Embracing Daily Grace: A Mother's Day Reflection
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone! Today, we celebrate Mother's Day, and I am so grateful to see all of you here, both in person and online. As we gather, I want to share some personal stories and insights that have carried me through the past couple of years. I hope these reflections will resonate with you and provide encouragement.
Let's start by understanding the grace of God. Grace, in the Greek word "charis," means favor, blessing, or kindness. It is an essential part of God's character, choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sins deserve. Grace is a gift freely given, not earned by our works. It encompasses everything we receive from God, including His mercy, which withholds punishment, and His grace, which gives us blessings we don't deserve ([51:49]).
To fully grasp grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become with Him. We were born in sin, guilty, and deserving of death. But then grace came through Jesus, who is the embodiment of God's grace and truth. John 1:14-16 tells us that Jesus came full of grace and truth, and from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace ([54:17]).
Grace is not a one-time gift; it is a daily gift that God gives us, moment by moment. His kindness, goodness, and favor are continually poured out in our lives. Ephesians 2:4-8 beautifully illustrates this, showing that we are saved by grace through faith, and it is a gift from God ([55:47]).
So, how do we receive God's grace daily? Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. This throne is not one of condemnation but of kindness, blessing, and favor ([01:01:33]).
Living in God's grace means trusting Him daily. Psalm 16:8 reminds us that the Lord is always with us, and we will not be shaken because He is right beside us. Jesus invites us in Matthew 11:28-30 to come to Him when we are weary and burdened, promising to give us rest and teach us the unforced rhythms of grace ([01:14:12]).
Grace manifests in various ways in our lives. It can look like peace in chaos, support from others, provision, God's presence, healing, restoration, and freedom from past hurts. The Holy Spirit is always working for our good, and we can either trust Him or struggle on our own ([01:12:40]).
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul shares that God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we are weak, we should run to God, not away from Him. His strength and ability will enfold us, enabling us to do what we cannot do on our own ([01:18:52]).
Life can be overwhelming, filled with responsibilities and challenges. But when we come to God daily for His grace, He carries the weight for us. Philippians 4:13 assures us that it is God who works in us, giving us the desire and ability to fulfill our purpose ([01:22:17]).
As we conclude, I invite anyone who needs God's grace and a relationship with Jesus to come forward. Let's pray together, asking Jesus to forgive our sins and fill us with His grace. Today, we start our journey of grace, trusting in His strength and ability to carry us through every season of life ([01:28:28]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Grace: Grace is the favor, blessing, and kindness of God, freely given and not earned by our works. It is an essential part of God's character, choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sins deserve. This understanding helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. [51:49]
2. Daily Gift of Grace: Grace is not a one-time gift but a daily provision from God. His kindness, goodness, and favor are continually poured out in our lives. Ephesians 2:4-8 illustrates that we are saved by grace through faith, and it is a gift from God, emphasizing the ongoing nature of His grace. [55:47]
3. Approaching the Throne of Grace: Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing we will receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. This throne is one of kindness, blessing, and favor, not condemnation. [01:01:33]
4. Living in God's Grace: Living in God's grace means trusting Him daily. Psalm 16:8 and Matthew 11:28-30 remind us that the Lord is always with us, and Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest and to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. This daily trust in God transforms our lives. [01:14:12]
5. Grace in Weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 teaches that God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we are weak, we should run to God, not away from Him. His strength and ability will enfold us, enabling us to do what we cannot do on our own. [01:18:52]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [46:23] - Introduction and Family Photos
3. [51:49] - Defining Grace
4. [54:17] - Grace Through Jesus
5. [55:47] - Daily Gift of Grace
6. [01:01:33] - Approaching the Throne of Grace
7. [01:12:40] - Manifestations of Grace
8. [01:14:12] - Living in God's Grace
9. [01:18:52] - Grace in Weakness
10. [01:22:17] - Practical Illustration of Grace
11. [01:28:28] - Invitation to Receive Grace
12. [01:30:03] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:14-16 (NIV)
2. Ephesians 2:4-8 (NIV)
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:14-16, how is Jesus described in relation to grace and truth? What does it mean that we have received "grace upon grace"? [54:17]
2. In Ephesians 2:4-8, what reasons are given for why God extends grace to us? How does this passage describe our state before receiving grace? [57:29]
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. What reasons does the passage give for why we can approach God in this way? [01:01:33]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus as "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14-16) impact our view of His role in our lives? [54:17]
2. Ephesians 2:4-8 emphasizes that grace is a gift from God and not something we can earn. How does this understanding affect our daily walk with God? [57:29]
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of approaching the throne of grace with confidence. What does this confidence look like in practical terms, and how can it change our prayer life? [01:01:33]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on John 1:14-16, how can you recognize and appreciate the "grace upon grace" that you have received in your life? Can you share a specific instance where you felt this grace? [54:17]
2. Ephesians 2:4-8 states that we are saved by grace through faith. How does this truth influence the way you view your own worth and the worth of others? How can this perspective change your interactions with people this week? [57:29]
3. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence. What are some barriers that prevent you from approaching God confidently? How can you overcome these barriers? [01:01:33]
4. The sermon mentioned that grace is a daily gift from God. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself to seek and receive God's grace each day? [55:47]
5. The pastor shared personal stories of experiencing God's grace in difficult times. Can you think of a challenging situation in your life where you need to rely more on God's grace? How can you actively seek His grace in that situation? [01:08:43]
6. Living in God's grace means trusting Him daily. What specific steps can you take to deepen your trust in God this week, especially in areas where you feel weak or uncertain? [01:14:12]
7. The sermon highlighted that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). How can you embrace your weaknesses and allow God's strength to work through you? Can you share a recent experience where you saw this happen? [01:18:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Unmerited Favor of God
Grace is the favor, blessing, and kindness of God, freely given and not earned by our works. It is an essential part of God's character, choosing to bless us rather than curse us as our sins deserve. This understanding helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and mercy towards us. Grace is a gift that encompasses everything we receive from God, including His mercy, which withholds punishment, and His grace, which gives us blessings we don't deserve.
To fully grasp grace, we need to consider who we were without Christ and who we become with Him. We were born in sin, guilty, and deserving of death. But then grace came through Jesus, who is the embodiment of God's grace and truth. John 1:14-16 tells us that Jesus came full of grace and truth, and from His fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. This profound truth should fill us with gratitude and awe for the unmerited favor we receive daily. [51:49]
Ephesians 1:7-8 (ESV): "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt undeserving of God's love and grace. How did His grace change your perspective and actions in that situation?
Day 2: Grace as a Daily Provision
Grace is not a one-time gift but a daily provision from God. His kindness, goodness, and favor are continually poured out in our lives. Ephesians 2:4-8 illustrates that we are saved by grace through faith, and it is a gift from God, emphasizing the ongoing nature of His grace. This daily gift of grace means that every moment, we are sustained and empowered by God's favor and love.
Living in this daily grace requires us to be aware of God's presence and provision in our lives. It means recognizing that every good thing we experience is a result of His grace. This awareness should lead us to a life of gratitude and dependence on God, knowing that we cannot earn His favor but can only receive it with open hearts. [55:47]
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Reflection: How can you start your day with an awareness of God's daily grace? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His ongoing provision and kindness?
Day 3: Confidence in Approaching God's Throne
Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages us to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing we will receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. This throne is one of kindness, blessing, and favor, not condemnation. Understanding this truth changes how we relate to God, transforming our prayers and our approach to Him.
When we approach God's throne with confidence, we acknowledge that He is a loving Father who desires to bless us and help us in our struggles. This confidence is not based on our righteousness but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. It allows us to come boldly before God, knowing that He is ready to extend His grace and mercy to us in every situation. [01:01:33]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to approach God's throne with confidence? How can you remind yourself of His kindness and willingness to help you in that area?
Day 4: Trusting God Daily
Living in God's grace means trusting Him daily. Psalm 16:8 and Matthew 11:28-30 remind us that the Lord is always with us, and Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest and to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. This daily trust in God transforms our lives, allowing us to experience His peace and guidance in every situation.
Trusting God daily involves surrendering our worries, fears, and plans to Him. It means believing that He is in control and that His grace is sufficient for every challenge we face. As we learn to trust Him more, we begin to see His hand at work in our lives, leading us and providing for us in ways we could never imagine. [01:14:12]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? What steps can you take today to surrender that area to Him and rely on His grace?
Day 5: Grace in Our Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 teaches that God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we are weak, we should run to God, not away from Him. His strength and ability will enfold us, enabling us to do what we cannot do on our own. This truth is a source of great comfort and encouragement, reminding us that we do not have to rely on our own strength.
In our moments of weakness, God's grace becomes even more evident. It is in these times that we experience His power and presence in profound ways. By acknowledging our weaknesses and turning to God, we open ourselves to His transformative grace, which empowers us to overcome challenges and fulfill His purposes for our lives. [01:18:52]
Isaiah 40:29-31 (ESV): "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt weak or inadequate. How can you invite God's grace into that situation and rely on His strength instead of your own?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "So, see, isn't it pretty? Little pink ones. Yeah. I found that yesterday. So in every situation, relationship, and circumstance, we need His grace. So what is the grace of God? I want to define that for you guys so we know what we're talking about here. Let's go ahead and put up that first slide. Grace in the Greek is charis. Okay, I think I left an A out, actually. It means favor, blessing, or kindness. Favor, blessing, or kindness. The grace of God is a constant theme in the Bible. And it culminates in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus that we see in John chapter 1. So we know that we can all extend grace to each other, but when grace is put in the connotation of who God is, it takes a whole different meaning, a whole different powerful meaning for our lives." [51:49]
2. "There's a rhythm of grace. There's a timing and a syncing with walking with the Lord. In his peace. In his wisdom. In the leading of the Holy Spirit. You say, Star, I don't know how to do that. Come to him. Come to him every day. Worship. Begin to read your word. Start in the New Testament, the book of John. Read about who Jesus is. Begin to focus on him. And when you look at him, keep company with him, you'll learn to live freely and lightly. It's a learning process, guys. So be patient with yourself. Moms, some of you may be beating yourself up in your heads. I didn't do this right. I didn't do that right. Listen. God is not condemning you. His grace is for you. His kindness, goodness, and favor is for you. So receive that and believe that. He's not hitting you over the head. He's saying, come on. You got this. Keep going. I'm going to help you. Keep going. Get up. Let's go." [01:15:16]
3. "So the person who doesn't feel like you can take anymore, you want to quit. Say, God, I need your grace. I need your strength and your ability to work in my life. Let's look at 2 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 9 through 10. This is amplified. But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you. My loving kindness and my mercy are more than enough. Always available. Can you say more than enough? Always available. Regardless of the situation. Man, that's so good. Then he keeps going. It keeps getting better. For my strength and power is being perfected and completed and shows itself most effectively in your weakness." [01:18:52]
4. "You receive it as a gift. Just like you receive salvation, you're receiving His gift of grace every day in your life. And I love how the Bible repeatedly calls grace a gift. You guys think about a gift. So when a gift is given to you, do you owe that person something when they give you the gift? If it's a gift? No. You don't owe anything in return. When a gift is given, it's free to the recipient, right? You guys get a gift. You're not paying for it. It's not free to the giver who bears the expense. Just like the gift of salvation costs us sinners nothing, but the price of such an extravagant gift came at a great cost from our Lord who died in our place." [58:46]
5. "Grace gives us the gift of his strength and his ability to do what we cannot do on our own. When we receive the grace of God, we connect to the power that Jesus has given us. Isn't that so good? Favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift. Isn't that amazing? That is the definition of the superabundance of His grace. Verse 17, For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus. So what's so awesome is that grace is not just a one-time gift. When we accept Jesus into our life, when we decide to follow Jesus, it's just not, okay, I'm going to give you grace right now, and that's all you get. Grace is a daily gift that He gives us, moment by moment, day after day. He gives us His kindness, His goodness, and His favor." [55:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So how do we live in the grace of God daily? This is our last point. And it's a little long, but you guys stay with me. We're doing good on time. Matthew 11, 20 through 30. So the point is, how do we, question, how do we live daily in the grace of God? Matthew 11 verses 28 through 30. Are you tired? You tired? I just talked to a, I was texting with a mom the other day and she's like, this mama's tired. I'm like, yes. Worn out. Burned out on religion. Come to me. Get away with me. And you'll recover your life. Keep going. I'll show you. This is Jesus talking. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me. Watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace." [01:14:12]
2. "Grace can look like peace in the middle of the most chaotic season of life. Grace can look like care and support from people around you. Grace can look like provision for a need that is more than what you need. Grace can look like God's presence filling your car, your home, your workplace when you don't think you can take anymore. Grace looks like the faithfulness of God. Bringing your child back to him after they wandered away. Grace looks like healing from past trauma. Grace looks like a restored marriage. Grace looks like freedom from hurts, habits, and hangups. Grace looks like protection. Grace looks like you fill in the blank. This is grace. This is our gracious Heavenly Father. So good to us. So good to us." [01:12:40]
3. "This high priest of ours understands our weaknesses. Man, that's good to know. For he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So we see that we go to the father daily for the help that we need. That's how we receive the grace of God daily, is we go to the father. Let's look at verse 16, which makes this really clear. Therefore let us with privilege approach the throne of grace. You guys see that, that his throne is a throne of grace? It's a throne of kindness, of blessing and favor for you and for me. Think about that for a second, guys. We're not coming to a God. That is ready to hit you over the head or condemn you for your mistakes or make you look at all of the things that you've done and shame you. His throne is a throne of grace. Goodness, kindness, favor for you, for you, for me." [01:01:33]
4. "So today we learned what grace is, how to receive it and how to walk daily in his grace. So the first step in walking in this relationship of grace is to walk in a relationship with Jesus. So today I want to give you that invitation to come to, to come to the throne of grace and say, I need you. I need you. I need you. I need you. I need you. I need you. I need you. Jesus. I need you in my life. I need forgiveness. I need hope. I need healing. And he will do that for you. So let's bow our heads and close our eyes right now. If that's you this morning, you're saying, I know I need the grace of God. I know that I need a relationship with Jesus. I don't want to keep doing this on my own. I don't want to keep trying to live this life in my own strength, but I want God's ability and his power and his love to come into my life. And to begin to help me and to change me." [01:28:28]
5. "So the person who doesn't feel like you can take anymore, you want to quit. Say, God, I need your grace. I need your strength and your ability to work in my life. Let's look at 2 Corinthians chapter 12, verses 9 through 10. This is amplified. But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you. My loving kindness and my mercy are more than enough. Always available. Can you say more than enough? Always available. Regardless of the situation. Man, that's so good. Then he keeps going. It keeps getting better. For my strength and power is being perfected and completed and shows itself most effectively in your weakness." [01:18:52]
6. "Grace gives us the gift of his strength and his ability to do what we cannot do on our own. When we receive the grace of God, we connect to the power that Jesus has given us. Isn't that so good? Favor upon favor, and gift heaped upon gift. Isn't that amazing? That is the definition of the superabundance of His grace. Verse 17, For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus. So what's so awesome is that grace is not just a one-time gift. When we accept Jesus into our life, when we decide to follow Jesus, it's just not, okay, I'm going to give you grace right now, and that's all you get. Grace is a daily gift that He gives us, moment by moment, day after day. He gives us His kindness, His goodness, and His favor." [55:47]
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