But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I but the grace of God that is with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 (NRSVUE)
When I read these words of the Apostle Paul, I hear words written just for me; Mercy is woven within the fiber of my soul, and grace finds a resting place—unleashing both the calling and the strength to do my work.
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
1 Corinthians 15:10, …”where grace empoweres our labor?” And, Hebrews 4:16…”come boldly to the throne of grace?”
Are you asking about now: where is the throne of grace? Are we looking for mercy for a reason? After we obtain the mercy we need, we receive grace but why?
I, Grace, sit in the middle of your busy place!
Quietness stills the hearing ear and wondering eyes.
Fingers busy searching for answers on devices to no avail.
So I sit in silence.
The roads are clear, but to no avail.
Why, I ask myself, why do I not take the road of grace given to me?
Because I’ve lost the route number and the map to find
“The Throne of Grace.”
Mercy and Grace flow like a peaceful river
When confusion is replaced.
And the lost traveler is welcomed home, enveloped in the embrace of, “oh Jesus I want to come home.”
He replies, now go and do your work as the Apostle Paul did, 👏👏👏
Sara, your beautiful photo and incredible words of mercy and grace provide help and understanding and inspire us to Hope and encouragement!
Both the photo and these words especially caught my attention, “Because I’ve lost the route number and the map to find “The Throne of Grace.” They (and other words/thoughts in your blog) triggered remembrances of one of your retreat books, The Dance of Healing – The “Ultra-Healing Spirit” comes from within”.
The chapter was “Step 4, The Harvest, Listening to the Word.”
An excerpt: “Footsteps: I, Sara, your teacher, heard when I listened: Proverbs 4 take my advice; it will add years to your life. I’m writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I’m drawing a map to Righteous Road…You will glow with light; the longer you live, the brighter you will shine…Tune your ears to My voice. Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they’re bursting with health…Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distraction. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Proverbs 5…” You are as lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose. The Message”
I found this scripture which seems to relate to route also
“There will be a highway
called the Holy Road.
No one rude or rebellious
is permitted on this road.
It’s for God’s people exclusively—
impossible to get lost on this road.
Not even fools can get lost on it.
No lions on this road,
no dangerous wild animals—
Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.
The people God has ransomed
will come back on this road.
They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion,
unfading halos of joy encircling their heads,
Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness
as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.” Isaiah 35: 8-10 The Message
And another scripture related to ‘route’ .
“Enterthrough the narrow gate, because the gate is wide and the way is spacious that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. Hownarrow is the gate and difficult the way that leads to life,and there are few who find it!” Matthew 7:13-14
If you are reading this and wondering how to find a place of peace that you may be searching for. Be still and speak to Jesus about your concerns and open the ear of your heart to hear his response. Jesus is waiting to hear from you.
The Word of God is very clear that Jesus answers those who call upon His name. You might want to read Romans 10:13.
“For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.””
Romans 10:13 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/rom.10.13.NKJV
The footnotes for 1 Corinthians 15: 9-10 says: (NLT) “ As a zealous Pharisee, Paul had been an enemy of the Christian church— even to the point of capturing and persecuting believers (Acts 9: 1-3). thus, he felt unworthy to be called an apostle of Christ. Though undoubtedly, the most influential of the apostles, Paul was deeply humble. He knew that he had worked hard and accomplished much but only because God had poured kindness and grace upon him. True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God‘s work in you. It is having God‘s perspective on who you are and acknowledging his grace in developing your abilities.”
I love purple! That picture of the purple flower above , is gorgeous! 😊
From Tammy’s footnotes: “Paul was deeply humble. He knew that he had worked hard and accomplished much but only because God had poured kindness and grace upon him. True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God‘s work in you. It is having God‘s perspective on who you are and acknowledging his grace in developing your abilities.”
referencing footnotes, Paul acknowledged he Paul had been an enemy of the Christian church— even to the point of capturing and persecuting believers. And Paul knew God knew. Yet, God poured kindness and grace upon him.
Now, I find this very interesting and a bit out of character of what I see a lot these days including in my own life.
it seems pretty ease to accept kindness and grace from God when I desperately need it. The big test is when I see another squirming around hoping for a little kindness and grace not sure I see it or want to give it. Wonder why? Might mean I’m reminded of what I needed in the past. Isn’t that what Paul boldly admitted to. His wrong was seen and published in forever print for all to see and know. Here is what makes the difference; Humility!
I think instructions and warning might be in Debi’s quoted scripture. Isaiah 35: 8-10
Did I get these footnotes right?
Yes, Sara, I believe you got those footnotes exactly right….. humility. I love how the footnotes describes true humility…” True humility is not convincing yourself that you are worthless but recognizing God‘s work in you. It is having God‘s perspective on who you are and acknowledging his grace in developing your abilities.”
The footnotes for Debi’s quoted Scripture in Isaiah 35:8-10 says: (NLT) “This ‘Highway of Holiness’ is the way that righteous pilgrims will take from the desert of suffering to Zion (Jerusalem). it is found only by following God. Only the redeemed will travel God’s highway; they will be protected from wicked travelers and harmful animals. God is preparing a way for his people (those who walk in his ways) to travel to his home, and he will walk with us. God doesn’t simply point the way, he is always beside us as we go.”🙏