The Deep Well of Grace

 

We all enjoy receiving gifts, especially unexpected gifts. And most of us like to give gifts to make others happy, to see them smile or just let them know they are special to us.

Sometimes we've been given gifts we don’t think we deserve. We may say, “You shouldn’t have” or “That’s way too much.”

We’ve all been given the gift of Grace. We have a choice. We can receive it, or we can deny it. The decision is up to us.

God gives this gift freely because He loves us. Not because we’re entitled to it. Not because we are good. Not because we won it. He freely gives it. We just have to accept it.

The gift of grace is a deep well. We know the simple definition: “God gives us what we don’t deserve.”  In reality He gives us so much more.  Grace affects everything we do as we live our life for Him.

We’re saved because of His Grace. We’re justified because of His Grace. We can approach God’s Throne because of Grace.  His Grace is all we need to live a complete life in Christ. 

Chris Tiegreen, in His book, "Walk With God," wrote: "We are made by grace, saved by grace, sustained by grace, and completely dependent on grace."

We are gifted to serve because of His Grace. We can be confident in our calling because He has given us everything we need to serve Him through His Grace.

"Grace is greater than all our sin" as the lyrics in the refrain of the hymn with that title tells us. Everything we do is covered because of God's Grace to us when we come with a repentant heart.

I like the last verse of "Grace Greater Than Our Sin"

“Marvelous, infinite, matchless Grace,

Freely bestowed on all who believe!

You that are longing to see His face,

Will you this moment His Grace receive?”

His Grace is sufficient for us. It will help get us through all we do. The deep well of Grace never runs dry. It is always available to those who believe.

Grace. Why? It’s simple. God loves us! Accept His gift. Your life will never be the same.

By His Grace . . .

Them There Words Again

 

You know me. I like words. I like phrases I've never heard before. To consider something in a different way then you've considered it before.

It happened last evening. I was reading and the words stopped me. I had to reread them several times to consider them. Don't laugh. Humor me. It's what makes me tick!

"Watch the dawn gather strength." Have you ever read words like this that describe dawn in a different way? "Gather strength." 

How delightful it is to watch the dawn cross the sky. Minute by minute you observe a different display of God's handiwork. Sometimes the colors are incredible. 

Colors gradually increase displaying beauty unseen before until the sun is up and full light is before us. The display is always different. 

In my early morning drives I have been blessed with some magnificent sunrises. I stop the car and sit on the side of the road to watch the display. My camera snaps away to try and capture what I see. But nothing compares to watching it when it develops.

I don't see as many sunsets being a morning person. When sunset comes I'm settled in the house preparing for a quiet evening. Yet, while on vacation, I have had the pleasure of seeing a few sunsets and being overwhelmed at the beauty.

"Watch the dawn gather strength."  It comes about slowly. I think we can take a lesson from that as we live our days. Going about our duties and pleasure doesn't have to be rush, rush, rush. I think our hearts would be happy doing things slower and well, causing us to experience what we do with pleasure, and not exhausting ourselves in the process. Maybe our actions will be as beautiful as a sunrise.

Them there words again. 

By His Grace . . . 

Be a Wildflower

From Country Rose Cottage Facebook page.

I recently became aware of a lovely book out this year titled: "The Way of the Wildflower." Written and illustrated by Ruth Chou Simons, it is Gospel Meditations to Unburden your Anxious Soul. 

I have always loved wildflowers. I love driving along and seeing them in the fields and along the roadway. They're just special to me. Nobody human cares for them. Our Heavenly Father provides all they need as is written in Luke 12:27: "Consider how the wildflowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (Luke 22-28)

In Simons' introduction she writes: "As I've studied the Scriptures and walked the wildflower-strewn mountains near my home, I've come to some conclusions about their ways and how they grow. Wildflowers are: dependent . . . free . . . resilient . . . unhurried and beloved. Is it any wonder, then, that Jesus tells us to consider the wildflowers that grow in fields, woods, and mountains as our example for trusting  God for everything we need?

"In every struggle, unknown, fear, and fight we face, we can know the comfort of our Faither's care, which unburdens our anxious souls. We can walk in the ways of dependency, freedom, resilience, unhurriedness, and, thankfully, belovedness."

I'm almost half way through the book and have enjoyed the meditations and descriptions of a wildflower after each meditation, like the Snowdrops: "Snowdrops--white, bell-shaped flowers-are symbols of hope and harbingers of spring as they literally pop up through the snow. How do these little flowers survive the cold, snow, and even ice? Built-in protection given to them by their Creator. Snowdrops have literal antifreeze proteins designed to protect them in extremely cold temperatures. When you feel fear creeping in, may the snowdrop remind you: Do not fear. Your Creator will provide for your strength and protection too."

Or the Honeysuckle: "Have you ever taken a walk in the country or woodlands in the spring when honeysuckle is in full bloom? Its sweet fragrance permeates the air, and you can often smell it long before you see it. When you do lay eyes on it, you'll find it climbing trees and hugging fence rails, bursting forth with its beautiful flowers. If you find yourself struggling to let go of the past, think of these persistent climbers. Take a step forward in faith and keep pressing onward."

It's a delightful book to read through, and be encouraged and inspired by, that God will care for you as He does the wildflowers. Even more, because you are His special creation and a child of His Kingdom.

Be a wildflower!

By His Grace . . .

Accepting With Joy

 

"Joy is that deep-settled confidence that God is

in control in every area of my life."

Paul Sailhamer

The other morning I read the following sentence in a devotion written by Chris Tiegreen, Hearing His Voice, about listening and accepting God's will: 

"I'll be okay with whatever You tell me. I just want to know Your will.

 I'll accept it with joy, whatever it is."

My mind paused when I read, "accept it with joy." Different scenes passed through my mind, and I thought how am I going to accept that with joy?

God asks us to do many things, but not all of them are pleasant or joyful. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart when you have been in great heartbreak. 

I can try and do most things God asks, and some things that are difficult, but with joy? Thankfully, those words are Mr. Tiegreen's. We can all do things that are unpleasant out of our devotion to God, and accept it as our duty, but does God ask us to do all things with joy?

There are far too many verses in Scripture which have the word joy in them for me to find a verse which states this. God wants us to do all things with love. We know that. God wants us to be joyful. We know that. But I can't imagine God expects us to do something with joy that has been a hard and difficult experience in our life.

This is one of those things to ponder and see how it applies to your life. God knows our heart. He knows our willingness. He knows our difficulties. He gives us strength to do all things.

Let's be joyful because we are filled with God's love and held with His Everlasting Arms. Let's always ponder words that will help us grow in grace. If He wants us to do everything with joy, He will make it possible. 

By His Grace . . . 

What is Your Name?

One of the phrases I say when having devotions each morning is: "There are no words to describe how wonderful You are! How miraculous! How amazing! How glorious! How majestic!" I wish there was a word that describes God completely! Can there be such a word?

I remembered a character in a novel I was reading. She gave God the name of "Lovely" as her own personal name for Him. I thought, "Can I come up with my own name to show my love for Him?"

The third verse in the hymn "Worthy of Worship" calls Him many familiar names: 

"Almighty Father, Master and Lord, 

 King of all kings and Redeemer,

 Wonderful Counsellor, Comforter, Friend,

 Savior and Source of our life without end."

Of course, there is nothing wrong with calling God the many names we're all familiar with. More of His names are: Heavenly Father, Creator, Rock, Prince of Peace, Lamb of God, Great Shepherd.

Then I doubt myself and say, "Who are you to give God a special name?" We have so many names we can speak to God with. And they're all great and worthy names.

 

Do you have a special name you call God? If you do, how did you come up with it? Did you ask God to bring a name to your mind?

I think I may do that. Ask God to bring a name to my mind that is just for me to call Him. It could be as simple as "Lovely" or as significant as "Almighty Father." But it will be special to me.

By His Grace . . . 

Drinking and Swimming

 

A friend put a graphic up on her Facebook page which shared the following quote:

“The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning, and deep enough for a theologian to swim in without ever touching the bottom.” Jerome, early Christian theologian and priest, 382-405; Creed Confessions Facebook Page

The words are true. A new Christian can begin to read the Bible and have understanding on many points throughout Scripture. An older Christian reads, and reads, and reads and never reaches the bottom.

Do you remember when you first started reading the Bible. It's been quite some time for me. I remember getting little study books to help me understand what I couldn't. Soon I purchased my first commentary to help me when needed. And now, 47 years later, I still use a commentary because the Bible is so deep and refreshing.

God has made His Word so it can be understood and never ending. If there’s points you don’t understand, help is available from many sources. Whether you’re a new reader or a long-time reader.

There are many translations of the Bible, so talk with someone who knows the Bible and can refer you to good translations that you can understand. The same with commentaries. You don't have to have long, deep explanations of Scripture to understand it. There are many commentaries written that you can understand and learn from.

You will never tire of reading the Bible. You'll highlight your favorite verses that carry you through life, and read books again and again to refresh your mind.

At least once in your lifetime, read the Bible from beginning to end. There are many books to help achieve this momentous achievement, or use a commentary. That's what I do. Read one chapter in the Bible, and then read the same chapter in the commentary. 

Jerome was right. A new babe in Christ won't drown as they start reading the Bible, and those of us with many years behind us, are never satisfied. We must read and read and read, filling us to overflowing.

God's Word. Whether you are a new babe in Christ or a long-time Christian, the Bible will always be a book that you can understand and continue to grow with all through your years. 

By His Grace . . . 

Fourteen Years

 

Last Friday and Saturday I was busy making my favorite dessert to give away: my chocolate chip loaf cake. For 30 years, while in Maryland, when I had a breakfast, lunch or dinner date with friends, I always brought them my chocolate chip loaf cake. It was a winner. 

Since moving to Pennsylvania, I haven't carried this practice forward. Baking a little less now and having a lot less dates. 

But today, I'm having lunch with the ladies I quilted with the first five years I was in PA. I'm baking the loaf cake for each lady. It's a day of celebration!

Fourteen years ago, on October 14th, I stopped working. Retirement was before me. And today is the 14th anniversary of my retirement!

I'm very thankful to God for taking care of us during these years. A slower life, less money and free days. I know many people do not get to enjoy retirement, so I don't take this time for granted. I'm thankful for these 14 years.

God has provided each step of the way, taking care of us and making sure we made good decisions, and helping us when we made wrong ones. 

As my blog friends know, the number 14 is my number! Born March 14th, saved November 14th, married December 14th and retired October 14th. None of these major choices were selected so they would be on the 14th. It's just how things played out.

I will celebrate today and thank God for His care during these retirement years. My next major destination is with Him. Maybe it will be on the 14th too!

By His Grace . . .