Category: God

Grace

The majority of my friends and family members are Awesome and help to maintain my Faith in humanity. Then there are those few that stretch me. At times, they really tttrrrrry my pa-tience and offers of grace, or even desire to show grace! Jonathan, my husband, will sometimes say the latter are the ones who are there for our “perfecting,” meaning that they make our faith grow. And I think, ‘Gee, how much more does my faith need to e-x-p-a-n-d?!!’

He’s right though, because if they are irritating me by the things they do and/or say, it shows I have not reached my own maturity in Faith. If and hopefully when I’ve come to a point that their actions, which are intended to provoke, do not irritate, but bring forth a response of love and compassion, then I’m getting closer to the patterned son, who treated sinner and redeemed alike. What greater love did he show than to give up his life to those who mocked and scorned him? 

What love can face a person who figuratively speaking, spits in their face and turn that anger to repentance without one word? What kind of love can heal? What kind of love, when weary will still minister to those in need? What kind of love is not angered when a close friend doubts their existence and allows them to touch him so they believe he exists? It is love full of grace; it is Perfect Love. I’m not there, but Jesus IS. May I grow to be more like him and exhibit His Grace!


Saved by grace… what does that mean?

Grace (charis in the Greek) is a free gift; something given without expecting anything in return; an undeserved kindness; a favor given by God through Christ Jesus. The one who gives grace offers a kindness or a favor; their speech is pleasing and courteous. One who bestows grace is not hindered by another’s sin or triggered by another’s good works. They are motivated by the heart of Christ Jesus, manifested in and through them. Grace is actuated by joy and imparts joy.  Grace prompts its possessors to confer benefits to others. Grace sustains and aids the efforts of those who labor for the cause of Christ, assisting those who are devout followers to be strengthened in their troubles. Grace is the ability to love those who don’t love you, to lend to others and expect nothing in return, to do without being asked. The one who receives and accepts grace feels gratefulness, homage (honor and faithfulness towards the giver) and respect (esteem) to the giver.

Divine grace – ‘Status gratiae’ in Latin – is the spiritual condition of someone who is governed (held in check) by the Spirit. Salvation is a gift of divine grace; it is a heart changing reality. Divine grace is also a Corporate Expression of the gifts given by God. 1 Peter 4:10 “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”

Jesus is the epitome of grace; he knew how to answer every man, even as a child in the temple, his words were gracious. Luke 4:22 He lived out a life of grace to the very end of his human life. Grace and Truth come from Christ alone. Righteousness is declared by grace to us through Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 Grace frees us from sin and the penalty of sin. Romans 6:14 “Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law.  Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”

Grace is to be shared with others. When it is shared and received it brings glory to God. 2 Corinthians 4:15

There is victory in grace, even in the midst of trial because there is joy in the acceptance. Grace given is multiplied. Grace is the sufficiency of God in all that we face in our earthly life. Grace replaces the law. Galatians 5:1-4 Grace produces words seasoned with salt–put into fertile ground – healthy people, salt preserves & purifies. Grace produces wisdom. Malachi 2:7 & Colossians 4:6

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. (NKJV) “Let us have grace” means let us continue to hold onto grace.

Grace Is inherited. 1 Peter 3:7 & 4:10 Grace can be multiplied through growth. We are encouraged to grow in grace. 2 Peter 1:2-8 The more grace we understand and walk in – the more we copy the pattern of Christ Jesus – the more grace we will be able to show and share with others.

Prayer: Father help me to grow in your grace and use the gifts you have placed within me to serve others. Help me to continue to hold fast to the grace you have shown me that I might grow in the knowledge of you and be able to share your grace with others. Thank you that your grace is Sufficient! In Jesus’ name – Amen

(Note: Words in blue are hyperlinks to some of the verses I based this study on, click on the words to be able to view them.)

This is Not the America I Grew Up In

A few years ago, I had a person ask me if this was the America I remembered growing up in. At first I had given him a short response, saying yes, it hasn’t changed much. But shortly after, I realized it has changed and I revised my answer to him. Today, I’m revising that answer again, just seven short years later. I remembered his question this week and I’ve tried to pinpoint what happened to the land that I love? Today, I realize how drastically our nation has changed! First I want to share some definitions of the word ‘freedom.’

Freedom:

  • Exemption from external control, interference, or regulation.
  • Personal liberty, as opposed to bondage or slavery.
  • An absence of undue restrictions and an opportunity to exercise one’s rights.
  • Political or national independence.
  • The state of being free or at liberty.

Just looking at these definitions, I think we are no longer a nation of freedom, because the rights of some people are being held higher than the rights of other’s. I am applying this to the history and decisions of our nation. To be set free is to recognize what we have overcome. When our focus stays on the circumstances we once lived in, those things that oppressed us, we remain captive. There are facts, which cannot be erased from history – nor should they be. We can destroy all the symbols and memorabilia, but then we deny what shaped us into who we are today. How can we see how far we’ve come, if we don’t acknowledge what we’ve been set free from? This was attempted with Holocaust victims; there are some who denied it ever happened and some who have revised history. Fortunately, this movement has not caught on, but what will happen when there are no more survivors? Not that we should focus on their victimization, but we should celebrate that they overcame! We should also watch that it is not repeated. If we focus on what has happened to hurt, instead of what has happened to free us; then we remain victims instead of victors! As a nation, when we erase the wars we’ve fought and survived, we deny the victory of those who survived. We deny who we’ve become when we destroy the evidence.

Ask a victim of domestic violence who has escaped this torture and has been healed from those memories, if they are victims or victors. I am one of them, yet my attacker claimed to my face that he never hit a woman, even though my bruise was there for several months. What was I, if I am not a woman? He was expunged from any wrongdoing, because he had ‘friends’ in government that were able to get the charges dropped. But that did not lessen the damage he inflicted or his culpability. Thank God, I have not gone back into an abusive situation, but to deny that it ever happened, would be to deny who I have become. When we say that barbarous events never occurred, we invalidate those who have been violated, whether it is an individual or a group of people. They do not cease to exist and they do not forget how they were infringed, but they can move beyond those heinous crimes committed against them.

No, this is not the AMERICA I grew up in. I was taught our history; both the good and the bad. It was taught as an example of what could happen again. If we as a nation don’t hold to the principles of our founding fathers, then we are apt to replay the negative, or to return to the tyranny we escaped. The history I learned did not absolve those who sinned against humanity, it held them accountable. History taught us to not go there again. Wiping out the memories only strengthens the chances that it can repeat itself. Because, when we don’t learn from our mistakes, we are apt to repeat them. It may be a different set of people, who are targeted, or it could even be reversed, but it does not make it right. ‘An eye for an eye,’ never produced any winners.

I was also taught to respect authority. We did not backtalk our teachers or there were consequences at school and worse ones at home! There were disciplinary actions in both places! Now it has become almost heroic to defend every right, every move, every action, no matter how misguided, and these delinquent activities are celebrated in some groups. Everyone wants to debate and have their ‘rights’ even if it means denying the ‘rights’ of others.

When I grew up, mealtimes were started after everyone was seated and quieted, with the whole family at the table. We would say a prayer to bless our food and thank God for His provisions and pray for our leaders! We never left the table until everyone was finished eating, or we had asked to be excused. Our conversation during our meal was about our day, keeping each other informed. We were taught manners for eating with politeness. And we were taught etiquette in addressing our elders; such as saying, “yes sir” and “no sir” or “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am.” We called our friends parents Mr. or Mrs. unless they insisted otherwise. No “games” were played at the table unless they involved the whole family after eating. We didn’t have cell phones or electronic games. The television was not turned on until all the dishes were cleaned and put away. Television could be viewed without concern that children might see something inappropriate; there was no cursing, illicit sex, or the graphic killing of people shown. Much was left to our imagination. Children were able to go outside and play until dark because it was safe, now some are not safe in broad daylight! Most families went to church together every Sunday. Friday nights the whole town went to the football games during the season. Saturday mornings many locals met at the donut shop and discussed the game.

American Flag

Men wore hats and took them off during the National Anthem and everyone put their hand over their hearts and revered the flag. Nobody spoke during this time of honoring our nation, from children, to teens, to adults. It was silent except for the performance of the anthem. People bowed their heads to pray at public events. School was started each morning when the whole class would stand with their right hand placed on their heart to recite: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

It was not uncommon for someone to pray in school for a person who had a family member who died or was in the hospital. There were no school shootings or the need for metal detectors to get into the buildings. They weren’t necessary! Most school functions were started with prayer: at sporting events, banquets, award ceremonies and graduation — and yes, it was a public school! No, this is not the America I grew up in! He got that right, I agree! I’ve thought about his question off and on through the years. Although I gave him a short quick response, I decided I had a lot more to say on the subject than my short counter to him. There are far more people who disrespect our nation and its history, whether good or bad. History is what defines us and shapes us into who we are today. It is a timeline of how far we’ve come as a nation. To erase history, is to deny the oppression of any people and their victories. The person who asked the question, was attacking me personally regarding an article I had written that he did not agree with. He stated it was not the America he grew up in and that people were calling him un-American, because he questions authority all the time.

When I thought of what he said, I realized we grew up with very different values! Yes, we are given ‘freedom of speech,’ but much of the mainstream media and politicians, pick and choose who has that ‘freedom of speech.’ and have taken it to an extreme to further their agendas. Where did our honor of country go? What happened to the ‘America’ that I grew up in? You might be surprised to find that the crime rates went up when prayer and the mention of God were taken out of school. You can look up the dates and do a comparative analysis. We accommodate other “religions” that chant and call for our death, we recognize beliefs that are antiChrist, and we protect terrorists. In schools we don’t prohibit other nations’ flags, but are starting to ban our own flag because someone finds it offensive?! Why has the Bible been removed from our places of education and workplaces? Who is defending the rights of Christians? Politicians took God out of America and school; let’s bring Him back! May God Bless America Again before we lose the America we once knew. ~ KMcA ©

Fading American flag

 

A Ready Response

My husband and I have dealt with people who spread lies and were caught in them — even admitted them; sometimes by accident and sometimes by bold disregard of our feelings. They showed no culpability, even though they admitted saying hateful things and gossiping. Many times, we thought we had already dealt with it, only to find out they went back to their old habits. We know as Christians, we face persecution, but when it seems there is no end, it becomes daunting and disheartening. We try to make our response what we feel Jesus would do. We apologize for anything we may have done to make others angry. We give them the benefit of the doubt… But there is one way they and anyone can change, and that is to repent and surrender to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We pray they find a complete relationship with Christ who has the ability to transform. (More about that later.)

How do you respond when someone tells you that they are not willing to accommodate your needs (not wants) because they simply don’t want to; yet you see them accommodate others, without hesitation? How do you react when people gossip about you? What do you say when people don’t listen to anything you say because they’ve formed a bias against you based on lies? How do you treat them when this behavior is a constant pattern? How do you act when others say that you don’t owe them anything for a past kindness or gift, yet they continue to remind you of that ‘kindness’ or gift? You cannot stop others from lying or gossiping. You cannot make anyone forgive you for ‘perceived’ offenses. You cannot make anyone listen and understand. You cannot control what others say. You cannot keep people from maligning you. You cannot repay kindness that is held like a debt over your head… And I think of Jesus and his responses in all of these situations, and I try to emulate him. You go about your business, which is your Father’s business and you forgive, over and over… seventy times seven… but we are human and it isn’t easy.

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Even though we’ve searched our hearts and the Bible, I continue to search for the solution. We don’t want to lash out in anger, we want to give a response that is godly and kind, whether they choose to respond in the same way or not. One thing my husband said to me, while we were discussing these situations, was “How do we respond?” We’ve tried several methods, confronting in person, writing letters, speaking on the phone, but nothing has worked in one particular case. The lack of culpability, the lying, the scheming, and hatefulness has become a way of life for them. They even justify their actions. We all face these situations in our lifetime, whether it is with coworkers, family members, so-called friendships, and sadly with people whom we attend church.

Hugo4
As I was writing, our dog, who is very territorial, went into one of his barking frenzies. A van had pulled up in our neighbors’ driveway and our blinds were closed. The dog thought (because he couldn’t see and relied only on what he heard – not reality) they were invading “his” territory. He was putting out a warning that they better not get any closer. They better not mess with his space or his treasures, which happens to be me, my husband, his toys, and his food. He was going to protect what is his and what he is comfortable with, even beyond reason! While he was barking at the phantom threat; I had an epiphany! These people who have been attacking us are protecting themselves and their perceived offenses. They don’t want to change their lifestyle, they don’t want anyone “in their business” because no matter how phantom the intrusion, they don’t want to feel uncomfortable by making changes. They are so jealous of our peace, that they’ve decided there must be something wrong with us! They constantly scheme, like our dog who sneaks dirty wash cloths out of the laundry to tear them up, then he hides in a corner… They hide any behavior they know is wrong by repeating their behavior more discreetly. When the phone rings they bark their greeting, because it wasn’t their idea to have communication at that time… 

The question my husband proposed was, “How do we respond?” I started to think of Jesus and what we know of his lifetime. How did Jesus respond to hecklers? How did he react to people who were so blinded they didn’t recognize the truth standing before them? Jesus IS Truth! How did he speak to the Pharisees or those who were non-believers?

When we encounter those who don’t understand the truth or are too blind to see it, we can pray for them. We can also remember a time when we were too blind to see and wouldn’t listen to others in our lives. We remind ourselves that it is only by the grace of God that we are not in their shoes; attacking others, without peace, and unhappy. We can Thank God for the Holy Spirit in our lives and pray they also receive enlightenment from the Holy Spirit, and come to know God intimately, to know His overwhelming love, abundant peace, and joy. If we are given the opportunity to make a difference in their lives, it must be by example. It will only be through a ready response of true love. Does this mean we must constantly be subjected to people’s hateful attitudes? No. I believe sometimes we must stay away from those who attack. Sometimes it is only by staying away that no offense is taken. Jesus didn’t take offense. His intention was to do his Father’s will. His perception was perfect, therefore his response was perfect. I want that perception! Jesus also removed himself from the crowd at times, when they were pressing in and overwhelming him. Luke 5:16 What did he do when he was alone? He prayed. What a lesson for us all, when we are attacked, we should politely remove ourselves from the situation and pray. 

 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

My prayer: Father, I desire to Never be offended. I want to walk constantly in my Father’s will. I want to respond in the same way that Jesus did to the false accusations and the attacks which he encountered. Help the people who are attacking see your ways and have your peace. Thank you for loving me and for loving them. Help me to know how to answer them, when the time comes. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who is our teacher and guide, who will provide us with the correct words at the correct time. Thank you for a ready response.

“When God wants to show you what human nature is like separated from Him, He shows it to you in yourself. If the Spirit of God has ever given you a vision of what you are apart from the grace of God (and He will only do this when His Spirit is at work in you), then you know that in reality there is no criminal half as bad as you yourself could be without His grace. God’s Spirit continually reveals to His children what human nature is like apart from His grace.” –Oswald Chambers, from My Utmost for His Highest.