“Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”—John 9:25 ESV

When John Newton was only 11, he went to sea with his father. This led to a life as a slave trader. Ultimately, he became captain of his own ship, trading slaves. But he never completely forgot about God.

One day while steering the ship through a violent storm, he cried, “Lord, have mercy upon us.” When they survived, Newton believed God had used the storm to give him a message. He soon left the slave business to become a minister.

He made it a goal to write a new hymn each week. One of these was “Amazing Grace,” which described God’s grace in his life. He recognized he was a wretch, but God saved him. “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”

Newton recalled his years at sea and how God saved him through “many dangers, toils and snares.” He realized His grace had brought him “safe thus far.” Looking ahead, he knew that God’s grace would lead him home.

That same grace is available for you no matter what you have done. David wrote, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” He pities those who fear Him, just as “a father has compassion on those who fear him.” He knows our weaknesses and “remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:12–14).

Accept the grace God offers. Receive His amazing grace!

Reflection Question: Who in your life needs to experience God’s amazing grace today?

“If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life … Now we command and exhort such persons … to work peacefully.”—2 Thessalonians 3:10–13 NASB

Paul became a believer after a supernatural encounter with Jesus. Miraculous things took place throughout his ministry. But over time, he focused more on the practical impact of the Christian life.

For example, in writing to the Thessalonians, he stressed the importance of living a disciplined life. He discovered that some believers were “undisciplined.” The Greek word has its roots in the military, referring to the response of soldiers to a commander, and the importance of completing assignments. As believers, we are to recognize God as our authority and obey Him, just as soldiers obey their commander.

Some believers did not have this discipline. Those who weren’t disciplined, in effect, were defying God, and being negligent about the gifts He has given them. Instead of putting their resources to use, they were “doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies” (v. 11).

Paul’s admonition was that these people needed to become disciplined. They should determine the fruit of their lives through their actions and attitudes. They still might be born again, but he commanded and exhorted them “in the Lord Jesus Christ to work peacefully and eat their own bread.”

Paul knew how easily we can become bored with being disciplined and working hard. He stressed that believers must not grow weary of doing good. In every situation, seek to be disciplined. Be a good steward of the resources God has given you.

Reflection Question: How do you combat weariness in doing good things?