Grace and Truth

Grace without truth is meaningless.

Truth without grace is mean.

Grace plus truth is wisdom!

The above saying is often used in a marriage context. It can also be used in relationships. But I want to look at it in a spiritual context. What is Grace? Who is Truth? Lets start with an acrostic that is somewhat familiar. God's Riches At Christ's Expense = GRACE. John 1:16 tells us, “we have all received grace upon grace.” I love this wording because it just isn't grace, it is grace upon grace!  The next verse tells us that "grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 2:5-8 “by grace you have been saved . . . so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith. . .it is the gift of God.”

But if all we trust in is Grace, it is meaningless. We must have Truth also. Who is Truth? Jesus said, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6. We must come to Jesus for salvation, which involves repentance, a turning away from sin, and “becoming a new creation in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).” Along with Grace, we need Jesus! Without Jesus, grace is meaningless.

What if someone told you that you were doomed to hell without remedy? That would be truth without grace and it would be mean. It is the grace provided by Jesus that takes away those awful words, “without remedy” and replaces them with words like those found in Hebrews 9:22 . . .”without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” And in Romans 5:8-9, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

The third line says, Grace plus Truth is Wisdom! In Matthew 7:24 we are told that “everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” This symbolic story turns us to the imagery of a house on a rock foundation. The foundation is Christ and the house is our soul. Take advantage of grace which is “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.”

There are many scriptures and songs about grace. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Acts 4:33, “and with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.” Hebrews 12:15, “see to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled.” And Romans 5:1-2, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

So whether it is grace given to us to obtain salvation, or grace needed in dire times, or grace bestowed on us to do God's work, or the throne of grace where we meet Jesus in prayer, we are blessed to have all of these in great measure.

Of course, the old hymn, Amazing Grace, is the first song to come to mind and is a favorite of many. The second verse is my favorite: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear. And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” You can listen to this hymn here.

A new contemporary worship song we sung recently in church is Glorious Grace. (listen here.) I was so blessed singing this song because of these words that took me to a place of worship to my Savior who died so that “God, your grace like rising seas has swallowed death and sin in me.” Praise the Lord, He has saved me.

Glorious Grace

God I need You, I need You, I need You
Every breath, every pulse of my heart
Christ have mercy, have mercy, let mercy abound
I need You, I need You now

God pour out Your grace, glorious grace
That I would be held by Your perfect embrace
I am undeserving, You are high and worthy
All of my praise for this glorious grace

God I’m longing, I’m longing to see You
In Your presence all darkness will fade
Shine Your glory, Your glory, let glory surround
I’m longing to see You now

God Your grace, like rising seas
Has swallowed death and sin in me
God Your grace like rising seas
Has swallowed death and sin in me
Glory to my God who saves
Jesus Christ, my glorious grace
Glory to my God who saves
Jesus Christ, my glorious grace

God I worship, I worship, I worship You
For Your glory, my all in all You are worthy, You’re worthy, You’re worthy
I worship, I worship You
God I need You, I need You now

———-

God I need you, I need you, I need you Every breath, every pulse of my heart  God your grace like rising seas has swallowed death and sin in me 

by Aaron Ivey, Brett Land, Kyle Lent

I know this blog is getting a little long, but if you want another blessing, check out this new contemporary song: Grace So Glorious by Elevation Worship

Beneath the cross of Jesus Christ
No shadow remains for shame to hide
Redemption shone for all to see
Perfection bore our penalty
With a grace so glorious
Immortal day the veil was torn
When mercy donned a crown of thorns
As law gave way to liberty
And freedom for humanity
With a grace so glorious
PreChorus:
Oh the glory of the Savior’s love
Surrounding our surrender
To know forever
We are welcomed home
Chorus
Crowned in glory to glory
Worthy is the Lord of all
The glory forever
Holy is the Lord (2x)

Triumphant praises without end
All hailing the King of righteousness
And every eye beholds the One
Our hearts were undeserving of
With a grace so glorious
Bridge
O wondrous day when I will see
The face of Him who ransomed me
I’ll fall in worship at His feet
And rise to reign eternally
In a grace so glorious

There is Room at the Table

I was preparing a meal for our Supper Club this week and the morning of the dinner received a cancellation for a very good reason. No problem. But I wanted to fill those two spots so I made a call or two and found replacements. But later in the day, I got a call and that couple had to cancel also, with only two hours till time to eat, (again with a very good reason). So I made a few more calls knowing that people have plans for a Friday evening and people are busy. But after maybe four calls, I found another perfect couple that would compliment our dinner party. I had a full table set and didn't want to take off any place settings. Plus the menu was made and the food preparation was in progress.

This made me think of the verse in a parable told by Jesus found in Luke 14:2 where it says, “go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.” This was said to the servants after the original guest list was exhausted with people making excuses for not coming. And they seemed like lame excuses because each one could have been attended to after taking time out for a meal. Those excuses were: a man had bought a field and needed to tend to it; another had bought five yoke of oxen and needed to try them out, and another man had married a wife! Surely he could have brought his wife? Right? All excuses.

Then the guest list was expanded to include the poor, crippled, blind and lame and still there was room for more to come to the feast. The invitation now was to all nationalities and ethnic groups. No one was left out. There is a picture made very popular because it appeared on the cover of Decision magazine many years ago. It shows a table set with candlesticks on a gold cloth, and fine china with a gold design. A full set of gold utensils graced each place setting and was complimented with gold rimmed glassware. But the table never ends; it goes on and on. It depicts the vastness of the family of God and the number of souls who will be in heaven some day.

And so it is with the offer of salvation. It is for all! Titus 2:11 says “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” II Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Acts 2:21 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” God is earnest in wanting all to come to repentance.

Have you repented of your sins? Have you accepted the gift of salvation that Christ died to secure for you? If so, then Praise the Lord! If not, what is your excuse? II Corinthians 6:2, “For he says, In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”

For those of us who have already “tasted and seen that the Lord is good”, we are to be out in the world telling people about Jesus and His love. Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” We are to be compelling lost souls to leave their lives of sin and turn to a loving, forgiving Savior who died to set them free.

Revelation 19:9 tells us, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Biblical scholars believe this will take place after the Rapture of the Church, when Christ comes to take His Bride to the Father's house. All those who have called on the name of the Lord and have become followers of Jesus, cleansed by His blood and walking in His light, will be invited to this banquet table. Are you ready? There is Room at the Table. Come now.

A Happy Traveler

I am a happy person. I see the cup half full. I see the positive side of things. I usually give people the benefit of the doubt. But I haven't always been this way.

Our family of five which included a new baby boy was living in the hills of Virginia in 1976. I gave birth to Matthew in April. So many things worked together to contribute to me plummeting emotionally. I was feeling isolated and lonely being so far away from home and being criticized due to cultural differences. And then in July, my father died. For me, this was the end of hope that he would someday become a Christian. So a strong feeling of sadness overcame me and I joined the 350 million people who are diagnosed with depression. I was a new bus driver at the time and every day when I got off the bus at the end of the school day, I would jump into my car, travel a few miles to the country store and buy a newspaper and a candy bar. No wonder I gained weight! But the candy couldn't fill the emptiness or heal the pain in my heart.

I began counseling and continued for many years. And I was prescribed anti-depressants which I took for almost 25 years! I was recently reading a journal I wrote back in 2003 and I couldn't believe the change God has worked in me over the years. I can't pinpoint a specific time when I had a miraculous healing but I can tell you various things I did do and how the Lord helped me to heal. It was a process.

Counseling: I saw various counselors, some were professional and some were good spiritual mentors. And I followed their suggestions to help me heal.

Prayer: I sought the Lord for healing and for understanding.  Often.. In church. In private. It was a process; a journey.

Journal: I wrote my innermost feelings, fears, and failures. I wrote about my dreams, desires and demons. I asked God hard questions and admitted hard things that I was thinking.

Books: I read good books. Healing for Damaged Emotions by David Seamands was a helpful book in the beginning stages of my depression. Later I did a Bible Study of Beth Moore's, Breaking Free. Books by Brennan Manning like Abba's Child and Ragamuffin Gospel were so helpful in teaching me how Abba Father sees me and loves me. I also enjoyed the insights of Florence Littauer's Personality Plus, How to Understand Others by Understanding Yourself. Of course, the Bible is always a great book to read for inspiration as it is God's love letter to us.

It was in 2003 that I became familiar with Healing Prayer Ministry at my church. We were no longer in the ministry and had moved to my hometown and were attending my home church. HPM was a ministry where a seeker would meet with a layperson (and a prayer partner). Through a series of sessions, the Lord would lead in how the seeker should pray through various hurtful incidents, feeling the pain, asking forgiveness, and real breakthroughs of healing would occur. I took part in this but during the first series my emotions were so suppressed with the anti-depressants that I couldn't even cry! No prayer ever goes without benefit but I didn't receive the complete freedom I was seeking.

A few years passed and I decided to try HPM again. In the meantime I had been gaining ground and was not as depressed. And I felt the Lord say I should go off my anti-depressants. So I did. (Please don't think I am saying all people should do this.) And I soon realized that I had emotions! I could cry again. This was a gift to be able to release pent up emotion and pain. And this time when I went through HPM, I could feel the emotions and cry out to God and I could sense He heard me. And I felt a freedom in my spirit. Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

I think a lot of my journey has been two fold: learning who God is and learning who I am. In 2003 I wrote in my journal: “How does God look at me? Would I be surprised if I knew?” Back then I would have been surprised to know that God wasn't looking on me with judgment but with love. He wasn't far away but near me, ready to hear my pleas.  I know now (and feel emotionally) that. . .” my identity is that of a child of God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. Our spiritual inheritance is one of forgiveness, an intimate relationship with Jesus, and hope of spending all eternity enjoying fellowship with God. It is this truth that gives us unconditional love, intimacy, security and hope. And it is not based on our identity, but on what God has already accomplished at the cross.” http://thelife.com/challenges/see-yourself-as-god-sees-you

I Peter 1:3-4, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you.”

I am still on a journey. I am a seeker! I want more of God. And I have given Him more of me! It is a process. A walk. And it is a joy to walk this road as a happy traveler!

They Call Me Mom

When I was a little girl I loved babies. If my mother couldn't find me in a social setting, she knew I

had found a baby to hold. As I became a teenager, I felt a longing to have a baby of my own; someone to hold and love. And eventually, someone to love me back!

Fast forward to 1971 on a snowy October day, when our first son, Steve II, was born. It was a long (17 hours) labor, but very worth it. Steve is the typical first born; *reliable, conscientious, structured, cautious, dominant, achiever! Steve has been a manager of Hoss' Restaurant's since he was 19 and began working in the dish room when he was 16. He is the guy that sees a need and gets it done. He has shown leadership in the Jaycee's in Somerset plus he was the commissioner of the AYSO for a while and is now coach and referee. He is a good father and a wonderful son.

The closest I got to having twins was Steve and Penny, being one year and five days apart. As the second born child with an older brother, Penny also qualifies as the firstborn female in the family which may explain why she also possesses the nurturing leader qualities of a firstborn child. I taught her how to coupon and she surpassed me. I taught her how to knit and she knits better than me and recently learned to crochet. I taught her how to cook and she makes some dishes I have never made. She is a good baker too. Penny has taken over the responsibility of providing a lot of the family gatherings. Penny is a good wife, mother, friend and daughter.

Matt is the middle child; *people pleaser,somewhat rebellious (there was a certain age!), thrives on friendships, has large social circle, peacemaker. When Matt was a little boy, I often said he would give the coat off his back if the need arose. And he is still like that as a 40 year old man. Matt is very giving and thoughtful. He has been a tractor trailer driver for many years. Matt is a good father, husband and son who values family relationships.

As the last child some of these fit Amy; *fun loving, uncomplicated, persuasive, outgoing, attention-seeker, spontaneous. Amy was a joy to have in our home. The older children loved playing school, church and family with her when she was a baby. She brought many gales of laughter into our home. She recently in the past two years became a tractor trailer driver like her brother and husband. CDL drivers run in our family! (pun intended) Amy is a sensitive, caring person and as our youngest at 36, she is a loyal friend, a good wife and mother, a doting aunt and a sweet daughter.

There is one child that never got to call me mommy. A miscarried baby soon after we were married went to be with Jesus. With life crowding in, I wasn't giving this child much thought until a few years ago when someone I knew was experiencing this grief. It made me visualize my child up in heaven, enjoying being with Jesus. It became real again after all these years. It is a real comfort and joy to look forward to meeting this child one day and then perhaps I will hear him/her call me “Mommy”.

I wasn't a perfect mom. I made mistakes. I think my children have forgiven me for my shortcomings. There are a few things I would do differently as a mom:

I would have played more with my children.

I would have spent more time with them.

I wouldn't impose my personal convictions on them.

I would have taken more vacations that were not church related.

I would have majored on the majors more and less on the miners.

I am so blessed by my children. They are now old enough to value my advice and occasionally ask for it. They show me respect and love. It is such a blessing to see all my children enjoying each other and having good relationships. On Mother's Day, they will either visit or call to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. I may get flowers or a gift of some sort which I really appreciate. But do things really matter when I have four of the best gifts - my children!

The greatest gift I could get is found in III John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

*Personality traits by birth order by Jocelyn Voo; parents.com

Peace in the Storm

A friend posted this picture recently and I thought it was beautiful in its majesty and awesomeness. So I saved it thinking I could use it sometime in the future. Then a few days later Word FM played a contemporary Christian song that caught my attention. It is Eye of the Storm, by Ryan Stevenson. When things come together like this, it makes me believe it is for a reason. Hence, my blog for this week!

Life can be pretty scary at times. I have experienced bullying, abandonment, abuse, a cancer diagnosis, and a house fire, among other things. I am sure you have your own list. And as a Christian, I have also known God to be ever-present in my times of need.

This song brings out a few of life's challenges, ie abandonment, lost dreams and expectations, physical ailments and extreme diagnosis' and the affects of sin in the lives of our loved ones. But the chorus tells us:

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm

In Matthew 8:23 we read of Jesus calming a storm: “he awoke and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.”

Psalm 5:12 says, “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” God blesses those who live for Him and covers us with a shield. The verse before this says, “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.” So we need to take refuge in the midst of our storms and even sing for joy! And He will spread His protection over us! This is our anchor referred to in this song.

Hebrews 6:15-19 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. . . So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Near the end of the song, the songwriter pens his version of Psalm 23:

The Lord is my Shepherd
I have all that I need
He lets me rest in green meadows
He leads me beside peaceful streams
He renews my strength
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to His Name
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid
For You are close beside me

Hebrews 13:5 Jesus tells us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” You can find these same words in Deuteronomy 31:8; 31:6; Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10-13. He is surely close beside me!

Where do we find peace in the storm? “When you receive His faith in your heart you will also receive His peace in your heart. Peace is the inward indicator that He is fully involved on your behalf. Peace is the emotion of faith.” - homefaithprayer.com

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Now may the Lord of Peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. II Thessalonians 3:16

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

If you are going through a hard place, a storm of life, turn to the One who can protect, care and shelter you, JESUS.

You can listen to Eye of the Storm here and also see the lyrics.