Marie’s daily verse: 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11).

DAILY DEVOTION, April 1, 2024

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age…(Titus 2:11-12).

Yes, we are saved freely by the grace of God, but when God’s grace enters our hearts, it changes us. That is Paul’s point in Eph. 2:10 and Titus 2:11-12. Grace brings salvation freely to all who accept the grace of God by placing their trust in Jesus, but grace also inspires in us a desire to do good works. Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness. Grace teaches us to live righteous and godly lives. Grace brings the Holy Spirit into our lives, and His presence changes us. In short, grace teaches us to follow Jesus as faithful disciples.

Some make the mistake of thinking that God’s grace saves us but leaves us to live life as we see fit. No, God’s grace changes us and also gives us a new desire to follow Jesus. We are both saved by grace and transformed by grace. We are taught by grace to live a new kind of life.

Father, I thank You for the saving grace of Jesus. I know I have received grace by my desire to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus. I pray in His name, Amen.