Sometimes this world of ours tries to diminish the wickedness of sin. We prefer to look at sin as merely making a mistake. We give excuse after excuse for why we act certain ways. We blame it on past traumas or addictions or even bad luck. But we must face the truth: sin is rebellion against our Creator. It is telling Him we simply do not want Him to be our Lord. We much rather make up our own minds about what is right and what is wrong. But this always, and only, leads to problems. We cannot fool ourselves into believing that we are getting away with any sinful attitudes or acts. It shows up in our bodies. The stress of hiding it alone can cause all sorts of damage. But confession is good for the soul. (see Jas 5:16) It is alright to admit we are far from perfect. We are not surprising anyone, least of all God. It is God’s Grace alone that takes this problem and opens up the opportunity to solve it.
Mr Lucado says, “We won’t appreciate what grace does until we understand who we are.” (p35) He gives a great example of how freeing Grace is, by weaving a story about Barabbas. He was guilty of insurrection and murder. He should have died. Yet Jesus took his place. And Barabbas was set free. And Grace did this for you and me too, my Friends. The author continues, “Christ took away your sins. Where did he take them? To the top of a hill called Calvary, where he endured, not just the nails of the Romans, the mockery of the crowd, and the spear of the soldier but the anger of God.” (p36) God hates sin because it represents the opposite of His Holy Nature. God hates sin because it separates us from Him. God hates sin because it only leads to suffering, tears and death. So God sent Jesus to pay for sin, to kill death and to offer us Grace.
In order for us to give high value to what Grace has done, Mr Lucado prescribes, “Personalize it. As long as the cross is God’s gift to the world, it will touch you but not change you. Precious as it is to proclaim, ‘Christ died for the world,’ even sweeter it is to whisper, “Christ died for me.”” (p36) Christ indeed died for me and set me free to live live. This is the Abundant Life and it is what Grace offers. Let’s spend time today, and every day, praising God for His amazing 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
