+DEV+ Channels of Grace

Date: December 28, 2010 10:54 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Channels of Grace

Channels of Grace

"You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land..." (Joshua 1:14b-15a).
Scripture Focus: Joshua 1:10-17

After obtaining a portion of the Promised Land, the first tribes of Israel helped the remaining tribes conquer their portions. God's grace emerged in building up the body of Christ through fellow believers. The importance of Israel recognizing His grace is emphasized with the phrase "the Lord gave" appearing five times in Joshua 1:13-15.

Believers today are also encouraged as God works through others as a source of encouragement. When Debbie's husband died, she was left alone to raise three children. One way she found support was through the people God put in her life. Now her kids are grown, and she leads a small group for single parents.

The tribes of Israel in Joshua's day and Debbie today illustrate 2 Corinthians 1:4 which says, "(God) comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

God will use people and circumstances, sending His grace to us often in ways we least expect.

Insight: Pray for an opportunity to glorify God and build up the body of Christ. Encourage others who face struggles similar to your own.