Daily Devotional: A Receiving Lifestyle
- David A. Case
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
By David A. Case
Life Sayings:
I can’t give away what I haven’t received.
What flows through me sticks to me.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Most people see grace as a one-time event—something that gets us into heaven. Yet Scripture paints a much bigger picture. Grace is not just forgiveness. It is God’s empowering presence that enables us to live a godly life, moment by moment. Grace is a gift we are meant to receive and keep receiving.
The Greek word for grace is "charis," a word rich with meaning. It gets translated in many ways: grace, favor, gift, joy, thanks, and even pleasure. It is also the root of "charisma," the word used for spiritual gifts. Grace, in this deeper sense, is not just something I receive—it is something that flows through me. And when God flows through me, He changes me. What flows through me sticks to me.
Forgiveness is foundational, but it is only the beginning. Without the cross, none of us could connect to a holy God. Forgiveness makes the connection possible. Still, that connection must be activated by faith. And faith is not just mental agreement—it is relational trust. True grace moves us into a lifestyle where we receive from God every day, not just once at salvation.
When I live this way—receiving from God in a posture of humility—I am transformed. My life begins to reflect God’s character. My work is no longer just my effort. It becomes a Spirit-empowered outflow. Whether I’m teaching, serving, giving, or leading, it is no longer just me. It is God in me, working through me, bringing life to others and joy to Himself.
This is why Paul follows Ephesians 2:8–9 with verse 10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The work God calls me to do was prepared ahead of time. He made me with purpose, and He intends to empower that purpose by His Spirit.
When I live with this understanding, I stop striving to impress God and start cooperating with Him. I stop trying to fix myself through effort and start receiving the transforming power of His presence. Grace becomes a lifestyle, not just a theological idea. It becomes the way I walk—by receiving, trusting, and responding to God’s voice again and again.
Reflection Question
Are you living today more as someone trying to prove yourself to God—or as someone humbly receiving what God is trying to give you?
Prayer
God, I want to live a life that flows from Your grace. I confess how easily I slip into striving and self-effort. Help me to receive—not just forgiveness, but the fullness of Your empowering presence. Let Your Spirit flow through me in ways that reflect Your goodness and bring transformation to my heart. Amen.
Today’s Step of Obedience
Before beginning your main task today, pause and ask: “God, what do You want to do through me in this?” Then listen. Write down what comes to mind and act on it with faith.
This devotional was inspired by the book Heart Change Handbook by David A. Case. If you found it helpful, please consider it for your own self-study and suggest it to your church small group or recovery community as a basis for small group study.
If this message has encouraged you to pursue deeper transformation, I invite you to continue the journey through The Heart Change Handbook. It provides a practical, biblical path for spiritual growth and is an excellent resource for church small groups and recovery communities. Consider getting your copy today and introducing it to your group as a guide toward meaningful heart change.
👉 Learn more about Small Group Resources from Heart Change U.
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