One of my all-time favorite Christian artists is Larnelle Harris. There is a song he sings that is in my heart today:
…
Chorus
Were it not for grace
I can tell you where Id be
Wandering down some pointless road to nowhere
With my salvation up to me
I know how that would go
The battles I would face
Forever running but losing this race
Were it not for grace
So here is all my praise
Expressed with all my heart
Offered to the Friend who took my place
And ran a course I could not start
And when He saw in full
Just how much His would cost
He still went the final mile between me and heaven
So I would not be lost…
(Excerpt from Larnelle Harris – “Were It Not for Grace”)
I did not come to Christ as a child, I came as an adult – already more messed up in so many ways that with all of my efforts I knew I could not fix myself- and the only thing I could take credit for, was understanding that I had some issues that I needed someone bigger than me to handle!
My heart’s cry today is for us to look again at those around us – they have may have rejected you before – they have may have told you that they were not interested in receiving the Jesus that has become your Savior, but look again – remember the grace that brought you through – the loving patience that someone exhibited as you “kicked against the prick” – they just might hear you now – they just might be ready. There is an anointing that has gone out over the world – to redeem the lost – it’s very strong now – we can tap into that anointing and our prayers will have more effect!
The reminder comes to us from the weeping prophet – Jeremiah – who longed so for God’s people to return to Him:
21This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:21-23 (KJV)
God has spared your life – He brought you out of that “miry clay and set your life on a road to stay” – don’t walk that road alone. Be encouraged to pray again, go to that loved one again – go to that defiant neighbor again – compel men and women, boys and girls to come and dine – there’s room at the table!
God Bless You,
Maria
Glory to God for His astounding, abounding, amazing grace! Twice today I’ve been blessed and humbled by messages of God’s grace. Reading it with you Ma & hearing Pastor James Ford on Moody Radio for their Founder’s Week. If you get a chance check out 2/3/10, 9:30a message from Pastor Ford @ http://www.moodyconferences.com/con_mainPage.aspx?id=31364 .
Thanks Ma for the reminder and encouragement.
Pastor Craword – SPEAK! This is truly a word in due season. The time is so short, the day is approaching, the hour is coming when no man can work, As you so often say, we’ve got to be REAL with others about our journey. Too many of us act like we’ve been saved all our lives. My heart crys out -” If t had not been for Grace, WHERE would I be”! He saved my soul, He came looking for me and used a team from Campus Crusade to draw me. It wasn’t in a church, but by someone knocking on my door and letting me know that there was an answer to my pain. Hallelujah!