Sunday, September 02, 2007

when grace goes deep.

These are extracts from Max Lucado's book- Come Thirsty.

Its enlightening in the sense that, we often feel dry, know that we are thirsty, but dont know what to do about the thirst. Some even can't identify the reason they thirst. and go on being dehydrated. Iv been there too. Dehydrated but not drinking. Physically AND spiritually. But this stands out in my life that i am very grateful for: I dont really have great difficulty coming back to God. Not taking his grace for granted, but, the kind of person that i am, i often, as in very very often need God's assurance that He is there, with me every moment of the day. Therefore, i know that He is never far away. and even if i feel that He is far, this fact remains: God never moves, I have.

= Too many tasks. Keeping the robe spotless, the ring positioned, the sandals snug- who could meet such standards? Gift preservation begins to wear the young man. He avoids the Father he feels He cant please. He quits wearing the gifts he cant maintain..=

This passage struck me instantly. As i was talking to jiarong about some difficulties i faced in ministry and in serving, he reminded me that this is what happends when we rely on our own strength. In the midst of all the preparations and getting things in order, i missed the 1 important aspect of ministry: Its not ny might, nor by power, but by God's spirit. I thank God for these friends. For talking to me, through them.

Who determines your identity? What defines you? The day you were dropped? Or the day you were carried to the King's table?

I feel that this is the ultimate expression of Grace. Unearned and undeserved favour from our Father.

John Oxenham wrote in 1913:

GOD'S HANDWRITING

He writes in characters too grand
For our short sight to understand
We catch but broken stokes, and try
to fathom all the mystery
of withered hopes, of death, of life,
the endless war, the useless strive-
But there, with larger, clearer sight,
We shall see this0 His way was right.

God i thank You. For grace. For favour. For mercy. For Hope. and for a future. Amen.

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