BEGGARS IN NEEDS OF BREAD

Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive us for our sins, just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us.

Matthew 6:11–12

We are sinners in need of grace, strugglers in need of strength. Jesus teaches us to pray, “Forgive our debts … and lead us not into temptation.”

We’ve all made mistakes and we’ll all make some more. The line that separates the best of us from the worst of us is a narrow one, hence we’d be wise to take seriously Paul’s admonition: Why do you judge your brothers or sisters in Christ? And why do you think you are better than they? We will all stand before the Lord to be judged.… (Romans 14:10).

Your sister would like me to remind you that she needs grace. Just like you need forgiveness, so does she. There comes a time in every relationship when it’s damaging to seek justice, when settling the score only stirs the fire. There comes a time when the best thing you can do is accept your brother and offer him the same grace you’ve been given.

The Great House of God
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 139

ONE-OF-A-KIND

You made my whole being; you formed me in my mother’s body.

Psalm 139:13

In my closet hangs a sweater that I seldom wear. It is too small.… I should throw that sweater away.… But love won’t let me.…

It’s the creation of a devoted mother expressing her love.… Each strand was chosen with care. Each thread was selected with affection.… . It is valuable not because of its function, but because of its maker.

That must have been what the psalmist had in mind when he wrote, “you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Think on those words. You were knitted together. You aren’t an accident. You weren’t mass-produced. You aren’t an assemblyline product.

You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on this earth by the Master Crafts-man.… In a system that ranks the value of a human by the figures of his salary or the shape of her legs … let me tell you something: Jesus’ plan is a reason for joy!

The Applause of Heaven
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 136

CHARACTER CREATES COURAGE

All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave.

Psalm 31:24

A legend from India tells about a mouse who was terrified of cats until a magician agreed to transform him into a cat. That resolved his fear … until he met a dog, so the magician changed him into a dog. The mouse-turned-cat-turned-dog was content until he met a tiger—so, once again, the magician changed him into what he feared. But when the tiger came complaining that he had met a hunter, the magician refused to help. “I will make you into a mouse again, for though you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse.”

Sound familiar? How many people do you know who have built a formidable exterior, only to tremble inside with fear? … We face our fears with force … or … we stockpile wealth. We seek security in things. We cultivate fame and seek status.

But do these approaches work?

Courage is an outgrowth of who we are. Exterior supports may temporarily sustain, but only inward character creates courage.

The Applause of Heaven
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, P. 135

SOMETHING DEEP WITHIN

There are things about him that people cannot see.… But since the beginning of the world those things have been made easy to understand by what God has made.

Romans 1:20

God’s judgment [on the day Christ returns] is based upon humanity’s response to the message received. He will never hold us accountable for what he doesn’t tell us. At the same time, he will never let us die without telling us something. Even those who never heard of Christ are given a message about the character of God. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1 NIV)…

Nature is God’s first missionary. Where there is no Bible, there are sparkling stars. Where there are no preachers, there are springtimes.… If a person has nothing but nature, then nature is enough to reveal something about God. As Paul says: “…God’s law is not something alien, imposed on us from without, but woven into the very fabric of our creation. There is something deep within [people] that echoes God’s yes and no, right and wrong. Their response to God’s yes and no will become public knowledge on the day God makes his final decision about every man and woman” (Romans 2:15-16 MSG).

When Christ Comes
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 134

CONFESSION CREATES PEACE

Happy is the person whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned.

Psalm 32:1

If we are already forgiven, then why does Jesus teach us to pray, “Forgive us our debts”?

The very reason you would want your children to do the same. If my children violate one of my standards or disobey a rule, I don’t disown them. I don’t kick them out of the house or tell them to change their last name. But I do expect them to be honest and apologize. And until they do, the tenderness of our relationship will suffer. The nature of the relationship won’t be altered, but the intimacy will.

The same happens in our walk with God. Confession does not create a relationship with God, it simply nourishes it. If you are a believer, admission of sins does not alter your position before God, but it does enhance your peace with God.

The Great House of God
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 133

FRIENDS WITH GOD

I no longer call you servants,… but I call you friends.

John 15:15

Through Christ’s sacrifice, our past is pardoned and our future secure. And, “Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God” Romans 5:1.

Peace with God. What a happy consequence of faith! Not just peace between countries, peace between neighbors, or peace at home; salvation brings peace with God…

God is no longer a foe, but a friend. We are at peace with him.

In the Grip of Grace
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 132

THE FIRE OF YOUR HEART

My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart.

Psalm 40:8

Want to know God’s will for your life? Then answer this question: What ignites your heart? Forgotten orphans ? Untouched nations ? The inner city ? The outer limits?

Heed the fire within!

Do you have a passion to sing? Then sing! Are you stirred to manage? Then manage! Do you ache for the ill? Then treat them! Do you hurt for the lost? Then teach them!

As a young man I felt the call to preach. Unsure if I was correct in my reading of God’s will for me, I sought the counsel of a minister I admired. His counsel still rings true. “Don’t preach,” he said, “unless you have to.”

As I pondered his words I found my answer: “I have to. If I don’t, the fire will consume me.”

What is the fire that consumes you?

The Great House of God
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 129

WHISPHERED WONDERINGS

She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.”

Matthew 1:23

The white space between Bible verses is fertile soil for questions. One can hardly read Scripture without whispering, “I wonder …”

“I wonder if Eve ever ate any more fruit.”

“I wonder if Noah slept well during storms.” …

But in our wonderings, there is one question we never need to ask. Does God care? Do we matter to God? Does he still love his children?

Through the small face of the stable-born baby, he says yes.

Yes, your sins are forgiven.

Yes, your name is written in heaven.…

And yes, God has entered your world. Immanuel. God is with us.

He Still Moves Stones
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 128

NOT PERFECTION, BUT FORGIVENESS

Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

It wasn’t the Romans who nailed Jesus to the cross. It wasn’t spikes that held Jesus to the cross. What held him to that cross was his conviction that it was necessary that he become sin—that he who is pure become sin and that the wrath of God be poured down, not upon the creation, but upon the Creator.

When the one who knew no sin became sin for us, when the sinless one was covered with all the sins of all the world, God didn’t call his army of angels to save him. He didn’t, because he knew he would rather give up his Son than give up on us.

Regardless of what you’ve done, it’s not too late. Regardless of how far you’ve fallen, it’s not too late. It doesn’t matter how low the mistake is, it’s not too late to dig down, pull out that mistake, and then let it go—and be free.

What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness.

Walking with the Savior
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 127

INSUFFICIENT FUNDS

People cannot do any work that will make them right with God.

Romans 4:5

If Christ had not covered us with his grace, each of us would be overdrawn on [our heavenly bank] account. When it comes to goodness we would have insufficient funds. Inadequate holiness. God requires a certain balance of virtue in our account, and it’s more than any of us has alone. Our holiness account shows insufficient funds, and only the holy will see the Lord; what can we do?

We could try making a few deposits. Maybe if I wave at my neighbor or compliment my husband or go to church next Sunday, I’ll get caught up. But how do you know when you’ve made enough? …

If you are trying to justify your own statement, forget ever having peace.… You are trying to justify an account you can’t justify.… “It is God who justifies” (Romans 3:33).

The Great House of God
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 126

THE ONLY PATH

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me.

John 14:6

Tolerance. A prized virtue today. The ability to be understanding of those with whom you differ is a sign of sophistication. Jesus, too, was a champion of tolerance:

• Tolerant of the disciples when they doubted.
• Tolerant of the crowds when they misunderstood.
• Tolerant of us when we fall.
  

But there is one area where Jesus was intolerant. There was one area where he was unindulgent and dogmatic.…

As far as he was concerned, when it comes to salvation, there aren’t several roads … there is only one road.… There aren’t several paths … there is only one path. And that path is Jesus himself.

That is why it is so hard for people to believe in Jesus. It’s much easier to consider him one of several options rather than the option. But such a philosophy is no option.

A Gentle Thunder
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 125

THE KEY OF OUR FAITH

Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who die in Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 msg

For … any follower of Christ, the promise is simply this: The resurrection of Jesus is proof and preview of our own.

But can we trust the promise? Is the resurrection a reality? Are the claims of the empty tomb true? This is not only a good question. It is the question. For as Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, then your faith has nothing to it; you are still guilty of your sins” (1st Corinthians 15:17). In other words, if Christ has been raised, then his followers will join him; but if not, then his followers are fools. The resurrection, then, is the keystone in the arch of the Christian faith.

When Christ Comes
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 122

LOVE HUNG ON THE CROSS

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.

John 3:16

He looked around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind.

Men clad in soldier’s garb sat on the ground near the trio.…

Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill, … faces tear-streaked.

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.

“It must be done …” he said, and withdrew.

The angel spoke again. “It would be less painful …”

The Creator interrupted softly. “But it wouldn’t be love.”

In the Eye of the Storm
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 121

THE MESSAGE OF GOD TO MAN

When Jesus tasted the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and died.

John 19:30

“It is finished.”

Stop and listen a moment. Let the words wind through your heart. Imagine the cry from the cross. The sky is dark. The other two victims are moaning. Jeering mouths of the crowd are silent. Perhaps there is thunder. Perhaps there is weeping. Perhaps there is silence. Then Jesus draws in a deep breath, pushes his feet down on that Roman nail, and cries, “It is finished!”

What was finished?

The history-long plan of redeeming man was finished. The message of God to man was finished. The works done by Jesus as a man on earth were finished.… The sting of death had been removed. It was over.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 120

HIS BROKEN HEART

When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them because they were hurting and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:36

I can’t understand it. I honestly cannot. Why did Jesus [die on the cross]? Oh, I know, I know. I have heard the official answers. “To gratify the old law.” “To fulfill prophecy.” And these answers are right. They are. But there is something more here. Something very compassionate. Something yearning. Something personal.

What is it?

Could it be that his heart was broken for all the people who cast despairing eyes toward the dark heavens and cry the same “Why?” Could it be that his heart was broken for the hurting? …

I imagine him, bending close to those who hurt. I imagine him listening. I picture his eyes misting and a pierced hand brushing away a tear.… He who also was once alone, understands.

No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 119

TIPPED SCALES

Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love.

Ephesians 3:19

It wasn’t right that spikes pierced the hands that formed the earth. And it wasn’t right that the Son of God was forced to hear the silence of God.

It wasn’t right, but it happened.

For while Jesus was on the cross, God sat on his hands. He turned his back. He ignored the screams of the innocent.

He sat in silence while the sins of the world were placed upon his Son. And he did nothing while a cry a million times bloodier than John’s echoed in the black sky: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Was it right? No.

Was it fair? No.

Was it love? Yes.

The Applause of Heaven
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 118

HEAVEN’S SOLUTION

I pray these things while I am still in the world so that these followers can have all of my joy in them.

John 17:13

What Jesus dreamed of doing and what he seemed able to do were separated by an impossible gulf. So Jesus prayed.

We don’t know what he prayed about. But I have my guesses.… He prayed for the impossible to happen.

Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe he didn’t ask for anything. Maybe he just stood quietly in the presence of Presence and basked in the Majesty. Perhaps he placed his war-weary self before the throne and rested.

Maybe he lifted his head out of the confusion of earth long enough to hear the solution of heaven. Perhaps he was reminded that hard hearts don’t faze the Father. That problem people don’t perturb the Eternal One.

In the Eye of the Storm
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

Note: One thing Jesus prayed for was unity among those who believed in Him as the one true Son of God. Is that the ‘impossible gulf’ that Max Lucado speaks of in today’s devotion? When the Body of Christ works together in unity, joy fills the work and the workers. It is difficult but it is not impossible. Nothing is too hard for God!

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 115

THE WORSHIPFUL HEART

Come, let’s worship him and bow down. Let’s kneel before the Lord who made us.

Psalm 95:6

Worship. In two thousand years we haven’t worked out the kinks. We still struggle for the right words in prayer. We still fumble over Scripture. We don’t know when to kneel. We don’t know when to stand. We don’t know how to pray.

Worship is a daunting task.

For that reason, God gave us the Psalms—a praise book for God’s people.… This collection of hymns and petitions are strung together by one thread—a heart hungry for God.

Some are defiant. Others are reverent. Some are to be sung. Others are to be prayed. Some are intensely personal. Others are written as if the whole world would use them .…

The very variety should remind us that worship is personal. No secret formula exists. What moves you may stymie another. Each worships differently. But each should worship.

The Inspirational Study Bible
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

THOUGHT: Holy Week is a week of varied worship across the Christian church. As we gather to worship, in our diverse ways, isn’t it wonderful that the focus is the Risen Lord (and not our differences).

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 114

THE DEBT IS PAID

Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.

Isaiah 1:18

When Jesus told us to pray for forgiveness of our debts as we forgive our own debtors, he knew who would be the one to pay the debt. As he would hang on the cross he would say, “It is finished”… the debt is paid!

There are some facts that will never change. One fact is that you are forgiven. If you are in Christ, when he sees you, your sins are covered—he doesn’t see them. He sees you better than you see yourself. And that is a glorious fact of your life.

Walking with the Savior
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 113

YOU WERE IN HIS PRAYERS

Then Jesus went about a stone’s throw away from them. He kneeled down and prayed.

Luke 22:41

The final prayer of Jesus was about you. His final pain was for you. His final passion was for you. Before he went to the cross, Jesus went to the garden. And when he spoke with his Father, you were in his prayers.…

And God couldn’t turn his back on you. He couldn’t because he saw you, and one look at you was all it took to convince him. Right there in the middle of a world which isn’t fair. He saw you cast into a river of life you didn’t request. He saw you betrayed by those you love. He saw you with a body which gets sick and a heart which grows weak.…

On the eve of the cross, Jesus made his decision. He would rather go to hell for you than go to heaven without you.

And the Angels Were Silent
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 112

A CROSS-SHAPED SHADOW

John said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

John 1:29

Jesus was born crucified. Whenever he became conscious of who he was, he also became conscious of what he had to do. The cross-shaped shadow could always be seen. And the screams of hell’s imprisoned could always be heard.

This explains the glint of determination on his face as he turned to go to Jerusalem for the last time. He was on his death march (Luke 9:51).

This explains the resoluteness in the words, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:17-18).…

So call it what you wish: An act of grace. A plan of redemption. A martyr’s sacrifice. But whatever you call it, don’t call it an accident. It was anything but that.

God Came Near
[1]

Today's Scripture in Context

[1]Lucado, Max; Gibbs, Terri A.: Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman, 2000, S. 111