Prayer baffles me and comforts me all at the same time! Some prayers are answered directly in amazing ways. More often, I pray in faith, without seeing immediate results. In days long past, my prayers were often childish - “Lord, give me; do this; provide for me.” My prayers showed my lack of contentment in His provision and confidence in His wisdom! Now, most of my prayers are just ‘being with’ the Lord, aware of His Presence, knowing that there is Somebody bigger than I am that is in charge of this thing called, life.
Oh, yes, I still ask directly for He invites me to do so. For example, yesterday, I mentioned the name of a friend far away who was going through a difficult surgery in prayer many times through the day. Did God need a reminder of Robin’s condition? No, He is all-knowing, and yet, He directs us to pray for one another, so I did!
There is a form of prayer we call intercession that must not be neglected. An intercessor is one who stands before God on behalf of another. It is a priestly role that all disciples can perform for others.
A story from Abraham’s experience, told in the 18th chapter of Genesis, teaches us something of this kind of prayer. The Lord revealed to Abraham that He planned to destroy Sodom because “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous." (Genesis 18:20, NIV) Abraham steps up on behalf of the city and engages the Lord in a conversation that looks like bargaining. " Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23, NIV) “Will you destroy the city if there are 50 righteous in it?” And so it goes, until Abraham reaches the number 10! Boldly he appeals to the Lord on behalf of the righteous in the city. While there is much mystery in the whole interaction, we learn that there is a valid role for us in praying for those who are under the judgment decrees of God!
We cannot shrug our shoulders and simply leave the world to its fate! Somehow God wants us to get involved prayerfully. One of the by-products of genuine intercession is what it produces in us. When we are actively praying for a nation, a city, or even our family - not ritual prayers, not tired prayers - it creates concern, love, and engagement. We become people who work to make a difference. The seeds we sow, change the harvest! Yes, too, somehow our loving, sincere prayers offered on behalf of those who are ignorant or apathetic towards Christ, makes a difference in Heaven. I don’t understand how, but I know what the Scripture teaches and reveals!
Are you a faithful intercessor?
Be a priest on behalf of your world!
When you go before the Lord, bring them to Him, seeking His gracious mercy. Amazing things can happen.
Here’s a word from the Word. May the Spirit make it a call to action for each of us.
"Even common people oppress the poor, rob the needy, and deprive foreigners of justice. “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land.
I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
So now I will pour out my fury on them, consuming them with the fire of my anger. I will heap on their heads the full penalty for all their sins. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” (Ezekiel 22:29-31, NLT)
Let’s stand in the gap!
_______________
I have a Savior,
He's pleading in glory,
A dear, loving Savior,
Though earth friends be few;
And now He is watching
In tenderness o'er me,
And oh, that my Savior
Were your Savior, too!
I have a Father:
To me He has given
A hope for eternity,
Blessed and true;
And soon will He call me
To meet Him in heaven,
But oh, that He'd let me
Bring you with me, too!
I have a robe
'Tis resplendent in whiteness
Awaiting in glory
My wondering view;
Oh, when I receive it all
Shining in brightness,
Dear friends, could I see you
Receiving one, too!
For you I am praying,
For you I am praying,
For you I am praying,
I'm praying for you.
I Am Praying For You
Cluff, Samuel O'Malley / Sankey, Ira D.
© Public Domain
Friday, January 08, 2010
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Invisible no longer
Do you see what’s going on around you? Are you observant, insightful, aware of the people in your life? It’s amazing how some become invisible people that are present but whom we do not see. Like that guy who took your money at the convenience store this morning, your eyes saw him, but can you remember his face? Perhaps it is that elderly person who attends your church that you ‘see’ each week, but to whom you have never spoken. Maybe it’s your spouse who shares your house, but not your heart; or a son who needs you to see more than his grades or performance, who wants you to see his heart!
Human beings respond to notice. When we take time to engage with another person, to really see them, we give value to them. A thank you note that expresses appreciation for the person, a conversation that goes beyond “Cold outside, isn’t it? How ‘bout them Jets?” and into the place where we learn about another’s life shows a different level of awareness than is common among those of us who live busy, often self-absorbed lives.
One of the tragedies of this world are the people who become invisible to the rest of the world, who slide out of view because of aging, illness, or disability. Maybe you’re feeling invisible today! Perhaps you feel like a ghost, moving through life and nobody seems to really see you, to care if you’re there, to engage with you. You want to scream, “Hey, I’m here. I count. See me!” There is One who does. His name is “El Roi, The God who sees.”
We meet Him in Genesis 16, in the moving story of Hagar. She was a serving girl, probably a slave, though we don't know that for certain. She served Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who was advancing in years and still childless. As was the custom of the time, Sarah used Hagar as a surrogate, giving her to her husband in the hope that she would become pregnant, which she did. The younger woman became contemptuous of her mistress, leading to strife in their household! Sarah responded with cruel abuse. She went to her husband and demanded that the woman be thrown out, leaving her to a life of misery as she tried to survive. The servant girl was disposable, an inconvenient reminder of faithlessness. The Bible says, “Abram replied, "Since she is your servant, you may deal with her as you see fit." So Sarai treated her harshly, and Hagar ran away. The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a desert spring along the road to Shur... Thereafter, Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me, (El Roi) for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" - Genesis 16:7,13 NLT
"The God who sees me!" Do you know that HE knows YOU? Yes, He does. It’s a double-edged truth; comforting and keeping us accountable. He sees right into your most secret places. He knows your dreams, your hopes, your sins, your past, and your future. He loves YOU. In these opening days of 2010, grab hold to the wonderful fact of our Lord's Omnipresence. Let this great truth inspire you. Our God is truly El Roi, the God who sees. "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3, NIV)
Here’s a comforting word from the Word. May it bring comfort to you today as you deepen your faith in ‘the God who sees.’
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. … even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. … "Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."
(Psalm 139:1-4, 12, 24, NLT)
Human beings respond to notice. When we take time to engage with another person, to really see them, we give value to them. A thank you note that expresses appreciation for the person, a conversation that goes beyond “Cold outside, isn’t it? How ‘bout them Jets?” and into the place where we learn about another’s life shows a different level of awareness than is common among those of us who live busy, often self-absorbed lives.
One of the tragedies of this world are the people who become invisible to the rest of the world, who slide out of view because of aging, illness, or disability. Maybe you’re feeling invisible today! Perhaps you feel like a ghost, moving through life and nobody seems to really see you, to care if you’re there, to engage with you. You want to scream, “Hey, I’m here. I count. See me!” There is One who does. His name is “El Roi, The God who sees.”
We meet Him in Genesis 16, in the moving story of Hagar. She was a serving girl, probably a slave, though we don't know that for certain. She served Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who was advancing in years and still childless. As was the custom of the time, Sarah used Hagar as a surrogate, giving her to her husband in the hope that she would become pregnant, which she did. The younger woman became contemptuous of her mistress, leading to strife in their household! Sarah responded with cruel abuse. She went to her husband and demanded that the woman be thrown out, leaving her to a life of misery as she tried to survive. The servant girl was disposable, an inconvenient reminder of faithlessness. The Bible says, “Abram replied, "Since she is your servant, you may deal with her as you see fit." So Sarai treated her harshly, and Hagar ran away. The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a desert spring along the road to Shur... Thereafter, Hagar referred to the Lord, who had spoken to her, as "the God who sees me, (El Roi) for she said, "I have seen the One who sees me!" - Genesis 16:7,13 NLT
"The God who sees me!" Do you know that HE knows YOU? Yes, He does. It’s a double-edged truth; comforting and keeping us accountable. He sees right into your most secret places. He knows your dreams, your hopes, your sins, your past, and your future. He loves YOU. In these opening days of 2010, grab hold to the wonderful fact of our Lord's Omnipresence. Let this great truth inspire you. Our God is truly El Roi, the God who sees. "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." (Proverbs 15:3, NIV)
Here’s a comforting word from the Word. May it bring comfort to you today as you deepen your faith in ‘the God who sees.’
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. … even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. … "Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life."
(Psalm 139:1-4, 12, 24, NLT)
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Graceful sinners?
Perfection! I long for it, not in others, but in myself. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get it right all the time? I sin against God and others too frequently and too easily. I let doubt and fear take over my mind and grow anxious. Envy makes the grass look much greener on the other side of the fence. Anger that has nothing to do with righteousness flares into hurtful words. OK, you’re convinced; I still have a long way to go on the highway of holiness. But, that is part of what makes God’s grace such an amazing gift. Knowing that I am a work in progress, He does not demand perfection, even as He patiently disciplines me to produce the character He desires in me.
Abram heard the voice of God and was graciously blessed by Him – and still sometimes failed miserably and spectacularly! Genesis 12, which records the story of Abram’s trip to Egypt, reveals his sinfulness in a ludicrous episode. He knows that Sarah, his wife, is a beautiful woman. He assumes that Pharaoh will take an interest in having her in his harem. This man who has trusted God with his whole life suddenly gets a bad case of fear and greed which turns him into a selfish sinful idiot! He tells his wife to lie about her relationship to him. "When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” (Genesis 12:12-13, NLT) This righteous man was willing to compromise his wife’s honor and integrity to save his own skin! His scheme temporarily succeeded. Sarah was noticed, taken into the harem, and Abram got showered with wealth. But, God was not pleased and judged the household of Pharaoh. "Pharaoh called for Abram, “What’s this that you’ve done to me? Why didn’t you tell me that she’s your wife? Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister’ so that I’d take her as my wife? Here’s your wife back—take her and get out!” (Genesis 12:18-19, The Message)
Abram did not escape unscathed either. The very next story in the saga of the patriarch involves the selfishness of his nephew, Lot, who became greedy and selfish, destroying the relationship with his uncle and choosing the best part of the land with no consideration for the needs of the man who had loved and saved him. Do you think that Abram’s self-serving example in Egypt just might have become a model for the younger man?
Sin always has a consequence, often unseen and unanticipated, down the road of life. We can find forgiveness in the grace of God, but the harvest of the seeds planted during our failure will come, sooner or later. God’s grace does not make Him deaf or blind, nor does it break the laws of harvest. In a warning to Christians, the Word says, "Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6:6-8, NLT)
Disciple, realize that perfection waits for the completion of our salvation, but make no excuse for sin! Peter urges us to keep growing. If we fall, and we will, we can recover with repentance and confession. And, always, we look up and forward, with a desire to grow! "We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. … you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:13-15, 18, NLT)
_______________
Father, fill me with the Spirit.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,”
I pray as You taught, for I know all too well the power of sin.
Make me a grace-filled man today.
Teach me to leave the failures behind,
To anticipate new growth of character.
Help me to accept Your discipline which comes my way
‘for my good, that I may share Your holiness.’
Be honored in my thoughts, words, and actions
As is fitting for a graced sinner.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Abram heard the voice of God and was graciously blessed by Him – and still sometimes failed miserably and spectacularly! Genesis 12, which records the story of Abram’s trip to Egypt, reveals his sinfulness in a ludicrous episode. He knows that Sarah, his wife, is a beautiful woman. He assumes that Pharaoh will take an interest in having her in his harem. This man who has trusted God with his whole life suddenly gets a bad case of fear and greed which turns him into a selfish sinful idiot! He tells his wife to lie about her relationship to him. "When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife. Let’s kill him; then we can have her!’ So please tell them you are my sister. Then they will spare my life and treat me well because of their interest in you.” (Genesis 12:12-13, NLT) This righteous man was willing to compromise his wife’s honor and integrity to save his own skin! His scheme temporarily succeeded. Sarah was noticed, taken into the harem, and Abram got showered with wealth. But, God was not pleased and judged the household of Pharaoh. "Pharaoh called for Abram, “What’s this that you’ve done to me? Why didn’t you tell me that she’s your wife? Why did you say, ‘She’s my sister’ so that I’d take her as my wife? Here’s your wife back—take her and get out!” (Genesis 12:18-19, The Message)
Abram did not escape unscathed either. The very next story in the saga of the patriarch involves the selfishness of his nephew, Lot, who became greedy and selfish, destroying the relationship with his uncle and choosing the best part of the land with no consideration for the needs of the man who had loved and saved him. Do you think that Abram’s self-serving example in Egypt just might have become a model for the younger man?
Sin always has a consequence, often unseen and unanticipated, down the road of life. We can find forgiveness in the grace of God, but the harvest of the seeds planted during our failure will come, sooner or later. God’s grace does not make Him deaf or blind, nor does it break the laws of harvest. In a warning to Christians, the Word says, "Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6:6-8, NLT)
Disciple, realize that perfection waits for the completion of our salvation, but make no excuse for sin! Peter urges us to keep growing. If we fall, and we will, we can recover with repentance and confession. And, always, we look up and forward, with a desire to grow! "We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. … you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:13-15, 18, NLT)
_______________
Father, fill me with the Spirit.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,”
I pray as You taught, for I know all too well the power of sin.
Make me a grace-filled man today.
Teach me to leave the failures behind,
To anticipate new growth of character.
Help me to accept Your discipline which comes my way
‘for my good, that I may share Your holiness.’
Be honored in my thoughts, words, and actions
As is fitting for a graced sinner.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Come on now, grow up!
When I get in a silly mood it usually ends with Bev being irritated. After enduring an extended session of dumb statements and general foolishness, her face gets tense and she says, “Just grow up!” Of course, then I act like I am really offended by her demand. “What’d ah do?” I ask with eyes wide with fake innocence in my best Bill Clintonesque voice. Maturity is an important choice! Being silly is just a distraction. Really being ‘grown up’ involves wisdom to know the difference between what I need and what I want, having the ability to discern the motives of my heart and say yes to the truth, and being faithful to my responsibilities even when I just don’t feel like it.
The grace of God brings us His righteousness, puts us on the right path, and makes it possible for us to please Him. Developing the mature holy character of a saint requires effort on our part. Note the interplay of God’s grace and our efforts in this passage from the Scripture.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall." (2 Peter 1:3-10, NIV)
God’s power is actively leading us towards transformation. He has broken the grip that the sinful nature held over us. He has opened our eyes to the truth about right and wrong. These are gifts of grace we could not earn, that are ours to receive. Then He says, “Grow up!”
Make the choice that leads to good works.
Develop your mind so you can see what’s really going on around you.
Make hard choices by being ‘in charge’ of yourself.
Hang in there when the going gets rough.
Be kind even to the idiots in the world around you.
Live in love. And… keep growing deeper in these things. "The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:8, NLT) A child loves to play, is easily distracted, and demands constant supervision. A mature person knows how to get to work, stays focused, and is productive.
Disciple, has the grace of God led you to become a productive mature person who makes a noticeable difference in the world for the Kingdom of God? (Go back and re-read that question, please.) Or, are you one of those Believers who is taking advantage of ‘cheap grace,’ comforting yourself in your immaturity by focusing only on the love of God and ignoring the inevitability of accountability to Him? Few things bring more disgrace on the Lord Jesus Christ than immature, silly, stupidly living Believers who refuse to deal with their sins. They are an ongoing contradiction whose lives give an excuse for many to reject the call of the Spirit. What a tragedy!
As you focus on the love of God given to you in Christ Jesus, take His grace and grow up. Make the daily discipleship choices that allow the beauty of His holiness to shine, with ever increasing glory, from your life. Come on now, grow up, for God’s sake!
_____________________
I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day.
Still praying as I'm onward bound.
"Lord plant my feet on higher ground!"
I want to live above the world
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled.
For faith has caught the joyful sound
The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright.
But still I'll pray 'til heaven I've found
"Lord lead me on to higher ground!"
Lord lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's tableland.
A higher plain than I have found
Lord plant my feet on higher ground!
Higher Ground
© Public Domain
Charles Hutchison Gabriel
The grace of God brings us His righteousness, puts us on the right path, and makes it possible for us to please Him. Developing the mature holy character of a saint requires effort on our part. Note the interplay of God’s grace and our efforts in this passage from the Scripture.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall." (2 Peter 1:3-10, NIV)
God’s power is actively leading us towards transformation. He has broken the grip that the sinful nature held over us. He has opened our eyes to the truth about right and wrong. These are gifts of grace we could not earn, that are ours to receive. Then He says, “Grow up!”
Make the choice that leads to good works.
Develop your mind so you can see what’s really going on around you.
Make hard choices by being ‘in charge’ of yourself.
Hang in there when the going gets rough.
Be kind even to the idiots in the world around you.
Live in love. And… keep growing deeper in these things. "The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:8, NLT) A child loves to play, is easily distracted, and demands constant supervision. A mature person knows how to get to work, stays focused, and is productive.
Disciple, has the grace of God led you to become a productive mature person who makes a noticeable difference in the world for the Kingdom of God? (Go back and re-read that question, please.) Or, are you one of those Believers who is taking advantage of ‘cheap grace,’ comforting yourself in your immaturity by focusing only on the love of God and ignoring the inevitability of accountability to Him? Few things bring more disgrace on the Lord Jesus Christ than immature, silly, stupidly living Believers who refuse to deal with their sins. They are an ongoing contradiction whose lives give an excuse for many to reject the call of the Spirit. What a tragedy!
As you focus on the love of God given to you in Christ Jesus, take His grace and grow up. Make the daily discipleship choices that allow the beauty of His holiness to shine, with ever increasing glory, from your life. Come on now, grow up, for God’s sake!
_____________________
I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day.
Still praying as I'm onward bound.
"Lord plant my feet on higher ground!"
I want to live above the world
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled.
For faith has caught the joyful sound
The song of saints on higher ground.
I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright.
But still I'll pray 'til heaven I've found
"Lord lead me on to higher ground!"
Lord lift me up and let me stand
By faith on heaven's tableland.
A higher plain than I have found
Lord plant my feet on higher ground!
Higher Ground
© Public Domain
Charles Hutchison Gabriel
Monday, January 04, 2010
Credit for what?
Usually we have to earn credits, don’t we? If we want a college degree, we have to put in the time, go to class, do the work and when we have piled up 126 credits, we are given what we’ve earned. If we want a promotion, we have to show up on time, do the work assigned us, and show initiative. Approval is usually tied to performance. Reward follows diligence. That’s how life works. We learn the drill from the time we are little children.
And then we encounter God’s amazing grace! In the first book of the Bible, we meet a man named Abram. Called from his city of Ur, he was given many promises. Did the Lord offer them to him because he was smarter, taller, or more devout than any other man in the world? No, He chose him by His own will, asking only that Abram, later renamed Abraham, have faith to receive the promise. Now ponder this wonderful revelation! "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:6, NIV) This man left everything he knew, went on a life-long journey, basing his entire life on the promise of God which he received by faith, even though there was no evidence of fulfillment of that promise for years and years!
Disciple, if you’re trying to earn God’s favor, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you think you can do enough to enjoy peace with God, if you think you can avoid sin by self-discipline alone, if you attempt to keep yourself on the right track by determination and/or gritted teeth, prepare for disappointment! Instead, trust God and accept the right standing with Him that is fully and freely offered through Jesus Christ. Grace makes the difference between religion that deals in Hell and death and relationship that produces life and hope of Heaven! The Word amplifies the call to faith found in Genesis, explaining to us that "Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe." (Romans 4:13-16, NLT)
Jesus’ gracious acceptance of social rejects and ‘sinners’ brought scorn to Him. "The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’" (Luke 15:2-6, The Message) Do you see the promise in that passage? If we’re lost (and we are!) God seeks to save us, not because we are worthy or because we did anything to attract His attention. Because of loving grace, He goes to find us and bring us home! Our only part is to surrender to His embrace.
True grace is deeply transformative. Sinners who had dinner with Jesus were changed from the inside out. So, too, we are transformed by grace. When we experience the incredible, scandalous love of God, it causes us to change course, with a new vision drawing us higher. If we respond to God’s invitation with faith, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. "When you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him." (Ephesians 1:13-14, NLT)
At the beginning of 2010, renew your faith; not in yourself, not in a religious system, but in the Person of Christ Jesus. Receive His grace anew! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NLT) Now, that is grace that is amazing.
_______________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
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?
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
© Public Domain
And then we encounter God’s amazing grace! In the first book of the Bible, we meet a man named Abram. Called from his city of Ur, he was given many promises. Did the Lord offer them to him because he was smarter, taller, or more devout than any other man in the world? No, He chose him by His own will, asking only that Abram, later renamed Abraham, have faith to receive the promise. Now ponder this wonderful revelation! "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." (Genesis 15:6, NIV) This man left everything he knew, went on a life-long journey, basing his entire life on the promise of God which he received by faith, even though there was no evidence of fulfillment of that promise for years and years!
Disciple, if you’re trying to earn God’s favor, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you think you can do enough to enjoy peace with God, if you think you can avoid sin by self-discipline alone, if you attempt to keep yourself on the right track by determination and/or gritted teeth, prepare for disappointment! Instead, trust God and accept the right standing with Him that is fully and freely offered through Jesus Christ. Grace makes the difference between religion that deals in Hell and death and relationship that produces life and hope of Heaven! The Word amplifies the call to faith found in Genesis, explaining to us that "Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!) So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe." (Romans 4:13-16, NLT)
Jesus’ gracious acceptance of social rejects and ‘sinners’ brought scorn to Him. "The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Their grumbling triggered this story. “Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? When found, you can be sure you would put it across your shoulders, rejoicing, and when you got home call in your friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Celebrate with me! I’ve found my lost sheep!’" (Luke 15:2-6, The Message) Do you see the promise in that passage? If we’re lost (and we are!) God seeks to save us, not because we are worthy or because we did anything to attract His attention. Because of loving grace, He goes to find us and bring us home! Our only part is to surrender to His embrace.
True grace is deeply transformative. Sinners who had dinner with Jesus were changed from the inside out. So, too, we are transformed by grace. When we experience the incredible, scandalous love of God, it causes us to change course, with a new vision drawing us higher. If we respond to God’s invitation with faith, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us. "When you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him." (Ephesians 1:13-14, NLT)
At the beginning of 2010, renew your faith; not in yourself, not in a religious system, but in the Person of Christ Jesus. Receive His grace anew! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:8-10, NLT) Now, that is grace that is amazing.
_______________
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.
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?
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Johnston, Julia H. / Towner, Daniel Brink
© Public Domain
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