Grace of God

Grace

I have been studying how Jesus lived for many years.  I so want to be like Him, see like Him, serve like Him, but I always fall short.  I think that’s okay as long as I keep trying and seek His grace.

            I have specifically studied how Jesus would greet people and how He invited them into His life.  As a disciple, I  am encouraged to be an imitator of God.  That sometimes doesn’t feel like encouragement, but instead, a bar so high I can never reach it. So, these are the times I seek God and ask, “ How can I ever be all you intended me to be?”

            Gently He nudges, “ I will give you grace, my dear child.”  Grace undeserved but given to me for just trying to be like Him.  He gave that same grace to the women at the well when He told her all the things she had done.  She knew she was forgiven, didn't ask, just knew.  That was His first miracle in Galilee after turning water to wine in Cana.  Jesus invited her to be all that she could be now.  She accepted his grace and told others in the village.

 The second miracle was when the royal official begged Jesus to come with him and heal his son.  Jesus answered, “You may go.  Your son will live.” The official took Jesus at his word and departed.  While the official was returning home, his servant met him on the road to tell him the news that his son was living.

The third miracle He performed in Galilee was to tell the man, who had been crippled almost forty years, “Pick up his mat and walk.”  Just do it.  The man accepted his greeting and walked. He didn’t even know who Jesus was.  He was healed by the grace of Jesus.  The crippled man did nothing.  In fact, he saw Jesus later and then knew who had created the opportunity for him to be healed.

Each time I read these scriptures in John, I am amazed at how grace is the greeting, the vessel, and the end result.   Jesus’ grace flooded over sin, sickness, and honored obedience. 

May the grace of God be with you.  (1 Corinthians 16:23). 

Joy in the Morning

Joy in the Morning and Understanding For the Day

What generates hope and joy?  In my life, I visit with God early in the morning.  My meditations and readings of His word shape my day.   My thinking is enlarged with this time with Him.  My imagination is ignited, and His pure thoughts challenge my thinking.

Sometimes just a word or phrase penetrate my soul.  For example, this morning I was studying the Psalms.  They teach me to worship and have awe for my Creator.  “Know that the Lord is God, and it is He who made us, and we are His; we are his people, the sheep of His pasture.”  (Ps.100)  

There is comfort and peace knowing He made us.  Last week so many of my loved ones had medical exams, testing, or test results returned from previous MRI readings.  Because of His word, I know that they are His.  He has their back and mine.  We are His people and His faithfulness endures forever. Today I am trusting in His faithfulness to these people He has put in my life.  

I pray.  I hope.  I trust.  God is with them because they are the sheep of His pasture. He protects them like the good shepherd He is. The rhythm of His words bring harmony to my soul.  His teaching enriches my understanding.  I can recall his promises while I wait in a hospital for my husband, my friend,  or my grandchild.  They are held in His hand and are protected by His love. 

My soul is enriched by gathering His words in my heart.  My focus is centered on Him, not on medical findings.  I trust in His love and His justice and His mercy.  Because I tarry in the mornings with Him, I am at peace and able to intercede for those I love.  Jesus hears and intercedes for them and me.  I will sing of His love throughout my day.