---The Wings of Grace ~

Scripture Reading: 1 Cor. 9:24-27 / KEY VERSE: Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

~~IN the Scriptures, the Christian life is compared to a race. Paul called us to run the race so we may win (1 Cor. 9:24). The author of Hebrews told us to run our race with endurance (Heb. 12:1).

The only means by which believers can triumphantly run and finish the course God assigned for each of us is to run on the wings of grace. The legs of performance eventually grow weak. The muscles of legalism and religion weigh us down and become rigid hindrances. Our problem is that we can understand the need for grace in salvation and glorification, but we tend to rely on other means in the interim--our sanctification on earth.

Justification, the securing of a favorable verdict by Christ's death, is by grace. Glorification, the consummate conforming of our bodies and souls to Christ's glorious image, is by grace. Sanctification, the process of growing in Christlikeness, is also by grace.

In His grace, God supplies all the gear you need for running the spiritual race--His Spirit, His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.

Be strong in grace. Throw off the leg irons of works and religion, and receive the power of God's grace.~~

'Dear Lord, thank You for supplying all the spiritual gear I need for running the race--Your Spirit, Your Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.'