Daily Bread 4-21-18

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I a what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

ref. - Eph 4:7 - But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of Christ.

2 Cor 11:23 - Are they ministers of Christ? ( I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

Gal 2:8 - (For he that wrought effectually in Peter tot he apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

When we begin to serve God we are given a level of grace that God only knows. As we grow it is what we do with that grace and how we carry it that will allow us to flourish in it even more. As Paul had proof of not only successes but also failures in grave he used them to draw people to Christ. He was certainly qualified to speak to those in prison because he was once in prison He was certainly qualified to talk to the circumcision as he was of the circumcision. He was able to even talk to the new Christians as he had come from grace and not inheritance. So, you see, when Paul showed someone who God could do in Jesus Christ, it was not because he read it in a book. He had experienced it, he had a testimony. Today we must not forget that we have a testimony as well. Not a testimony of pure success, but also of failure, and redemption, and how Christ has lifted us up and stayed with us through it all. The more that we put in to serving God and using what he has given us, the more we will receive from it. The more we try to achieve, the more we may fail. But it is how we recover that makes the testimony and allows others to see it in us. Paul was not perfect but his goal was to get that way, and he knew that only through Christ could he achieve it. The harder we try the better we will get. How hard are you trying today. Have you spoken to him as we are taught or do you wait until it falls apart and needs mending. He is here for you, waiting to hear from you,a nd ready to watch over you throughout the day. One day at a time, and on into eternity. Forward progress, and when he progresses you don't be ashamed. You will have to pass the whole field to win the race. Don't be discouraged hen others that will not put in the time or effort to grow in God mock and discourage. they are not willing to do it and you are, so bask in the glory of the almighty!! It is his opinion that really counts!! And we all have work to do so let's get to it!! In Jesus' name let all things be established!!! Have a great day!!!