5G: 6G

MAY 29 / Sunday – Read Ephesians 2:1-10 / 2 Corinthians 8:9

Overview: Grace is more than a person’s name or what we say before a meal. Grace is the best thing ever.

30 / Mon – Grace is…  |  Read Ephesians 2:4-5, 8

Grace is an interesting word. It can be used to address royalty. It may describe the way a person moves. Some people refer to prayer before eating a meal as saying grace. The word grace is found over 140 times in the New Testament and refers to unearned favor from God. In the original Greek, charis carries with it the idea of acceptance, kindness or benefit granted where none is deserved (Spiros Zodhiates). What person(s) have extended grace to you in your lifetime?

31 / Tue – Nah, I’m good  |  Read Ephesians 2:9 / James 4:6 / Romans 12:3

One of the hardest things for many people with a strong work ethic is to receive something they have not earned. In fact, they might describe it as accepting charity. Why? Maybe it has something to do with pride? Grace and works are mutually exclusive. If you have to work for it, then it is not grace. Pride can block what God wants to do in your life. Will you humble yourself and accept this gift? Where do you need his grace the most in your life right now?

01 / Wed – The reason why…  |  Read Ephesians 2:10

Why does God extend grace? It is not only a pardon for sins of the past – God is making you a new creation. You are his workmanship. He re-forms your thinking, your character, your very heart so it becomes like Jesus. Then he can introduce you to the amazing, fulfilling works he has created for you to do long before you were even born. God has big plans for your future. Are you willing to get with the plan?

02 / Thu – The challenge |  Read 1 John 3:19-20 / Romans 8:1-2

Which is more difficult…extending grace to others or to yourself? It might depend on how you were raised. Did you experience grace from others when you made mistakes? Did others forgive but you had a hard time forgiving yourself? Maybe you grew up with the idea you had to be perfect or all was lost. God does not expect perfection; he looks for hearts submitted to him. And when you fail, don’t be afraid to confess it. Let him expose and free you from any condemnation of the enemy.

03 / Fri – Are you stuck?  |  Read Hebrews 12:15

According to this verse, what is the consequence of failing to accept the grace of God? This applies to grace you refuse to give to others, as well as, the grace you do not give yourself. Are you feeling bitter about something or someone? Maybe even toward God because of unanswered prayer or the difficulties he has allowed? Bitterness not only warps your perspective but it also negatively affects those around you. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area where you are resisting God’s grace. When you do confess it, he will help you work through it and find freedom.

04 / Sat – ‘Salty’ language can be good  |  Read Colossians 4:6

An obvious way to show grace is in your conversations. Paul compares this to salt. It does not take very much grace to make a difference. It might, however, require extra self-discipline. You probably guard your speech when children are present but with other adults, is it too easy to slip into gossip, disrespectful or crass language? If that is a problem for you, try to imagine Jesus standing next to you, listening in on the conversation, and see what happens. Ask for help when you need it.