Women of God Devotionals

[Gloria]

But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has sur- passed it and increased the more and superabounded.

Romans 5:20

Sin and Grace​

It is interesting to note that the only reason God gave the Law was to show us that we couldn’t keep it and needed a Savior. All the Law does is increase sin. But the good news is that where sin abounds, grace superabounds because grace is greater than sin.

If we love God, we will always do our best not to sin, but it is good to know that when we do sin, His grace is greater than our sin. Grace is undeserved favor, and I like to describe it also as God’s power to enable us to do what we need to do. It is not an excuse to sin and get away with that sin. It is the power to overcome sin and say no to it.

God’s grace is wonderful beyond comprehension. It is what changes us into the image of Christ as we learn to rely on it instead of relying on ourselves. Max Lucado said it well: “Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off.” And Saint Augustine said, “For grace is given, not because we have done good works, but in order that we may be able to do them.”

Prayer of the Day: Father God, Lord, thank You for Your grace that empowers me to overcome sin. Help me rely on Your strength and grow into the image of Christ every day, amen.

 

[Liz T]

This must be the section you were telling me about. I think I'll have a look around.

 

[Gloria]

This must be the section you were telling me about. I think I'll have a look around.

Just ask if you have any questions.

 

[Julie]

This must be the section you were telling me about. I think I'll have a look around.

Welcome to the Forum Liz.

 

[Aeliana]

I really love this one.

The Apostle

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.
Galatians 1:1

In the early days of the church, God called special men to do special tasks. Among them were the apostles. The word apostle means “one who is sent with a commission.” While He was ministering on earth, Jesus had many disciples (“learners”), and from these He selected twelve apostles (Mark 3:13–19). Later, one of the requirements for an apostle was that he had to have witnessed the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22; 2:32; 3:15).

Paul’s miraculous conversion and call to apostleship created some problems. From the very beginning, he was apart from the original apostles. His enemies said that he was not a true apostle for this reason. Paul points out that he had been made an apostle by Jesus Christ just as much as had the original Twelve. His apostleship was not from human selection, but by divine appointment.

But in his ministry, Paul had a second basis for authority: He founded the churches in Galatia. He was not writing to them as a stranger, but as the one who had brought them the message of life!

Something to Ponder
Why is “relationship” important to Paul’s claim of apostleship? How do your relationships affect your ministry?


Warren W. Wiersbe, Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.
JOHN NEWTON

 

[Gloria]

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:1

Psalm 136 has a total of 26 verses, each ending with “His love endures forever.” The psalmist wasn’t merely trying to be repetitive; he was making a point we should always remember.

God does so much for His people, and throughout this psalm, the writer states that God is good and His love is everlasting. It is important for us to always remember these two things. When we have trouble in life, God is still good, and He still loves us. Meditating on these truths will help us get through difficult situations and not lose our faith.

God’s timing isn’t always what we would like it to be, but it is always perfect. If we have to wait longer than desired for Him to do something, there is a reason, even though we may not see it. All we need to remember is that God is good and His love endures forever. If you are facing something challenging right now, meditate on these truths, and they will strengthen your faith. Surely if God’s Word says something 26 times, we should consider it important and believe it.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me always to remember that You are good and that Your love endures forever. Help me never to doubt this, no matter how difficult my circumstances may be.

Daily Devotions from Psalms: 365 Devotions​