Devotional for the Week — 9 February 2009

Devotional For The Week – 9 February 2009

Sermon Title: The Riches of God’s Grace
Scripture Text: Ephesians 1: 7 - 8

As an introduction, Mrs Simon Chan presented a song item “I stand amazed”. She believed she was brought up by the grace of God gifted in music and singing of hymns, even though they do not make much sense to her as a teenager. She just love music, and she spent much of her time gallivanting. Sadly, the pleasure did not satisfy her and she contemplated in taking her own life. At the age of 19 years old, she found meaning and gave her life to Christ. She began reading the Bible daily and within 8 months things in her life began to change significantly.

One of the first things she did was to witness to her younger sister. Her relationship with her then was mostly quarrelsome, mainly over material things. She recalled an incident their father bought for them watches and being the elder, she had the right to the first choice in selecting the watches. Her sister beat her to it and she normally would harbor much anger but since her conversion to Christianity, she had changed to a person who was one of more graciousness. Eventually, she invited her younger sister to church. Seeing the changed in her, her sister accepted the invitation and was touched by Christ that day. Praise be to God.

Philippians 3:7-8 “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things, I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.”

The Riches of God’s Grace in Bible College.

When she decided to attend Bible College, her family was deadly against her decision. They felt there was little prospect in such a profession and of little help to the family’s financial needs. She took the step of faith and entered Bible College and God did bless her family, in that her father received an unexpected promotion in his career. God met her family needs. Glory be to God.

The Riches of God’s Grace in Music School.

God was indeed gracious and provided her to study music. She attended a number of music schools. In one incident, she learnt never to take God’s grace for granted. She was scheduled for a performance and was traveling to the concert. For no particular reason she lost her voice and begun to pray desperately for God’s healing. The performance meant so much to her in her music career and her love for music. She began searching the Scripture and the words in Proverbs 1:4-5, “for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance”. It came to her realization, she had neglected God and spent so much time enjoying singing in concerts. In repentance and prayer, God healed her for her performance.

Ephesians 3:14-17a, “For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

The Riches of God’s Grace as a Missionary.

The news of Mother Teresa’s death touched her heart. God began to speak gently in her the work of mission. In 1992, she began her work as a missionary in Nagaland in North Eastern India. The living condition there was quite bad and very difficult, and food was scare. She sought God in prayer to give her the strength to overcome these adversities and fulfill her calling. She believed that if God’s is calling her, she can go to any countries to serve. Glory be to God.

Isaiah 43:1-5, “But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour, I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honoured in my sight and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.

Conclusion: How do we respond to Riches of God’s Grace?

In the Children’s Worship time, the children were asked a question, “What it means to be full of God?” Some replied, “It is to be filled with God” and “It means we are to be obedient”. We should ask in our heart sincerely, “Have we done our best for Jesus?”

Prayer Response

Father, teach us to rest in the grace You have provided for each of us. We confess we can do all things in Christ. May Your Spirit guide us and direct our paths. We shall fulfill Your calling for our lives as all things are possible for those who trust in You, O God. Amen.

Devotional based on the sermon by Mrs Simon Chan

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