"...and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 ESV)
I wonder how often we think about the fact that we have been adopted into the family of God? Had it not been for God's mercy, we would still be outsiders, unable to know the intimacy with our Father and the kinship of fellow believers in the household of God.
I was blessed to be adopted as an infant and brought into a family that loved me and cared for me. From my earliest childhood I can remember my parents reading a book to me about what adoption meant - that I was chosen and special. I was wanted. Hearing that story read, I remember having this image of my parents wandering around a big room full of babies looking for just the right one. I'm so thankful that they conveyed that message to me - the "specialness" of being adopted; it has made it so much easier, so natural, to understand and appreciate what God has done for us.
As an adopted daughter, the mother and father that raised me were my parents - as real as any parents to any child I knew. I had all the benefits and experiences of being a "real" member of my family --- it was (and is), indeed MY family. I wasn't a second-class, settled-for, wish-it-could-have-been-different daughter; I was their child and they were Mama and Daddy.
That's what God has done for us - he has made us his real sons and daughters and he is our real Father. We are chosen, wanted, sought after, and cared for. We bear the family name and the family resemblance. And a word about that resemblance: just as in my family, we may not physically resemble each other (although some say we do), we've developed familial similarities in personality and preferences, ways of doing things and interacting with each other that are unique to my family. As members of God's family, we experience the same thing. As we live, mature and grow as fellow members of the household of God, lovingly molded and transformed by the Spirit into the image of Christ, we take on family traits otherwise known as fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We know and have access to our Father at all times, in all circumstances. We are loved beyond measure, cared for beyond our wildest imaginings, and provided for eternally.
Take some time to read again the beautiful, beautiful prayer that Jesus prays for his disciples and for us in John 17. It is an incredible blessing. To read these words is to know his heart - and the heart of our Father - for us, his children. It's our heritage - our inheritance.
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are." 1 John 3:1 (The Message)
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Be Still
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Psalm 46 is only 11 verses long. Most of those verses deal with the power of God in the form of earthquakes, destruction, desolation, his power over wars and the futility of man's weapons in the face of God's power. If you imagine hearing those verses read aloud, they would probably be read with volume, with emphasis and forcefulness. Then, in the midst of all that, is silence: "be still and know that i am God." In the Amplified Bible, instead of "be still", we read "cease striving". That's the heart of it. In the midst of chaos, destruction, fear, our own ineptitude in the face of such power, we are to cease striving. When you get right down to it, what else can we do in the face of the power of Almighty God?
Not long ago, I sat through a long, drawn-out afternoon as a slow-moving hurricane passed through. The wind was so strong and I watched the trees bending and the debris fly around and wondered when something was going to crash into the house. No power, no phones, no cell signal. And I was by myself. This was not a huge, deadly hurricane or a tsunami or an earthquake. But in the face of the force of nature - however forceful nature chooses to be - we are helpless. Our arrogant notions of being in control fly out the window. As I watched and waited out this storm, I couldn't help but think how awesome is the power of God! Nature is the creature; God is the creator. Even at its most powerful, the power of nature is only a weakened reflection of the power of its creator. What else can we do in the presence of such an awesome God but stop our strivings - be still.
The power and holiness of God aren't just displayed in catastrophic circumstances. God's power and holiness are most vividly displayed through his love - in the face and person of Jesus. Jesus came so that we could know the Father - know his love, his grace and forgiveness, his healing power and power to restore what is broken in the world. In the face of the hard questions - loneliness, loss, grief, illness - Jesus tells us that he will never leave us or forsake us. God is holy, God is sovereign, God is in control. When we feel so utterly helpless and useless, God IS: he is present, he is love, he is good. Be still and know that he is God. Cease striving, cease trying to "fix" what is too big to fix - what was never ours to fix in the first place.
The last verse of Psalm 46 is this: "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." In the midst of all this world can throw at us, the Lord of the universe is with us, he is our fortress, our comfort, our strength. Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46 is only 11 verses long. Most of those verses deal with the power of God in the form of earthquakes, destruction, desolation, his power over wars and the futility of man's weapons in the face of God's power. If you imagine hearing those verses read aloud, they would probably be read with volume, with emphasis and forcefulness. Then, in the midst of all that, is silence: "be still and know that i am God." In the Amplified Bible, instead of "be still", we read "cease striving". That's the heart of it. In the midst of chaos, destruction, fear, our own ineptitude in the face of such power, we are to cease striving. When you get right down to it, what else can we do in the face of the power of Almighty God?
Not long ago, I sat through a long, drawn-out afternoon as a slow-moving hurricane passed through. The wind was so strong and I watched the trees bending and the debris fly around and wondered when something was going to crash into the house. No power, no phones, no cell signal. And I was by myself. This was not a huge, deadly hurricane or a tsunami or an earthquake. But in the face of the force of nature - however forceful nature chooses to be - we are helpless. Our arrogant notions of being in control fly out the window. As I watched and waited out this storm, I couldn't help but think how awesome is the power of God! Nature is the creature; God is the creator. Even at its most powerful, the power of nature is only a weakened reflection of the power of its creator. What else can we do in the presence of such an awesome God but stop our strivings - be still.
The power and holiness of God aren't just displayed in catastrophic circumstances. God's power and holiness are most vividly displayed through his love - in the face and person of Jesus. Jesus came so that we could know the Father - know his love, his grace and forgiveness, his healing power and power to restore what is broken in the world. In the face of the hard questions - loneliness, loss, grief, illness - Jesus tells us that he will never leave us or forsake us. God is holy, God is sovereign, God is in control. When we feel so utterly helpless and useless, God IS: he is present, he is love, he is good. Be still and know that he is God. Cease striving, cease trying to "fix" what is too big to fix - what was never ours to fix in the first place.
The last verse of Psalm 46 is this: "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." In the midst of all this world can throw at us, the Lord of the universe is with us, he is our fortress, our comfort, our strength. Be still and know that I am God.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Persuasion
Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. (2 Corinthians 5:11 NLT)
I wonder how many of us are of the same sentiment. Working hard to persuade others doesn't mean harassment, certainly, but it does mean that how we live out our witness to others should be high on our priority list. A lifestyle of faith is a response; any lifestyle is a response to the priorities in our lives. Where do I spend my time, my money, my energies? What is the driving force behind every decision I make? Those are the things that direct my steps, my relationships. Paul knew the fearful responsibility to the Lord because of the transforming power of the love of Jesus - the transformation from Saul to Paul: from a zealous pursuit and persecution of Christians to a zealous pursuit of the Lord's mission to bring others to Christ. Nothing but the power of Love in the person of Jesus could accomplish such a change - such a complete turn-around and change of heart.
When we recognize "from whence we've come" and see how the healing, transforming love of Jesus has re-made our hearts and our priorities, it gives us the motivation to share our story with others. We don't have to accost people on the street with our message - just live it. God can use everything in life - experiences, trials, blessings, hardships - as a way to minister to those he sends our way. We are obviously not all called to be another Paul but we are called and empowered to be who the Lord has gifted, created, and equipped us to be right where we live, work, and interact with people. The work is God's: in us and through us. We get the privilege of cooperating with the Lord in his work.
How we see ourselves is so very different from how God sees us. He sees the child he's created for his good will and purposes, the child he loves and calls by name, the child that is a gift to this world. He's in the process of calling that beautiful creation out in each of us - growing, transforming, healing, loving each of us - shaping us into the man or woman he's created us to be. Pray for God to reveal himself to you in a new way; pray for him to give you a new understanding into who he is. I know that's a prayer he loves to answer! As you grow in your knowledge of who God is, your understanding is deepened and your life will be a reflection - a light - that draws people in and invites them to come to know the One who is the Light of your life.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Surprised by God
Recently I had a brief Facebook chat with a former priest who, when I mentioned writing Bible studies, responded with, "It's about time." I was completely astounded! To realize how God had been gifting, equipping, planting seeds for years in ways I hadn't even recognized or been aware of, is really fascinating to me. And amazing!
In Philippians Paul writes: "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." God works in us - he's always at work in us, he's always so many steps ahead of us that it's just for us to enjoy the ride and see where he takes us. That's not to say we're not involved in the process - God expects our cooperation and participation. God's work in us involves transformation and transformation doesn't happen without our involvement. (Wouldn't that be nice?)
In thinking about my journey toward writing a Bible study, I know that over the years I've grown to love God's word more and more. My belief in the rock solid truth of that word has grown as well. But the growth has happened out of living and seeing the truth and reality of God and his word and that has often been through hard times and faith-testing, faith-building experiences. But they were transforming experiences - God was shaping and molding me through it all.
I would be one of the first ones to say that discipleship isn't easy. But, then again, it is easy. To follow Light and Love and Blessing and Peace and go wherever the Lord asks me to go knowing that it leads to more light and love and blessing and peace --- well, that's pretty easy to say 'yes' to. Life is going to be hard no matter what our faith is or isn't; how much better it is to go through life following the God who loves me beyond my wildest imaginations and wants only my good (also beyond my wildest imaginations) and has plans and purposes for me that exceed anything I could ever, ever expect!
I wonder what seeds are being planted right now? I wonder what plans and purposes God is working in me, preparing me for, right now? Please don't make the mistake of thinking the Christian life is boring and dull! What can be dull and boring about a life lived with and for a God like ours? The depth, blessing, growth, possibilities, surprises, joy ...... I could go on and on!
But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
(1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV)
In Philippians Paul writes: "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." God works in us - he's always at work in us, he's always so many steps ahead of us that it's just for us to enjoy the ride and see where he takes us. That's not to say we're not involved in the process - God expects our cooperation and participation. God's work in us involves transformation and transformation doesn't happen without our involvement. (Wouldn't that be nice?)
In thinking about my journey toward writing a Bible study, I know that over the years I've grown to love God's word more and more. My belief in the rock solid truth of that word has grown as well. But the growth has happened out of living and seeing the truth and reality of God and his word and that has often been through hard times and faith-testing, faith-building experiences. But they were transforming experiences - God was shaping and molding me through it all.
I would be one of the first ones to say that discipleship isn't easy. But, then again, it is easy. To follow Light and Love and Blessing and Peace and go wherever the Lord asks me to go knowing that it leads to more light and love and blessing and peace --- well, that's pretty easy to say 'yes' to. Life is going to be hard no matter what our faith is or isn't; how much better it is to go through life following the God who loves me beyond my wildest imaginations and wants only my good (also beyond my wildest imaginations) and has plans and purposes for me that exceed anything I could ever, ever expect!
I wonder what seeds are being planted right now? I wonder what plans and purposes God is working in me, preparing me for, right now? Please don't make the mistake of thinking the Christian life is boring and dull! What can be dull and boring about a life lived with and for a God like ours? The depth, blessing, growth, possibilities, surprises, joy ...... I could go on and on!
But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
(1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Still Listening
I've been at the lake for several days writing (and working toward finishing) my Ephesians study. I love the peace and quiet on the lake - especially this time of year. But mostly, I love the routine I fall into when I have the whole day ahead of me with no errands, appointments, etc., just time to write. (Who knew this was inside me??!) This morning, I spent quite a while on the porch overlooking the water and just listened - with my eyes closed. I began to focus in on the sounds individually, instead of just listening to everything at once. It was an amazing experience! Listening to the birds one by one -- so many different songs; listening to the wind rustling the leaves and blowing things out of the trees; listening for the water - it was very quiet this morning, very calm. I had to really concentrate to hear the water.
I don't know how long I was listening like that - I lost track of time. But what occurs to me is that God's voice is a lot like that. It's always there under all the layers of sound, you just have to listen for it. Remember the story of Elijah? After the prophets of Baal were defeated so spectacularly, he has to run for his life from Jezebel and is hiding out in a cave. (There's a lot more to the story....I'm cutting to the chase, here.) The Lord is going to reveal himself to Elijah but it wasn't in the great, strong wind that "tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks", or in the earthquake, or in the fire that followed. It was the "sound of a low whisper" that brought Elijah out of the cave to be with his God and hear from him.
Maybe we expect God to speak like a voice of thunder from the heavens - something really spectacular and powerful! But the psalmist says, "be still and know that I am God". We have to get quiet and still, quiet all the noise in our heads, and listen. I was surprised by all that I heard this morning on my porch. I think when I'm quiet enough to hear from the Lord, I'm usually surprised by what I hear in that still, small voice. The temptation is to stay here in the quiet and not go back to the normal routine and busy-ness. I can really relate to Peter, James and John on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. Peter wanted to build booths and stay a while. But they had to go back down that mountain and get on with the Father's business. And so do I.
I don't know how long I was listening like that - I lost track of time. But what occurs to me is that God's voice is a lot like that. It's always there under all the layers of sound, you just have to listen for it. Remember the story of Elijah? After the prophets of Baal were defeated so spectacularly, he has to run for his life from Jezebel and is hiding out in a cave. (There's a lot more to the story....I'm cutting to the chase, here.) The Lord is going to reveal himself to Elijah but it wasn't in the great, strong wind that "tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks", or in the earthquake, or in the fire that followed. It was the "sound of a low whisper" that brought Elijah out of the cave to be with his God and hear from him.
Maybe we expect God to speak like a voice of thunder from the heavens - something really spectacular and powerful! But the psalmist says, "be still and know that I am God". We have to get quiet and still, quiet all the noise in our heads, and listen. I was surprised by all that I heard this morning on my porch. I think when I'm quiet enough to hear from the Lord, I'm usually surprised by what I hear in that still, small voice. The temptation is to stay here in the quiet and not go back to the normal routine and busy-ness. I can really relate to Peter, James and John on the mountain when Jesus was transfigured. Peter wanted to build booths and stay a while. But they had to go back down that mountain and get on with the Father's business. And so do I.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Listening
"I have no peace, no quietness. I have no rest; only trouble comes." Job 3:26 NLT
We all have times when we're dealing with above normal stress levels and feelings of being overwhelmed. I'm in my own season of that now. As I was thinking about how to get back to "normal" and back to the feeling of walking and working from the Spirit and not my overloaded soul, I realized the source of my deficiency. I've been very faithful to continue my reading and studying God's word, praying for the needs of people around me --- very dutifully, thank you. But what I had neglected was the time spent with my pen in my hand and my notebook opened up, ready to listen. It's hard to hear from the Lord when you're too busy talking!
While I'm not in the fix that dear Job was in, those verses above still resonated when I read them. As I reflected on all this, the first verse that came to mind was the expected one: "Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." As I continued to sit with that verse, reflecting on coming to Jesus and abiding in Him, my focus shifted just the right amount and I reminded myself that coming to Jesus is just a matter of looking at him - looking to him. He's already right there, waiting patiently, closer than my very breath.
Why is it that time and time again we struggle along, dragging the burdens and worries around while Jesus waits so very patiently with his hands out waiting for us to just look up and hand them over? I guess that's how we earn the Biblical description of "stiffnecked people" - our muscles are all tensed up from bearing all our own burdens and toting them around on our backs!
The question I asked myself was, "Who is god of this situation?" Is it the god of "me-myself-and-I" or is it GOD? I think I'd much prefer to watch the God of the universe work out what seems to be stuck and let HIM get the glory. He's so much more deserving of it, anyway. How many times in just the past year have I sensed the Lord asking me to just watch him? I've watched him work miracles, resolve conflicts that seemed unresolvable, bring peace where there was no peace, and bestow blessing upon blessing. I have watched him reveal a beautiful vision for a new ministry that is just beginning to unfold.
My only job in the middle of a lot of unanswered questions and stressful situations is really quite simple. These are the words I heard when I finally took the time to stop and listen and sit with my pen poised over my open notebook : watch me, follow me; don't lead -- just follow me; keep your eyes on me and not the circumstances.
I read Psalm 34 today, "coincidentally". How it spoke to me!
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
(Psalm 34 ESV)
We all have times when we're dealing with above normal stress levels and feelings of being overwhelmed. I'm in my own season of that now. As I was thinking about how to get back to "normal" and back to the feeling of walking and working from the Spirit and not my overloaded soul, I realized the source of my deficiency. I've been very faithful to continue my reading and studying God's word, praying for the needs of people around me --- very dutifully, thank you. But what I had neglected was the time spent with my pen in my hand and my notebook opened up, ready to listen. It's hard to hear from the Lord when you're too busy talking!
While I'm not in the fix that dear Job was in, those verses above still resonated when I read them. As I reflected on all this, the first verse that came to mind was the expected one: "Come to me all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest." As I continued to sit with that verse, reflecting on coming to Jesus and abiding in Him, my focus shifted just the right amount and I reminded myself that coming to Jesus is just a matter of looking at him - looking to him. He's already right there, waiting patiently, closer than my very breath.
Why is it that time and time again we struggle along, dragging the burdens and worries around while Jesus waits so very patiently with his hands out waiting for us to just look up and hand them over? I guess that's how we earn the Biblical description of "stiffnecked people" - our muscles are all tensed up from bearing all our own burdens and toting them around on our backs!
The question I asked myself was, "Who is god of this situation?" Is it the god of "me-myself-and-I" or is it GOD? I think I'd much prefer to watch the God of the universe work out what seems to be stuck and let HIM get the glory. He's so much more deserving of it, anyway. How many times in just the past year have I sensed the Lord asking me to just watch him? I've watched him work miracles, resolve conflicts that seemed unresolvable, bring peace where there was no peace, and bestow blessing upon blessing. I have watched him reveal a beautiful vision for a new ministry that is just beginning to unfold.
My only job in the middle of a lot of unanswered questions and stressful situations is really quite simple. These are the words I heard when I finally took the time to stop and listen and sit with my pen poised over my open notebook : watch me, follow me; don't lead -- just follow me; keep your eyes on me and not the circumstances.
I read Psalm 34 today, "coincidentally". How it spoke to me!
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the LORD;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
(Psalm 34 ESV)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Grace
. . . God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began . . . . 2 Timothy 1:9
Grace. That one little word must be one of the most used words in sermons and prayers for any Christian but it must be one of the least understood. Or maybe it's just me. Intellectually, I get it. I've read my Bible over and over and am amazed by what God has done for us in his mercy, love and grace -- and continues to do! But, deep in my heart where I still struggle with that need to prove to God that I'm worth all his love, grace is a tough concept to grasp. Maybe because it is just so wonderful and undeserved that our sinful selves fight against accepting the knowledge of it. There must be something more we have to do! It's just too good to be true, right? We have to say our prayers, spend just the right amount of time studying the Word, live good lives, be kind, etc., etc., etc. But, what I've come to know is that my time in the Word and in prayer is a response, not a duty. Jesus calls me to come and sit with him for a while - he wants to spend time with me. That's grace.
A few years ago, I experienced a season with the Lord unlike any I've ever known. His presence was so near, so real; my quiet time with him was so fruitful and so full. I would wake up at at 4:00 a.m. - wide awake - and know that I needed to go up to my study for some quiet time. In those quiet hours, so peaceful, I experienced such a sweet time and such an outpouring of the love of the Lord. So much grace.
God calls us and saves us because he loves us. We get to be part of his plans and purposes - it's all grace - and we were part of his plan from the very beginning. I will never be able to grasp that concept. Out of all eternity, all the people, all the civilizations, God's purposes and plans include me - here and now. Amazing! And it's not because I said the right prayers, polished the brass on the altar when I was a teenager, or reached out to a homeless person. It's grace.
My response to that grace and to the love of God that fills me to overflowing is that I can't help but want to reach out to someone in need, serve in my church, and spend time in prayer. Those things aren't done to earn brownie points or jewels in my crown. God, in his mercy, would forgive me (and does!) when I miss the opportunity to reach out, to speak a kind word or go out of my way for someone in need. Thank goodness it's not up to my good works but God's love, mercy and grace.
One of my favorite verses that came out of that awesome season with the Lord is from Jude, verse 1. I love the version from The Message. Spend some time with these few little words - put your own name in front of it. We are "loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ". That's grace.
Grace. That one little word must be one of the most used words in sermons and prayers for any Christian but it must be one of the least understood. Or maybe it's just me. Intellectually, I get it. I've read my Bible over and over and am amazed by what God has done for us in his mercy, love and grace -- and continues to do! But, deep in my heart where I still struggle with that need to prove to God that I'm worth all his love, grace is a tough concept to grasp. Maybe because it is just so wonderful and undeserved that our sinful selves fight against accepting the knowledge of it. There must be something more we have to do! It's just too good to be true, right? We have to say our prayers, spend just the right amount of time studying the Word, live good lives, be kind, etc., etc., etc. But, what I've come to know is that my time in the Word and in prayer is a response, not a duty. Jesus calls me to come and sit with him for a while - he wants to spend time with me. That's grace.
A few years ago, I experienced a season with the Lord unlike any I've ever known. His presence was so near, so real; my quiet time with him was so fruitful and so full. I would wake up at at 4:00 a.m. - wide awake - and know that I needed to go up to my study for some quiet time. In those quiet hours, so peaceful, I experienced such a sweet time and such an outpouring of the love of the Lord. So much grace.
God calls us and saves us because he loves us. We get to be part of his plans and purposes - it's all grace - and we were part of his plan from the very beginning. I will never be able to grasp that concept. Out of all eternity, all the people, all the civilizations, God's purposes and plans include me - here and now. Amazing! And it's not because I said the right prayers, polished the brass on the altar when I was a teenager, or reached out to a homeless person. It's grace.
My response to that grace and to the love of God that fills me to overflowing is that I can't help but want to reach out to someone in need, serve in my church, and spend time in prayer. Those things aren't done to earn brownie points or jewels in my crown. God, in his mercy, would forgive me (and does!) when I miss the opportunity to reach out, to speak a kind word or go out of my way for someone in need. Thank goodness it's not up to my good works but God's love, mercy and grace.
One of my favorite verses that came out of that awesome season with the Lord is from Jude, verse 1. I love the version from The Message. Spend some time with these few little words - put your own name in front of it. We are "loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ". That's grace.
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