Grace - Grace in your heart!

VERSE:

Colossians 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

LESSON:

Grace - Grace in your heart!

This verse encourages us each to be filled with wonderful qualities that can only be instilled within us through the words of Christ Jesus. When filled with these words...we will posses various Christian blessings that we will share with others through psalms, hymns and spiritual songs "...singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord...". Be filled with the words of Christ Jesus...to the point that you sing with grace in your heart to the Lord!

Grace - Grace is Hope with Certainty!

VERSE:

1 Peter 1:13

13 So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.

LESSON:

Grace - Grace is Hope with Certainty!
This verse gives us guidance on how to live a Christian Life, supported by our hope on the "...wholly unchangeable..." "...grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed. (When Christ comes again). It directs us how we should think/act by encouraging us to "...brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert)..." You are to rely upon God's Grace...but are encouraged to live a holy lives based upon the teachings of the Bible.

Grace - What is it good for?

VERSE:

Romans 5:21

21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

LESSON:

Grace - What is it good for?

This verse contrasts the destructive powers of sin with the redeeming qualities on Grace. It argues that Sin leads only unto death...but that Grace results in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Grace - Grow in Grace!

VERSE:

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

LESSON:

Grace - Grow in Grace!

This verse seems to be implying that the more you know about Jesus (Through Bible Study, prayer and reflection), the more that you will be filled with the Grace of God. Decide today to dedicate some time each day in Bible study, prayer and reflection...so that you may "...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...".

Grace - Pass along the Grace

VERSE: 

Ephesians 4:29

29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

LESSON: 

Grace - Pass along the Grace 
This verse reminds us that to those who have been shown "Grace" by God...we should be very careful to only pass along "graceful" words to others. The Grace we have received...should be shared with others...though ONLY Godly speech.

Grace - Grace = Gifts from God

VERSE:

Romans 12:6-10

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

LESSON:

Grace - Grace = Gifts from God

This verse tells us that the Grace of God may manifest itself in our lives through various "Gifts" from God. They could be part of the personal skills, talents or abilities in our lives in the form of "prophesying", "Serving", "Teaching", "encourage", "giving", "lead" or "Mercy". Always do your best to utilize your God-given gifts, skills, talents, and abilities, granted through the Grace of God), to be put to best use for the betterment of God's kingdom here on earth.

Grace - Grace, not our own righteousness

VERSE: 

Galatians 2:21 

21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

LESSON: 

Grace - Grace, not our own righteousness 

This verse explains to us the importance of God's freely given (not earned) Grace. We can not discount the irreplaceable nature of God's gift of grace, thinking that we can somehow gain "righteousness" by our own thoughts, words or actions. This verse reminds us that if that were possible...then there would have been no need for Jesus to have died on our behalf for our sins. The truth is...we can not gain "righteousness"...on our own...but only through the freely given gift of Grace from God...through the shed blood of Christ Jesus. God's Grace is our undeserved gift based upon Jesus' suffering, death and resurrection which makes our sin white as snow.

Grace - A blessing to be prayed for!

VERSE:

2 Corinthians 1:2

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

LESSON:

Grace - A blessing to be prayed for!

In this very short portion of today's verse, the author (Paul the Apostle) gives a wonderful prayer as one of his opening lines in his letter to the church in Corinth (Corinth was the Roman capital city of the region known as Achaia which is in the southern half of present-day Greece). All was NOT well in the church in Corinth (the people were known as Corinthians) due to multiple problems with church division and mis-interpretation and application of the Gospel by those in the Corinthian church that Paul considered "false teachers". Paul was well aware of the power and value of God's "Grace". So much so...that he used it in his heart-felt prayer of welcome to the church in Corinth. We should pray daily for the granting of "grace" by God in our own lives...as well as in the greater body of Christ...his church universal. Pray for Grace today. It is a gift more precious than gold!

Grace - Grace received through Christ Jesus

VERSE:

Romans 3:22-24 

22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 

LESSON: 

Grace - Grace received through Christ Jesus 

This verse tells us that although we have all sinned, through faith in Jesus Christ...we can find redemption through grace. We can be justified and be deemed righteous by God through his grace and our belief in Jesus Christ. God's grace is given to us freely...due to our belief in Jesus Christ.

Grace - Grace is not a "Get Out of Jail Free" Card!

VERSE:

Romans 6:14-15 

14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!

LESSON: 

Grace - Grace is not a "Get Out of Jail Free" Card! 

This verse reminds us of the difference of being "under the law" or "under grace". It warns the reader that we should NOT use "Grace" as an excuse for purposely sinning. Don't repay God's gift of "Grace" by knowing sinning...because you think that you are already covered by Grace. Grace was never intended as a "Get Out of Jail Free" Card!

Grace - God's Grace

VERSE:

1 Corinthians 1:4

4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.

LESSON:

Grace - God's Grace

In this verse we are told by the writer that God's Grace has been given to us through Christ Jesus. (If you look up the word "Grace" in the dictionary you will find that it is defined as something like "the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God"). God's grace is therefore given freely...through Christ Jesus...even though we do not really deserve it.

Love - Love that overflows!

VERSE: 

1 Thessalonians 3:12 

12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

LESSON: 

Love - Love that overflows! 

Christians love each other...and "...everyone else...", according to this Bible verse. The Love of God, shown through the example of the life of Jesus Christ...we can gain a glimpse of what God's love is like...and know the perfect model of what our love for others should be like. Being human and fallible...this model of perfect love is a goal that we should always reach for...with the realization that we may never reach perfection in Love in this life. This should not however deter us from working to make our "...love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else...". Try to love others more today...than you did yesterday!

Love - God Loves us to death!

VERSE: 

Romans 5:8

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

LESSON: 

Love - God Loves us to death! 


In spited of our sinful nature...God loves us. Before he even knew any of us who are alive in the year 2011...he loved us...and showed how far he would take his love for us...even unto death of his only begotten Son. In this way...God first demonstrated his unlimited love for us.

Love - Love God's Laws!

VERSE:

Psalm 119:97 

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

LESSON: 

Love - Love God's Laws! 


In order to truly and deeply love God...you need to get to know him. How can you do that? Read his words, that were written especially for you (The Bible). As this Bible passage writer has expressed...once you know what "Good News" messages that God has sent for you through the writings in the Bible, you will learn to love God's laws...and to meditate on them all day long. Work each day to fill your mind with good and helpful thoughts and ideas. Choose God's laws from the Bible as the best source of good and helpful thoughts in the Universe!

Love - Who do you love more?

VERSE:

1 John 2:15 

15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 

LESSON: 

Love - Who do you love more? 

Why would the Bible tell us this? It sure sounds negative about living in this world. Is there anything in this world that the Bible thinks is worth loving? This verse is not telling us to hate the world and everything in it. After all...God made the world...and then declared "It is Good". What this verse is cautioning us about is loving the things of this world and the things that most people in society love (Seek after), that you put God last....and therefore have no real place in your life for God. The first Commandment is "You shall have no other Gods before me". If you truly love God, you will love him more than everything else in your life...including everything else in this world.

Love - Disciples Love one another!

VERSE: 

John 13:35 

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

LESSON: 

Love - Disciples Love one another! 

How will others know that we are Disciples of Jesus Christ? This verse tells us clearly...that we show our Discipleship by our love for each other. Christ's followers are expected to love each other...and to treat each other like they do. How many times have you seen anger, hurt feelings, and disagreements in the organized church? In a woman's or men's church group? In the body of rulings elders? In the youth group? In this verse we are reminded that others will judge if we are truly Jesus' disciples...by how much love they see expressed in and among the groups of believers. Whenever you have the opportunity...show love in your group of believers whether small or large. That is the disciple's way.

Love - Love the unlovable!

VERSE: 

Luke 6:32 

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. 

LESSON: 

Love - Love the unlovable! 

In this verse we are reminded that it is much easier to love those who love you, than those who do not love you back. This verse calls us to love other persons, even if they don't love us back. Indirectly, this verse is calling us to love those that others refuse to love. The mean person in your circle. The poor person. The less than attractive person. The loner. The loud and boisterous person. The person that never does anything nice. The person who always puts themselves first. The kind of person that...only God could love.

Love - What can we give to God in return for his Love?

VERSE: 

John 14:15 

15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 

LESSON: 

Love - What can we give to God in return for his Love? 

In this verse we are told that we can keep God's commandments if we love him. We don't have to move mountains, we don't have to change societies, we don't have to make all kinds of promises...we merely need to follow God's commandments. I am not saying that this is the easiest thing in the world to do...as God does have high standards for each of us...but it is more than a bargain in exchange for what we receive daily from God through his love for us.

Love - Can we be separated from God's Love?

VERSE: 

Romans 8:39 

39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

LESSON: 

Love - Can we be separated from God's Love? 

In this verse we are told that NOTHING IN CREATION....(height, depth, etc.) will be able to separate us from the LOVE of God...."...that is in Christ Jesus our Lord...". God's love is with us always, no matter where we find ourselves in this world...or in our life journey. No matter how high you feel in life...or how low you feel...God still loves you. What a wonderful assurance that the LORD God's LOVE will always be with us. ALWAYS!!!

Love - Hate evil, love good!

VERSE: 

Amos 5:14-15 

14  Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. 15  Hate evil, love good;  maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. 

LESSON: 

Love - Hate evil, love good! 


In this verse we are told that the LORD God will always be with us if we "...seek good, not evil...". We are instructed not only to seek good...but also that we are to "love good" and "Hate evil". This command is not just for us as individuals and private citizens...but also for us to be civic minded enough to work to "...maintain justice in the courts...". God's clear message and command here is all about our need to seek "good" and to avoid (as well as hate) things which are evil. It clearly applies to individuals as well as to our various forms of government institutions.

Love - God's Love!

VERSE: 

Ephesians 5:1-2

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

LESSON: 

Love - God's Love! 

In this verse we are told that God forms the most perfect example of what it means to "Love". It tells us that we are loved by God, and therefore should "...walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us...". God is calling us to a new understanding of "Love" in the New Year and in this our next day of life here on earth. It is a "sacrificial love". Not one that demands something for self...but one that freely gives everything first to others. Take a few moments today to think about what your definition of "Love" is. Does your definition match God's definition? I would encourage you to consider adopting God's definition of "Love" as quickly and joyfully as you can today.

New Year's resolutions?

VERSE:

Isaiah 1:16-17 

16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil, 17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.

LESSON: 

New Year's resolutions? 
New Year's resolutions. Many people make them...but very few us us are really able to fulfill them. If we were to tell God what he would like to hear us say as far as making a New Year's resolution, he would most likely ask us to pick one from the list of choices offered in today's Bible verse. Carefully read the list. Is there at least one item in the list that would make a good New Year's resolution for you? If so, choose that one...and try to improve in that area of your life in the coming year. The point is...all of us have fallen short of the Grace of God...and can all improve, through the Grace of God. Make a Biblical resolution this year. Even if you are not able to totally fulfill it, you will not regret it.

So, what do you want from me?

VERSE: 

Micah 6:8 

8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God? 

LESSON: 

So, what do you want from me? 


This verse reminds us that God has taught us what is right (what is good) through the prophets and though his words to us that have been captured in the Bible. Once we know what is in the Bible, it should help us to discern what God expects of us. This verse gives us a fairly good overview of what God expects from us. It tells us that God requires us "...to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God". Read again some of the key words here as they are worth remembering [do justly, love kindness and mercy, humble yourself, walk humbly with your God].

They called him a Nazarene!

VERSE:

Luke 2:39-4039 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

LESSON:

They called him a Nazarene!

Mary and Joseph were good Jewish parents. When the proper time came for Jesus' parents to present him in the temple, they took him to the temple. After this, the verse tells us that "...Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord", and then they returned to Nazareth where this baby Jesus was to spend his early years as he grew into a boy and then into a man. Because of the name of his native town, Jesus was known as a "Nazarene". Future scripture lessons will describe the mission and ministry of this Nazarene.

Take it one day at a time!

VERSE:

Psalm 90:12 

12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

LESSON:

Take it one day at a time! 

When we end a year, we quite often look too much into the future of the next year for things we hope for or wish for. When we do this...we fail to enjoy each and every day that the Lord has given us. This verse reminds us to slow down and enjoy each and every day, learning what we can about life each and every day. Those are the things that help us to develop wisdom. Take life "one day at a time". Enjoy and savor each day.

Look ahead...don't look back!

VERSE:

Isaiah 43:18-21

18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.

LESSON:

Look ahead...don't look back!

At this time of year (New Years), we often look back on the past year. TV is full of retrospectives. Best events of 2010...Worst events of 2010, Sports accomplishments of 2010, Notable persons who have passed away in 2010. We do have to briefly remember what has happened in the past year, as that helps us to have a good perspective for the future year. Wisdom is actually build upon prior experiences. What we should not do is dwell on the past to the extent that we limit the wonderful possibilities that God can do with and for us in our lives. This verse encourages us that we "...do not dwell on the past...". Look to the future year as we are led by God. This verse reminds us to "...See, I am doing a new thing!". Allow God to do new things for and with your life in the new year. Happy 2011!

New Creatures in a New Year!

VERSE:

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

LESSON:


New Creatures in a New Year!

What a wonderful way to start a New Year...other than to be reminded that according to this Bible verse...if you are a follower of Christ...you have become a "...new creation...". It tells us that "...the old has gone, the new is here!". What a wonderful way to start the New Year. A new creation in Christ!