Grace Full
Commissioner Debi Bell
Retired Officer
USA Western Territory
When I was in high school, I joined the gymnastics team. I loved the thought of jumping on the trampoline and learning to flip in the air. My imagination had me gracefully gliding on the high beam, or across the gym floor tumbling, cartwheeling and flipping to beautiful music with my toes pointed at all times. I loved the idea of flowing between the uneven bars defying gravity until my successful dismount. Alas! I failed to overcome many obstacles to see these dreams come true. Tricks on the uneven bars meant letting go of one bar so you can flow to the next one. My fear of getting hurt was bigger than my desire to flow. Klutzy, clumsy bodies are rarely graceful on the high beam or the gym floor no matter how much you practice. Our coach was gracious and had compassion on me when she asked me to be the team manager.
Over the years, I accepted that I might not be the most graceful person, but I could be full of grace.
Grace Defined
The word grace is one that is simple but profound, especially for those who use it most. When a word or concept becomes familiar, we can put it on a mental shelf in our brains as a keepsake, favorite book or decoration. We see it, it brings comfort but it is often collecting dust rather than being actively put to use. Take a new and fresh look at this thing called grace.
One of my definitions of grace is God giving something freely to us, so that we pass it on, until things begin to change in a positive way.
When I look at a passage of Scripture, I like to ask, “What is going on here? Why was this event or idea important enough to record it? What is the take away truth? How do I apply it?” Recently my daily Bible reading took me to Acts 15. I applied my questions.
What was Going on Here?
What was going on here? There was a challenge to the fabric of the beliefs and practices of the early Church. The questions being considered were; “Would all believers have to become converted to Jewish practice to be saved as well as believing in Jesus?” Was grace enough to save them and keep them?
This was a difficult time for the inner circle of the followers of Christ for many reasons. Religious and cultural prejudice is difficult to overcome. If the early Church accepted Gentiles, they would be further removed from the Jews who did not accept Jesus and persecution would increase. Change is always difficult.
Why was this event important? It would define the ministry and impact of the Church.
What is the take away truth? “We believe and are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they are” (Acts 15:11).
Application
Where is it a challenge for me? How do I apply it? I will work to define grace in my life and make it a key component in the way I live and treat others. I will allow God to fill me full of grace.
Grace is God giving something freely to us, so that we pass it on, until things begin to change in a positive way. By receiving freely what God has given to me, I will freely pass it on… until things begin to change in a positive way. My commitment is to be a grace filled, redemptive presence in this world.
Our Corporate Prayer
Dear Lord, we realize that we are debtors to Your grace in every way and every day. We have no standing with You apart from grace. We thank You for extending Your grace to us so that we can even know that You exist and that further, we can know You as our Savior. And now we ask that You allow us to be Your vessels of grace to others by our actions, by our words, by our thoughts toward them. Help us to be grace full. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Our Worldwide Prayer Meeting
Spain & Portugal Territory
Thinking It Through
As you go through this week, try to think of the many times God shows you grace each day. Also try to see the opportunities you have to show His grace to others. Do you take advantage of those or do you let them pass?
Notable Quotables
Any time which is still mine by grace, shall be dedicated to pay installments on a still recurring debt. - Commissioner Arthur Pitcher
This modern setting of "Amazing Grace" not only retains the message of the classic version but adds a thrilling layer to the old song. By Chris Tomlin.
We would appreciate any feedback and/or suggestions on how to improve these devotionals. Please email comments to: SpiritualLifeDevelopment@uss.salvationarmy.org or by going to our website: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/spiritual-life-development.
We would love to hear from you.
Lt. Colonel Allen Satterlee
Territorial Spiritual Life Development Officer/THQ Chaplain
USA Southern Territory