The traditional way to approach God is, "God, I've done some bad things but I am going to do better."
"God, I haven't talked to you in a while but I am going to start praying more."
When you realize you've been far from God and sinned we say, "God, I know I shouldn't have, but I promise..." The apostle Paul says there is a new approach to how we should look at that and how we talk to God.
He said it isn't about "I" in the phrase, it's about God saying HE is rich in mercy because of HIS GREAT LOVE with which He loved US.. the reason this is an important phrase is this answers the question.. God, why do you care? God, why would you listen to my prayers? God, why would you give me a second chance? What have I done to deserve that?
To which God says, it has nothing to do with you. The answer is because of HIS GREAT LOVE for us. But let's replace the us with ME. Because of HIS GREAT LOVE FOR ME. That's why you don't have to bargain with God. Because He doesn't want something from you, He wants something FOR you. It is by Grace that you have been saved. Another way to say it is He chose to un-separate you because He wanted to!
IT is by grace you have been saved, by FAITH. The way that this becomes a reality for you is when you embrace this. Through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT of GOD. It's not the TRADE, it's not the BARGAIN, its not the NAGOTIATIONS, it's not the I will if you will. It's the GIFT of God.
This is some of what I took from the message from the series of STARTING POINT by Andy Stanley. Its the 5th one titled Nothing But! SOOOO worth your time.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
A STORY OF HOPE THAT CAN HELP CLEAR UP YOUR MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE STORY OF THE "PRODIGAL SON"
Hi out there.
It's been a while last I posted. I have had a lot of opportunity to demonstrate God's grace and it wasn't easy! That's just it. It's hard but it does get easier because Lord knows I need His grace daily!
I hope after you read this someone will feel comfortable to share their stories or comments. It doesn't need to be like facebook where everyone knows who is responding. It can simply be people sharing their stories. It's a safe way to share without feeling judged or condemned in any way..
Growing up, I had a, let's say pretty negative, judgmental attitude toward a family member. I couldn't stand how the choices she seemed to make in her life would effect our family. So, without thought, I judged her. I was resentful, angry and basically chose to disengage myself in having a relationship with her for years.
That in itself was toxic and hard on our family. Especially around holidays or any gathering for that matter. For years my bitterness and judgmental type attitude spread throughout the family. My thoughts were, " I'm not the problem, they are!"
Then, one day as I was listening to a story that I've heard all my life but never, ever clearly understood. The "prodigal son." I realized that I was acting like the younger son who claimed to never do anything near as bad as the older brother, and couldn't accept why the father would welcome his son back so easily with open arms. But what God revealed to me while I heard that story again was that God doesn't look at our Actions of good or bad, Jesus has already paid the price for them. But He looks at our heart when we return to Him. We were lost (away from Him) and now we are found (with Him) In the story, the father knew his son was so humbly sincere, that he was so thankful he was near to him again.
So, back to my story of the issue I had with the family member. I called that person on the phone and asked for forgiveness for all the bitterness and resentment I had been holding inside for so many years.. It was a bit frightening at first because I didn't want to hear any excuses of why they had made those poor choices throughout the years! But you know what? Instead, God blessed the situation, due to my obedience in asking for forgiveness, and the response I got couldn't have been better! The family member never gave any excuse. For the first time they didn't have to defend themselves! They owned the poor choices and thanked me for my apology, and that was the very beginning of a new and beautiful relationship between two family members that our God is proud of and that I am proud of. How FREEING that was!
God is love, gentle and kind.
It's been a while last I posted. I have had a lot of opportunity to demonstrate God's grace and it wasn't easy! That's just it. It's hard but it does get easier because Lord knows I need His grace daily!
I hope after you read this someone will feel comfortable to share their stories or comments. It doesn't need to be like facebook where everyone knows who is responding. It can simply be people sharing their stories. It's a safe way to share without feeling judged or condemned in any way..
Growing up, I had a, let's say pretty negative, judgmental attitude toward a family member. I couldn't stand how the choices she seemed to make in her life would effect our family. So, without thought, I judged her. I was resentful, angry and basically chose to disengage myself in having a relationship with her for years.
That in itself was toxic and hard on our family. Especially around holidays or any gathering for that matter. For years my bitterness and judgmental type attitude spread throughout the family. My thoughts were, " I'm not the problem, they are!"
Then, one day as I was listening to a story that I've heard all my life but never, ever clearly understood. The "prodigal son." I realized that I was acting like the younger son who claimed to never do anything near as bad as the older brother, and couldn't accept why the father would welcome his son back so easily with open arms. But what God revealed to me while I heard that story again was that God doesn't look at our Actions of good or bad, Jesus has already paid the price for them. But He looks at our heart when we return to Him. We were lost (away from Him) and now we are found (with Him) In the story, the father knew his son was so humbly sincere, that he was so thankful he was near to him again.
So, back to my story of the issue I had with the family member. I called that person on the phone and asked for forgiveness for all the bitterness and resentment I had been holding inside for so many years.. It was a bit frightening at first because I didn't want to hear any excuses of why they had made those poor choices throughout the years! But you know what? Instead, God blessed the situation, due to my obedience in asking for forgiveness, and the response I got couldn't have been better! The family member never gave any excuse. For the first time they didn't have to defend themselves! They owned the poor choices and thanked me for my apology, and that was the very beginning of a new and beautiful relationship between two family members that our God is proud of and that I am proud of. How FREEING that was!
God is love, gentle and kind.
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