Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 10, 2012
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
A self-made man is the antithesis of a grace made man. A self-made man becomes desperate for God on occasion, as when a crisis occurs— but a grace made man is continually desperate for God, since he sees himself as a needy man. A self-made man struggles to give God the glory for his accomplishments, but the grace made man never forgets to give Christ the credit for his success. Grace brings out the best in humble hearts.
Furthermore, a grace made man does not work any less, but more. Gratitude governs grace-based behavior into focused diligence. A man or woman motivated by the grace of God works for an audience of One. Their godly ambition has an eternal allegiance that no earthly boss can inspire. So, we work hard because God’s grace is at work within us. Is your work and life a divine portrait of grace? If so, you are attractive, beautiful to behold.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3
We are nothing unless the Lord makes us by His grace. We may make money, but unless we lean into the Lord’s grace, it is just another temporal transaction. We know we are leaning into the Lord’s grace when we are gracious with our words and humble in our attitude. People are not seen as a means to make money, but as individuals with hopes, dreams and fears. A grace made person engages people with kindness, not passive pride.
Therefore, work hard with a heavenly agenda. Acknowledge that the larger the Lord’s blessing on your life the greater the need for more grace. Christ increases our capacity for grace, as we credit Him for His favor. Amazing grace starts at salvation and becomes a growing marvel as you apply humble faith and thanksgiving. God’s grace makes the man; man does not make the man. Your Creator created you and your success. “T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far…and Grace will lead us home.” (Amazing Grace, the hymn)
“You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18a
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to rely more and more on Your generous grace.
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 2:7; 2 Corinthians 11:23; Colossians 1:29; Philippians 2:13
Post/Tweet this today: God’s grace makes the man; man does not make the man. #grace
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God grace makes the man, man does not make the man..
This is just what I needed today. I have become the prayer team leader to support the one starting a House of Hope in the Roanoke Valley area–which will become a very large undertaking as the house starts and grows. We have chosen a lawyer and will start working on a board soon. This post encourages me mightily. I want to be like George Meuller and get all I need from prayer. Thank you– your devotionals to us in the last year have been doctrinally sound and made by the grace of God that has made you : )
Rebecca you are welcome, and thank you for your godly leadership!
A servant for Jesus,
Boyd
That was a good Word today! Thank you for reminding us to be humble and thankful for His Amazing Geace.
Grace is the goldness in my life, I completely give God the praise for my holiness, purity and sobriety and loVE.God is my head who leads me and he has made himself known unto me and amazing ways. I ask God where are me and you going now.. my God just leads me into some more amazing places and God recieve the honour and all glory..the mysteries just continue to unfold .. I worked with god faithfully and that is most of my life…. I know no other GOd, but Jehovah-jireh,Our Lord Jesus Christ.. amen and AMEn Paula /Sgt. minister Paula J.L.Buchanan-Tolefree
I can tell you some more about what God is doing in my life . God is continue to allow me to learn and is paying for my education through private source.. Military Unniversity Education , Praise Our lord Jesus Christ Thank you for being there for me ..Sgt. minister paula l.J Buchanan-Tolefree
Received my 1st Wisdom Hunters Devo through Family Christian Stores email… Love Love Love it and signed up to receive them daily! I praise God for the gifted folks He uses to minister, encourage and strengthen me through devo’s like these.. What a blessing! Thank you Jesus! and Thanks to “Wisdom Hunters”
Erin, Welcome, we love to hear from our new Wisdom Hunters! Praise God that He is using these devotions for His glory. – Boyd