324 - “Grace Grows Greater” 2 Thessalonians 1-3

 

That sun will rise and grow brighter by noonday.

Just as that grace will increase and grow greater.

Grace isn't planted just one time and left alone.

The God of Peace Himself grows Grace this day.

In 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul gives thanks for the increase of grace. Where there is grace, God will increase it even more. "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day." Pr 4:18. Shining more and more unto the Perfect Day. "We are as much indebted to God for the improvement of grace, and the progress of that good work, as we are for the first work of grace and the very beginning of it...we have as much dependence on the Grace of God for increasing the Grace we have as for planting Grace we have when we had it not." Matthew Henry.  Dependent on Grace for our next step not just the first step.  May God multiply Grace upon Grace to you this weekend. 

"May the Lord of Peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance.  The Lord be with you all!"  II Thes. 3:16.

We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.  We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thess 1:11-12.  This is "owing" not to any sliver of worthiness in our lives.  It is all owing to God.  Just like the unworthy tax collector, Zacchaeus in all of us---the "free" grace of God counts you and me and Zacchaeus worthy.  The good pleasure of His Goodness wants us to live fulfilled.  All those desires for goodness---He wants them filled.  And that work of faith with power---Matthew Henry writes that it is not only an "operative grace," but it is a work of God.  His operation that He works in me and in you.  What an operation we are a part of!  And the Author of it all will be the Finisher---by His Mighty Power.  "The same hands which laid the foundation of it, raise it up, carry it on, and give the finishing strokes" to all of our desires, all done by the power of God.

PHOTO:  Quarries Lake where I go to pray. Rise up Grace! Grow Greater!