March 15

Morning

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Tim 2:1 BSB

Christ has grace in infinite measure, but He doesn't keep it all for Himself. Just like a reservoir empties its water into pipes to supply others, Christ pours out His grace upon His people. "We have all received grace upon grace from His fullness." He holds His grace not to hoard it but to share it. He is like a fountain, ever flowing, not for itself but to quench the thirst of those who come near. He is like a tree, bearing sweet fruit, not to remain on its branches, but to be gathered by the hungry. Whether it's grace to forgive, cleanse, preserve, strengthen, enlighten, quicken, or restore, it all flows freely from Him. And there is no grace, in any form, that He withholds from His people.

Just as the blood flows from the heart to all the members of the body, so the grace of Christ flows from Him to every believer connected to Him. This creates a sweet communion between Christ and His Church, for they both share in the same grace. The oil of anointing is first poured on the head, Christ, but it flows down to even the lowest part of the body, to the smallest, humblest believer.

This is true communion: when the grace that sustains the vine also sustains the branches. As we daily receive grace from Jesus and recognize it coming from Him, we experience communion with Him, and the joy of His presence becomes real. Let us make use of this abundant grace and come boldly to Him for all our needs, just as freely as one draws from their own purse for what they require!

Evening

He was diligent in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law and the commandments, in order to seek his God. And so he prospered. — 2 Chr 31:21 BSB

It's no surprise to see that those who work with all their heart often prosper, while those who give only half-hearted effort tend to fail. God doesn't reward laziness with a harvest, except perhaps a harvest of weeds and thistles. Likewise, He doesn’t grant wealth to those who won't make an effort to dig for it. It's widely recognized that if someone wants to succeed, they must work diligently.

The same is true in our work for God. If you want to prosper in serving Christ, make sure it’s heart work—done with all your might. Pour the same energy and passion into your spiritual endeavors as you would into your business, for it’s far more worthy of your best efforts. The Holy Spirit is ready to help our weaknesses, but He doesn’t encourage idleness; He blesses active believers. Who are the most effective workers in the church? It's not always the most gifted or talented, but those whose hearts burn with zeal for God. They are the ones who see their Lord ride forth in victory.

Whole-hearted devotion also shows itself in perseverance. There may be setbacks or failures, but the earnest worker presses on, saying, "This is the Lord’s work, and it must be done. My Lord has called me to it, and in His strength, I will complete it." Christian, are you serving your Master with all your heart? Think of the passion Jesus had! "Zeal for Your house has consumed Me," He said. When He sweat drops of blood, it was no small task He was undertaking for our salvation. If Jesus was so earnest, how can we be lukewarm?