Grace

Lately I've heard so  many teachings on Grace. They are encouraging, motivating and make me feel so good. As a recipient of God's marvelous undeserved Grace I am grateful everyday that He saw fit to forgive, and restore me to Himself.

However, is Grace only here for us to feel good about ourselves, is that's all there is?
In reading Titus for a completely different study I stumbled on a passage that explained to me what Grace really is.....

Rather than expound on the text, I'm just going to copy it word for word because I believe it's self explanatory. Keep in  mind the punctuation, where there are commas which mean to keep reading there's more, we tend to stop after the first phrase and put a period.
Titus 2: 11-15 is one sentence, so please as  you read this keep in mind Grace is doing two things, 1. Bringing Salvation and 2. Instructing.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession zealous for good deeds."

I put the italics in to emphasize what Grace is instructing us to do in today's world.

So it's not just about a feel good Grace it's about learning to live in a manner that pleases God. As we accept His Grace it is there to teach us how God wants us to live after He has given us His Grace.

My prayer is that I can receive the instruction that comes along with the precious, undeserved Grace God has lavished on me just because He loves me.

He gives us His Grace as a teaching tool, when we accept it we  must also accept the instruction for a godly life that it brings.

Blessings,
Wendy

Learning to Rest

I am learning a valuable life's lesson about trusting God.

This isn't something that is learned overnight, it isn't learned by just one instance in life, it's something we each have to learn by going through life's issues and challenges and paying attention to the outcome.

Most of the challenges we go through are plagued with us trying to do, to fix, to orchestrate the desired out come. We feel the need to be constantly at work to make what we think should happen come about. We need others to know we are trying our hardest to do, be it a job hunt, financial challenge, creating the perfect atmosphere for our home. What ever our challenge we take it upon ourselves to do.

The scriptures referencing waiting on the Lord or Resting in the Lord are fired out of our mouths like bullets, but our actions tell quite a different story.

I am learning not to stress out about life's challenges and set backs. My biggest problem is not believing God will do what He says, it's concern about others thinking I'm not concerned about an issue, or that I'm not doing all I can do to fix the problem.

I'm actually more concerned with what others think than doing what God says to do....Please tell me I'm not alone out here!!

Knowing God has a purpose and a plan (Jer.29:11) and acting like He has the plan for your life is two different things.

In my heart I know God will work everything out better than I had hoped. In my head I'm thinking what do I need to do to make this happen?

I am slowly learning to really trust Him and not worry about what others think of me being in a sublime state of rest during a trial.

It's been a hard lesson to learn and I'm not fully competent in the resting part of my walk, because like you I've been taught to help myself, do it all, work on it, stress about it, worry, worry, worry then maybe, when God sees how hard we are working, stressing, crying, worrying, etc. He in His pity will swoop down and give us a little crumb to work with till the next challenge.

That's not what the Scriptures say at all, that's what man has decided the scriptures say. How sad in all this time of man striving to achieve, God wants us to rest in Him and trust He will bring about the desired results. Striving, straining and worrying won't bring about God's plan for us, but resting in His ability to bring His plan to life will.

Matthew 6:31-33 says, " Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "With what shall we clothe ourselves?" For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."

Learning to truly believe this scripture takes time and practice. I know God is my provider, but I sometimes still think He needs my help.

So, when plagued with challenges, instead of falling down in a heap of tears, or worrying through a sleepless night, put it in God's capable hands, kick back and rest in His ability to orchestrate His plan and purpose for your life.

Learning to Rest in Him,

Blessings,

Wendy

Are You Missing Someone?

For the past I don't know how many years now I've been estranged from my oldest child. The reason or fault isn't the issue here, but I do have something to share with anyone who is separated from someone they love.

Over the last 10 years I only saw my oldest child on the obligatory holidays and the occasional birthday. My youngest would go 2 or 3 years with out contact with me.

My heart would ache to see them. Even though I had relationships with my 2 middle children I missed the other two and longed for the day God would move on my behalf and bring us together.

Every year I would pray and claim household restoration, but nothing seemed to be happening. I know God is a restoring God, a healing God, a merciful God, I know it was not in His plan for me to be separated from them for ever.

At times I would grow impatient, I would cry, I would complain, I would be angry and jealous of those they chose to be with instead of me.

Last year started out the same as all the others, me claiming something that seemed impossible.

My oldest, her husband, my youngest son and his wife met for brunch on Mother's Day. I have learned to cherish the little time I got to spend with my oldest.

As we sat there eating she announced she was expecting twins in Nov., something in my heart came alive, I couldn't stop crying for joy. I didn't know if I would be a part of their lives, but I know the Holy Spirit was letting me know my wait was coming to an end.

I've been unemployed since March 09, completely unable to find a job. All this time I kept saying I didn't know what God had for me, but I knew He had the perfect job since I had to wait so long!

In July I was asked to be the "Granny Nanny" for the twins. Never in my wildest dreams would I have hoped to ask for this. The perfect job for me.

God, in His infinite wisdom, was answering my prayers from the last 10 years in His perfect time.

The boys were born in Aug., three days later the littlest one went to heaven. We will always miss him and he will always be a part of us.

When my daughter wasn't at the hospital with our precious survivor I was able to sit in his room and just be with him.

Now I am with her helping everyday.

God is restoring what the enemy had stolen from her and me.

Tonight I ran over and had New Year's Eve dinner with them and hung out for a little bit before coming back home to share this with you.

If you are reading this and missing someone please don't ever give up. God is a restoring God and He will restore back to you what the enemy has stolen.

Keep praying, keep fasting, keep believing no matter how many years it takes. Take it from me those years are well worth it when God moves suddenly and brings your loved one back to you.

If you are reading this and want me to stand with you in prayer for restoration leave me a message. I would consider it an honor to pray with you.

Blessings,

Wendy