Grace and Peace (Philippians 1:1-2)

Today’s scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

I begin this tour through Philippians by praying Paul’s words for each of you. May you experience God’s grace and peace this day and every day.

We followers of Christ have received amazing grace. We’ve received forgiveness. We’ve received mercy. Through valleys and atop mountains, God is with us. Jesus holds our hands as we travel the journey He’s designed.

What a blessing!

Later in our tour, we’ll be reminded of a peace that surpasses understanding, but for today, I pray for God’s enveloping peace for all of us. No matter what happens in our lives, we can be assured God will give us peace and grace to handle—everything.

Thank You, Lord, for Your promised grace and peace. Be glorified this day.

Abundant Grace (2 Corinthians 8:9-15)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9-15

Grace. Unmerited favor.

We are so undeserving of God’s grace. We are so unworthy. We fail so often. We listen to the lies of the world. We compromise truth.

And yet, God sees worth in us. He loves us so much He offers grace and forgiveness even when we don’t deserve it.

Our Savior gave everything for us. Everything. He gave up heaven to come to earth. He took on flesh and experienced temptation. Pain. Fatigue. Sorrow. Death.

All for us. All so that we could receive grace.

Oh, we have been so abundantly blessed because, not only does God offer grace to those who seek Him, but He also gives us strength for each day. He provides for our needs—not our wants, but our needs. He gives us peace and comfort through times of affliction. He loves us unconditionally. He never leaves us alone.

It would have been enough if He’d only offered grace, but He chooses to give us so much more.

No matter what you’re going through right now, God is with you. He’s walking alongside you, every minute of every day. He’s there to hold your hand—and sometimes to carry you—when you just don’t think you can just don’t think you can make it on your own.

You have been blessed. Abundantly.

Grace and Peace (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

Today's scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Today begins what will likely be a long journey through two of Paul’s letters (as I mentioned yesterday, 2015 will focus on as many of his epistles as possible). As always, I look forward to learning more about God’s word written through the pen of His faithful servant. I pray you’ll be blessed as I share what He has laid upon my heart.

We start with a similar greeting as we’ve seen with Paul’s other letters. Paul’s heart for the saints in Corinth is clear by his opening words. I imagine his recipients reading these words and being blessed. And even in these few verses, we too can be blessed.

I forget sometimes that we who follow Christ are saints because we have been sanctified in Christ Jesus. We have been set apart and have been called to serve Him.

Because of our calling, we experience God’s grace and peace. He showered us with “unmerited favor” as we received the free gift of salvation through the death of His Son, Jesus Christ (see Romans 6:23). And He continues to shower us with “every good thing” as we follow His will for our lives (see James 1:17).

In addition, we can experience a peace that surpasses our human understanding as we rely on our loving Father to care for us, protect us, provide for us, and comfort us.

I pray as we embark on this journey that you’ll experience God’s grace and peace. Just as Paul prayed centuries ago.

Mercy! (Psalm 6:7-10)

Today's scripture: Psalm 5:7-10

Yesterday focused on the wicked and evil ... the last two verses of today's scripture do the same.

I don't want to focus on wickedness this morning, though, so I'm going to focus on the first two verses instead (such is my prerogative as the writer!).

I've written before how I love the word "mercy." As we've seen before, grace is receiving what we don't deserve, and mercy is not receiving what we do deserve.

Our God is so patient and loving. I may be the only Christ-follower who slips up, who sometimes neglects time with the Lord, who battles habitual sin ... but, I sense I'm not alone. Yes, the longer I walk with the Lord, the less often I do these, but I still fail sometimes.

Yet, God continues to love me and bless me. Instead of the punishment I do deserve, He showers me with good things. He protects me and gives me strength. He provides for me and cares for my needs.

He guides my paths and gives me wisdom to make decisions. He allows me to serve Him and others using the gifts He's given me.

I deserve His turning His back on this flawed, fleshly vessel, but He invites me to climb on His lap and call Him, "Abba ... Daddy."

Ah, mercy.

Thank You, Lord God, for mercy. You continue to bless me beyond expectation, beyond anything that I deserve. Help me to serve You so that I can give You back even a fraction of what You've given me. Thank you.

Words of Encouragement (Psalm 17:6-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 17:6-9

I love how much truth and hope and encouragement I can find in just a few verses. As I read today's scripture, I find:

God hears me every time I call on Him. No matter where I am, no matter what I'm doing, He hears me. He "incline[s His] ear to me ..." This assurance encourages me so much!

He shows me "marvelous lovingkindness." My God, the Creator of the universe, loves me. Me. Flawed, fleshly, fallible me. He demonstrates His love in so many ways. Provision. Protection. Peace through the storm. Carrying me when I can't take a step (see yesterday's devotional).

I am the "apple of [His] eye." According to the Urban Dictionary, this phrase means "one's favorite person; the one you love most." While I don't believe God loves anyone more than others, it's encouraging to remember that He thinks I'm special ... and you are too!

He hides me "under the shadow of [His] wings." I don't have to worry about what the day will bring because He protects me. When the storms come, He covers me from the rain. When I face crises or difficulties, He will keep me safe.

Our God is so very good, and He loves to shower us with blessings ... and He loves to encourage us by reminding us of His love and care.