Monday, June 10, 2013

Grace is Truly Amazing

Thought for today: in the Mass, right before communion, the congregation says, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but say the word and I shall be healed." To me this speaks so well of God's grace to us--a gift to undeserving sinners. It's a paraphrase of the story of Jesus going to heal the Centurion's servant. But today I also found a passage in 2 Chronicles 30:18-20. During King Hezekiah's revival in Jerusalem, many people from Judah and Israel had come to celebrate the Passover and rededicate themselves to God. But not all had ceremonially purified themselves. "But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying 'May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God...even is he is unclean according to the rules of the sanctuary.' And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people."

What a great concept! There IS grace in the Old Testament, too!  God is good.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Starting the Day

Sunshine again, but also a migraine. BUT I AM BLESSED, because I know God has a good reason for this thorn in the flesh-- even if I don't know what it is.

WORD for today from my quiet time: Jeremiah 3:22-23-- "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Or to quote a phrase I first heard in 1970, right after I'd graduated from high school: 
"Today is the first day of the rest of your life." 
Even though it is somewhat over used sometimes -- it's still true for me.