Sunday, February 23, 2020

Grace


"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch; like me!"  That's where it starts --- with the realization of our wretchedness. The morally upright, clean living, rule keeping, church attending, charity supporting, very religious Pharisees can never understand God's grace. They don't need it because they're full of their own righteousness and holiness. Pharisees tend to be critical, judgemental, and quick to write off anyone who isn't in their camp. On the flip side: The kindest and most gracious people I've ever known are humble, and realize their need of God's grace on a daily basis! "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)

Grace doesn't end with salvation though - 2 Peter 3:18 tells us to "grow in grace." The word "grow" implies a process, something gradual, progressive -- "A long obedience in the same direction." (Eugene Peterson) We can't make ourselves grow, anymore than a tree or flower can make itself grow. Just as the sun, rain, and maybe a little fertilizer help our plants to flourish and bloom, there are conditions that promote growth for the Christian. Bible reading, prayer, fellowship with believers, and even suffering all aid in our growing process.

As growing Christians we'll:
  • be humble and teachable
  • have a concern for those who don't know Jesus
  • become more and more aware of the devil's schemes
  • learn to walk by faith and not rely on feelings
  • think less and less of ourselves
  • have a greater desire for God 
  • grow in love, forgiveness, tenderness, and all the Fruits of the Spirit

For this layout I kept it rather simple adding some stenciled roses, a few white butterflies from Dollar Tree, and a pretty project life card. On the reverse of the card I wrote this quote from Tim Keller: "The more you see your own flaws and sins, the more precious, electrifying, and amazing God's grace appears to you." --- I found it to be true!!

Supplies and Tools:

1 comment:

Conniecrafter said...

Beautifully done with the stenciled roses with the rose life card.
Of all of these I would say the walk by faith and not rely on feelings is my hardest part, I tend to go toward feelings too much.