Lent is or at least should be a time of reflection and self-examination. We are called to be more like Christ. If you observe Lent then make it a point to be more Christ-like in all you think, say and do. The devotionals over the 40-day Lenten period are meant to steer you in that direction. May his name be glorified thru our lives.
God’s Grace Brings Blessings
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”- Titus 2:11-14
God’s undeserved, unearned favor is available to all people. It comes with our redemption. His favor is better known as his grace. It allows us to live our lives with inner peace. It enables us to turn our backs on sin and live a life of self-control. While it’s true we must desire to live a self-controlled, godly life, it doesn’t have to be as hard to acquire these traits as it would seem. The Holy Spirit within us enables us to achieve these characteristics. Once we have them we need to cultivate them as we would a garden.
You can look no further than 1 Kings 3:1-15 to find a prime example of seeking and being granted godly attributes. Solomon sought wisdom and discernment to rule the nation of Israel fairly and effectively. Because he asked for this and not for personal riches and good health, nor the death of his enemies, God granted him what he asked for and the riches and prosperity he was not seeking.
God, through Christ, gave Himself as a sacrifice to bring us back from spiritual death. His plan was to cleanse us from evil and make us holy for His own use. The whole idea is that we, who have given our lives to God, are to be eager and willing to do that which is good and not feel like it is a requirement, for it most certainly is not. Our free will allows us to do as we please but scripture clearly teaches us that all things are permissible but not all things are for our benefit (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Use your gifts for God’s glory and not for ill-gotten gain. Nothing escapes the ever watchful eye of your Heavenly Father. He knows not only your words and deeds, but also He knows your hearts motivations. Those who seek blessings for themselves and themselves alone will be most miserable. However, those who seek blessings so that they may dispense them to who are in need shall be blessed and used of God. Seek your Godly gifts and work at cultivating them. Seek to be used to minister to and bless others. It is an important part of who we should be as believers. Living for our self or our own families alone can be a lonely, lifeless, stagnant existence. Reach out of your comfort zone. You may find that in blessing others, youare the one that gets the greatest blessing. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rkeller
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