Laced With Grace

“No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to strain to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)

My husband and I sometimes watch the new TV drama, Unforgettable.  The main character in this series is one of few people in the world who has the daunting ability to never forget a single detail in her life.  Sometimes I think this ability would be great to have since these days I forget why I walked into a room in the first place.  Then again it would be exhausting at times to know that you have so much “stuff” locked up inside your head and as much as you may try you cannot get rid of all that “stuff” that just really does not matter at all.  Of course my husband commented that he would feel sorry for her spouse!

Seriously though, it made me think about the useless and unnecessary “stuff” I keep in my brain.  I can forget what I just ate for dinner, but when my husband and I have a disagreement I am quick to bring up something he said 20 years ago!

Satan, the deceiver, is quick to bring to our minds our past mistakes and failures.  He knows exactly what our weaknesses are and if we allow him, he will keep us focused on those weaknesses so we cannot move forward in our lives.  We begin to doubt if we will ever get out of a certain situation or circumstance so we will eventually give up.

In the above scripture, Paul reminds us that since our hope is in Christ, we are to let go – forget those things that are past (even if it was just yesterday)  and look ahead to what God will do in our lives.  We are not to dwell on our past mistakes and failures, but instead we are to grow in our knowledge of God by focusing on our relationship with Christ now – this moment.  We need to realize that we are forgiven then move forward to a life of faith and obedience to His Word.  Each day when we awake, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us keep our focus on Christ.  In so doing we can look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because our hope is in Christ and not ourselves or others.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25 (NKJV)

Does the fact that Christmas is just ten days away make you cringe or even panic?  Do you have a list of things that need to be done or purchased and realize that nothing has been crossed off your list yet?

For the past five or so years I have learned not to allow these things get me down.  Unfortunately I had to learn the hard way when chronic illness crept into my life like a thief in the night robbing me of the stamina I once had in order to accomplish the things I thought I needed to get done for the Christmas season.   I have learned that my home does need to be perfectly decorated; I do not have to bake everyone’s favorite Christmas cookie, candy, or cake; or have the perfect Christmas dinner; or the perfect tree with all the special trimmings; or spend a fortune for gifts.

I’ve learned that what people really want – those closest to us – is our special attention.  We can find ourselves so busy with all the holiday trappings that we neglect the very people we claim to be doing all the fuss for.

This past Sunday afternoon I had a Women’s Christmas Tea for the ladies of our church in our home.  I not only wanted to show my love and appreciation for each of them, but I also wanted them to know that we can have a wonderful time of fellowship without all the hype and fuss.  I knew my limits as well.  Other than the usual weekly cleaning that my husband always helps me with, I did not worry that everything had to look spotless or beautifully decorated.  I decided that since it was an afternoon Tea, that the food would be simple as well.  I furnished the hot tea and sparkling punch along with a tray of freshly baked scones and mini muffins purchased from my new friend who has a lovely Bed & Breakfast and Tea Room in Pottsville, PA.  I had the ladies bring cookies for a cookie exchange using one dozen from each lady for all to share at the tea.  To make it even simpler I purchased Christmas paper plates, cups and napkins.  I did not want the focus to be on the food or a beautifully decorated table.  I wanted the focus to be on the fellowship with one another as well as the real reason for this special season – Jesus.  We had prayer and devotion; a white elephant gift exchange; Christmas Pictionary; and a great time of fellowship and laughter too.  The two hours set for the Tea flew by way too fast!

This year there will not be any homemade cookies or candies from me.  Although, those who know me are probably thankful to hear this since for some reason my cookies never turn out like they should.  My husband and I will enjoy a few Christmas gatherings with the church, some extended family members and our small but precious family (mom and our daughter Heather and family).  Knowing my physical limitations we chose carefully which gatherings we attend as well as limit the amount of time spent at each gathering so as to not overly exhaust myself .  I’ve learned that I do not have to be supper woman and do everything myself.  My daughter and grandson love to help with the Christmas preparations.

In simplifying my life I have been able to give the gift that each family member desires from me – the gift of quality time with ME.   In so doing, we can all enjoy the real reason for this special season – God’s precious Gift to each of us – Jesus

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15 (NKJV)

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”(John 8:31-32 NKJV)

The word “abide” means “to live” or “to dwell.” So, to abide in Christ, means to live in Christ together as one person. Jesus Christ and the Word of God are one in the same. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. “ (John 1:14 NKJV). So, if we will abide in Christ, then we abide in the Word.

Abiding in God’s Word is extremely vital in becoming a follower of Christ; it results in knowing the truth, which sets us free from the bondage of sin. (See: Ephesians. 4:17-24 NKJV)

If we will abide in the Word, the Word will instruct us and teach us in the way we should go. (See Psalm 32:8 KJV).

 Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5 KJV)

In the Parable of the Vine in John 15:1-17; we find an illustration that Christ gave His disciples on how their relationship with Him should be. Everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ and confesses Christ as their Savior receives a new position in life. Each new believer goes from being dead in his sins “in Adam” to being alive to God “in Christ.”

In Jesus’ illustration in John 15, God is the gardener, Christ is the true vine, His disciples are the branches held in place by the vine, and the Holy Spirit is the sap that flows from the vine to the branches, giving them the vine’s life and power. The branches cannot bear fruit unless they remain (abide) in the vine at all times. The gardener “grafts” the branches into the vine, and as the branches remain (abide) in this new position, they become “one wood” with the vine.

Christ used this example from nature to help His disciples understand how essential daily intimacy and connection with Him would be in their lives in order for them to bear fruit for God’s glory—which is the purpose for which He saves us. God’s vision for each of his children is that we know and become like Jesus. The only way to know and become like Christ is to abide in Him. We abide by surrendering our lives to Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to control us instead of being controlled by our sinful desires.

To abide in Christ, it is imperative that we abide is the Word of God. In John 15:3, Jesus told His disciples that it was His Words of Truth that had made them clean. In Verse 7, Jesus tells His disciples how vital it is to know His Word in order to have an effective prayer life. His Word is so essential if we are going to abide in the Vine and bear fruit that glorifies God. In order to abide in Christ, we must communicate with Him. As in any good relationship, this includes both talking to Him, and listening to Him. The Word of God is His voice in our lives. His Spirit assists us in understanding what God is saying through His Word. As we spend time abiding in His Word, the more we know Christ and begin to understand His heart, His plans, and His purpose. As we know Him more, we will trust Him more. As we trust Him more, we will surrender to Him more. As we surrender to Him more, we will bear more fruit.

It is imperative to understand that abiding is the only way that our lives will glorify God because when we abide, we bear the fruit that the vine produces (See Gal. 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8).

God’s will for us is not just that we have an intimate relationship with Christ through abiding. His will is that we have an intimate relationship with Christ so that we will bear fruit for His glory.

If we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit flows from the Vine through us- the branches- bringing to us the life and the power of the Vine.  To abide means daily surrendering our lives to God, allowing Him to work in us and through us.

Dear gracious heavenly Father, Thank you for providing Your Son so we can know You intimately through Him and Your Word. May we daily abide in Your Word of Truth, and in so doing may we produce much fruit for Your glory. In Jesus name, amen.