God's grace never stops

033108: I am tempted once again this sabbath to make lists and reminders. I'm even struggling with checking my email. I don't know what to do. After this devotion, I will read "Captivating" and perhaps, that will help me to focus on the joy of today instead of the burdens of tomorrow.

Judges 10:13Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will deliver you no more.

This scripture makes me so sad. The Israelites had yet again fallen into the habit of worshiping false idols, and now they were in captivity again. Israel was "sorely distressed" because the Ammonites and the Philistines were oppressing them again. The people cried out to God, once more, and confessed their sin, but this time, God tells them He will deliver them no more. He tells them to cry to the gods that they have chosen instead. Has God's patience run out? Does He have a limit to His grace?

1 Corinthians 16:23The grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with this scripture. What does it mean to have the grace of Jesus Christ with you? Well, I think this means that God's grace does not run out. God sent His son so that He will always be reminded that we are worth saving. No matter how many times we mess up, fall short, sin, or make mistakes, the Lord Jesus Christ is within us, so we have God's favor and spiritual blessing upon us.

I think that I am always afraid of grace running out. I think that is why I'm such a people pleaser. I think deep down inside, I feel that I only have so many strikes before I'm out. I really should know, and live like I know, that my worth comes only from God and that as long as I am following Him, I don't need to please anyone else. But to live that way is something totally foreign and detestable to me. I see people who don't care what other people think, and I don't like them. I have a hard time loving them. I think I don't love them. I think I tolerate them.
Personally, I feel good about pleasing others. I think it keeps me agreeable, kind, and helpful. Also, it keeps me humble. However, my joy is stolen from me by people who aren't pleased. I think that there must be something I can do to win back their grace. I really should be searching only for God's grace. He gives it freely through His son, Jesus Christ. God will never stop forgiving me, so I better not be afraid of His grace running dry. When I sin, I have to ask for forgiveness, and try again. Often I think, "Oh boy, this time I've really done it. There is no fixing me this time. I'd better just end it here." But God wants to forgive me because the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with me. I can count on His unfailing love.

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for being the giver of God's grace. Thank You, God, for Your unfailing love. Please forgive me, once more, for my sinful ways. Lord, continue to do Your good work within me. Transform me, Lord, from glory to glory. Let my flesh and this world die, and may You rule and reign within me. Continue to teach me to be kind, Lord. Also, help me take all my thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. In the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.