GOD’S AMAZING GRACE!
To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8
When I think of the word grace, I think of the song Amazing Grace, written by John Newton. John was only 11 years old when he left school to start his life as a rough seaman. He became a slave trader by capturing natives from West Africa in the 1700's and they were sold as salves to markets around the world. But by God's grace, God got Newton's attention.
One day the grace of God put fear into the heart of this wicked slave trader through a fierce storm. Newton became very fearful of a shipwreck, so he began to read a book,The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas Kempis. God used this book to lead Newton to a total transformation, becoming a believer of Jesus Christ. A dramatic change took place in Newton's life. He felt a call on his life and continued on to become an ordained minister in England. Newton introduced simple, heartfelt hymns rather than the usual psalms in his services. When enough hymns could not be found, Newton began to write his own hymns. One was the still very popular, Amazing Grace. John Newton never ceased to marvel at the grace of God that transformed his life so completely.
Is that not what you want for your beloved spouse and loved ones? The grace of God can put a fear into your beloved spouse who may pick up a book or watch someone on the television or listen on the radio. Bob came home because of the fear of God, as the Lord showed him that he was an embarrassment to the Lord. Bob had to travel on airplanes and there were four plane accidents that all happened very close to each time he was flying. God does speak to prodigals.
The heart transformation that Newton had was like Saul had on the Damascus Road with His Lord before becoming the Paul whose writings we all love to read. I pray that John Newton's testimony will give you hope and encouragement for you and your beloved spouse. When you hear of other peoples’ testimonies of where they had been and what the Lord is doing now in their hearts,it is like darkness turned to light. There is no sinner who is too difficult for the Lord. Especially if you are praying for your spouse or child or loved one faithfully.
…But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20b-21
God loves all sinners. He wants them each to turn from their own selfish, self-centered, prideful, sinful nature and ungodly lifestyles. We need to pray for all spouses that they will stop being selfish and self-centered husbands or wives, but that they will put God, their spouse and children before themselves. May each of us never lose sight of this truth as we pray for all prodigals, all spouses and all loved ones. Will you believe in God's amazing grace every day of your life? I pray this song will have a very special meaning to you now, and for your spouse in the future.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound -
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun.
Words, John Newton (verses 1-4), 1779; John P. Reese (verse 5)
Tune Amazing Grace, From Virginia Harmony, 1831.
Used by Permission. CCLI #1273562.
This hymn is still sung at churches around the world and still ministers to people of all faiths at many different events. On Friday it was sung passionately by a widow at the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum who understands God’s amazing grace. Regardless of what you are facing today or in the future regarding your marriage problems, your financial needs, problems with your children or if you are having health problems, God is saying to you:
…"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.†Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Can you imagine the riches of God’s grace that He is lavishing on us with all wisdom and understanding? God’s amazing grace is so powerful that it can bring salvation to ALL men. You and your beloved spouse can say “No†to ungodliness and worldly desires and strive to live Christ-like lives every day.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ will take away every sin for both you, your spouse and other loved ones who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord of their lives. God's amazing grace is what will restore your marriage!
Will you pray for a mighty harvest this Lord's Day at all our churches around the world? Let us pray in agreement for all prodigal spouses, teenagers and lost loved ones, that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit calling their names today to Come Home! to their Lord and back to their spouse and family because of God's amazing grace. May thousands of sinners come to know God's amazing grace for their personal salvations this Lord’s Day.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Be blessed and believe,
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8
When I think of the word grace, I think of the song Amazing Grace, written by John Newton. John was only 11 years old when he left school to start his life as a rough seaman. He became a slave trader by capturing natives from West Africa in the 1700's and they were sold as salves to markets around the world. But by God's grace, God got Newton's attention.
One day the grace of God put fear into the heart of this wicked slave trader through a fierce storm. Newton became very fearful of a shipwreck, so he began to read a book,The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas Kempis. God used this book to lead Newton to a total transformation, becoming a believer of Jesus Christ. A dramatic change took place in Newton's life. He felt a call on his life and continued on to become an ordained minister in England. Newton introduced simple, heartfelt hymns rather than the usual psalms in his services. When enough hymns could not be found, Newton began to write his own hymns. One was the still very popular, Amazing Grace. John Newton never ceased to marvel at the grace of God that transformed his life so completely.
Is that not what you want for your beloved spouse and loved ones? The grace of God can put a fear into your beloved spouse who may pick up a book or watch someone on the television or listen on the radio. Bob came home because of the fear of God, as the Lord showed him that he was an embarrassment to the Lord. Bob had to travel on airplanes and there were four plane accidents that all happened very close to each time he was flying. God does speak to prodigals.
The heart transformation that Newton had was like Saul had on the Damascus Road with His Lord before becoming the Paul whose writings we all love to read. I pray that John Newton's testimony will give you hope and encouragement for you and your beloved spouse. When you hear of other peoples’ testimonies of where they had been and what the Lord is doing now in their hearts,it is like darkness turned to light. There is no sinner who is too difficult for the Lord. Especially if you are praying for your spouse or child or loved one faithfully.
…But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20b-21
God loves all sinners. He wants them each to turn from their own selfish, self-centered, prideful, sinful nature and ungodly lifestyles. We need to pray for all spouses that they will stop being selfish and self-centered husbands or wives, but that they will put God, their spouse and children before themselves. May each of us never lose sight of this truth as we pray for all prodigals, all spouses and all loved ones. Will you believe in God's amazing grace every day of your life? I pray this song will have a very special meaning to you now, and for your spouse in the future.
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound -
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath bro’t me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we first begun.
Words, John Newton (verses 1-4), 1779; John P. Reese (verse 5)
Tune Amazing Grace, From Virginia Harmony, 1831.
Used by Permission. CCLI #1273562.
This hymn is still sung at churches around the world and still ministers to people of all faiths at many different events. On Friday it was sung passionately by a widow at the opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum who understands God’s amazing grace. Regardless of what you are facing today or in the future regarding your marriage problems, your financial needs, problems with your children or if you are having health problems, God is saying to you:
…"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.†Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Can you imagine the riches of God’s grace that He is lavishing on us with all wisdom and understanding? God’s amazing grace is so powerful that it can bring salvation to ALL men. You and your beloved spouse can say “No†to ungodliness and worldly desires and strive to live Christ-like lives every day.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ will take away every sin for both you, your spouse and other loved ones who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus as Lord of their lives. God's amazing grace is what will restore your marriage!
Will you pray for a mighty harvest this Lord's Day at all our churches around the world? Let us pray in agreement for all prodigal spouses, teenagers and lost loved ones, that they will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit calling their names today to Come Home! to their Lord and back to their spouse and family because of God's amazing grace. May thousands of sinners come to know God's amazing grace for their personal salvations this Lord’s Day.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Be blessed and believe,
Charlyne Steinkamp
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.