December 17

Written by Bill Grandi on December 17th, 2020

This is Day #3-the third and final day-of my thoughts on ideas found in the Introduction of Paul David Tripp’s little book 40 Days of Grace. I’d like to suggest you read Day 1 (December 15) and Day 2 (December 16) in order to prepare yourself for today’s thoughts.

There is a big different between “will” and “might” or “possibly.” In this final devotion, Tripp lists several ideas of what Grace will do.  Here they are:

  • Grace will remind you again and again that you have no ability whatsoever  to earn God’s favor, but it will dispel your fear of not measuring up. I could linger on this one a long time. How many go through life living in this fear?
  • Grace will repeatedly put you in your place will never harm you by putting you down.  I have to ask this question: Am I really a worm Mr. Watts? ( Think the hymn “Alas and did my Savior bleed?)
  • Grace will call you to examine yourself with honesty and humility, but will free you from being paralyzed by fearful introspection. It is good to examine; harmful to bludgeon.
  • Grace will keep reminding you of what you are not so you will receive God’s welcome to what you can now be. That is the result of a new life in Christ.
  • Grace will blow up your little kingdom of one while it introduces you to a much better, more glorious King. My kingdom of one is such a small package.

Grace is more than just a story, it’s more than just a theology, and it’s more than just a powerful force-no, grace is a person, and His name is Jesus. Jesus is the grace of God.

Celebrate Jesus. Celebrate grace. I’m typing this in my office and I just looked up from the computer to take a drink of my nutrition shake and saw a plaque I have above me on the shelf of my desk: Grace changes everything.  How can I argue with that?

“Thank you, Father, for your grace. Thank you for the impact it has made on my life and continues to make. Help me to celebrate Jesus.”

The comments in blue are quotes of Tripp’s from his book.

 

2 Comments so far ↓

  1. This is definitely a devotional I’d like to add to my book collection, Bill. Think I’ll order it right after Christmas.
    Blessings!