grace

Draw near to the throne of Grace…

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Today I am thankful for so many things but most of all I am thankful for God’s grace. I don’t think I have ever paid attention to God’s grace like I have lately… The fact that I am studying grace has a lot to do with it I’m sure, but I will say, not everything I study tugs at me like this has. I have not been seeing many ” squirrels” during this study!

God has got my attention.“The cross is the lightning rod of grace that short-circuits God’s wrath to Christ so that only the light of His love remains for believers.” ~ A. W. Tozer

I have been able to fill some of that spot in my heart that holds guilt and feeling unworthy with God’s grace. I can’t say I don’t or won’t still feel guilty or unworthy, I think that is impossible. I am just saying I feel God working in my heart in this area.

“Grace, then, is grace,–that is to say, it is sovereign, it is free, it is sure, it is unconditional, and it is everlasting.” ~ Alexander Whyte

The best part about accepting grace is….you have a strong urge to give grace. Although, I do try to give grace and mercy, I slip and fall at times. I was thinking about the verse “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.” I think, how hard it is to do this especially if that “other” never treats you with the grace and mercy you have shown them?? My first instinct sometimes is to ” give them a taste of their own medicine” Sadly I have reacted on this thought, ummm, more than once. The problem is, this reaction only gives temporary relief, as quick as you get “relief”, you are filled with regret and the anguish of hurting someone else. I find this is much worse than the initial feeling of hurt you had in the first place. It is a “lose lose” situation. This is not how God wants us to react. He has given us grace and is constantly giving us mercy and wants us to do the same for others. A “win win” situation!

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” – Hebrews 12:15

Being human and a sinner, I will at times throughout my life feel guilt, anger and resentment . I will hurt people’s feelings and get my feelings hurt. I will say the wrong things. React the wrong way. I AM IMPERFECT. I am so glad God loves his imperfect children and uses his imperfect children for his glory.. I am so thankful that he allows my heart to feel conviction. I am so thankful… For his perfect unconditional GRACE!

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. -Hebrews 4:16

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If hurts had hairs

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As I was reading today, I came across this verse.

  “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

 It made me think about all the different seasons of life I have been in over the years. I can’t help but to think, no matter what season I have been in, whether it be a sweet or sorrowful time, God has always put just the right people in my life. He taught me to trust and let others help me during the rough seasons, share joy during sweet seasons and put the compassion in my heart to do the same for others as well.

 It really saddens me to see people trying to manage on their own. Hiding behind walls of hurt, never letting people in. God created us to help each other. In the “Grace” chapter I’m reading there is a section that reads:

  ” If hurts were hairs, we’d all look like grizzlies. Even the smooth- skinned  beauties of magazine covers, the composed pastors in the pulpit, the sweet old lady next door. All of them. All of us. Furry, hairy beasts we’d become. If hurts were hairs, we’d be lost in the thick of them.” -Max Lucado

 Maybe hurts should be hairs…? This way, nobody could hide behind smooth skin, composure and fake smiles. We may accept grace, love and compassion from other “hairy people” because we know that they have hurts too…

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A little prayer I found:

Lord, I am so grateful for keeping those around me safe and loved. I hope that you provide me with the ability and sense to show them every day how much they matter. I hope that you give me the ability to give to them the same kindness they have provided to me. I am just so grateful for all of your blessings in my life, Lord. I pray that you remind me of just how lucky I am, and that you never allow me to forget to show my gratitude in prayer and returned kind acts. Thank you, Lord. In your name, Amen.

One small part of Gods beautiful creation….

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Grace: noun, I mean action, A divine blessing from God!

“Grace is the voice that calls us to change, then gives us the power to pull it off” – Max Lucado

I joined a new bible study this week that I am super excited about… Grace by Max Lucado.

I am asking myself, Do I accept the grace of God and give grace to others?? Do I accept the free forgiveness of God?

I am hoping with this study, I will be more aware of Gods grace around me and have more gratitude. I want to be better at showing others the grace God has shown me.

Each of us are one small part of Gods beautiful creation that he is making NEW every day and I am excited to take the journey of GRACE!

I am so thankful for this group of ladies I get to take this journey with…
“They know my worst parts and my best parts, and they are not afraid to address the former and praise the ladder”. (Matthew 16)

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