Wednesday night at sundown began Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. According to that calendar, we are beginning the year 5774, and we are in the month of Elul. Firsts are important to God. In fact, one of the staples of Biblical interpretation is that we always pay attention to the first time something is mentioned because it has significance. During this season, Jews enter a time of repentance. I propose that we likewise spend time in reflection. Allow us to reflect on how we have finished last season and what we desire to see in the coming year.
For me, I have been challenged to ask The Lord to fill me with a fresh revelation and application of radical grace. His grace. I recently picked up a book that had some great thoughts:
"Today's church (often) shows a grace that is distant, unforgiving and void of love... Imagine a church where we focused more on the people and less on their issues. What if we preached grace and repentance with a Christ-like mind and Christ-like love? Grace like that could change the world! And what the church needs now are more men and women who have the courage to defend New Testament grace at all costs. Trust me when I tell you, it will cost you." ("Why We Eat Our Own" by Michael Cheshire)
This year, I want to see what God does when I allow Him to use me to show others His grace. Plenty of opportunities will present themselves. There are plenty of people waiting for a Christian to show them the unconditional love of Jesus. It will be tested by those who are looking for a reason to build a case against Christians. Some believers will claim compromise. I pray that this year will be a year for the release of a Christian company ready to love deeply, show mercy, and walk humbly with Christ and others.
For me, I have been challenged to ask The Lord to fill me with a fresh revelation and application of radical grace. His grace. I recently picked up a book that had some great thoughts:
"Today's church (often) shows a grace that is distant, unforgiving and void of love... Imagine a church where we focused more on the people and less on their issues. What if we preached grace and repentance with a Christ-like mind and Christ-like love? Grace like that could change the world! And what the church needs now are more men and women who have the courage to defend New Testament grace at all costs. Trust me when I tell you, it will cost you." ("Why We Eat Our Own" by Michael Cheshire)
This year, I want to see what God does when I allow Him to use me to show others His grace. Plenty of opportunities will present themselves. There are plenty of people waiting for a Christian to show them the unconditional love of Jesus. It will be tested by those who are looking for a reason to build a case against Christians. Some believers will claim compromise. I pray that this year will be a year for the release of a Christian company ready to love deeply, show mercy, and walk humbly with Christ and others.
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