Unending Graciousness

Growing up my dad would try to teach me how to fish. He told me the trick was patience and waiting for the fish to come get the bait off the line. That if I moved or made any noise it would scare the fish away. When I was 8, my dad was trying to teach me how to gut a fish. Watching him cut it and take the insides out I wanted no part in it. As I go forth with the message, I want you to keep fish in mind……

God Is Mighty, Strong Tower, Deliverer, Restorer and Redeemer just to name a few. There are things that only the Hand of God can control, but then there are other things that we have the power and control to change. Most times, in those situations we pray for the Lord to move when He is calling us to. The unending graciousness that the Lord has towards us is unsurmountable and is calling us to show that same graciousness not only to unbelievers but Believers as well as our own selves.

For a lot of us we are the Pharisees of today including myself as we all have a sinful nature and tend to condemn people in the church whether we speak it out or not. The scripture of the woman caught in adultery we find in John 8:3-11. Where the leaders of the church brought her in front of all to be condemned. Jesus knew what they were trying to do and got down writing something in the dirt stating to them ,”he that is without sin cast the first stone.” Then when there was no one Jesus told her that He doesn’t condemn her and go sin no more!  Jesus showing Grace! Also in John 21:15-17 Jesus restored Peter when he denied Him three times calling him to take care, love and feed His sheep. Again restoring with Grace!

In Matthew 26:15 we find Judas betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. But, if we look a little deeper Jesus knew all along what his inner motive was and Judas was not  ostracized out of the 12 disciples Remember the disciples were the leaders of the church How many of us condemn ourselves and others Inside the church saying things like… look at how she’s dressed! Look at that! How dare they be late to church but on time for work! look at that child’s hair can’t the mom put effort into her own children as she does herself?

These are just a few examples as there are many more where we use righteous judgment wrongly by throwing accusations by throwing condemnation and judgment towards others inside the four walls and then we wonder why unbelievers don’t want our Jesus that’s why the Lord calls us to take every thought captive every thought!!! We find that in 2 Corinthians 10:5 the battle truly begins in the mind and when that thought remains it takes root then when it stays in our heart and what is in a heart comes out of our mouths. We find that in Matthew 15:18.

Whether we are the ones that are guilty using righteous judgement wrongly, or the one on the other end being judged, condemned and persecuted. Regardless of the one we are, it takes discipline to lay the feelings, attitudes and actions on the altar. Being raw, transparent and brutally honest with the Lord about what was done, said, and how it made us feel. It is then we will be able to truly let it go, leave it on the altar, heal and move on. We need to be mindful and sensitive to not gut the fish.

It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, not ours. Even when we teach others the way, to ask the Lord to give us words that heal, encourage, build up and motivate. So children of God if we are going to be persistent and consistent in anything let us love! We find this in 1 Corinthians 13 love covers all wrongs Love Never Fails love never gives up! No we are not Jesus but we have Jesus in us and as we allow him in all areas of us including our thought life our minds and our hearts then is when people will be able to see, hear and experience Jesus for their own selves. For most of the world we are the only Jesus they will ever experience.

With revealing and exposing comes correction! Correction leads to conviction! Conviction leads to repentance and repentance has us turn away and go in another Direction! It is then up to us to heed the call! It is then up to us to listen! It is then up to us to stand as one for the righteousness of the Lord! It is God’s Grace, Love and Mercy that changed our lives forever.  Let us never forget. It will be the same for others as well! My prayer today and everyday is  Jesus! Let Them See You! Jesus, let them hear you! Jesus, let them feel you!

I don’t need to make a name for myself! People don’t need to remember me, I want them to remember Jesus. Let’s link arms, unite, celebrate one another, stop hindering each other’s walks with the Lord. oh my gosh Lord help us find things to celebrate, find things to unite, find similarities for we are all one body! To stand-up Unite and walk in Unison as one together. As we do that let’s also be mindful we cannot judge a person by a season they are in! We all have hidden challenges we face in life. It is often in the dark room of life where God develops, grows, matures and chisels Let us take the words of Jesus and treat others the way we want to be treated! We want to be shown grace, mercy and forgiveness? Let’s choose from today on to extend that same hand to others! To truly be the hands and feet of Christ!

Lord, as we take this in today give us eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to receive it and feet of faith to move in it. Order our steps this week, Lord. Tame our tongues! We are your sons and daughters of zion! Your willing vessels! Use us fot You and Your Glory in Jesus Name. God bless you all