Originally published Thursday, 27 August 2015.
I am wrecked by this one idea. It throws me off every time. It surprises me in its truth. I almost can't accept it and so many times have difficulty doing so. It's the one thing that rains down and can never be blocked with the umbrella of self.
When I spew that nasty comeback. Its rain flows.
When I yell at that innocent face of the 4-year old before me. Its rain flows.
When I bark orders like a militant leader in need of children followers. Its rain flows.
When I let the house problems send my soul into a tizzy. Its rain flows.
No matter how hard I try to look the other way. It flows. It pounds.
It downpours on my soul, knocking my umbrella of self-condemnation and mutilation away. This rain wrecks my heart in the wild oceans of love, in the turbulent seas of Christ's sacrifice and calms it by God's rushing still water of his forgiveness.
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Eph 1:6
Even when I slap God's hand, it is still given.
Grace is not just given, but unlike normal dealings, it comes with no strings attached, no paybacks, no debts owed and no loan shark trying to chase me down for what it looks like I stole.
What sweet relief Jesus! Without you, Jesus, I couldn't, I wouldn't...
I am simply wrecked by the idea that you are not wrecking me.
I am floored by the idea that you are not pressing me to the floor.
I am humbled by your humility in your approach towards me.
Who am I to get your best?
Best of all, I don't even have to try to win your smiles, hugs and applause. Without my lame attempts, war plans and business objectives, it is still effective!
Grace:
1. Moves us from orphanhood to sonship.
It's not earned through trial and error, but through believing and receiving his grace.
No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. Acts 15:11
2. Makes a construction zone out of our heart.
The more grace showers down and seeps inside the more we look up and are changed inside.
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up... Acts 20:32
3. Has benefits that never end.
It is the only free gift that keeps on giving, again and again and again - and forevermore.
Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32
4. Gives us VIP access to God.
The door swings open so we may converse, confide and collaborate with the author and perfecter of faith.
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:2
5. Sets warring hearts at complete peace with God.
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1-2
Grace is not a trying zone, but a high-flying zone for people that are anything but ship-wrecked.
They are just wrecked by the word of grace and God's power to never stop loving, working, pleading, helping, shielding and revealing on our behalf.
Grace moves to friend status, instead of foe.
And, for that, in the unending downpour of rain we will forever dance - free, uncharged and unobstructed.
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