The Discipline of Grace
I just started a new book this morning. "The Discipline of Grace: God's Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness."
I am pressed for time this morning, and still I could hardly put the book down. I can't wait to write about it; especially after attending Betty Jackson's Bible study yesterday on having peace of mind in a troubled world. She inspired me to crucify my flesh through the blood of Jesus. I had a wonderful lunch with friends after her class. And when I got home, I did not want to have the TV on in the background (as I am so prone to do). I finished "The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment" last night. It was a thought-provoking book, but I did not feel any inspiration to write. Probably because it was late.
This morning I woke up extremely tired, for some reason. I looked at my "to read next" stack of books, trying to decide which one to start. And I thought that "The Discipline of Grace" would be a good one to read while going through Miss Betty's (as we affectionately call her) class the next few weeks.
I am a little rushed because I'm going to spend today with Rebecca and the kids and need to get out of here by a certain time. But I will share one short quote from the first chapter of this book and I will definitely write more later. There are several other passages I'm eager to share, but they would require a lot of typing and I have to get going. I thought this was a great quote to always keep in mind while we are trying to break free from self and live a life that glorifies God in all our circumstances:
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
This is from Miss Betty's study yesterday:
We are on a journey, none of us have arrived.
We are those who are coming closer to God,
getting further and further separated from sin and the world,
receiving more and more of God into our beings.
This is what the revelation of the Cross does for us!
Have a great day! (I know I will!)
I am pressed for time this morning, and still I could hardly put the book down. I can't wait to write about it; especially after attending Betty Jackson's Bible study yesterday on having peace of mind in a troubled world. She inspired me to crucify my flesh through the blood of Jesus. I had a wonderful lunch with friends after her class. And when I got home, I did not want to have the TV on in the background (as I am so prone to do). I finished "The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment" last night. It was a thought-provoking book, but I did not feel any inspiration to write. Probably because it was late.
This morning I woke up extremely tired, for some reason. I looked at my "to read next" stack of books, trying to decide which one to start. And I thought that "The Discipline of Grace" would be a good one to read while going through Miss Betty's (as we affectionately call her) class the next few weeks.
I am a little rushed because I'm going to spend today with Rebecca and the kids and need to get out of here by a certain time. But I will share one short quote from the first chapter of this book and I will definitely write more later. There are several other passages I'm eager to share, but they would require a lot of typing and I have to get going. I thought this was a great quote to always keep in mind while we are trying to break free from self and live a life that glorifies God in all our circumstances:
"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
This is from Miss Betty's study yesterday:
We are on a journey, none of us have arrived.
We are those who are coming closer to God,
getting further and further separated from sin and the world,
receiving more and more of God into our beings.
This is what the revelation of the Cross does for us!
Have a great day! (I know I will!)
Comments
As always, thanks for sharing your insights on the books you read. I so enjoy the excerpt version and then your take because there's so many books and only so much time...
Betty Jackson is Allen's mother. She and his dad, George, founded the church about about 28 years ago, give or take. The church started with 25 people in a home prayer gathering. Betty also has an amazing testimony. She was healed completely of terminal cancer when her boys were young.
George and Betty spend six months of the year ministering to the Jewish people in Jerusalem. The other six months they spend in M'boro. They are wonderful Christian examples. Two of their sons have spent their adult lives in WOC. Allen, the oldest, is our pastor. Phillip is a praise and worship pastor. Their youngest brother is a pastor in Ohio.
Betty does a Wed. morning (and Tues. night) Bible study often when she's home. This is the first time I've gone, although I have intended to go many times. It starts at 10:00. You are welcome to come any time. You don't have to sign up and be at every one. You can decide to do it spontaneously.
As far as my small group, we get together at my house most Tuesday evenings at 6:00. I cook. We eat. We discuss the book we're reading and whatever that leads to. It's very laid back. If you ever want to drop in, you have a standing invitation. I would love for you to meet my friends and vice versa!
Hey, I know what! Just move to the Boro! I guaranted you'd love it here. It's the best place I have ever lived! (Of course, that could have something to do with John, too!) Ha!
Love you!
I'm not perfect. I'm not perfect. I'm not perfect.
I have not read this book, it sounds good too. Look forward to some of your outtakes.
God bless,
Todd E.
And I'm proud of you for leaving the typos. I know that has to be very difficult for you. LOL
I'll look forward to meeting Ms. Betty. :)
You've discussed the above passage on this blog before, haven't you? If not, I know we've talked about it thoroughly in person.
I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I used to think man can overcome all sin with a desperately wicked heart. When Jesus died on the cross and became Jesus Christ murderer, it wasn't only for the cold-blooded killer but it was for ME in the past when I've wished someone dead. When He became Jesus Christ adulterar, it wasn't just for the man or woman that cheated on their spouse, it was for me when I'd look with lust at another man that wasn't my husband. I didn't have to be guilty of the act to be guilty of the sin. Because my heart is more desperately wicked than I can possibly know, His blood shed on the cross covers the sin I didn't used to think I was guilty of. How wrong I was! I'm guilty every single day and am thankful his mercy is new every morning. I'm so in awe and deep appreciation of the sacrifice He made for me on that cross. I didn't appreciate it when I didn't think I was a sinner. How tragic!