If I ever had a chance to have a baby girl, her name would be GRACE. I think it's the most beautiful word in the English dictionary.
In a Christ-centered world, Grace is defined as a gift, given to those who believe and only made possibly by Christ. It's not something you or I did. On our best-est days, GRACE is just poured out and on simply because He first loved us. There's nothing you can do to earn your GRACE and your salvation.
My home church, Hope Fellowship sang Amazing Grace (My chains are gone), written by Chris Tomlin this weekend. In this beautiful version of an old hymn, the words reminded me of how far I've come as a Christ follower (just a few short years back).
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy rains
Unending love, Amazing grace
When GRACE poured on, like a flood as the song said, my chains I was cuffed with fell off. No, it didn't come off instantly. In fact, it was truly a work in progress as I slowly work my ways. I've just been set in my ways for so long, not knowing any better, I found lots of security in the wrong places:
When I was growing up, I was always an over-achiever. I really believed everything I did was because of my hardwork. I believed everything I planned turned to fruition because I worked at it. Didn't really understand the concept of Blessings until I became a believer. So now, to everything I give Him the glory. It's funny to think I had anything to do with it. I'm just here merely to be His vessel, to do whatever He calls me to do for the moment.
There's a new sense of FREEDOM, a relief as you can imagine. My works are no longer put on my shoulders and for someone who takes personal accountability and ownership so seriously, this is truly in His grace that I will ever enjoy that the beauty didn't lie between my hands or my shoulders. It's all Him.
I pray that you will soak in His grace just for a moment this week. Know that everything is in His hands. The author of your life knows what's best and wouldn't want anything disasterous for you. It's hard at times but when you know where to put your trust, you will never fail.
Scripture of the Week:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so no one can boast.
Ephisians 2:8-9
I begin my week here on Active Rain with my God First posts, written every Sunday once a week. My promise to you is that the messages I share will be day-to-day related, often times related to real estate. If these topics are important to you also, I'd love for you to subscribe to my blog.
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Grace is the MOST beautiful word in the dictionary
Amen! Grace is beautiful and it is hard to understand. It is all in Him that we have the life that we live in today. It is His Grace.
Very powerful message today, Loreena! I always look forward to your Sunday posts. :) Have a great day!
Well said, Loreena! I've heard it explained that Grace is God's blessings poured upon us, not because we deserve it, but because He loves us. G-R-A-C-E is God's Remedy At Christ's Expense.
Wonderful topic on grace Loreena. So often misunderstood thinking it similar to mercy which it is not. It is given without intention to the serious of one's sins for salvation's sake. It is a gift purely from God. Love the singers. What do they say in that song, Amazing Grace? It is a beautiful girl's name too.
Hi Loreena,
I look forward to reading your God First post every Sunday.
Well said... all that we are and do is as a result of God's grace. It's easy to believe we are in control of our lives, but the truth is God call all the shots by grace!
Have a wonderful week!
Hi Loreena, I've always loved this song and enjoyed hearing this version. I love knowing there is more to life than what we can see. Have a blessed week.
Hi Loreena,
He paid a debt He did not owe, and I owed a debt that I could not pay. Grace cannot be bought or earned, and is more precious than silver, costlier than gold and more beautiful than diamonds.
Grace has the power to change lives, once understood and received!
That is one of my favorite songs, we all have to release those chains and it is wonderful that Christ welcomes us with open arms
"How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed..."
It would be a much better world if we would give more GRACE to each other than holding anger inside. Release and Enjoy life.