(G)Leaning on Grace

As I was sitting at my desk this morning reading and having my time with the LORD, He brought a friend to my mind. This friend has shared some struggles that he has had in his life confident that I would faithfully lift him in prayer. We talked about shame, guilt, discouragement and rejection. He has been wondering, because of the difficulty in this season of life, if he is experiencing a trial of sanctification or, because of his struggles with doubt, if indeed he is even saved at all. He has read many books containing testimonials about freedom and forgiveness looking to discover their secrets and desperately longing to experience the same thing.  During our original discussion I reminded him that justification, being saved, occurred when he chose Christ as his savior and invited Him into his life. That sanctification is a process not an instantaneous event.  It is an ongoing journey, a transformation toward becoming more like Jesus. Now, I knew my friend was aware of the definitio...

It’s been a whole year since the last time I blogged so surely there is something new to report. In 365 days of living, life must have made its appearance in some positive form or maybe even a less desirable interaction. So, on the eve of the dawning of yet another new year, let’s take a look back at where God has taken me in 2012, what I have experienced as well as lessons learned or maybe should have learned. Yes, as I blogged last year, I have continued on with pursuing my dream of a college degree. At this time, I am just three classes shy of completion. Fifteen weeks of class time ahead and I will be a graduate! It almost doesn’t seem real. I have also continued with piano lessons. I will most likely never be a concert pianist, but I can  play a bit of music, simple but fun, and I enjoy it. In my eyes, that is an accomplishment and it makes me happy. I did make it through a whole year of work and life without any major illnesses or surgeries. In comparison to recent years t...

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13 As human beings we all long for companionship, friendship and even truly deep relationship with another person that we can trust and share our most telling secrets with. Our emotional stability sometimes hinges on that very thing. We have an intrinsic need to share. Or at least women do. I understand that men are wired somewhat differently and it takes them a little longer, if ever, to open up to their contemporaries. I believe however, that God made us that way. He knew that we would long for relationship with another. He created us to do life, to serve him, to be living and active in our faith as a group. That's why h...