Text: Deuteronomy 7:7-8
Memory verse
“who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,”
‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬

I once read the story of how Alexander the Great gave alms to a beggar by the roadside one day as he passed by. The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler, no right even to lift a solicitous hand. Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins.
One of the king’s attendants was astonished at his generosity and commented, “Sir, copper coins would adequately meet a beggar’s need. Why give him gold?” Alexander responded in royal fashion, “Copper coins would suit the beggar’s need, but gold coins suit Alexander’s giving.”
According to our text today, God loved and chose Israel not because of any merit but simply according to His decision. Likewise, God’s blessings on us are not given according to our merits but according to His grace. Today’s memory text in the Message Bible says, “who first saved us and then called us to this holy work. We had nothing to do with it. It was all His idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it.”
I had sat down many times to see if I could find any weak or strong reason why God saved me and called me to His service and I have always come to the conclusion that ‘I had nothing to do with it. It was all His idea, a gift’. Paul also attested that he became a minister according to the gift of His grace ‭‭(Eph‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬).
This is the point. If we were saved and called according to His grace, then we are blessed according to His grace (Rom 8:32). In other words, ‘Copper coins suit your need, but gold coins suit God’s giving.’
Friends, don’t ever ask or expect anything from God on the basis of what you merit but according to His grace. He will give you benefits which will have nothing to do with your ability or your position. In this month of May, expect God to far exceed your expectations.

Prayer points
1. Father, please, overwhelm and surprise me with Your grace in May in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, don’t bless me according to what suits me but according to what suits You in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. When I make requests according to His grace, God gives me what suits His giving and not what suits me.
2. I don’t shortchange myself by asking according to what I qualify for but according to His grace.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng