Laced With Grace

It is already January 11th. How are your resolutions going?

The typical working out more has not gone so well for me. I just can’t seem to make it to the gym.

However, there is one resolution I made that is going well and I am really excited about.

Shortly before Christmas I saw Tim Challies post about the 3650 Challenge. This is a Bible Reading system designed by Professor Grant Horner where you read 10 chapters a day. Bible reading plans have never worked for me in the past, and committing to 10 chapters a day seemed like a sure way to set myself up for failure. Eleven days into January, I am doing well and really enjoying it.

For this devotion, however, I simply want to share why I am encouraged daily in reading all around God’s word. I want to share one verse from some of the 10 chapters from today’s reading (I started early, thus Chapter 12):

Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit.

Genesis 12:2
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Job 12:23
He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away

Psalm 12:5
“Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD; “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”

Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Acts 12:11
When Peter cam to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

I can’t recall the last time I just read through the Bible and I am loving soaking up the Word of God. By the way, I still “study.” I am starting to lead a Precept Upon Precept class today and preparing to lead another one in coming weeks — so study is a must. However, this plan has really opened up an encouraging quiet time of simply reading. Everyday I am amazed at how God’s words are so intricately woven together.

I understand this plan isn’t for everybody. But I would love to encourage you to read through the Bible. Find a plan that is right for you and go with it. You will be blessed beyond anything you can imagine.

In Christ Alone,
Dana

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 ESV)

My husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary last week. For months, we had planned a weekend away – just the two of us. A friend of mine had committed to keeping our children. Through a series of circumstances, she was unable follow through. When our backup sitters couldn’t fill in, our celebration plans were ruined.

Frustrated. Angry. Disappointed. Downright rude. I went through each of these emotions multiples times and acted out against my husband. By Saturday morning, everything was his fault – including the rain!

God was gracious in showing me how childish I acted. Thankfully, my amazing husband was extremely understanding and quickly forgave my shortcomings. My prayer time that evening focused on repentance. Confessing my wretched attitude and prayerfully asking for God’s forgiveness was freeing. It was a good thing and is so important in a Christian’s life.

Martin Luther acknowledged how important repentance was when he wrote his 95 Theses. The very first one states this:

When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said “Repent,” he intended that the entire life of believers should be repentance.

On Reformation Day, I read beautiful commentary from Desiring God about Luther’s first theses. It says,

All of the Christian life is repentance. Turning from sin and trusting in the good news that Jesus saves sinners aren’t merely a one-time inaugural experience but the daily substance of Christianity. The gospel is for every day and every moment. Repentance is to be the Christian’s continual posture.

It’s true – the gospel message centers on forgiveness. When we approach God with sincere confession, He lavishly pours out grace and mercy on us every single time. There is no withheld forgiveness. There is no telling us no. That is the promise of 1 John 1:9. No wonder Martin Luther focused on repentance to begin his famous 95 Theses. What a wonderful promise!

Learning more about repentance,
Dana

Please visit me at my personal blog, Seeking Precepts.

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 ESV

Today is Labor Day in the United States. It is a day known for taking a break from work. For most Americans, it means family BBQs, swim time, beach time, shopping time or camping time.

Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer (unless you live in a hot climate like I do where it will be hot for about two more months). It also typically means back to school and back to football season.

The end of another summer season is now upon us. Before we know it, Christmas will be here and 2011 will be history. How has your year measured up so far? How has your “work” for the Lord come along?

Now is as good of time as any to examine how each one of us is doing – how much are we listening to God by reading His word? How many times have we shared the gospel message? How are the things we do and the choices we make reflecting God’s glory and brining Him honor? I simply want to share a few passages from Scripture that might be able to encourage you as you move forward the last few months of 2011:

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. John 6:27 ESV

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4 ESV

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 ESV

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 ESV

Happy Labor Day. I hope you will find some time today to simply rest in the comfort of God’s word. It is refreshing and will satisfy each and every one of you.

In Christ Alone,

Dana