“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself; God I thank thee that I am not as other men are; extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Luke 18:11-12 (KJV)

You know there are people who come to God based on their works saying: “God, I built the church. I give tithes! I am the biggest giver! If anyone is to be blessed, then it must be me.” Wrong belief! Wrong prayer! Yes, you gave the biggest and the church will continue to receive your biggest. We love your commitment and you should be committed. You should fast. You should pray and you should praise. These are all good. But they are not good enough if they are your qualification. When you receive what Christ has done, then those things become good works. But if you are coming to Christ on the basis of these, then you’ve canceled yourself out.

In the book of Judges, Samson was beating the Philistines to their game. Even after the different times he messed up, he still had God’s empowerment; his strength and ability had not deserted him. “But God, that’s not holy”, as some will say. You know what? God was trying to teach us grace. If you understand anything that I have taught so far on grace, you will realize that grace is not a message, Grace is a Person. Grace is the character of God, right from the beginning of creation. The law was just an interruption. God is ever gracious.

You know the story. In Judges 16, Delilah came into his life. The Philistines contracted Delilah to discover the source of Samson’s strength. Three times Samson lied to her; she kept on pressing him and when she wore him out, Samson divulged his secret to her. Eventually Samson was humiliated but when he reached out to God, God in His grace and mercy, restored his strength. Contrary to many erroneous thoughts, Grace does not give you license to live in sin. Paul says, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid” (Rom. 6:1). However, Grace says when you have missed it, don’t run from God; rather, run to Him. He is ever willing to fellowship with you.

Further reading: Judges 16:1-30; Luke 18:9-14

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Proverbs 30-31; Evening- 2 Corinthians 11:1-15