I had reason to think back today to one of my favorite devotions that I wrote more than 3 years ago. Thanks for putting up with a repeat now and then!
From Wed, Holy Week, Mar 27, 2013, "Day of Praise"
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" - Ephesians 2:8
Ok, y'all.
Just stop.
Deeeeeeeeep breath.
Breathe iiiiiiiiiiin.
Breathe ouuuuuuuut.
Iiiiiiiiin.
Ouuuuuuut.
Close your eyes.
Deeeeeeeep breath.
Picture a river. The Jordan River it is.
Look out over it. All you can see is a band of angels. Comin' after you.
To protect you.
But, when an arrow is permitted through, then those angels are there to encourage you.
To turn your heart from the troubles and sorrows of the world. To gently touch and turn your face into the wind.
It's the movement of God. Coming. And yet always present. Mighty to save.
To save you.
By his grace.
From despair.
Which is hopelessness. Ya know. Throwin' in the towel.
No. Don't throw in the towel.
Just be still. And believe.
It's true. Just a bit of faith. As much as a mustard seed. Just a wee bit. Of faith. Is enough to tap into. To receive. The salvation. The right hand. The strong arm. Of the living God.
It's there. For you.
He's there. For you.
Here. For you.
To lighten the load. To give you a hope. A purpose. To hold up your arms. And strengthen your knees.
It's true. Somehow faith. In receiving the grace of God that saves.
Things just get bearable. Even peaceful. Like it's all gonna be ok. Because they are ok.
Yes, there's still a storm. But God is in the midst. Of the storm. Holding your hand. Looking in your eye. Calling you. Not with his voice. But with his eyes. His heart. A whisper to the soul. "Dance with me."
I will lead you.
In the dance.
Through the storm.
To your salvation.
Your freedom.
From thinking that your life is defined and measured and able (or not) to be enjoyed. Based on your problems and debts and regrets and challenges.
No. Instead your life is defined by the One.
Who loves you. Who died for you. And more. And was raised. To be with you. And to strengthen you. With the Holy Spirit that he pours out on you and in you. Everyday.
Both to encourage you. That the strength and power available to you everyday is beyond your own.
And also to remind you. That the Father has made great and precious promises to you. To come through for you. And to never leave you nor forsake you. Even when you leave Him.
And to gift you.
With grace.
Upon grace.
Upon grace.
You need only believe.
Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson
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