Why is at that those who preach about the grace of God to others often find it so difficult to recieve grace for themselves? Christians can preach grace to the sinner but when the saint sins they somehow feel that they are disqualified from grace! Somehow they feel that they should know better and that they should somehow be ‘above sinning’!

As Christians we need to be continually reminded of grace! As the old hymn says

‘Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home’

Some of us have begun to belive that it was grace that brought me safe thus far but works shall lead me home! Insane, yet true!

There is a subtle error at work within us that seeks to establish a righteousness of our own, we must recognise it and renounce it and cast ourselves on the mercy of God our saviour. Often it is only when we fall that we see ourselves for who we really are, that is, wicked sinners who deserve nothing but God’s wrath. Believe me this is no overstatement, it is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. There is nothing in us that could merit God’s grace or mercy, the very fact that we got saved was mercy undeserving and free!

Salvation is not, get saved by grace as a sinner and live by works as a saint, it is salvation by grace and sanctification by grace, we partake of both through faith!

Satan works a dual purpose, he tempts the saint and when the saint yields he transfers his role from tempter to tormenter. ‘How could you do that?’ he accussingly asks after he has enticed the believer with sin! The reason he tempts the child of God is so that the child of God willl feel shame and seperation from God. If satan can keep us out of God’s presence he will render us innefective. At times like this uyou may feel you have failed beyond recovery or that God has forsaken you. At times like this you need to know the present day value of the blood of Jesus Christ. Never let your sins loom larger than the blood of Christ!

This poem reflects the struggle with sin, the sense of failure and alienation that accompanies sin and it also speaks of the remedy. The ever present remedy!

Jesus I need You to work in my life,
Sin rages within, it causes me strife.
I long for your presence, I long for your touch,
I havn’t been faitful, yet you’ve given me much.
Is it too late? Can I find my way back?
Will it be possible to get back on track?

Jesus, You died in my place,
Your blood pleads my case.
Your cross speaks favour,
Your cross speaks grace,
Your cross speaks mercy,
The Fathers embrace!

It is Finished! It is Finished!
Guilt be gone! Fear be diminished!
Shame has no right, it cannot stay,
For my Salvation, God, His Son, did slay!

Let us be reminded each day of the grace factor! Let us draw strength from his grace and not our works. May our works and our holiness flow out of hearts that are overflowing with the grace of God.

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