ICS Daily Devotions
Grace for Life
Proverbs 23:7a (NKJV) “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
The mind determines the action, attitude and values in life. This is especially so in the area of relationship, marriage, habitual sin or failure in business. When we encounter problems in such areas, there is a loss of peace in our lives towards people and God. Therefore, since the mind determines our actions, we need to be renewed in our mind so that we are led by the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and righteousness.
While God has made grace available for us in our lives, we should know that it does not come automatically. God gives grace to those who put themselves in a position to receive and submit to Him. We approach God boldly, yet with humility towards His throne of grace for help in order to live a victorious Christian life. God will then give those who approach Him this way to receive the strength of Christ to work in and out of the believer in order to bear the troubles in life.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV) “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
This applies to all areas of life including business.
Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.”
Pressure from the world to conform or compromise in order to get a certain deal or outcome may challenge Christians who want to stand by their values and principles. Such situations are common in business and we really need the grace of God to survive the business world.
However, our mind must be set on things above. Then we can be in the position of receiving the grace of God. As seen in the example from the book of Daniel 3:8-30, we see Shadrah, Meshach and Abed-Nego standing firm in faith, and we see a divine reversal of fortunes because of God’s grace. What the devil meant for evil, God turned it around for good and for His glory! The king Nebuchanezzar even acknowledged God as the Almighty who delivered and promoted the three friends!
May we be like these three friends who stood firm despite the pressure and they received God’s grace abundantly.
Sermon Series: Grace for Life
