In the Grip of Grace

Someone wrote: "Grace has something to do with patience, with waiting - on other people, on your best intentions or your gut, and on God." When I read this I wondered if there is a grace other than God's. I went to Webster's Dictionary: 1a grace is unmerited divine assistance given man for his regeneration or sanctification and 3a grace is disposition to or an act or instance of kindness or clemency. What I read by the unnamed author and Webster took me back to one of my favorite books: In The Grip of Grace by Max Lucado. He writes "Does God really love us forever? Not just on Easter Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed. We want to know how does God feel about me when I mess up, fail or fall short? When I snap at anything that moves; when my thoughts are gutter-level; when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does HE feel about me then?" The Grip...reminds me that the God who first made me is strong enough to sustain me. I want to introduce others to HIM. This star-breather, this Shalom, This Holy, Holy, Holy One who raises my head and knows my thoughts before I do is so amazing.

What/Who Do I Trust In?

Heavenly Father, the battle for our heart’s trust is unrelenting. On this August Friday, we affirm that you, alone, are worthy of our worship, love, and trust. But we also want to name your competition. In David’s day it was chariots and horses. In our day, it looks more like this.

Some trust in their goodness, works, and piety. But we trust, alone, in the finished work of Jesus and the gift of his perfect righteousness.

Some trust in a spouse’s affection, a lover’s interest, or their children’s attachment. But we trust in the steadfast love and great delight you have for us in Jesus.

Some trust in stock portfolios, cash margins, and “toys.” But we trust in the immeasurable riches of Christ, and the inviolate treasure kept for us in heaven.

Some trust in beauty, health, or sensuality. But in sickness and health, in our youthfulness and our aging, we trust in the truly beautiful and all-powerful One—Jesus.

Some trust in being smart, clever, and right. But we trust in Jesus, who is our wisdom from God—that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Some trust in being included. But we trust in the gift of our union with Christ, and the robust communion we enjoy with the entire Trinity.

Some trust in vocational success, a corner office, or their place in the “org chart.” But we trust the One who is making all things new, and our place in your heart.

Some trust in anything that will mask the pain. But we trust in the One who says, “Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest.” Only Jesus can fill, heal, and free us.

Father, again we say it: Though many people, places, and things incessantly vie for our hearts and trust, only you are worthy. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bountiful name.
Blessings,
Eric K.

Being Linked to Jesus

From Pastor Eric Kapur

3 great questions and prayer to consider:

• Am I trying to do things that Jesus has not asked me to do? Am I trying to be something God has not asked me to be (ie, perfect, never weak, always competent,)? 
• Am I carrying things that Jesus has not asked me to carry? Am I carrying things that only Jesus can carry? 
• Did Jesus tell me to bear this? If so, how can I bear it in dependence and trust? If not, why am I bearing it then? What does this say about what I am really yoked to?

As the Spirit brings clarity and conviction, let this move you to pray an honest prayer of repentance like this: Jesus, I’m weary and tired of carrying it all, I"m exhausted from trying to be so good and have it all figured out and bear it all. I can’t be good enough!! I don’t know what to do. The things I'm carrying that you haven't asked me to - I can't put them down apart from your grace. The things you have asked me to - I can't bear apart from your strength. Help me take up your yoke that I might find rest for my soul and help others find rest in you.

Finished Work

This is a memory I've read from 3 years ago about an emotionally painful experience I had with Kyla.  This will be forever etched in my memory.  We have had many good days since that painful day with her three years ago.  But I am reminded how fragile relationships are.  As I continue to see the pain that comes and goes in my personal life and the pain of broken relationships around me I KNOW in my heart how critical the finished work of Jesus on the cross is.  But my acceptance of His work is important as well.

August 5, 2016 at 3:29 PM ·

"A Christian trusts a finished work". I read that in a devotional book today and the words seemed to jump off the page. A finished work. And Jesus said (from the cross) "It is finished". Is this the finished work I am trusting? Yes and No. Strange that I would read that sentence just one day after a VERY bad day. In some ways, pain is my enemy. Yesterday it raised its ugly head. Kyla and I were building something together and it was quite a project. We were finishing it on the floor when she looked at me and said, "This is a really good day". Then she smiled and continued her work. It was shortly after those sweet words when pain in my lower back screamed at me. Gingerly I stood and told Kyla I had to stop. "Mimi's back is hurting". How well can a 5 year old understand that? Try as I could, I couldn't get the pain to let up --- Tylenol, ice, lying down --- nothing helped. I needed to move slowly through the house. But what we built was blocking my movement so I showed her how to easily separate the pieces so I could walk. She said no. So I did it for her. With my foot. I kicked and the beautiful structure fell into smaller pieces. To emphasize my anger and frustration I yelled at her. Oh how quickly a sweet relationship can crumble. Pain or not, I scolded myself, internally and tried to repair the structure. "Do you want to help me, Kyla?" "NO!" she said with tears, "You hurt my feelings."

Do I trust the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Yes. I believe He died for me because of days like yesterday. But also No. I don't trust Him to guide me to a safer place when I am standing on the edge of the cliff of anger. Because I have had experience with this cliff in different circumstances I have learned to hear His words of warning and words of wisdom of "Come to Me and I will help you with this." I heard those words of warning on and off yesterday. In those instances, pain was my friend...part of the warning. But I chose to not heed His gentle calling me back. Anger and stubbornness hang out together. Yesterday, they won.
Today is a better day...less pain. But, best of all, I went to that place of forgiveness. At the cross, I experienced once again His gentle grace. Now, for the hard part...to restore the broken relationship with my precious Kyla. Charlie said, "Gini, she will forgive you. It will just take time." I began mending the bridge of forgiveness for her today. I rebuilt, as best I could the structure. Hopefully tomorrow she will build again and I look forward to those sweet words, "This is a good day, Mimi."