Giving Thanks For God's Great Love

By: J. P.s Inspirations

That he might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels
of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory."
Romans 9: 23
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The ways of our Lord are all perfect and just. If we looked the whole world over, we could
never find a greater love than the love God has freely given us. John Wesley said:
"God's grace is a wonderful gift to humankind and is God's love freely offered to us."
Wesley taught of three kinds of God's grace: "preparing grace, accepting (justifying grace),
and sustaining (sanctifying) grace."

Wesley said, "The grace, or love of God, whence cometh our salvation, is free in all,
and free for all.... It is free in all to whom it is given, and all have a free choice."
Before we even knew the Lord, His Spirit was drawing us to Him, preparing us by grace
to receive His justification and salvation. Wesley also taught when one receives
justification, they are to move on in sustaining grace and continue to grow in their
Christian life. We see this taught in the New Testament and learn to walk by faith in
God's grace. It never stops with receiving redeeming grace, but we must continue
to grow in grace.

There must also be repentance and faith after we have believed the gospel, that
will help us "run the race and endure until the end." Repentance and faith are
necessary in our daily walk, as much as it was in the preparing and accepting grace
given in the beginning of our walk. God's free action is for the benefit of God’s
people. It is different than justice. Justice is getting what we deserve. Grace and
God's mercy is getting what we do not deserve. Because of God's love and kindness
manifested in Jesus on the Cross, we receive the great blessing of redemption.

Grace is the abundant riches of God at Christ's expense, given to those who did not
deserve His love or favor. We see God's grace and mercy in the power of the
Holy Spirit working to fulfill God's compassion in our lives and hearts.
Our good works, desires, purposes, or intentions, are not the cause of God's love
and grace given us, but are only the effects of it in our lives. These are not the 'root
of grace, but instead are the fruit of grace,' which will be made manifest in our lives
as we grow in His sustaining grace.

Today, most Christians call God's justifying grace," being converted, or born again."
It is a choice each soul has to make, but it doesn't stop with conversion. If we
reflect on the mercies of the Lord, we see how God's love and grace has not only
prepared and justified us, but has kept us safe in Him. He has changed and sanctified
our hearts through the years. Only grace is able to lead us safely home. One day
in the ages to come, God will display in us the glory and riches of His amazing grace.

The Apostle Paul said grace was given him that he should preach among the Gentiles the
"unsearchable riches of Christ; and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the
mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who
created all things by Jesus Christ."

What wonderful thoughts when we ponder on the great riches of our Lord's mercy,
which also fills us with power, peace, and protection. Through His grace, we can handle
the disappointments, temptations, and challenges that will come our way. We can do all
things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.

The grace of God speaks to hearts today saying, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you.
Nothing can separate us. It was for you I sent My only begotten Son because I love
you so." But, like any other gift, the gift of grace can be received only if one chooses
to receive it by faith." In God, there can be found answers for all the world's problems.
Our Lord waits for souls to call upon Him that He can show them great and mighty
things which they know not {Jer. 33: 3}, His ways are the right way of doing things
and we know this world would be a much better place if God's laws were
made the laws of the land.

We give thanks for the love of God which brought grace to our lives. His love
is the greatest gift of all which brought us salvation, and leads us into all truths.
What a wonderful Savior, what a wonderful Lord! Mighty is our God! May His
name be glorified today and always. We give thanks for God's marvelous grace!

Blessings In Christ,
Jo Ann Kelly © 2007, 2006
J. P.'s Inspirations

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