A look through my eyes

The Thin Line (between grace and works)

An excerpt from my book "Barefoot with God"  For your consideration and feedback.

"For by grace you are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8

God's grace is an amazing thing.

Those words, in and of themselves, speak volumes. Perhaps because grace is such an amazing thing, our finite minds have difficulty embracing it.

Oh sure, we can accept the fact that we are sinners and need God's grace to cover our sins so we can obtain heaven, and we are even somewhat generous in allowing His grace to flow into others lives through us. But do we really understand the immensity of the gift we've been given? Can we possibly begin to comprehend the magnitude and grandeur of God's great love for us?

It is my opinion we are unable to do so without extensive time in His word and in His presence. We may well scratch the surface in time spent at church and Bible studies, but until we spend significant time with Him, One on one, we won't get it.

Consider the account of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:40-42. Jesus had come by their house, and as was customary, Martha busily engaged herself in preparing a meal for Jesus. Mary, however, chose to sit at His feet and listen to Him speak. Martha became upset with Mary's lack of help, and asked Jesus to chastise her. He responded lovingly when He said to her "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." (vs 41 & 42 NKJV)

In His own words He tells us the importance of sitting at His feet.

Why then, do we get so tangled up in "doing" ?

You see there is a very fine line between completely accepting the gift of His grace, and massaging our egos to make ourselves feel worthy of His love. Even handling the Scripture "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." (James 1:22), can be cause for stumbling. When we busy ourselves "doing" we often miss the more important act of "dwelling".

Dwelling regquires resting.

Resting requires being still.

Being still requires stopping all of our activity.

No fidgeting. No doing. Simply being still.

God tells us to "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10 NKJV) and in Isaiah 30:15 we see " In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength." (NKJV). Why then do we struggle so?

Because grace is hard to comprehend and accept. It requires faith. Faith the size of a mustard seed is enough. Once we quit trying to prove to God, (others and ourselves) how "worthy" we are of receiving the gift, and begin resting in the provision He has given, we will find His grace is truly amazing.

Bask in His love. Let Him lavish His affection upon you.

Believe, receive and feel the refreshing waters beneath your feet.

That is great!

10:05 PM, Mar. 15, 2007 .. Posted by mom2two

So when can I get the book!

Yvonne :o)

Girl...You've been to my house!

7:36 PM, Apr. 8, 2007 .. Posted by 2cupsOjava4me

God has been speaking the very same things to me...and then some. It's so refreshing when He comes along and ignites other hearts around us in the same way. Makes us burn brighter when we begin to "burn" together. Thanks for your great post.

Blessings,
Lori