“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
James 4:6
In the 1700s John Newton wrote the words to the hymn “Amazing Grace.” He prayed for God’s mercy, fearing for his life when the Greyhound, the slave trader ship on which he’d been traveling, was caught in a severe storm at sea. It is said that the prayers of his deceased mother followed him into that dark place of slave trade and that the near shipwreck was the beginning of his journey to faith in God. In time he not only became an abolitionist but also an Anglican cleric.
“Grace” is a somewhat mystical word. While it indicates a freely given, underserved favor that cannot to be earned, it also needs to be received. Receiving God’s grace is humbling. Newton called himself a “wretch,” a true, albeit harsh, description of himself. Pride can prevent us from acknowledging our wretchedness and human depravity. But oh, how sweet the sound of grace that saves us and sets us free from the curse of sin and death!
Whether you’re at the beginning of your pilgrimage of faith or far along in the journey, you need His grace in your life.
“Grace” is a somewhat mystical word. While it indicates a freely given, underserved favor that cannot to be earned, it also needs to be received. Receiving God’s grace is humbling. Newton called himself a “wretch,” a true, albeit harsh, description of himself. Pride can prevent us from acknowledging our wretchedness and human depravity. But oh, how sweet the sound of grace that saves us and sets us free from the curse of sin and death!
Whether you’re at the beginning of your pilgrimage of faith or far along in the journey, you need His grace in your life.
Scripture Focus
James 4:1-10
Insight
“Through many dangers, toils and snares/ I have already come:/ ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,/ and grace will lead me home.” (John Newton, 1772)
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 33-34
- Psalm 147
- 1 Timothy 3-4