When Pastor Jerri asked me to speak this day, I heard the Words “Gracious Living”, You women are an example of what gracious living is all about. I started looking up in the Word of God on Grace and Mercy, and looking up the definition on living and grace, so we here we go. I found out that grace is mentioned 170 times in the bible.
Living – is having life; being alive, not dead. Active function.
Grace – simple elegance or refinement of movement; to do honor or credit.
Gracious – is kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and aware of others.
The definition of Grace by Gods Word is unmerited favor, Grace is god doing good for us that we do not deserve. Mercy is God with holding judgment. Grace is god giving me a blessing or good that I do not deserve. Grace can also be defined as God sufficiency or Gods fullness in the life of the believer.
Eph. 2:8- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God
1 Corth. 15:10- But by the grace of God. I am what I am: and his grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
It was God goodness working in Paul that made him the great servant of God he was. And that goes for you ladies as well as for me.
We need the grace of God first of all for salvation. Without grace of God we can not have eternal life. We also need the grace of God for daily living and walking with the Lord. Were weak and we all fall short of the glory of God. He also told us we can nothing without Him.
Grace got you this far. Your hair is a sign of God’s glory.
Proverbs: 16:31- The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in a way of righteousness.
I love the amplified bible. The hoary head is a crown of beauty of glory if it is found in the way of righteousness ( moral and spiritual) rectitude in every area and relation.
Ladies I know you all want to cover up that gray hair or silver head, I say be proud my ladies in the Lord, you earned it by gods grace and mercy. It a sign that gods been good to you in age and beauty.
To expand on this verse in the Bible Proverbs 16:31. In the study living bible it says the Hebrews believed that a long life was a sign of god blessings; therefore, silver hair and old age were good.
Proverbs 11:6- A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retains riches.
The ampilified says a gracious woman wins honor (for her husband) and violent men wins riches but a woman who hates righteousness is a throne of disgrace for him.
Proverbs 22:11- A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
Proverbs 22:4- The reward of humility and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.
3 John 2:2- Beloved I pray that you may prospers in all things and be in health just as your soul prospers.
Ladies, as we take care of our souls and bring them into submission to God and His Spirit, we will live a long life, according to the Word. He says He will add numbers to our days. I am just now getting what Grace living is all about and putting my soul under God’s command.
Proverbs 17:22- A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.
You’re an example of the scripture women of God. You’ve been t through the trenches and the valleys, you had your pity parties, and you got up washed up, cleaned up, stood up, grew up, matured in Christ, because of God Grace you’re here and alive and well and being all that you can be for Him and with Him.
You’re the example for the next generation of what Grace living looks like.