Dear Lighthouse Fellowship,

 

            Grace.  This is a word that we talk about frequently in church, but it is a word that I want to ask you to stop for moment and really think about.  Grace, by definition, in given to us.  It is a condition that we could not attain and a gift that we could not obtain by our own merit.  Grace is the death of the law of God and life to all believers in Christ.  It is by grace that we have been saved to an assurance of Heaven.  Only Christ could accomplish this, so that is why our salvation, our hope, and our confidence come from the very Hand of God. 

            With this being said, do you ever feel “beat up” at times?  Do you ever look back at the day, the week, or the years and regret what you have done or not done in your walk with God?  Do your sins of the past ever come calling in the present, accompanied by the Accuser who wants to draw you off-course?  Does the Enemy tempt you to lose faith, to slip back into sinful things you’ve done before, or to doubt the love and grace of God?  If you’re like me, it does happen.  Most often this is a passing thought that is quickly pushed out.  But, sometimes the Enemy’s attack is stronger and we must defend our minds with the sword of the Spirit - His Word.  Let me share some ammo for those in need.

            A few weeks ago in Sunday School class we read the passage of Exodus 34:6-7.  Here God describes Himself.  It is an amazing passage to me.  We’ve looked at it before, but look again at the first statement:

 

“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, …”

 

            What a wonderful statement that we need to remember.  Our Lord and Master is compassionate and gracious.  When you’re tempted to doubt God’s forgiveness, read about His character. 

When temptation strikes in the form of guilt, remember these couple of passages.  Jesus recognizes the proper place of Law and Man in Mark 2:27.  Referring to David’s “raiding the refrigerator” at the temple and eating holy bread, Jesus claims that:

 

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

 

            And read II Chronicles 30:18-20.  Here His people desire to worship Him, but come to the celebration ceremonially unclean, but they come and eat anyway.  Hezekiah prays for them,

 

“May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God …And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.”

 

            In other words, God has given us laws for our own good.  His laws are not to be burdensome or joy-killers.  In fact, if God has given the Law, could He not also give grace when He so chooses?  That is what God did with Jesus - gave us a way of grace when we could not attain the mark set by the law (which was perfection).  Does He not still act in this way?  I believe He does.  God know my needs, and your needs, intimately.  God will supply all our needs according to his rich glory (Phil. 4:19).

            Are you seeking the Lord?  Is your heart bent on the mission of pleasing Him and growing in His grace and glory?  Are you struggling to grow spiritually in Him?  Or are you beat down and depressed with sin?  Have you hit a slump in your spiritual life?  No matter what question you answered or where you find yourself, if you are a Christian, God is waiting - the Lord, the Lord, compassionate and gracious - waiting for you to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal (Phil. 3:13-14).

            Press on with us at the Lighthouse as we seek to glorify Him!  Grace is good!