A Deeper Revelation of God's Grace

I notice in my interaction with people that they can be placed in three categories. These three categories involve: (1) people who know that God is actively involved in their lives and care about him; (2) people who know that God loves them but don't understand how he is involved in their lives; and (3) people who don't know or don't care much about God. I enjoy listening to the ones who mention how God is working in their lives, what their hopes are for the future, and what they want God to do for them. What is challenging is listening to people who are not quite sure of where they are going, why they are living on earth, and don't even know or care about the true God. What about you, do you know why you are here and where you are going?

Father tells us in the Scriptures that we are created in his image and loved immensely by him. We are told that Jesus died for our sins and that the ones who accept that truth are made righteous because of Christ Jesus. We are told that our sins are forgiven and that we are accepted in the Beloved. We are told that Father has a plan and purpose for our lives. Do you believe that? Only Father has the power to change us and transform us to the image of Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit Father can work in us what is good according to his good pleasure and purpose. Will you allow him?

What I find out as I walk this walk is that it is easier to bond with the people who understand the nature and character of Father, and how he wants his children to behave. But what about the ones who are worshipping other gods, denying the true God or the ones who claim they serve the true God but their actions contradict his character and nature? Can they be helped? Father told us to go and make disciples and teach them what he has taught us. How do we do that? He told us that people will know that we are his disciples if we have love one for another. If love is such an important quality for a Christian, do we know if we are flowing in love and do we manifest it towards others? I think that the test of our faith and obedience to Father as we go through the difficult moments in our lives is how we love.

I cringe in the spirit when I hear people commenting about the grace of God. Often there is insinuation that since Father forgave all sinners that we are free to do as we please, and that Father will take care of it all in the end. Should we really do as we please? I am aware that I can be obnoxious at times. Is that all right? Have you ever been pushed to your limit by cutting remarks from Christian brethren, and when you reacted, you are labeled as being probably demon possessed and told that your Christianity is not real? I have! Have you ever been around people who like being preeminent and would put you down and shut you off when there is divergence of opinions. I have! But guess what? Through it all Father has shown me that he is the light when I am in darkness, and that he is the teacher when I am in a dry and weary place. I am finding out that I am enjoying the challenging moments in my life because I get to go wholeheartedly to the lover and master of my soul who always give me unlimited access to him and fill me with the revelation of his grace.

I hear that if you really have the love of God in you, you wouldn't judge people. And what do we make of the Word of God that states that people are known by their fruit? What fruit are you producing? I read that Ananias and Sapphira died because of their deceitful lying ways, and that Paul warned the Corinthians church to stay away from wicked ways of their past lives (Acts 5: 1-10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11) I also read that we should stay away from people claiming to be Christian brothers and sisters who are doing wrong (1 Corinthians 5:11). Even Paul stated that he faced great danger from people who claimed to be Christians but are not. (2 Corinthians 11:26) How do we recognize false brethren and people who are doing wrong? What do we use as criteria if we are to beware of what goes on in our lives and people around us?

These passages clearly show that we must leave our sinful past behind, or as John says, not to continue living in sin and that we should love each other (1 John 3:1-6). Father loves us so much that he has given us an instruction book that defines his character and tells us what he expects of his chosen and holy people. Do we understand and accept it as truth? Should we follow the world ways or Father's ways outlined in his Word? Remember that it is only the Holy Spirit Father in us who reveals the truth of the Word of God and is making us a new person. Do not also be discouraged when you noticed that you've failed miserably. Just hold on to Father and he will lead you in the path of righteousness for his name sake.

Love never fails. Because Father is love, we must know that he will never fail us. With his love comes the manifestation of his power in our lives. As his love flows through us, he will teach us to love one another, obey his commands, and live with power. The manifestation of his power in us will set captives free spiritually and heal the sick. In my case the more I understand that Father is actively involved in my life the more I want to please him. And I think that once you have a revelation of God's love, you also will want to know his will and walk in his ways and truth. You will also learn how to be tolerant and accommodating of others. And as you do, Father will bless you with the understanding and revelation of himself.

We are called to a life of holiness and sacrifice so we can receive and share in the glory of him who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light. See how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! We are to walk in love and truth towards each other. We are to walk humbly. And the only way we can do that is to renew our mind with God's Word, “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus 18 Aug '10