Today Derek looks at how it was the grace of God that caused the Corinthian church to generously give to the poor in Jerusalem. The welfare of others was paramount as an outworking of grace. Many other truths are brought out from Scripture about giving. What a wheel of turning! As we give it is given back to us, and as it is given to us we can give again.

When grace comes into our lives, it will produce fruit and one vital area will be our lips. What comes out of your mouth? Grace and gratitude are two aspects of the same word, so when you have grace you will be thankful. Grace to our speech is like salt to our food.

Did you know grace teaches you things? Today Derek looks at Paul’s letter to Titus, who was a young pastor. It instructs him to teach various groups and how to instruct them. Then Paul brings out that it is grace that does the teaching and how it will speak to your circumstances, giving wisdom and guidance. Be prepared to listen.

Using the Levitical blessing from Numbers 6, Derek notes that when the Lord turns His face toward you, His grace or favor is extended. Then, bringing us in to New Testament blessings, we see that grace comes first followed by peace—God’s peace. Where God’s peace is, there is the King’s presence.

Today Derek finishes the week showing how grace leaves no room for boasting—except in what the Lord has done. Abraham had no reason for boasting; his righteousness was accounted to him on the basis of his faith. Our father of faith had nothing in himself and neither do we. All are dependent on God to extend His grace to us, taking the lowest and lifting us to the highest.

When we are born again, we become new creatures and that means our old man is dead. We have to deny self, acknowledge Jesus is Lord and Master. We are His slaves, also serving His servants. As we do this, we become vessels of grace. Derek shares from experience how this truth of finding himself where death of self-life has led to the manifestation of Jesus.

How do we learn to rely on God’s grace in our daily living? Today Derek offers three steps to help you walk out your reliance upon grace; affirm that Christ lives in you, put no confidence in your flesh, and rely on Christ’s all-sufficiency. Keep your eyes on the One who is faithful.

What do you do to receive God’s grace? The answer is nothing; stop trying to do. Grace is not found in anything you can do; just receive it because of what Jesus has done for you. Stop trying to earn God’s grace and yield yourself without reservation to Jesus.

What is the one essential requirement for receiving God’s grace? Derek makes no apologies for addressing this question. Scripture says “Humble yourself.” It is a decision each of us must make. We must guard against self-righteousness and pride by humbling ourselves and submitting to God. As we do, God’s grace will be extended to us.

Today we see how God took care of the problem of satisfying justice so that we could receive mercy. We were all sinners but Jesus came and took the punishment for us all. In His sacrifice we have been reconciled to God and grace is ours.