So let me ask you a question: what happens when we finally come to the end of ourselves and surrender our lives to Jesus as our Lord and Savior? Grace happens! Founded on the Love of God, Grace is the power to transform. What was dead becomes alive. What was dark becomes enlightened. What was selfish becomes selfless. This is the change that Grace alone can perform. At our Salvation, it is instant. Our Identity is changed from sinner to saint, and Heaven is our destiny. But this change is deep on our inside. It is our spirit, that which is at to heart of who we are, that becomes immediately transformed. We no longer are a creation of God, but now we are children of God. Adopted forevermore into God’s Forever Family, we become co-heirs with His Perfect Son, our Jesus. Co-heirs!?! (Ro 8:17) See how amazing Grace is?
The prophet Ezekiel puts God’s promise this way: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” (Eze 36:26) Because God has given us a new heart— not just cleaned up our old sinful heart, but gave us a brand new heart— we can be brand new people. Mr Lucado says, “You might call it a spiritual heart transplant.” “Grace is the voice that calls us to change then gives us the power to pull it off.” (see Php 2:13) “It rewires you.” (p8) Grace changes us, from the inside out. If you have sincerely turned your life over to Jesus, then you have received His Grace. Know you are different than who you were, so you do not need to act in any negative ways that you might have before. Those thoughts can be positive. Your emotions can be controlled. Your desires can be for God and others first. Let me say this slowly so it sinks into our hearts: You. Are. Not. Who. You. Were. Grace changes our hearts which changes everything else.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
<>< Peace, Diane
