I'm addicted. We could talk about lots of things that fall into that category of my life, but the one thing that gets me excited is hearing people talk about how God's grace is changing their lives. He is the only one that makes changes that stick, change that goes beyond what any counselor or program can do for a person.
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
A couple people sat down in front of me shared the events of the last week. What had happened in the last 7 days is different from the choices they made and the consequences they experienced in the past few months. A few good decisions have made things change, but listening to the voice of God has led these folks to see light and hope and the grace of God.
For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Dude showed up at the front door of our church the middle of last week. He asked about one of the guys in our band, and since our meeting this dude has not stopped talking about God and asking questions. We had a great conversation about God's grace on Sunday. Last night I talked to another one of the people who shared this man is seeking God like never before. I'm praying for him to be saved and experience God's grace in brand new ways.
May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.
The leaders of our church have some awesome stories of how God has given them grace and 2nd chances. One of them spoke into my life last night in a very simple way. It was through his prayer. When God gets hold of your life, people will see and hear God. Our lead team talked about some big issues, and one of the points was this: "when your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near." (Thanks, Andy Stanley for sharing with us via DVD.) We've had some big and good days the last five years. Yet It is evident that these men and women believe that our best and greatest days are ahead of us. I believe that.
Those great days are ahead ONLY as we experience and offer God's grace in huge amounts. I want to always err on the side of grace and forgiveness. My prayer is that the people I come in contact with get closer to God because of the things I say and do. That is not because I am good, but the one I follow is good and great. God is able. He does more than we often give Him credit for.
Allow God's grace to flow through you. Become addicted to His grace by listening to the stories of the people you meet that are coming closer to God. Realize that the past is what we learn from but the future is what we press toward and strive for all the time. God has more grace for us than we know. Share His grace with someone today and tomorrow and the next.
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
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