Do You Have A Grace-filled Heart?
Good Morning Friends,
Southwest Florida lost a young superhero over the weekend. His name, Damian Creed. And he fought a long, hard battle with a rare form of cancer for two and a half years. I think he was around eight years old. I never met him but can see from knowing those who have that he touched the hearts of a lot of people who came together as a team to celebrate the joy of spunk and energy of child whose future was grim. His team dressed up as superheroes and had the super power of love combined with grace. Damian’s story, I think, helps us to learn that the heart can be enduring and fearful. The heart can be victorious and grateful. The heart can be hard and compassionate. And yes the heart can be broken. Do You Have A Grace-filled Heart?
Scripture: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 9:10 (NRSV)
The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 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 give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you.
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NRSV)
I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11(NRSV)
Message: Some of the events in our lives can take the wind out of our sails, the song off our lips and the energy out of our steps. But when life deals a lemon we can still experience victory if we are surrounded by grace-filled love. Here we are looking at the big picture…God’s purpose for our lives set against the reality of what we deserve and the love we have been blessed to experience because of God’s grace. Friends we live in a culture that tells us we deserve everything that makes us happy…but somehow in this perspective we miss the truth, that the cost must be paid for everything…Here we face the reality that suffering might just be part of the God’s good, wise and perfect plan. The reality is that becoming a Christian does not make us healthy, and wealthy and free of pain. God has not let us down or failed to keep His promises, if we have a thorn instead of the throne. The deal is not about being happy but becoming holy. That is our purpose! Everything in our lives… our jobs…our marriage…our family and church…everything is designed to accomplish this goal. Here we discover that God knows the best better than we do. Here we discover our sufferings are not necessarily random or meaningless. There can be a hard purpose to it all. Look at the life of Paul…look at the life of young Damian. They both were made weak so they could be strong. Perhaps that is the way of God’s plan. It was for Jesus. There is no amazing grace-filled love without the suffering. So friends, let love motivate our attitude, our mind, our will and belief. Trust and obey in the love of Christ. Know the truth about the trials of life. Get up and take the next step with Jesus. We do not need to be anxious. We can succeed through faith in Christ during the trials of our lives and in the grace of a loving heart that witnesses the comfort and encouragement of the Spirit in us.
Pray that the Holy Spirit provides us with the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Pray that we open our eyes and ears to God’s grace. Pray that we are delivered. Pray that we call on Jesus to save us. Pray that we experience a peace that passes understanding. Pray we are anxious for nothing. Pray that the Lord help us exhibit serenity under pressure, courage during intense opposition and wisdom in times of great confusion. Pray we realize that joy, and peace and contentment do not come from our circumstances but from God’s grace-filled love. Pray we trust and obey. Pray that we become more holy through God’s grace-filled love. Pray our marriages are grace-filled and our children are taught the power of love. Pray God’s grace is woven into each of our love stories.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 