Missing out on the Grace of God (Heb. 12:15)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 07-10-03

 

 

                                                                                               

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Missing the grace of God

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                     Reference:  Hebrews 12:15

 

            Message of the verse:  “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” (NASB) “Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God.  Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.”  (NLT)

            Once again there are different opinions on the subject of the grace of God that is contained in this verse.  There surely is a sense that this can mean if a person does not accept the salvation that is provided for them through Jesus Christ and His work on the cross that he is missing out on the grace of God.  However I do not believe that this is what the writer is focusing in on in this verse, although the example of Esau in the next verse does describe a person who missed out on salvation.  I believe that believers can miss out on the grace of God in their walk with the Lord because of unbelief, which can led to other sins such as being bitter, sexual impurity, and living for the world and not for the Lord.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  I can surely, at times fall to these types of sins in my life, which I am sure cause me to miss out on the grace of God because of them.  When trouble comes into my life, and it is good to remember that nothing comes into my life without passing through the sovereign fingers of God, that I should turn to God and to His Word for direction and help in my time of need, I am to believe the Word of God in spite of my circumstances or consequences to me.

 

The Word of God was full of challenges for me as I read it this morning.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  To believe the Lord and His Word even when it is hard for me to see the outcome of the troubles that I am going through at this time.  I do not want to live my life on a roller coaster type of emotions because of the trouble that I am going through, but have joy in my heart, knowing that the Lord is in control, and that He will work all things out for my good and His glory.