The Purpose of Grace

Why does God extend grace to us? Notice what Ezra said in a prayer to God, “And now for a little while grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage” (Ezra 9.8).

Ezra understood that grace did not mean license to live as one pleases, but he noted these reasons for God showing grace to the Jews who were able to leave Babylonian captivity:

1. To leave us a remnant to escape
2. To give us a peg in His holy place
3. To enlighten our eyes
4. To give us a measure of revival in our bondage

Now what about us? Why has God extended grace to you? DR

The Power of the Apostles

The apostles wanted to know whether Jesus was going to restore the kingdom to Israel, but He told them that it was not for them to know, and He added this, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1.8).

The Lord was in charge; all that they needed to do was wait, and then He would send them the power of the Holy Spirit, and they would travel extensively, declaring the things that they had seen and heard.

When He sent the Holy Spirit upon them, and they preached, they changed the world forever.

You have changed your life because of what they testified. DR

These are samples of Don Ruhl’s email devotionals. If you would like to receive them, visit: EmailDevotionals.com