“There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.”

– Phillip Yancey

I remember when I was growing up, my dad would say: “get a good education and you’ll get a good job.” He ingrained in me the desire to become better and be excellent at whatever I did. The idea was that life rewards your performance. This, of course, has the potential shape our assumptions about God. If I’m good, then God will reward me. However, if I’m bad, then God is going to punish me. We have a tendency of treating our relationship with God as a worker treats a job.

The truth is, God does not look at what we have or haven’t done; He looks upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. It’s all grace. We don’t deserve it, but He gave us salvation freely because He wanted to. Many times, we bargain with God, believing we have something God needs. It does not work with God. Our attitude should be to have an overflow of gratitude for how God behaved toward us through Christ. We are to do for others what God in Christ has already done for us.

Simply stated:

“We love because he first loved us.” I John 4:19

MONDAY 

Personal

Each day is a reminder to thank God for His amazing grace. His grace reminds us that we are forgiven. God forgives us for our past, present, and future sins. I remind myself in prayer that there is nothing I can do to earn God’s love. My performance is not a negotiation tool. God loves me.

TUESDAY

Finances

God has blessed our lives. Let’s continue to pray that we can give back to the kingdom of God.

WEDNESDAY

Family

Let’s pray for God to show grace in the lives of our family members, especially those in need. We should reach out to them in action as well as prayer, asking God for guidance on what to do for them.

THURSDAY

Church

Today, let’s pray that the members of our Church exhibit grace toward one another. Let’s ask God that they be loving, kind, merciful, and generous, such that they may serve one another.

FRIDAY

Leaders

We should continue praying for our Church leaders, asking God that they may pour out grace in word and in deed.

SATURDAY

Co-workers/Classmates

Pray for God to show grace to our co-workers and/or classmates. Ask God that we may be a “light” from Christ in their lives.

SUNDAY

Lost Souls

Finally, our prayer focus for today is that we may show grace to the people all around us who are not saved. Continue praying that more people will be added to our Church family this Sunday.

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