Sadly, we sometimes view life through the eyes of a condemned person. Our past might have produced endless voices within us that will give us every reason to feel guilty and ashamed. These of course come ultimately from Satan himself. In chapter 2, Mr Lucado turns us to the story of the woman caught in adultery. He points to the voices filled with hatred and self-righteousness, wagging their finger, and tongues, at her. Then Mr Lucado talks about how Jesus first, stooped for her, but then stood up for her. The author says, “He stood up for the woman and silenced her accusers, and he does the same for you.” (p21) We can choose to shut our minds to the accusations of the Accuser. We can choose to open our heart to the change God’s Grace can bring. In spite of the past. In spite of the failures. In spite of our weaknesses. Because we are not who we were. Grace makes it possible to gain a whole new perspective on life.
This next quote is not from our author this month but, I love how Joyce Meyer said, “Grace is not permission to live a sloppy life. It is the power not to do so.” Grace takes away our guilt so we can live a fulfilling life. Jesus bore our guilt so we would never have to. God’s Grace changes us. It changes our heart, soul and life. It changes the purpose for our lives. But it should also change our outlook on life. We should begin to view everything that happens through the forgiving eyes of God. Grace changes, and Grace also forgives. If you have not yet forgiven yourself, please do so today. If you refuse to do this, you not only place yourself above God, who has already forgiven you, but you close the door to His amazing Grace. Let’s choose to look out for anything that hinders the power of God’s Grace, because as we do this more and more, our lives in Christ become more and more amazing, just like His Grace.
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
