I made a deal with my kids: “Put your dishes away after every meal for a week and I’ll give you a surprise.” Guess how long they made it? Not past breakfast on day one. I restarted the clock. We gave it another go. But on the last day, they were eager to play a game together as a family and left their cups on the table. So I took their cups to the sink for them and still gave them a surprise. Why? Because grace abounds.
In that moment with my kids, I saw a parable of the gospel. There is no amount of achievement or morality, church attending or evangelical rain-dancing in the spiritual disciplines that can get us into God’s grace. The only way we get into God’s grace is through God’s provision of grace. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life—and He Himself is the grace of God for us (John 14:6, Titus 2:11).
Real Christianity is the message that salvation is always and only for undeserving sinners. Salvation is non-achievable—a complete gift of grace and mercy to sinners from the nail-pierced hands of Jesus Christ.
Did you ask Him to go toe-to-toe with Satan in the wilderness for you?
Did you ask Him to die for you back in 33 AD?
Did you ask Him to be raised from the dead, defeating sin and death for you?
The answer to all of the above is no. Jesus did all of this without you asking Him. Grace was coming for you before you were born, before you asked, and before you knew Him. Grace came for you.
There are a lot of competing voices in the world, but the real gospel rings out a simple message: You can be saved if you will give up trying to save yourself and abandon all other methods of salvation, believing in Christ alone.
Trust His death for the death of your sins (Galatians 2:20). Trust that His stack of folded-up grave clothes means you’ve been clothed in garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). Trust that the last set of sandal prints He left before He ascended back to the Father means that we will one day see Him face-to-face (1Corinthians 13:12). His work on your behalf is your only hope. It is done. He has done it all. You are saved by grace, and by grace alone.
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68 thoughts on "We Are Saved from Death to Life"
Wow, powerful message I will mark to read again and again. I need this to sink into my soul. So simple and so beautiful. “Salvation is non-achievable” that hit home. I say I get that I am saved through grace and grace alone but then I live as though achievement will get me to Salvation. Thank you for this essay.
Thank you, I need too lean on and stop pointing fingers and look inward. She’s the grave given to me and put it out over others and lived meet live according to that grace. Don’t willing sin knowing i am forgiven but to try and love a life like Jesus and put it out over others too!
Thank goodness for God’s grace!
I thank you Lord!
Grace was coming for you before you were born, before you asked, and before you knew Him. Grace came for you.
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Saved by grace and grace alone. God’s grace…what a precious and amazing promise
Grace. < death. He defeated that long ago on the ✞ so we do not have to ! what a beautiful testament of His love for you && for me ! ✞ ♡
Amen
God said- I believe- It is done!
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A living Hope—because of His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable. We are being guarded by God’s power through Faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this world we will suffer grief in various trials ……to prove our faith which results in glory !
Ceredwyn, I will pray that the Spirit will fill your heart with joy and peace. That you will be mightily used to reach out to those in your community. That you would be able to use your talents to serve and to be family to those God brings to you.
This devotional was so beautifully written. Whoever the guest writer is, well done, well said, and amen.
❤️ thank you thank you thank you
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Just felt like I got schooled. Have been struggling with the concept of accepting Grace as it is, or mainly because of the way I was brought up where the law is essential. But I was proven wrong in my thinking that the law rules but in face, His Grace rules and it is by His Grace that I can go through the trials and tribulation and know that he is making a way for me in this season of my life where I feel so dry, uninspired and unmotivated. Thank you God for always speaking right to my heart and feels ❤️
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The devotional was such a great reminder today! I’m so thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness in my life. I pray I can fully walk in this righteousness he has called me to.
Jenn, I know it’s late in the day, but hope you go back to read all the comments. I too made the jump to stay home with our four children. God kept nudging and I finally leapt. Cut our income more than half, but Wow! God provided in so many unimaginable ways! As someone said, Welcome to the land of miracles! It will knock your socks off! Yes, there were tough days, rough days, scary days…but oh so many blessed days! I even ended up homeschooling my kiddos and God is using them in so many unique ways as adults. Just keep your eyes on Him, lead your little ones to God, and enjoy each day. You will be blessed! Hugs to all ❤️
Hey Y’all. (Yes, I hail from the south). Please watch the YouTube video Rachel & Amanda made to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of SRT. Find the link on the SRT homepage. They describe how SRT began in both “fear & faith” through a desire to shepherd another ten years in “beauty, goodness & truth”. So good! They discuss the “good, hard work” … “humbling, motivating, tiring”… knowing they wanted to be obedient to God…even in the panic moments spent “under their desks”. Yet the Bible was foundational & fortifying. They, with God’s help, grew a “busi-nistry” & community of believers & evangelists around the world; women, men & children. I especially liked the phrase they coined. Every She is a CIO…”Chief Invitational Officer”! To the Glory of God! Thanks to the Lord Almighty! Do I hear an awesome A(wo)men?
I just love everything about today’s devotional. Thank you so much J.A. for such sweet and thoughtful reading you gave us today. I am touched by the reminder to give grace to our kids in parenting. And truly when I was a kid myself, if grace was given to me, relationship between me and my mom now would be so different and not as difficult. So many times the method of parenting I received is so conditional, fear based. And the little me when at toddler stage craved some kindness and the overlooking of my unintentional breaking things from my mom. Grace is the way of life of those who have been saved freely by the Merciful God. Grace is the way we live to point others to our precious Author of Grace. Freely we receive grace, so freely we should give grace to others when they fall short or wrong us. Our little ones are all eyes, they see everything. And when they grow up, they too will know and become the product of grace and the giver of grace. It warms my heart seeing all the wise advices shared and encouragement given when one is in need. I benefit from your thoughts and experiences. How sweet that many come together to uplift one. Praising God for this privilege being part of you all. May God bless this community greatly to build up strong mothers and strong wives who pass on their faith legacy to raise up mighty disciples. Glory be to Him who holds us all together. Be blessed dear beautiful sisters.❤️
I am 60 years old and sad to see your questioning God’s grace for you in your circumstances. Please pray and seek out a local body of believers to join and build community as you follow Christ together. The fellowship I have found in the local church has helped so much as we have moved around the country. I will pray for you,Ceredwyn. ♥️
WOW!!! J.A. summed it all up nicely in the last four sentences: “His work on your behalf is your only hope. It is done. He has done it all. You are saved by grace, and by grace alone.” This is what GOD and CHRIST did for ME, YOU and THE WHOLE WORLD. I feel HONORED, UNWORTHY, ELATED AND OVERJOYED all at the same time!!!! Thank You, Lord, Thank You, Christ.
Be blessed and let God and Christ know how you feel sisters.
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I am mature woman of 58 an the gift of being wife and a mother was not given to me so I don’t have that experience to share. I question God’s grace everyday mostly because of circumstances. Living in a community where I am reminded that I don’t have my own family doesn’t so again it is back to questioning God’s grace for me.
JENN, I don’t know what it’s like to leave a job to stay home. I got laid off from a job 2 weeks before my wedding, and 2 weeks AFTER the wedding we found out about our honeymoon surprise. It started us on a journey of seeing God provide in stupendous ways, time after time. A lot of the time I was embarrassed about our “poorness” and missing the real joy of being continually open handed with our lives for God to provide…. 12 years and 4 kids later, we just started our 3rd year on our 6 acres we thought would be years away, all while having our kids home with me, seeing and sharing in the tangible provisions of God! He took our single income and “fished and loaved” it over and over. They know Mama’s “ugly cry” real well!! I’m sure you’re wonderful at your corporate job, but nothing compares to stewarding His greatest gifts to us well. When He prompts, I hope you leap at the chance to follow – nothing compares to being with Him in agreement, provision, and BLESSINGS!!!
Hugs to you Michelle, and prayers for your family situation.
Jenn, I stepped out of my career to rear our daughter, and then ended up homeschooling when the school years came! Our family income was cut by more than half, but still no regrets even though we are now “empty-nesters”. I did some part time contract work for private clients, and I guess that provided a little supplemental income, but it was pretty minor. Still, even now in my 60s, no regrets for putting family before career. Those childhood years fly by so fast…glad I was there to really see them!
Human expectations. Man can they cause such turmoil, cause mine will never match anyone else’s, AND mine will rarely match reality! I expect to have to “put my oar in” and help with this salvation gig, now that I found it, and I feel sometimes silly on mornings like this, reading verses and passages that are so darn familiar, and STILL having “A-ha!” moments! In the Ephesians 2 passage this morning, my ESV Bible starts verse 4 with “But God….”
I expect a lot of things, mostly to my own disappointment, BUT, but God doesn’t expect anything of me but to repent and believe. I am so thankful today for the simple truth spelled out in conviction to remind me, yet again, that my expectations of adding to the Gospel are ridiculous! What a joyful peace that brings!
Jenn, you are brave but most of all obedient, and Jesus will bless you for your decision to choose your children over your comfort. Prayers for peace.
Michelle Patire, I don’t know your circumstances but maybe you and your sister could find a place to share outside of your home. I will pray for you.
In regard to our devotion today, it truly is AMAZING grace!
Jenn, I just left my full time job to start my own business. I was prompted by God to do so and oh man, it was terrifying! It still is actually. But He has provided so many resources and provided connections for me to be a success. I fully open next week; I have no idea what the future holds, but I know God holds my future. I’ll pray along with you as you make the leap. God has you!
Michelle P- that is tough. As an introvert man I value privacy and me time. Praying that your convo regarding having your own room goes well with your mom.
Oh Churchmouse, your words hit home, ouch! Michelle Patire sending spiritual and virtual hugs. If you get a chance listen to “We The Kingdom’s” song, Holy Water.
I am praying for your peace and God’s provision, Jenn. I went from full time teacher in a public school to part time in a private school after my son was born two years ago. There are so many clear signs (to me at least) that this is where God wants me. I do miss some of the elements of full time such as working with more students, financial stability, and the camaraderie with the teachers. But…. My stress lessens, my joy grows, and God provides. We have had times of financial concern and I’m sure they will come again. However, I don’t regret the decision we made and feel it was a wise decision for us.
I am so thankful that I don’t have to come up with a “method of salvation”. Christ did it all for me when He went to the cross, shed His blood and rose from the grave! Hallelujah!!
Jenn – Don’t second guess yourself, I am so in agreement with the other ladies – this will be the best decision of your life! Jobs, incomes, promotions, will always be there – but our kids are only kids once. You don’t want to miss out on any of it. I was a stay at home mom, leaving my career as a hairdresser…not as much income as a high corporate job, but an income none the less. My kids are all adults now, 2 out on their own – one of them being married, my youngest is 24, and not a day goes by that I don’t wonder “where did the time go”…Cherish every moment! You will not regret it…Will be praying for you as you make this transition.
@Bridget Sands. The devo can also be found on the SRT website!
Amen!
Grace upon Grace. God is so good.
I can bear a grudge. I’m not proud of it. It’s not pretty. On the outside it might look like all has been forgiven. Note the frozen smile on my face. But inside, I can recall the offense, reviewing it in my mind and justifying my less than Christian attitude. Sigh. Thank God He is not like me. He is full of grace and mercy even when I fall short. He suffered and died in my place. He bore what I deserved.. And He bears no grudge. He doesn’t dwell on all my sins. He cast them into the depth of the sea, as far as the east is from the west, and remembers them no more. What a pitiful wretch I still can be. Which makes His endless grace all the more amazing.
Is there a way to share the devotional?
Jenn: Like so many others, I am on the other side (my kids are all in their 20s), and staying home with them is a decision I have never regretted. I was also reluctant to do so. I loved my job, but I just, well, missed them! I loved being home with them, being there for every major moment, sure, but mostly for all the small ones. Those were precious days. Yes, for sure, sometimes people (actually, always men) would ask me if I regretted not “using my college degree” to which I’d just have to put on a smile and tell them I use it every day. But for the most part, people were so supportive and encouraging. Anyway, there will still be time to get back to your career, if you so choose. And yes, money may be tight, but it is so worth it! (When I left my job, my husband was in graduate school and had to start working as a server at night!)
Jenn, wherever God leads, He blesses. These days with your children are priceless and will never come again. Praying for you!
So glad to see all these mothers supporting one another. I agree, Jenn, God will bless your obedience so much more. Trust the process and put your fear in His hands :)
I have been feeling so down the past week or two. I’ve had a lot of hard conversations. People disappointing me. Me disappointing others. I could use some prayer. I’ve been sharing a room with my sister for two years now. My brother moved out to live with his girlfriend (not supporting that, but we can’t convince him to come back)– so I am trying to convince my parents to let me have his old room. I am turning 30 this year and I feel some privacy would do me good. I can’t unwind because everything is so open. There’s no personal space– even the bathrooms don’t lock.
I have no idea if my mother will approve of this. We clash a lot because I am very assertive and have a natural tendency toward management– it is hard to be submissive when I see things broken and have solutions to fix them. I’ve been trying to learn to honor my parents despite my disagreeing with the way they manage the home. Anyways — point being, my mother’s approval is necessary for me to have this space as her decisions rule the home (not my father’s decisions…. That’s another story -_-)
I dunno. I just feel very emotionally worn and could use a spiritual and physical hug. Lol
SO thankful for GRACE <3 It is nothing of my own doing, purely of His love
Such a simple succinct and powerful loving message today!
Jenn, I’m a fellow Jen who took a leap of faith last year to stay home and raise our young children. The Lord has provided in ways we could have never imagined!! It’s the best decision we’ve made. Keep seeking the Lord and he will abundantly provide.
I wrote next to every passage today – “None of it is possible without Jesus.” It took me a long time to come to this place in my faith to believe and know this is true. After recovering from my eating disorder where I was almost trained to believe in God, and then so heavily relied on God for my freedom, the idea of Christ was still daunting and seemed unreal. But as I grew in my faith, coming to believe in Jesus was what really gave me the next level of freedom. It made me truly realize that none of this – my story, my challenges, my recovery was done on my own. God had orchestrated it yes, but it was through Jesus I was forgiven and from Him I received the new spirit living inside me. I think I take this for granted now sometimes, but it’s a good reminder that none of it is possible without Him. Without them both – God and Jesus as one.
I should add that I’m in the middle of it right now. My children are 7 and 10, so I’m giving reassurances from the trenches. And I experience financial miracles all the time.
Stepping away from guaranteed income is terrifying but if God is calling you to do it, he WILL provide. I too have countless examples of unexplained provision, of the math not working on paper, but never once being in need. It’s terrifying and exhilarating to see His work. As my DC pastor loved to say, people want miracles, but no one wants to be in a position necessitating one. You’re about to step into the land of miracles! Prepare to be awed!
Jenn, you will be fine. It was the best decision we ever made 37 years ago and we would do it all over again. Sure, financially it was extremely stressful and difficult, but we never went without. God is so good. Our adult children are well rounded and successful and they were also given the foundation of knowing Christ. You are making a wise decision and I believe your children will only benefit.
Trust His Grace. God gives us grace. I need to trust that when I ask for forgiveness it’s gone completely. He does not hold onto it. It’s forgiven. This study has been such a reassurance for my soul.
Jenn, being home with my children was one of the best decisions of my life! It is financially scary, but God provides. I have so many examples of his provision. My adult children have become admirable people. We get along well.
It is not enough to just be at home, though. It takes sowing into their lives, listening, guiding, and being there for them. Pretend you are their supervisor and help give them the “job” skills they need to move up in the company. Another tip, Focus on the Family resources are helpful.
I assume you have your husband’s support in this. May God grant you wisdom, patience, joy, and provision.
Jenn, being home with my children was one of the best decisions of my life! It is financially scary, but God provides. I have so many examples of his provision. My adult children have become admirable people. We get along well.
It is not enough to just be at home, though. It takes sowing into their lives, listening, guiding, and being there for them. Pretend you are their supervisor and help give them the “job” skills they need to move up in the company. Another tip, Focus on the Family resources are helpful.
Jenn, being home with my children was one of the best decisions of my life! It is financially scary, but God provides. I have so many examples of his provision. My adult children have become admirable people. We get along well.
Salvation is for undeserving sinners! That’s me!! Thank you Jesus for the grace of the gift of salvation!!
Praying Jenn. I’m in a similar situation and know how terrifying that move is to even consider, let alone make. God’s prompting always has purpose and He is good.
Jenn, I will pray for you. I made that move last year. Stepped down from my executive role to become a part time just employee of the company. My pride hurt but the benefits of being with the kids more far exceeded what I could have hoped for. It is hard, abs the kids don’t give you rewards and bonus packages in the form of $$ but they do give it to you in hugs and personalized stick figure drawings. There is no right or wrong answer and God calls us all to different paths in life. Just pray and listen and you will know what he is calling you to.
I’ve been feeling called by God to leave my big-time corporate job to stay at home and spend time with my little kids. It’s terrifying to step away from the comfort that the money of the job provides. And to have to change my answer when people ask, “what do you do for work?” But, after months of clear promptings, I’ve decided to take the plunge this month. I would so appreciate prayers and words of comfort from other
moms who have made the same decision. Love all you She’s.
I’ve been feeling called by God to leave my big-time corporate job to stay at home and spend time with my little kids. It’s terrifying to step away from the comfort that the money of the job provides. And to have to change my answer when people ask, “what do you do for work?” But, after months of clear promptings, I’ve decided to take the plunge this month. I would so appreciate prayers and words of comfort from other
I’ve been feeling called by God to leave my big-time corporate job to stay at home and spend time with my little kids. It’s terrifying to step away from the comfort that the money of the job provides. And to have to change my answer when people ask, “what do you do for work?”
Nothing I do or don’t do saves me from God’s wrath and eternal damnation. It is all what Jesus did for me. How I daily respond to God’s mercy and grace in the way I love Him and others is how I show that I am His. Lord, have mercy on my feable attempts and give me more grace to keep a proper perspective.
SHAENA ELIZABETH – joining you in 2 weeks of prayer
HEIDI – welcome back!
TAYLOR – praying for you
HANNAH COOPER – I think the devos are written closer to the actual study (maybe for timeliness?), versus the books that are designed and published way ahead of time
AMANDA LEE – welcome
DOROTHY – praying for your schedule/benefits
CHURCHMOUSE- loved your comment yesterday, beautifully stated. Thank you.
Thank you Lord for your love,grace,forgiveness and your freedom
Amen
“Salvation is non-achievable”…boy, I need to hear that today! Thank God for going ahead of us in His grace, even before we were born!
Saved by grace alone thru faith alone in Christ alone according to Scripture alone for the glory of God alone ✝️
This was just so good. Thank you so very much J.A Medders..
Blessings to all..
So SO Good!!!! Amen!!