When you looked in the mirror this morning, what did you see? A person with shortcomings and rough edges? Someone who has a loooong way to go before she measures up? A gal who struggles most days with feeling “not enough?”
You’re not alone, my friend. Most Christian women struggle with the “not enough” epidemic.
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Isn’t it interesting how words come to mean something?
Like “Babe,” for instance. When I was little it meant a tiny infant. When the movie came out, it meant a pig. And when you get married and hear it from your hubby’s lips, it means you!
Somewhere along the way “grace” has gotten a reputation for being soft and comfortable — kind of like being snuggled by so many adorable puppies.
But grace is much more than that – especially when she travels with her favorite companion, Truth.
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December is flying past us. By now we’re all surrounded with twinkle lights and gift lists, Christmas carols and flurry, holiday goodies and party plans.
But sometimes in the busiest seasons our Heavenly Poppa reaches down and whispers something special, like “receive.”
“Receive” can seem like a selfish word — like a little child, overly excited about opening her own presents, never giving a thought to anyone else. For us responsible, committed adults, the word, “give”, is often the true hero of Christmas. Give presents. Give cheer. Give goodies. Give love. Give comfort and joy.
I mean, isn’t that what Jesus did when He came to earth — gave of Himself? Isn’t that the very thing we now celebrate ‘mid the flurry and frost? Continue reading →
Once after hearing a fabulous God story from her friend, a woman replied, “You know, I’ve never faced the situation you just described. But when I hear your story of how God worked, it gives me such hope.”
Stories are powerful. And I have a personal God story I’d love to share with you. Continue reading →
You know the verse. You probably even memorized it as a kid.
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
Have you ever struggled to wrap your head around, much less believe, that kind of love?
What makes “God loves me” so hard to grasp, even for believers?
Often our definition of love is too shallow. Our minds can’t fathom what it’s like to be loved that much. And we miss another key factor . . . Continue reading →
If you’ve spent much time in Christianity at all, you’ve heard about grace. But, did you know just how incredible this concept is and what an irreplaceable part of the Christian faith?
Once there was a large conference where religious experts from all over the world gathered to debate what belief is unique to Christianity. They were hoping to find what single truth sets the Christian faith apart from others. Or if that single piece even exists.
As the experts debated, they threw out some possibilities. Incarnation? No, other religions have gods appearing as humans. Perhaps resurrection? Again this was overruled since several religions claim someone coming back from the dead.
The intriguing discussion continued until C.S. Lewis entered the room inquiring, “What’s the rumpus about?” The experts shared that they were comparing Christianity’s unique contribution to other religions of the world.
“Oh, that’s easy. It’s grace,” Lewis replied.
The debaters discussed for a while and had to agree.
” The notion of God’s love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to go against every instinct of humanity. The Buddhist eight-fold path, the Hindu doctrine of karma, the Jewish covenant, and the Muslim code of law – each of these offers a way to earn approval. Only Christianity dares to make God’s love unconditional.”*
C. S. Lewis’s insight and quick reply intrigued me. To think that the entire Christian faith is built on a foundation no other belief system in the world has. The truth is that God loves us and showers us with grace despite what we’ve done. No matter who we’ve been and regardless of what we deserve, God lavishes His love and grace on us.
Not only before salvation, my grace friends, but as believers too. God gives His love and grace to us freely and abundantly. Doesn’t that make you wanna cheer? Hmm, maybe I will.
Today let’s you and me bask in God’s unchanging grace and un-earnable love and see if it doesn’t fill our hearts to overflowing.
*P.S. I first encountered this story in Philip Yancey’s book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?.