Grace by Max Lucado Review

"We find it easier to trust the miracle of resurrection than the miracle of Grace."

"...We scamper and scurry, trying to please God, collecting merit badges and brownie points..."

Can you relate?

Max Lucado's latest book GRACE is an inspirational read. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down, but forced myself to so as to meditate on what was being presented. Mr. Lucado interwove his thoughts, scripture, and real-life stories causing me to laugh, cry, think...and most importantly, pray.

I was encouraged as I was reminded of how God extends His grace towards us and how wonderful that grace is in our lives.

"Grace is simply another word for God's tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave."

This book challenges the reader to question how we have been changed by grace, and how we can make change by grace.

"To accept grace is to accept the vow to give it."

A read that does not condemn, but inspires. The end of this book also contains a "Reader's Guide" that individuals or groups can use to further explore grace in their lives.

This is a book for all, regardless of your experience with grace. I highly recommend it. It would be a great gift for Christmas or a fantastic Bible Study topic to start off the New Year! And as you can see in the picture, it comes in various versions for the young and old, experienced or otherwise.

One last quote (it is full of good ones...another thing I enjoy about this book), 

"You are loved by your Maker not because you try to please Him and succeed, or fail to please Him and apologize, but because He wants to be your Father."

~GRACE~

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.  

Weary and Cynical

In these past couple of years, I have become cynical. I used to think that people were generally kind and not (for lack of a better general description) mean. In my self-righteous arrogance, I have identified so many angry, bitter, spiteful, ignorant, critical, self-important people that have challenged my patience...and it is all I can see. Blinded by fog.

Now, I know I can, and have had, each of these characteristics flow through my veins, but through the Grace of God, I have worked through, and I am still working through - and overcoming the wounding of these strongholds. The trying part for me right now is the fact that as I try to let God work in and through me, these traits  seem to be pounding greater and greater against my armor - like a blow horn 3 feet away from my ear wanting to blow my eardrum into eternal deafness.

Sigh.


Immersing yourself in the Presence of God to shake off the anger of this world can be difficult...at least for me it can be. Sometimes, I want to wallow in this darkness just so I can throw it back at those that offend...Instigate revenge, retribution, retaliation. It is hard not to sink to that level. I must take it to God in prayer, even then, I sometimes feel He doesn't hear my cry of frustration.

Sadly, as I write this, I can hear the voices of condemnation from the religious. The voices of the Grace-filled are faint...almost non-existent. 

Time to refocus.

I return to the lap of Abba...Protect me. Give me strength. 


“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.Galatians 6:9
 
[ The Armor of God ] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6

Trust in the Lord your God and don't lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3 <-go here