When we think of grace, we may also think of mercy and love. When we love someone, we show them mercy when they’ve wronged us. When we show them mercy, we also show grace.
In Webster’s New College Dictionary, ‘mercy’ is described as “Kind and compassionate treatment”. We already know what love means, as love for our brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, and friends. ‘Grace’ can be described as “God-given”. Something that we can only obtain through Jesus Christ. According to James Ryle “Grace is the empowering Presence of God enabling you to be who He created you to be, and to do what He has called you to do." Strong’s concordance describes ‘grace’ as the following: “Grace, the state of kindness and favor towards someone, often with a focus on a benefit given to the object."
Grace is what we experience when we allow Christ to come live inside of us. 2 Corinthians 8:9 explains grace in this way: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich”. When Christ took our sins on the cross, He gave us the hope for eternal life. Something I think that grace is: hope.
Hope immediately follows grace. Just as when Christ died for us, he showed us grace. And hope followed. We now have the joy of knowing that we will live in heaven, as there is nothing that separates us from God. We do not have to live in uncertain fear and haven’t needed to for over two thousand years. That bridge has been built and we no longer have to sacrifice animals to have a relationship with God. Through the power of the blood, we have experienced true grace. This is the kind of example that Christ gave to us to show to others.
Showing that kind of love to someone who has wronged me can be so difficult. But to live my life for Christ and to follow His example, I am called to show as much grace to others, as He did to those who crucified Him.
This is why I feel that grace is not something that we can obtain elsewhere than Christ. It is impossible to show grace without His help and doing so on our own strength will not work. We already know how much easier it is to forgive someone who has wronged us in smaller ways than those who wrong us in much greater ways. Ways that turn our world upside down. But without God’s guidance, we can do neither. This is where God’s help makes a difference in our responses to those people and when we ask for His help, we are promised that we will receive it. (John 15:7)
God does not leave us hanging for some “secret to showing grace”. God shows His wonderful grace, not only throughout His Word, but in our day to day lives.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18.
God bless,
Anna
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Failure.
I have always found that the beginning of a writing project is the hardest, and this post was no exception. Whenever I think of a topic to write about, I usually start with the deep thoughts that should be in the middle of my post rather than at the beginning. But as I began to think about it, I realized that we all have experienced this. “This” being failure, or just the feeling of failure. Sometimes there is an event, relationship, or circumstance that we actually DO fail in, but other times we just think it.
I think part of the reason that we think that way stems from discouragement. I know I can often get discouraged with many of the things in my life. Just looking around at the continent I live in…how quickly it is disintegrating morally, socially, academically. Seeing relationships around me that are not “perfect”. Having to make decisions, and then wondering if that was the right route to take after all. Receiving grades that are lower than I wanted. Yes, some things definitely seem like failure.
But several weeks ago I also realized something else. God isn’t finished with my life, yet. (Astounding, I know. :P) In some of my situations only He can see down to the end of the road and tell me if it was a failure. Some relationships, decisions, and circumstances aren’t complete, and I shouldn’t be thinking that they are already a failure when He isn’t finished with His plan. Each event in my life is perfectly planned out by my Creator and He knows whether it will be a failure or success. What I see as failure right now, may only be part one of His plan. He will complete my life one day and I will be able to look back on the road and see the journey that was taken. I will be able to understand each event, each trial, each relationship. AND I will be able to see the end result and reward. Ultimately, with Christ, there are no failures, because Christ’s design for my life is perfect, regardless of what path I choose. I may have failures as a person, but I cannot fail life completely if I am a child of His.
One quote I found that spurred me on in the writing of this post was this: “…the Lord may ask us to live for years simply trusting His promise of bringing ‘all things together for good.’” We cannot live in the present life assuming failures when we cannot see the end result. We are MORE than conquerors and each day we have a choice to feel like we’re failing miserably, or we can realize that “the only way we’ll ever stand, is on our knees with lifted hands”. Remaining in prayer, and getting back up again is almost a daily struggle for some, but we do not have to live in the discouragement of failure. Yes, we will make mistakes and possibly fail, but we don’t have to live in the fear of failure. God has determined all the outcomes of all future events already. We can stand up and go forward, knowing that He is in control of our lives, our families, our relationships, circumstances, events, and everything else. The past is behind us. What’s done is done. Let us learn from the mistakes we’ve made, but not be traumatized because of failure. Let us go forward in the strength of our Lord, living a life that shines in a dark world, while being “an example of the believers”. (1 Tim.4:12)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
My Puppy Poll!
I got a Golden Retriever puppy last Saturday! She is SO sweet and cuddly, but I can't decide on a name for her. She is normally pretty calm, but she does love to run around and chase other dogs or cats. I'd love it if you'd vote on the poll on the right hand side of our blog (next to the blog archive). I don't know if I'll choose the name that receives the most votes, but I want to see what you guys think, first. ;)
I've uploaded some links to YouTube of my puppy...but they aren't ones of her when she's sleeping (as that would probably be rather boring). :P Thanks! :D
Puppy and kitten.
Puppy in the yard.
God bless,
Kaleigh
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Our Comforter
I was thinking about some pretty “heavy” stuff a couple weeks ago when I was hurt by some news that my aunt had told me. I’d like to share with you something that a famous author and pastor wrote in a commentary about when we feel pain and anguish, how we can turn to our Comforter:
“The recognition of ‘’God’s power to hear your hurts is a key component to experiencing His tender love. In the midst of great pain, Jeremiah acknowledged his sadness and the ability of God to comfort him. So he cried out, ‘I would comfort myself in sorrow; my heart is faint in me” (Jer. 8:18).
“There is no such thing as a life without pain and trial, and therefore no such thing as a person without need of comfort. Don’t let anyone deceive you into thinking that the key to leading a joy-filled Christian life is avoiding pain; that simply is not possible in this sinful world, and neither is it profitable for us. God could choose to insulate you from hurt, but instead He allows you to experience the rough times that draw you closer to Him.
“Out of your pain comes a need for God. As He ministers to you and you accept it with thanksgiving and a desire to learn, you become equipped to minister to those He places within your reach (2 Cor. 1:3 ,4). Hurting individuals know there is no substitute for experience.”
~Charles Stanley “Life Principles Bible”
David endured many trials and tribulations throughout his days. Through these, he sought refuge in His Maker-the only One he knew that he could find true comfort.
As Dr. Stanley said, it is impossible to avoid pain, but God has given us the necessary tools to overcome the feelings that go along with it. God does give us some very promising verses in His Word to give us hope and comfort in these times though.
~Job 5:15 “But He saves the needy from the sword,
From the mouth of the mighty,
And from their hand.”
~Ruth 2:12 “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
~Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;..”
~Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.”
~Psalm 50:15 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Though we may be hurting because a loved one has passed on, an opportunity of a life time was just taken from our hands, or it may even be just a day where everything seems to be going wrong that we feel that God has deserted us, we can rest assured that no matter how much pain that we may experience throughout our lives, if we call out to God, He will comfort us. He will never turn away His children.
We will never be alone in our good times and bad times, because God has given us a Comforter: the Holy Spirit. He dwells in us and comforts us when we know there is no other place to turn. We then, can reach out to those around us and be a comfort to them.
The last verse that I would like to leave you with is an excerpt from the 23rd Psalm:
~Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
God bless,
Anna
“The recognition of ‘’God’s power to hear your hurts is a key component to experiencing His tender love. In the midst of great pain, Jeremiah acknowledged his sadness and the ability of God to comfort him. So he cried out, ‘I would comfort myself in sorrow; my heart is faint in me” (Jer. 8:18).
“There is no such thing as a life without pain and trial, and therefore no such thing as a person without need of comfort. Don’t let anyone deceive you into thinking that the key to leading a joy-filled Christian life is avoiding pain; that simply is not possible in this sinful world, and neither is it profitable for us. God could choose to insulate you from hurt, but instead He allows you to experience the rough times that draw you closer to Him.
“Out of your pain comes a need for God. As He ministers to you and you accept it with thanksgiving and a desire to learn, you become equipped to minister to those He places within your reach (2 Cor. 1:3 ,4). Hurting individuals know there is no substitute for experience.”
~Charles Stanley “Life Principles Bible”
David endured many trials and tribulations throughout his days. Through these, he sought refuge in His Maker-the only One he knew that he could find true comfort.
As Dr. Stanley said, it is impossible to avoid pain, but God has given us the necessary tools to overcome the feelings that go along with it. God does give us some very promising verses in His Word to give us hope and comfort in these times though.
~Job 5:15 “But He saves the needy from the sword,
From the mouth of the mighty,
And from their hand.”
~Ruth 2:12 “The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
~Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me;..”
~Psalm 31:24 “Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.”
~Psalm 50:15 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
Though we may be hurting because a loved one has passed on, an opportunity of a life time was just taken from our hands, or it may even be just a day where everything seems to be going wrong that we feel that God has deserted us, we can rest assured that no matter how much pain that we may experience throughout our lives, if we call out to God, He will comfort us. He will never turn away His children.
We will never be alone in our good times and bad times, because God has given us a Comforter: the Holy Spirit. He dwells in us and comforts us when we know there is no other place to turn. We then, can reach out to those around us and be a comfort to them.
The last verse that I would like to leave you with is an excerpt from the 23rd Psalm:
~Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
God bless,
Anna
Monday, June 04, 2012
His Answers!
We all go through difficult circumstances. Perhaps our uncertain future and unanswered questions are the most challenging to accept during these situations. I wrote this post a while ago, when I did not have answers to my questions. I know many others have asked and will ask these same questions, and though I cannot give you specific answers for your circumstances, I know Someone who can. These are not my words, but rather, God's. Speaking from personal experience, He can comfort, encourage, and answer you better than any human on earth. :)
1. How do I find joy in all this?
-He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps.126:6)
-…Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
-Whom having not seen ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8)
2. How do I bear this heavy load?
-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
-There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor.10:13)
-Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt.11:28)
3. Can’t I just have some peace?
-Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
-Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Is.26:3)
-These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
4. I can’t fight this anymore. I’m tired of it all.
-Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (Rom.8:37)
-…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
-And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal.6:9)
-Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor.15:58)
5. I can’t do it.
-I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Ps.121:1-2)
-Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thess.5:24)
-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps.46:1)
-…I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee. (Is.41:10)
6. Is there any hope left?
-For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. (Ps.71:5)
-…but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)
-Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). (Heb.10:23)
-…Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col.1:27)
-And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three. (1 Cor.13:13)
7. I’m not strong enough.
-…for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh.8:10)
-And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor.12:9)
-But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (Is.40:31)
-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil.4:13)
8. Where do I go?
-And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer.29:13)
-He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. (Ps.91:15)
-Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16)
9. How do I know what is right and wrong?
-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
-If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
-Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov.3:5-6)
10. Where are you?
-And he said, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Ex.33:14)
-…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb.13:5)
-And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. (Deut.31:8)
-Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Josh.1:9)
11. Why, God?
-Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil.1:6)
-Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12)
-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer.29:11)
-But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
1. How do I find joy in all this?
-He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps.126:6)
-…Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
-Whom having not seen ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. (1 Peter 1:8)
2. How do I bear this heavy load?
-Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
-There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor.10:13)
-Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt.11:28)
3. Can’t I just have some peace?
-Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)
-Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (Is.26:3)
-These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
4. I can’t fight this anymore. I’m tired of it all.
-Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. (Rom.8:37)
-…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
-And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal.6:9)
-Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor.15:58)
5. I can’t do it.
-I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. (Ps.121:1-2)
-Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thess.5:24)
-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Ps.46:1)
-…I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee. (Is.41:10)
6. Is there any hope left?
-For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. (Ps.71:5)
-…but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)
-Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised). (Heb.10:23)
-…Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col.1:27)
-And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three. (1 Cor.13:13)
7. I’m not strong enough.
-…for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh.8:10)
-And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor.12:9)
-But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not faint. (Is.40:31)
-I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil.4:13)
8. Where do I go?
-And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer.29:13)
-He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. (Ps.91:15)
-Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16)
9. How do I know what is right and wrong?
-Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
-If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)
-Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Prov.3:5-6)
10. Where are you?
-And he said, my presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. (Ex.33:14)
-…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb.13:5)
-And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. (Deut.31:8)
-Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Josh.1:9)
11. Why, God?
-Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil.1:6)
-Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:12)
-For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jer.29:11)
-But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)
Lamentations 3:22-23
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
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