Acts 7:51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised….You always resist the Holy Spirit!”
Looking back at yesterday, I, sadly, come face-to-face with my own shortcomings. The vast majority of our Christmas was by far the best we’ve had in a very long time. If I had gone to bed at my accustomed hour, it would have remained so. But the last hour and a half went downhill quickly, and short tempers and exhaustion made the whole thing worse. I did not, in that time, embrace the imperfections. And every time I awoke in the night, I felt the sting of my lack of grace.
Matt 7:2 For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
All of the verses placed in my path this morning felt like chastisements and warnings—You, Beth, are being stiff-necked. You, Beth, are judging. You, Beth, will be judged. But the still, soft, beautiful voice of my sweet Savior has been whispering repeatedly that His love, His grace, and His mercy are enough to cover ALL of my imperfections and shortcomings, even on Christmas. Thank You, Jesus.
John 12:47b “…For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and for Your mercy, love, and grace—even when we screw up, especially then. Thank You for whispering healing words to my soul and for allowing me to block out the noise and the guilt so that I could hear Your truth. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. Draw us closer. Amen.
John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.