Amazing Grace How Sweet the Sound

        The subject of God's grace is always important to us.  It is an area in which I like to think.  It makes me praise God for the fact that I don't have to depend upon my own strength and works to possess eternal life with God.   Much has been written about the grace of God.  When you go to your local Christian book store, you can locate many books that have been written about God's grace.  But, it is not only books but music.  John Newton wrote the words to "Amazing Grace" which seems to have crossed even the religious lines.  It has become a popular song to the extent that it is used even at funerals especially those that are accompanied by a group of bagpipes.   Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."   
      John Newton knew full well about the grace of God.  The words of the song are not just idle words but they are the words that describe the life of John Newton and his own salvation experience.  He knew what his life was like before salvation and he also knew that if he was to be saved it was going to be 100% of God's work and nothing of himself.   The verses in Ephesians remind us of the fact that we are saved solely by God's grace through faith.  Definitions have often been formed with acronyms that state God's Riches At Christ's Expense.  We also hear that God's grace is complete unmerited favor.  We soon get the point even as Paul stated in Ephesians.  Grace is what God does and if there is any work involved at all, then it isn't grace but works.  Many will think, "Yes, I know about God's grace.  What does that have to do with me today?"   God's grace is still working in our lives.  It wasn't something that was manifested only in salvation.  God is still working in your life and in mine and is still showing His grace to us.  It is only by God's grace that you have what you have this morning as you read this devotion.  It is only by God's grace that you have a place to live and food to eat.  Colossians 1:17 says,  "And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."   God is keeping you in His hands at all times.  As the verse just stated, "...all things consist."  through Him.  Whatever difficulty that lies before you today will be under God's direction.  There are no surprises to God so don't think that He will be caught off guard when it comes to your life.  Praise God today for the fact that He is in control of each and every thing and that His grace is all that you need.