Then Grace Says

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace
and truth came by Jesus Christ." ― John 1:17

 

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"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." 

 

― Hebrews 3:10-11

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What is the use of standing beside a lame man, and pointing to a shining summit, and saying to him, "Get up there, and you will breathe a purer atmosphere"? He is lying lame at the foot of it. 

 

There is no help for any soul in law. Men are not perishing because they do not know what they ought to do. Men are not bad because they doubt as to what their duty is. The worst man in the world knows a great deal more of what he ought to do than the best man in the world practices. So it is not for want of precepts that so many of us are going to destruction, but it is for want of power to fulfill the precepts.

Oh, brethren! we have all of us written upon the fleshly tablets of our hearts solemn commandments which we know are binding upon us; and which we sometimes would fain keep, but cannot. Is this not a message of hope and blessedness that comes to us? Grace has drawn near in Jesus Christ, and a giving God, who bestows upon us a life that will unfold itself in accordance with the highest law, holds out the fullness of His gift in that Incarnate Word.

Law is God requiring; grace is God bestowing. Law comes saying, "Do this," and our consciences respond to the imperativeness of the obligation. Then grace comes and says, "I will help thee to do it."

―  Alexander MacLaren

At His Disposal

O LORD God,

There is no blessing we implore but Thou art able to give,
    hast promised to give,
    hast given already to countless multitudes,
      all unworthy and guilty like ourselves;
Make us willing to receive the supply of our need from Thy bounty.
To this end convince us of sin,
          soften our hard hearts,
            to bewail our folly, ingratitude, pride,
            unbelief, rebellion, corruption.
Through the law may we die to the law,
    then look with wonder, submission, delight,
    to the provision Thou hast made for the glory of Thy Name
       in the salvation of sinners.

Give us a hope that makes us not ashamed,
        a love that excites to holy obedience,
        a joy in Thee that is our strength,
        a faith in Thy Son who loved us and died for us.
May we persevere in duty when not fully conscious of Thee,
        wait upon Thee and keep Thy way,
        be humble and earnest suppliants at Thy feet,
        live continually as on the brink of eternity.
Let us be at Thy disposal for the duties and events of life,
      submit our preferences to Thy wisdom and will,
      resign our enjoyments if Thou shouldest require it
        as our absolute Proprietor and best Friend.
May we know the blessedness of men whose strength is in Thee,
    and in whose hearts are the highways to heaven.

― The Valley of Vision

The Power of a Few Words

“We work differently when we believe than when we are discouraged. We pray differently under faith or under discouragement. We read and hear the Word differently under faith or under discouragement. It is no wonder that Satan works so hard to keep us from faith and keep us in discouragement.” (David Guzik)

Has a single phrase ever changed your life? You were going one way, then something was said, or you read something that resonated deep within you, and you knew from that moment on things would be different.

That’s just the reason I love poetry, songs, and quotes so much. They often come to me at just the right moment, as if an unseen companion whispered to my troubled thoughts. They're simple and easy to remember. And just when I’m tempted to give up, they remind me of the holy trajectory I’m on.

The trajectory of living by faith in a loving God who reveals to us the true way to see others, ourselves, and our lives from His heavenly, holy view. The trajectory of life’s highest pursuit: To glorify the Lord of glory in every blessing or trial He gives us in His perfect, loving wisdom.

There have been times that a few words have totally changed my perspective and my life. A single phrase I’ve read has given me the victory that I’ve been praying for for days, even months, on end! The power of a few words to change our lives is the reason I’ve started this blog. Friend, I pray the truths that have helped and challenged me to gain new victories will have the same effect on your spirit!

Never underestimate the power of a few words to change your life. I pray you will be strengthened by what you read here.

May we strive higher and higher to think thoughts worthy of our holy God. He is so great and good, and He can’t do us wrong! May He renew and strengthen our spirits within us as we seek Him.

Acceptance

 

In acceptance lieth peace; O my heart, be still,
Let thy restless worries cease and accept His will.
Though this test be not thy choice, it is His — therefore rejoice.

In His plan there cannot be aught to make thee sad:
If this is His choice for thee, take it and be glad.
Make from it some lovely thing to the glory of thy King.

Cease from sighs and murmuring, sing His loving grace;
This thing means thy furthering to a wealthy place.
From thy fears He’ll give release; in acceptance lieth peace.

― Hannah Hurnard