The irrationality of Grace 02/28/2010
Grace is irrational. There is no logical explanation as to why God would give such a gift to those who receive it. None. He doesn't gain anything more from the transaction which ended up costing Him everything. Since Grace, and its irrationality, is the foundation of the Scriptures, it got me to reflect on everything else that doesn't 'make sense' - to those on the outside looking in ... and often to those who follow Christ. I conquer by yielding. I find rest under a yoke. I am saved for eternity by nothing that I do and by the simplest faith. I reign by serving. I find riches when I am poor in spirit and when I give beyond my means. I forgive because I am forgiven and to be forgiven. I am made content through sufferings. I am made great by becoming small. I become wise by being a fool for Christ's sake. I am made free by becoming a bondservant. I honor myself by honoring God and other's first. I love myself by loving God and other's first. I seek first an invisible kingdom. I am loved, and I love, by choice, not emotions. I am exalted when I am humble. I gain strength when I am weak. I triumph through defeat. I find victory by glorying in my infirmities. I live by daily dying. I am first by putting myself last I am most satisfied when God is most glorified. Real riches have nothing to do with what I own. Real wisdom has nothing to do with what I know. Real salvation has nothing to do with what I do. Real freedom has nothing to do with what I choose. Real glory has nothing to do with how others see me. Real food has nothing to do with what I eat or drink. Real value has nothing to do with my accomplishments. Real beauty has nothing to do with what I see. Real strength has nothing to do with what I can bear. Real pleasure has nothing to do with me. Real love has nothing to do with what I feel. Real power has nothing to do with what I control. It doesn't make sense. And that is why I believe. 1 Comment Charter for Compassion 02/28/2010
I believe compassion is the one value that truly differentiates us from being self-loving, egoistical people. Our caring and grace for others is the one key to make sure our collective future becomes a livable one. Last year, Karen Armstrong, a reknown religious scholar, made a plea at TED for a Charter for Compassion: an initiative to 'to restore the Golden Rule as the central global religious doctrine.' One year later, with the help of TED and 150 000 contributors like you and me from 180 different countries and 4 different languages, Karen's dream is finally becoming a reality. How different would our businesses be if we applied this charter in our commercial transactions ? in our interpersonal relationships ? with people very different from us ? Here are inspiring examples and a way for us to act on it. Enjoy the Charter for Compassion. Grace is given... and recieved 02/27/2010
It was interesting to see the focus of the Scriptures on both the gift of Grace and the responsibility of each person to accept the gift. One gives through Grace and one receives through faith. For me, this "graceful" reality cuts through the debate of Calvinism VS Aminianism by balancing man's free will and God's sovereignty. Only Grace - Matthew West 02/27/2010
A wonderful song reminding me that when I hit rock-bottom and have nothing left, there is only Grace. When I can't seem to forget the past, there is only Grace. When I don't understand what's happening around me and to me, there's only Grace. And it's enough. Legalism VS Grace 02/27/2010
This hits very to home. Taken form a document I once called simply title 'grace'. Legalism VS Grace
From David: the 4 Graces 02/27/2010
From the story of 2 Samuel 9:1-13 David showing Grace to a crippled Mephibosheth, the grand-son of an enemy who hated him, I get 4 actions that come from the Grace-filled life David had: 1-Grace seeks and saves (2Sa 9:1-5). 2-Grace restores (2Sa 9:6-9). 3-Grace sustains (2Sa 9:10-12). 4-Grace exalts (2Sa 9:13). Grace in my Hello and in my Goodbye 02/26/2010
When writing to saints across the land, the apostle Paul opened every letter with a salutation based on Grace ... and closed every letter with a blessing based on Grace. Every time he said 'Hello', there was Grace. Every time he said 'Goodbye', there was Grace. It was the most important wish he could have for those he loved. What's my wish for others ? It keeps going and going... 02/26/2010
Grace is a continuing action from God in my life. I discovered that while studying what Grace is the Source of in my life. It does not end with the gift of Salvation, but pursues its daily work throughout my Sanctification and finally in my Glorification. The Source AND the Result of Grace 02/26/2010
So far, I have found that Grace is both the source of AND the result of my:
Duchess of Gordon 02/26/2010
One person who I believe captured the complete essence of Grace was the Duchess of Gordon, when she wrote : O Lord, give me grace to feel the need of Thy grace; give me grace to ask for Thy grace; and when in Thy grace Thou hast given me grace, give me grace to use Thy grace. | AuthorI am on a journey to learn and experience biblical Grace. This page holds my 'oh wow, I didn't know that about Grace' moments based on the research discoveries you read on this website. This is my personal journal to my 2Pt 3:18 growth and understanding of this infinitely deep concept. ArchivesJanuary 2012 CategoriesAll |
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