My small group is doing a Bible Study about Grace written by Max Lacado. Tonight we talked about receiving and extending grace to others, even those who have caused us hurt. The Bible passage came from John where it talks about Jesus washing the disciples feet. One thing that really stuck out at me that Max said about this story is that Jesus even washed Judas' feet. But the way he said it was that Jesus didn't pass Judas by, and the way I heard it was "Jesus didn't pass you by."
Did you get that? Jesus has not passed you by. In fact his grace extends to everyone who will accept it. You see, even though Jesus knew that Judas would betray him in just a few hours, he still stopped in front of him and washed his feet. So, one thing I take from this story is that no matter who you are or what you've done, your not to far away to receive God's grace!
This is also a message to the one who feels that the world is always passing them by. If you feel invisible or like others don't appreciate you or are just passing you up-take heart. The king of the universe has come to meet you where you are and has not passed you by.
Friday, October 18, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Shine Bright
The other day as I drove in the rain a thought came to my mind. It was 2:00 in the afternoon and yet the sky was dark and gray and rain was pouring from the sky. Yet playing on my radio was the song "Good Morning" by Mandesa. I thought what an odd selection for such a dreary day, but then I realized something. It might have been dark, dreary and rainy outside my car, but as I sang along with the radio and praised the Lord the inside of my car was very bright.
This experience made me realize something. There has been a lot of talk lately (even-or should I say especially-among Christians) about how dark this world is and how it seems to be growing darker each day. It is so easy to get caught up in all the bad and evil things happening in our world and forget that there is light, and that light is inside us!
God did not save us and put his light inside of us so that we can hide from the darkness. He put his light inside of us so that we can shine bright for him and point people to him (the only source of light). Matthew 5:14-16 says “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." So when we find ourselves surrounded by a dark world instead of giving in, hiding from, or complaining about the darkness see it as another opportunity to shine. Shine bright for Jesus and be a reflection of his love!
This experience made me realize something. There has been a lot of talk lately (even-or should I say especially-among Christians) about how dark this world is and how it seems to be growing darker each day. It is so easy to get caught up in all the bad and evil things happening in our world and forget that there is light, and that light is inside us!
God did not save us and put his light inside of us so that we can hide from the darkness. He put his light inside of us so that we can shine bright for him and point people to him (the only source of light). Matthew 5:14-16 says “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." So when we find ourselves surrounded by a dark world instead of giving in, hiding from, or complaining about the darkness see it as another opportunity to shine. Shine bright for Jesus and be a reflection of his love!
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