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DECEMBER 2023 MONTHLY LETTER
The grace of God is so powerful that only when we understand it, we can receive it, embrace it, and experience it in our lives. We cannot deny the power of God's grace for us because it is the power of God that sustains us in times of need.
Paul, the servant of God lived as a believer, a true apostle and servant of God preaching the gospel. Because of this, he suffered persecutions, and in a time of weakness he asked the Lord to take away the thorn that was given to him. The thorn in the flesh included persecution, insults, difficulties, and anguish. He cried out to the Father to take it away from him, and the Lord responded in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (amplified) But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
This servant of God experienced this grace when he was at that very moment of need.
This man Paul, who had given his life to the Lord had a true encounter with Him. Before he persecuted the church, and now a servant. We can see how he surrendered his life to the Lord. He became a true servant (an apostle).
This is was what Paul confessed and we know that he could only achieve it by the grace of God. He was not living for himself any longer. He declared this in Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
When we put our trust in the Lord, this is the assurance, that the grace of God will sustain us. It will help us in times of difficulty just like in Paul’s experience. Believe that the grace of God is enough for you, just as it was for Paul!
I have seen that when things get difficult, some throw in the towel. This is a big mistake. Our confidence must always be in the Lord, embracing His grace that sustains us and keeps us in continuing to follow the will of the Father, no matter what happens. His grace is sufficient for us!
Another thing we must be clear about is what happened to Paul was not because of sin in his life, but because he was a true servant of the Lord.
In the time we are living in today, some only seek to live for themselves and do not pay the price for the things of the kingdom. Yes, there is a price to pay, to deny self! We are not only saved to live for ourself, but rather to live for the One who saved us.
The truth of the Word of God always confronts us. When the Lord brings His word, He knows what we need and where we are. He loves us so much that he wants us to align our lives with His word.
Our Father sent His only begotten son to bring us salvation, not to continue living as the old man, walking in our new nature, as sons and daughters. To live a transformed life, we must let the word of God penetrate our hearts. This is why it is important that when the word is preached through a true servant of God, we receive it in our hearts, so that it can bear fruit in our lives. Do not reject it, embrace it, so that it can bring benefit to your life.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.
Many have hardened their hearts and will not receive the true apostolic doctrine; they will only look for what they want to listen to. Let the truth of the word of God make you free, so that you can run the race your heavenly Father has designed for you. No matter what you will endure during your walk with the Lord, His grace is sufficient for you!
I have understood the grace of God is enough for me. This is where I get my strength from to continue serving the Lord. I thank my Heavenly Father for His grace in my life.
Thank you Father for your divine grace; it is so wonderful to me. I can tell you that, if it weren’t for grace, I would not know where I would be, and because of that wonderful grace I can testify.
Having this in your heart, just as God's graces was enough for Paul, is enough for you too.
I pray to the Lord to give you a true understanding of His grace, so that you can walk in it, strengthening you in times of need.
Love and blessings!
Vimarie Montaño
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