Once upon a time, in my youth, I was wretched and heart broken seeking truth. The cruel envy of happy people caused me to attend a non-denominational church service. My exasperated spirit questioned the words of ‘Amazing Grace’. A funny thought popped into my mind and I pondered…’Who is Grace?’ Whoever she was, I wanted to meet her and get whatever these cheerful people had! In my innocence I persisted with this secret question until the Holy Spirit revealed the Truth to me. Titus 2:11 AMP “For the remarkable, undeserved grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.” – My spirit remains truly astonished by His Amazing Grace, that even those who do not deserve to know grace, receive grace!

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace” By God’s remarkable compassion and favor that He draws us to Christ. “that you have been saved through faith.” We were actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life by His amazing grace. “And this salvation is not of yourselves not through your own effort, but it is the undeserved, gracious gift of God!” – WOW, the grace of God is a gift, and that is the Truth, His Way, and the Life!

John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the only Way to God and the real Truth and Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” – Amazed by theses truths, I returned to hear more about Jesus and life in Him. “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgressions of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” Micah 7:18

Seeking more Truth, it was my desire to grow to know Jesus more intimately. 2 Peter 3:8 “but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory honor, majesty, splendor, both now and to the day of eternity.” –

It was by the grace of God alone that I grew, not through my own understanding, but by what the Holy Spirit revealed unto me while reading the Scriptures. 1 Corin 6:1 “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For He says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.”I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” – Now is emphasized, now is the time to receive God’s favor and grace. Our gracious Father in heaven does not, and will not force His love or grace on anyone. It was totally up to me to receive the grace and favor of God. He extends grace and mercy to all to save us from eternal damnation. Romans 1:28 “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or consider Him worth knowing [as their Creator], God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do things which are improper and repulsive..”

Wondering how I might be falling short of receiving God’s grace gave me a healthy fear of God. The beginning of wisdom for me started when I ceased to be so impulsively prone to ‘just do it’ without seeking what God would have me say or do. That I confess any bitterness when things don’t go my way. Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled..” – Knowing God by reading and hearing His word, I came to humbly surrender to the power of the Holy Spirit. James 4:6 “But He gives us more and more grace through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation.” Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but continually gives the gift of grace to the humble who turn away from self-righteousness.” Born again and enjoying the good life with family and friends! AMEN -All scriptures were taken from the Amplified Bible