So, I just clicked on a link from Julie's MySpace profile and found out that this must be the cool place to blog. I read a little here and there, and decided that this is where I will log the thoughts I wish to share.
I am calling my blog "The Extra 'A'" because of the spelling of my name. I used to think that it was weird and frustrating to have a name that was spelled slightly different. But now, I realize that it just makes me unique. It also makes simple name key chains seem like the best gift ever.
I guess I need to do some nosing around and figure this space out a little, but for now, I will just post something God has been sharing with me.
So, I have been diving into Galatians like I will wake up tomorrow and those pages will be missing from my Bible. It's amazing how you can read the same thing over and over and find God's truth to be new, refreshing, encouraging. I found such freedom in this book. And identity. And love.
For the first time I am starting to see that we are free to serve God. Before, we could try but to no avail. We were prisoners to sin. A prisoner cannot fight a war. If I tried to serve God before I was a Christian (or to reach heaven through works), it would be silly.
It's like there are two warring countries: Law and Grace. Law is the enemy of Grace, and it held me in a prison. So I could not live in Grace. I was under the authority of Law. As a Christian, I live in Grace and it would be silly for me to to live under the authority of Law.
Of course, this is a veeery limited analogy. But it helps us see that legalism has no place in a love relationship with God. If he loves us, and pours out grace on us, why should we not rest in that grace?
Nothing I can do is good enough. I am not good enough. But that is what makes the gospel "GOOD news". That's freedom that can set us free. And free to do what? To make ourselves volunteer slaves! How awesome! We can choose to serve God! And finally, in this grace, we are able to do just that.
That spits in the face of pride, but what a beautiful thing it really is. Especially to those who know God is calling them to do his work. To share his message. And here's what is especially great. The cherry on top, if you will. The message is infallible. No matter how bad we screw up, God's Word cannot fail. It is actually impossible for it to fail.
So, that means God doesn't even need us to be full of his grace and power in order for the work to be done. In fact, the work could be done without us. But he chooses to use us and gives us a sword that cannot break. He let's us be part of something so that we can be called victors in HIS war. How awesome is that!
