Re:Verse reading–2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:7-8,11-15 (day six) If I say that grace is AMAZING, you are likely to nod agreement and hum the famous hymn tune. If I say that grace is UNEXPECTED, perhaps you will pause and consider the question “What is it about my life that is not what people expect?” What in me surprises people? Do they see generosity in circumstances that would provide an excuse not to be? (vs 7) Do they see submission, ego-less surrender to the will of God and the needs of others? (vs 5) Do they see unity? (vs 15) What about cheerfulness in all things, even sacrificial things? (vs 9:7) Whatever else should be said about the grace of God, if it produces exactly what everyone expects, then something is wrong. Flesh is the norm. Self and pride and fear. What the world is always amazed to see is the Spirit alive in the heart of believers. So surprise someone today, will you?
I went to the store early today (after reading your post) and hummed Chris Tomlin’s Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) almost the entire time. Then I got home and it was playing on Klove (have not heard it in a long time). Must be something there to reflect on today. Maybe it is to remind me of how His Grace took my breath away when I first really started to understand it. How He loves us and how faithful He is.
God led me to Romans 12 this morning. What a great chapter (I have almost every verse in this chapter underlined.. powerful stuff). It says, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor”… and…”Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” And the best part is that the beginning of the chapter helps us know how this is possible by presenting our bodies a living and holy sacrifice, renewing our minds to think like Christ and not thinking of ourselves too highly (walking humbly with God and before others).
I appreciate this chapter so much because it helps me see what is possible only with Him. As you said, this is not the norm.
Months ago now, I was in a painful time of rejection and I knew I had to hold it before the Lord… so I did and quoted the end of this chapter….”VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY”… I reminded the Lord of His promise…. then I began to cry and said, No, I love this person very much… please do not repay, but show Mercy instead and Bless. The Lord spoke to my spirit so clearly as Peace washed over me, “Great is your reward.” I hope I never forget that day or the lesson learned. God’s preference is Compassion/Mercy/Love. Amazing Grace indeed!! May it be so with us also.
I am thankful today for this blog and for the instruction I received from the Word.
Father,
You are amazing and I bless Your Holy Name today. Thank you for everything You are. Thank you for Grace and Mercy. Bless all who follow this blog.
Amen.