​​4 His Beloved
  • Home
    • About Lisa
    • Contact
    • Give
    • We Believe
  • ETSY SHOP
    • Books >
      • Womans Devotional
      • Releasing Captives
      • Bible Study for Women
    • Prayer Journal
    • Bible Journaling Kits
  • Online Womens Bible Study
    • Daily Prophetic Word
  • Gratitude Challenge Kit
    • Verse Mapping Template
    • Passion and Purpose Free Download
    • Personal Vision Statement Worksheet
  • ALTAR Nights
  • Excel 2023 Workshop

Super Abounding Grace

6/25/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
 
Over the years I have often heard it said that Jesus chose Paul to be an apostle partly because of his superior knowledge of the scriptures. They believe his specialized training and years of being steeped in the law gave him the needed foundation and advantage to write two-thirds of the New Testament. In doing so they often unknowingly elevate his history as a badge of honor. Though it is true, the Lord will make use of everything we have to accomplish His good, pleasing, and perfect will- nowhere does Paul ever say that he was chosen for his superior knowledge in the scriptures and advanced schooling. In fact, he says exactly the opposite: “whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ…   and count them as rubbish (garbage).” (Philippians 3:7-8) He actually refers to his previous knowledge and training as a waste! (see Philippians 3:4-8)
 
But what Paul does point to as a reason for Christ choosing him to act as His apostle is found in 1st Timothy:

This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Here Paul identifies, not his previous superior knowledge of the scriptures, but rather being chief among sinners as the primary reason he was entrusted with the gospel as an apostle (see v11-12).  He says, “for this reason… Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience”. 

Oftentimes we think God has misgivings about using us in His service because of our tainted past when in reality He sees it as an opportunity to reveal His mercy, grace, and patience. An opportunity to reveal His glory! Our sin doesn’t disqualify us it qualifies us to be vessels of His grace.

Without a doubt my pre-Christ years were embarrassing! There really is no other way to say it- disgraceful. The overt stupidity, wastefulness, and shameful behavior associated with that part of my life is something I don’t care to spend much time thinking about or dwelling upon.  When I surrendered to Christ, I spent a number of years wrongly believing the Lord would never be able to make much use of me.  The best I could hope for was second-class citizenship in the kingdom of God. That was until I discovered the true riches of His super abounding grace!

Yes, sin fractures but grace heals! A life that has been marred and fractured by the destructive nature of sin is a life that can reveal the healing and redeeming beauty of Jesus like no other.

Have you ever heard of the Japanese art of Kinsugi?  It’s when broken pottery is repaired with gold. Gold is used artistically to reattach broken pieces or fill in the missing ones. “it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise.” (Wikipedia)
 
When we begin to see our lives as a work of art that reveals the glory of God it frees us to unashamedly draw upon His grace for power and strength while running into our destiny. Leaving the past mistakes and bad decisions behind. Not veiled or disguised but filled with grace!  Armed with this knowledge we can be assured that everything good and great that gets accomplished through us will reveal the pure goodness of God.   

So rather than being bashful about shinning for Jesus though we are full of cracks (of our own making), we can boldly shine knowing the cracks and broken parts have been filled with the pure gold of His grace. Our lives carry great potential to boast of God’s goodness!

If your past is hindering you from unashamedly and openly shinning for Jesus, if you think your pre-Christ life or a past stumbling has somehow disqualified you from living out your calling- I encourage you to consider the true merits of grace.   Christ can shine most brilliantly through your cracks!
 
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7
 
For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

 
 


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Lisa Cook
    Blog Spot

    "...my heart stands in awe of your Word"                                                      Psalm 119:161b
     

    Archives

    March 2020
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    November 2012
    October 2012
    May 2012
    March 2012
    December 2011
    September 2011
    June 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010

    Categories

    All
    Acts 2
    Christmas
    Pentecost

    RSS Feed

"Connecting hearts with the heart of God"
  • Home
    • About Lisa
    • Contact
    • Give
    • We Believe
  • ETSY SHOP
    • Books >
      • Womans Devotional
      • Releasing Captives
      • Bible Study for Women
    • Prayer Journal
    • Bible Journaling Kits
  • Online Womens Bible Study
    • Daily Prophetic Word
  • Gratitude Challenge Kit
    • Verse Mapping Template
    • Passion and Purpose Free Download
    • Personal Vision Statement Worksheet
  • ALTAR Nights
  • Excel 2023 Workshop