The human reality is that none of us are perfect. Surprise, surprise! We have made mistakes and been at the other end of someone else’s mistakes. We have hurt others and been hurt by others. Life can seem like one big mess at times. Yet Mr Lucado reminds us that, “God answers the mess of life with one word: grace.” (p 7) Again think about Grace as God’s Love changing hearts and minds, and the actions that stem from them. As the saying goes, God can take your messes and turn them into your messages. This has certainly been my story and continues to be so. I am intensely aware that, deep within me, I am not the same person I was. I am no longer alone. Ever, praise God! I love how Mr Lucado shares that the apostle Paul “sensed within himself not just the philosophy, ideals, or influence of Christ but the person of Jesus. Christ moved in. He still does. When grace happens, Christ enters.” (p9) He explains that Jesus is not only with us, He is IN us.
This truth is quite literal, as the Holy Spirit resides in union with our new spirit. It is He who gives us this New Identity. We can be called God’s beloved holy children because the holiness of Christ lives within us. Think about it this way: we understand how new humans are formed, right? The woman produces a new egg and the man enters her, injecting his life-giving sperm within her. When this sperm becomes one with the egg, a brand new life is created. Something that was lifeless becomes alive. Well, in a similar way, when God calls to our hearts and we surrender to His Love, placing our Faith in His Son, the Holy Spirit enters us and gives us Life Everlasting. And along with this a brand new heart, is a a brand new identity. Something that was not there before, is instantly made alive. Once our spirit is changed, our soul begins to change and then our very life begins to change. This is how it is supposed to happen, my Friends, but if we do not understand Grace, does it? Do we see any newness in our lives? Or do we still believe nothing has changed? When we do not grasp Grace it can be the same old thing, just a new day. But that is NOT the Abundant Life. If this is you, I do hope you will reach out to God and receive a deeper understanding of what His Grace can do in your life. Then LET Grace change your life!
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
