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bigmike

Coffee Break

"A Luxury Gift"
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8
There are two kinds of gifts. The luxury gift-- a gift that is given for enjoyment. The provisional gift-- the one that is given to meet a need or practical purpose.
The Bible says that grace is a gift given to us from God. Most people look at the gift of grace as a luxury gift. They see it as something that is to be used for their enjoyment. It holds no responsibilities with it-- it is there strictly to give them pleasure. Therefore, they use the gift of grace as a license to do whatever they please. Grace is not a license-- a luxury gift that is at your disposal to use however you choose.
It is a marvelous gift of provision-- it provides what we need. It is the provision by which we can be saved based on the merits of someone else. We can't save ourselves; our good works are never good enough; our own righteousness is unacceptable because it is like filthy rags. But because of the provision of grace, what Jesus did at the cross can be applied to our lives and make us acceptable.
Grace is the provision by which we can live life even with a "thorn in the flesh". It is the provision by which we can resist temptation when it comes our way. It is the provision that will keep the door closed, and locked, when sin is crouching outside of it. It is the provision by which we can endure to the end. It is the provision that will keep us running the race that is set before us. It is the provision that lifts up our heads and hands when they hang down. It is the provision that keeps us from being distressed when we are troubled on every side. It is the provision that gives us peace in the storm, assurance in the trial, strength to run and not be weary, and the ability to walk and not faint.
Grace is not a luxury item gift to be used at our disposal so that we can fulfill every whim and desire of our flesh. It is the wonderful gift of provision that God has given to us in order to be able to live an abundant victorious life.
Have a great day. Grace is not a luxury gift, it is a provision.

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