ve received at Christ’s expense, how can we not be gracious to others?

When we think of all of the forgiveness we have received and are going to need in the future, how can we not forgive others?
As a parent and grandparent I have had reason to be concerned about some questionable conduct.

It has personally been downright painful from a self centered perspective, but my real concern is that they may disqualify themselves from God’s best reserved for those who are obedient.

Just as God’s grace allows Him to love us not because of our sin and disobedience but in spite of it, we need to extend this same grace to others, even to those who don’t deserve it.

This whole concept of being gracious and affirming is not part of our inherited nature.  It is so contrary to our pride and anger sin nature that we are only going to be able to do it by the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit producing the fruits of righteousness for us to bear.

The risks of our graciousness being taken advantage of and misunderstood are great, but the rewards are even greater. A life lived without grace is never going to be the abundant life God wants for us.

Father, let my overflowing cup of grace flow through me to others that You might be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen