GRACE enabled FAITH

Posted: 19. 10. 2014 | Author: Ellie Sharpe | Category: Inspirational

He says, “My grace is sufficient and my power is made perfect in your weakness.” So where is God’s power perfected? This is a key. It is when we are weak. So, if we never encountered anything that would humble us, how could God shine? What we encounter and how we do, is up to us, and up to GOD. You see, HE is sovereign, but we can choose NOT to give GOD access.

This entry began on the 12th, and here we are several days later, just adding to what GOD is downloading. These last few days, He has been reminding us, of the weapon of GRACE. The holy, beautiful weapon of HIS Grace. There is a shaking happening in the earth and ON it. It looks so strange, as we see breakouts happening. Where is our FAITH in this process? Whom and what is our faith in exactly?

Today is the 16th, and BIblically that represents LOVE. So, the questions that are posed ask us, where is the LOVE? Is the LOVE in things? Is it in places or people? WE are the church, but what exactly is our steeple? Really have been reflecting on what GRACE enabled FAITH means. In short it means that HIS Grace, no matter how it appears, leads the way. It means, that when this world throws lemons, rotten tomatoes, or anything else WE surrender it ALL to God.

Let me tell you some awesome testimony. Yesterday, the 15th, we were sent out and about. God knows every moment, and what HE desires for it. WE went out to do some errands, and the day ended up much different than we thought. It began with my husband asking if I was ready for lunch. Before lunch, we got ready to go, and the car would not start. So, we took another car that God provided. Went to our former city, and had lunch. While at lunch there were ladies, in the small restaurant, obviously not aware anyone else was in the room. They proceeded to complain about everything under the sun. It was hard to hear ourselves think. But God.

I so, wanted to speak up and say, “Have you not seen, or heard, and do you not know the everlasting GOD?” But, I did not, because I was no led to say anything, except, a blessing. We prayed over the food, and waited for God to give direction. Our “children” were with us and we just sat, and thanked God. I could see my husband, seeking God for self control, and everyone else at the table doing the same. At one point, there were a few wisecracks made, and then, GOD moved. I went outside, to make a phone call. When I did, I felt the wind of the LORD, so strong.

I popped my head in the door, and said, “Hey, let’s eat out here!” God made a way, away from the headaches, to enjoy HIS wind. THIS is Grace enabled faith. It is FAITH that GOD, will move even HELL out of the way, for HIS GLORY to shine. Everyone in the restaurant left, but us. We may have been outside, but perhaps that is where God desired us. There are so many ways to LOOK at this and view it. The phone call, was to a dear sister who is being quite challenged. When I spoke to her, I was led to simply pray PEACE over her.

Where is God’s GRACE present most? IT is in the PEACE of God. Every day, we ask God, if anything was said or done, displeasing to HIM, to forgive us, and we repent, and say we are sorry. Every day we ask God to strip anything unpleasing from our lives. Why do we do this? Well, it is quite simple. WE do this, because GOD deserves honor and GLORY. He deserves our very best and yet LOVE us at our very worst. Thank GOD for that. 😉

There is GRACE to learn, but NOT Grace to stay in the same place, day after day. Another thing that happened yesterday, was interesting. My husband is really walking into a new arena. To say, it is out of his comfort zone, is not descriptive enough. Yesterday, we went and logically got what we thought we needed at a store. We got up to the counter, and God moved. It looked like the enemy, but it definitely was God. We both are healing and growing, and neither of us gets to stay comfy in the process. Really grateful for that, though at times it is hard to process.

My husband was concerned about something, and his thoughts were a bit frazzled. I could see him, really surrendering it to God. I got to the counter and our card was declined. So, having at least 10 people behind me, I sought GOD the answer. I knew I needed to stay calm. I could hear God speaking. He said, “Just breathe. Get 3 items.” I chose a shirt for David, a dress for me, and a jacket. There was no problem. When all was finished, my husband was relieved. I saw gratefulness on his face, and he even said thank you for handling it. My response, You are welcome. God totally handled it.”

His GRACE is sufficient. God knows in the past, a weakness has been shopping. But, thank GOD, He has healed us of this. I asked God, “Was there a problem with funds?” The Lord showed us something interesting. He showed us that everything we do and say is a seed. Every dollar we spend can be a tool for the Heavenly Kingdom, when surrendered to God. What I realized was, “It was not time to plant so many seeds at one time.”

I choose not to justify my actions, because I can totally mess up, and I so do sometimes. Having said that, GOD justifies us through holiness. When we stay surrendered to HIS will and purpose, HE brings justice. God is one of grace, justice and mercy. NO matter how it appears, HE will and has, had HIS way. WE have to be in agreement to see HIS way become part of our world.

At church last night the pastor said, “The church must speak.” In complete agreement that we must speak out. WE must choose to LOVE anyway, even when it is hard. For example, the ladies who were oblivious to others, we spoke to them. All that was said was, “have a blessed day.” They said nothing, and walked on by. Though, we take it not personal, it is sad to see people ignore God’s love. For so many reasons, God just get passed by.

Many, behind our backs, are judging us. SOme, to our face, have judged us, deleted us, and or criticized us. Jesus was, and IS no different, as far as treatment. Meaning, the persecution faced then, is the same now. Yet, GOD’s LOVE and HIS Grace is definitely sufficient. What do we do? WE spend lots of time praising HIM. Why do we spend time praising HIM? Is it because HE needs our praise? No. It is because HE LIVES there. HE dwells in our praise.

Yesterday, the men especially,were really struggling with being affected by the negativity around us. I’m not saying that we, the women, did not struggle. But, the battle is different for men and women, in a sense. I realized this morning, our struggle appeared less, because we chose PEACE. It is NOT that the guys didn’t. IT was more that THEY are stepping into a NEW level of covering, and it is unfamiliar to them. WE were reminded of when it was “unfamiliar” to us. It definitely helped us to give and receive more GRACE. But, sometimes human grace runs out, THAT is when HIS Grace, the Grace of GOD can be found. When we feel most lost, GOD’s Grace will indeed find us, when we are willing to be found.

Let’s look at the 2 words….GRACE and FAITH defined.

GRACE –

Full Definition of GRACE

1

a :  unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification

b :  a virtue coming from God

c :  a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace

2

a :  approval, favor <stayed in his good graces>

b archaic :  mercy, pardon

c :  a special favor :  privilege <each in his place, by right, notgrace, shall rule his heritage — Rudyard Kipling>

d :  disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency

e :  a temporary exemption :  reprieve

3

a :  a charming or attractive trait or characteristic

b :  a pleasing appearance or effect :  charm <all the grace of youth — John Buchan>

c :  ease and suppleness of movement or bearing

4

—used as a title of address or reference for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop

5

:  a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks

6

plural capitalized :  three sister goddesses in Greek mythology who are the givers of charm and beauty

7

:  a musical trill, turn, or appoggiatura

8

a :  sense of propriety or right <had the grace not to run for elective office — Calvin Trillin>

b :  the quality or state of being considerate or thoughtful

See grace defined for English-language learners »

See grace defined for kids »

Examples of GRACE

1. She walked across the stage with effortless grace.
2. She handles her problems with grace and dignity.
3. He has shown remarkable grace during this crisis.
4. She is quite lovable despite her lack of social graces.
5. Let us give thanks for God’s grace.
6. By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt.
7. She tried to live her life in God’s grace.

Origin of GRACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin gratia favor, charm, thanks, from gratus pleasing, grateful; akin to Sanskrit gṛṇāti he praises

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to GRACE

Synonyms

benevolence, boon, courtesy, favor, indulgence,kindness, mercy, service, turn

Antonyms

gracelessness, inelegance

[+]more

See Synonym Discussion at mercy

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite,iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

Rhymes with GRACE

ace, base, bass, brace, case, chase, dace, face, lace, mace,Mace, Naas, pace, place, plaice, prase, race, res, space,Thrace, trace, vase, Wace

Full Definition of GRACE

transitive verb

1

:  to confer dignity or honor on

2

:  adorn, embellish <graveled walks graced with statues — J. A. Michener>

See grace defined for English-language learners »

Examples of GRACE

1. Several marble statues grace the courtyard.
2. <I hope that you will grace our gathering with your presence.>

First Known Use of GRACE

1585

Related to GRACE

Synonyms

adorn, array, beautify, bedeck, bedizen, blazon,caparison, deck, do, doll up, do up, drape, dress,embellish, emblaze, emboss, enrich, fancify, fancy up,festoon, garnish, glitz (up), decorate, gussy up,ornament, pretty (up), trim

Antonyms

blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil

[+]more

In Christian theology, the unmerited gift of divine favour, which brings about the salvation of a sinner. The concept of grace has given rise to theological debate over the nature of human depravity and the extent to which individuals may contribute to their own salvation through free will. Though in principle the ideas of merit and grace are mutually exclusive, the question of whether grace may be given as a reward for good works or for faith alone was important in the ProtestantReformation. There has also been controversy over the means of grace: Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, and some Protestants believe that it is conferred through the sacraments, while some other Protestants (e.g., Baptists) hold that participation in grace results from personal faith alone. See also justification; original sin.

FAITH-

Full Definition of FAITH

1

a :  allegiance to duty or a person :  loyalty

b (1) :  fidelity to one’s promises (2) :  sincerity of intentions

2

a (1) :  belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2) :  belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion

b (1) :  firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2):  complete trust

3

:  something that is believed especially with strong conviction;especially :  a system of religious beliefs <the Protestantfaith>

— on faith

:  without question <took everything he said on faith>

See faith defined for English-language learners »

See faith defined for kids »

Examples of FAITH

1. His supporters have accepted his claims with blind faith.
2. Our faith in the government has been badly shaken by the recent scandals.
3. Lending him the money to start his own business was an act of faith.
4. It requires a giant leap of faith for us to believe that she is telling the truth.
5. Nothing is more important to her than her faith in God.
6. She says that her faith has given her the courage to deal with this tragedy.
7. Faith without doubt leads to moral arrogance, the eternal pratfall of the religiously convinced. —Joe Klein, Time, 17 May 2004
8. [+]more

Origin of FAITH

Middle English feith, from Anglo-French feid, fei, from Latinfides; akin to Latin fidere to trust — more at bide

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to FAITH

Synonyms

devotion, piety, religion

Antonyms

atheism, godlessness

[+]more

See Synonym Discussion at belief

Rhymes with FAITH

eighth, saithe, scathe, wraith

²faith

verb \ˈfāth\

Definition of FAITH

transitive verb

archaic

:  believe, trust

Origin of FAITH

(see ¹faith)

First Known Use: 15th century

These 2 WORDS are meant to work together….NOW let’s look at ENABLED.

Full Definition of ENABLE

transitive verb

1

a :  to provide with the means or opportunity <training thatenables people to earn a living>

b :  to make possible, practical, or easy <a deal that wouldenable passage of a new law>

c :  to cause to operate <software that enables the keyboard>

2

:  to give legal power, capacity, or sanction to <a law enablingadmission of a state>

See enable defined for English-language learners »

See enable defined for kids »

Examples of ENABLE

1. The machine enables us to create copies without losing quality.
2. The system enables students to access class materials online.
3. These choices are part of what enabled the company to besuccessful.
4. a filing system that enables easy access to information
5. Be sure to enable your computer’s firewall.

First Known Use of ENABLE

15th century

Related to ENABLE

Synonyms

allow, empower, let, permit

Antonyms

prevent

[+]more

Rhymes with ENABLE

disable, instable, pin-table, retable, round table, timetable,turntable, unable, unstable, worktable.

SO what THIS comes down to, is that GRACE is the vehicle, and it represents JESUS. He is GRACE. Grace, and JESUS enables our FAITH. When it is done by JESUS it succeeds. Was watching a film recently. In it, an angel spoke and said, “You will receive miracles when you pray for what counts.” This is definitely wisdom. ANother way of saying the same thing, is “You will receive miracles when you pray from a pure heart.”

You want to fly? As a kid, how many of us wanted that super power? Well, in GOD you can. It may not look like you thought it would, but it will succeed, and HE will cause you to have new perspectives. It is SO easy to focus on circumstances. Look around us, and it is easy to freak out and lose concentration. But GOD. When we let go and release every emotion, question, thought, and even idea to the one who LOVES us most, He makes them ALL wonderful.

Today I listened to our pastor speak over this man. To look at him, he seemed ordinary. Yet, there was something special about him. You know what it was? It was and IS the LOVE of GOD shining through him. Despite all the things he had endured, he still chose and chooses GOD and HIS ways. Believe me, when I say, GOD honors that. WE are living proof. He has kept us alive, despite many ODDS against us. He is faithful still. No matter what it looks like, GOD will come through. HIS Grace is sufficient, and though we feel VERY weak at times, we know HE is stronger than ever in our lives right now.

Does that mean everything is perfect, well no. But, it does mean, everything is covered. It is covered ONLY by and in and through HIS Grace. Even when we have absolutely NO grace to extend, GOD can. Here is why it is covered. Because JESUS died for us, for ALL of us. But, if WE do not receive that gift and freely receive who HE is, the the Grace that is promised will never fully be seen. It will not be experienced.

DO you want FEAR enabled FAITH? Or, do you want GRACE enabled FAITH? IT should be a no brainer. But, for SOME it is not. It is only an easy choice, when we have the mind of Christ working and active in our lives. Whom do you serve? Do you depend on others? It is time to check your heart before GOD. Where is the stand?

I have been praying about which scriptures to include, and I believe the ones, that I am being instructed to share, are on GRACE. We need to understand that this is a GIFT and a weapon, ALL in one. We should never BE God for someone else, but we can definitely be a LIGHT that leads toward Heaven. As children of God, we can bring HEAVEN or HELL to the table. WE choose Heaven.

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / 343 helpful votes

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV / 290 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Romans 6:14 ESV / 206 helpful votes

For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 11:6 ESV / 174 helpful votes

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

James 4:6 ESV / 167 helpful votes

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Ephesians 2:8 ESV / 145 helpful votes

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV / 125 helpful votes

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Romans 5:8 ESV / 110 helpful votes

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV / 76 helpful votes

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

John 1:16 ESV / 74 helpful votes

And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Romans 3:20-24 ESV / 61 helpful votes

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

2 Peter 3:9 ESV / 56 helpful votes

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Romans 3:24 ESV / 55 helpful votes

And are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

2 Timothy 4:22 ESV / 48 helpful votes

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

2 Timothy 2:1 ESV / 44 helpful votes

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,

Isaiah 40:31 ESV / 44 helpful votes

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.

Numbers 6:25 ESV / 44 helpful votes

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;

John 3:16 ESV / 37 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Colossians 4:2-6 ESV / 36 helpful votes

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Titus 2:11 ESV / 33 helpful votes

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

1 Timothy 6:17 ESV / 29 helpful votes

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

http://www.openbible.info/topics/grace

Whose grace is sufficient? Is it ours? NO. It is the GRACE of GOD. It is something that WE will never own, but that we can definitely partake of. However, we cannot partake of it, if we do NOT release what was. ALL the pain, regret, hurt, anger, loss, and anything else that could be a hindrance in the reception, must GO. Lord, we leave this at your cross…again. Take any faith that is counterfeit, and transform it into Grace enabled FAITH. We stand repenting on behalf of us and others. Because YOU want a clean slate. We ask you to forgive us for any time that we have directly or indirectly chosen anyone or anything above you. Thank you mighty GOD for having your will in our lives. For bringing Heaven to us, in the amount that WE are willing and READY to receive. In Jesus name we give you praise, GLORY and honor. Through the power and blood of Jesus. Amen.

In His Grace and GLORY,

E and family