My friend Elisa, over at http://www.extravagantgrace.net/ has started the thread of grace on her blog. This is what she says about it: The more I write for Extravagant Grace, the more sensitive I've become about what grace really means and how it works its way into every day life. For most of us, grace is this big picture sort of thing that we see through life-transforming events or in light of the Gospel message...
The time in which our faith is transformed into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8)The moment we realized we deserve the consequences of our own sin, but that Jesus paid the price for them with His death on the cross.In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. (Ephesians 1:7)The event that reminds us that living, breathing, and experiencing life as you do, is temporary and may change at any moment.We may even recognize God's extravagant grace in the quieter moments of life, like the beauty of a sunset, the stillness of the house on a cool winter morning when everyone is still snuggled in their beds, and the laughter of a child as he is tickled all over.But there is another aspect of God's grace that many of us overlook--it is the grace that must permeate our private lives, deepest thoughts, and relationships with others. Without God's grace, we are held captive by our sin: from anger to guilt, bitterness to self-condemnation, pride to perfectionism. Do you see the thread of grace that weaves throughout our lives? Each scenario is different. Each sin has its own description. But the healing remedy is the same each time: GRACE! If only we could get our hands around it, and begin the practice of it! But it requires focus, consistency, and resolve. This is why I am launching the Thread of Grace campaign! I need accountability! Will you join me, in looking for the thread of grace in your life with the commitment to take hold of it in every situation? It couldn't be any easier... 1. Prayerfully consider this covenant with the Lord. It is up to you how to remind yourself of it. Write it out in your journal. Paste it into your Bible. Put it on your blog. But it is between you and the Lord. Don't make it if you don't mean it!
I, Denise, commit to living a life marked by grace, available to me by my faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, who died for the forgiveness of my sins through the shedding of His blood on the cross. His death, followed by His resurrection on the third day, provided the one and only sacrifice needed for my sins.As I live a life marked by His grace, I will strive to recognize my own sin, seeking forgiveness from the Lord, including myself and others if necessary, and readily accept God's forgiveness. I will commit to practicing forgiveness with others and myself.In His grace, I will move forward resolving to live rightly, with right thinking based on the Scriptures, again and again. Instead of wallowing in my sin and being held captive by my guilt or pride, I will repent and live free, redeemed in Christ.2. Memorize this verse.
2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
double click on the graphic below with the verse to open it in a new window and print it out3. Live in Grace. Each time you find yourself falling down again in an area of your life that you know the Lord has victory for you, make the choice to live in GRACE and to not be held captive by your sin.
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:144. Encourage others to live by grace and share the Lord's grace with them often. This means getting good at admitting your sin to yourself and the Lord, being able to say I'm sorry, and being quick to forgive.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:245. Spread the word. Tell others about the Thread of Grace covenant, and campaign and get them involved in holding you accountable.
The time in which our faith is transformed into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— (Ephesians 2:8)The moment we realized we deserve the consequences of our own sin, but that Jesus paid the price for them with His death on the cross.In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. (Ephesians 1:7)The event that reminds us that living, breathing, and experiencing life as you do, is temporary and may change at any moment.We may even recognize God's extravagant grace in the quieter moments of life, like the beauty of a sunset, the stillness of the house on a cool winter morning when everyone is still snuggled in their beds, and the laughter of a child as he is tickled all over.But there is another aspect of God's grace that many of us overlook--it is the grace that must permeate our private lives, deepest thoughts, and relationships with others. Without God's grace, we are held captive by our sin: from anger to guilt, bitterness to self-condemnation, pride to perfectionism. Do you see the thread of grace that weaves throughout our lives? Each scenario is different. Each sin has its own description. But the healing remedy is the same each time: GRACE! If only we could get our hands around it, and begin the practice of it! But it requires focus, consistency, and resolve. This is why I am launching the Thread of Grace campaign! I need accountability! Will you join me, in looking for the thread of grace in your life with the commitment to take hold of it in every situation? It couldn't be any easier... 1. Prayerfully consider this covenant with the Lord. It is up to you how to remind yourself of it. Write it out in your journal. Paste it into your Bible. Put it on your blog. But it is between you and the Lord. Don't make it if you don't mean it!
I, Denise, commit to living a life marked by grace, available to me by my faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, who died for the forgiveness of my sins through the shedding of His blood on the cross. His death, followed by His resurrection on the third day, provided the one and only sacrifice needed for my sins.As I live a life marked by His grace, I will strive to recognize my own sin, seeking forgiveness from the Lord, including myself and others if necessary, and readily accept God's forgiveness. I will commit to practicing forgiveness with others and myself.In His grace, I will move forward resolving to live rightly, with right thinking based on the Scriptures, again and again. Instead of wallowing in my sin and being held captive by my guilt or pride, I will repent and live free, redeemed in Christ.2. Memorize this verse.
2 Corinthians 12:9Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
double click on the graphic below with the verse to open it in a new window and print it out3. Live in Grace. Each time you find yourself falling down again in an area of your life that you know the Lord has victory for you, make the choice to live in GRACE and to not be held captive by your sin.
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. Romans 6:144. Encourage others to live by grace and share the Lord's grace with them often. This means getting good at admitting your sin to yourself and the Lord, being able to say I'm sorry, and being quick to forgive.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:245. Spread the word. Tell others about the Thread of Grace covenant, and campaign and get them involved in holding you accountable.
6 comments:
Denise,
What a wonderful description of Grace and how it works in our lives. This is an awesome post. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hope you are having a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by and commenting on my morning glory photo and my story, The Old Pump.
I keep you, as always, in my prayers.
Blessings,
Mary
This is beautiful, my friend. I needed this today. Love you, Julie
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Hi Denise:) I was just dropping in to say hello. Hope you had a good Sunday-Kelly
I think I will never truly understand grace.
After this past week this is something I could study for the rest of my life.
How are you doing? I think about you often. Wondering how your Lords day is going and if the Body of Christ in your area got a chance to give you a hug today.
Tried to call you today. I was thinking about ya! Love you!
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