Living a Life of Grace

This morning I just finished reading the biography of Ruth Bell Graham. I was encouraged and challenged by her life. She grew up as missionary kid in China and then went to Wheaton College where she ended up meeting her husband Billy Graham. Ruth's life was filled with supporting her husband, raising her children and showing grace to all those she met. She was not a respecter of persons. Ruth loved those that some would think unlovely. Second chances were her specialty. She trusted that God could work in their lives and do wonderous things. Reading her biography encouraged me to not give up on some friends who often stray for the course. It also challenged me to look to help those that are sometimes not so easy to help. Most of all, I want to be an example of grace to my children and to show them just a glimpse of God's love through my love for them.

"Now I am putting you into the care of God and the message about his grace. It is able to give you strength, and it will give blessings God has for his holy people." Acts 20:32.

A Holy, fierce passion

This summer I have been reading Captivating by John and Stasi Elderidge. In their chapter called Romanced, this is what they said: " Faithful obedience to God is vital, but it is not all God draws us to.... The persecuted church is vast today. More Christians are being matryered in our lifetime than in any other time in church history. It is not obedience that is carrying our brothers and sisters- wavering, steadfast, eyes ablaze- to their deaths. It is holy, fierce passion. Hearts afire." We are drawn to those who have a passion for God for in their passion for God they also have a passion for holiness. I remember when I was in college, I had a small group leader named Tara who had a passion for God. Her passion for God was seen in her love of God's word and spending time with him. Her passion for God was seen as she reached out to win those who were lost and disciple those who wanted more of God. Since that time, I have met others who had that same passion. Obedience was there but it came in a spirit of love and freedom. I want to have that kind of passionate obedience.

I am not following a bunch of rules instead I am in a relationship with God in heaven.

God's Guidance-A Slow and Certain Light

So far this year one of the best books that I have read is a book by Elisabeth Elliot called God's Guidance- A Slow and Certain Light. Elisabeth Elliot had a way of reminding me of things that I knew but she presented them in a new light. She reminded me of how the Lord's prayer can make a good model for our prayers. For example, "Your kingdom come, your will be done " gets us focused on how our will should be aligned with God's will. Then as I go to seek God's will, it will begin with focusing on God himself. I need to know and believe that what God has planned is the very best. Knowing God allows me to trust his guidance and his intentions.

Another thing that stood out to me was when she talked about our cross. She believes it is what is required of me today. With what attitude I choose to do those tasks is up to me but God has something that he requires of me at this moment. And when I say no to self and yes to God, I am able to experience God's enabling. She says, "Never has he given an assignment that was not accompanied by the power to accomplish it. " (p60)

The last chapter of the book goes into the means of God's will. She makes an interesting note that those people who experienced God through extraordinary means did so in the course of their usual business. In the course of their normal day God broke in in a special way. Elisabeth goes on to remind the reader that we will "often find God leading men while they are doing what they normally are suppose to do." (p91) I need to do what she calls the next thing. For me that could be taking care of my family or helping out a friend. When I am seeking God's will, I don't need to put life on hold. I need to do the next thing and God will meet me there. She talks about the different means in such a practical way. I am encouraged to know that God knows me, who I am and He will speak to me in a way that I can hear him. God wants me to know him. It doesn't mean it will be easy and often I may need to take the harder of two roads but God's promise is that he will be with me.

In some ways, it can be frustrating that I can't find God's will using some formula but in others it is nice to be reminded that God's perfect will first starts with me getting to know Him. It is in relationship that I will be able to follow the Good Shepherd.