Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause. As I walk from earth into eternity.
-Hosanna, Hillsong United

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Call - Drop It All

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.  And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but loose your soul?  Is there anything worth more than your soul?" 
Matthew 16:24-26

This passage is hard to swallow, but it is what God has called us to do.  I am so thankful that the Lord revealed this truth to me.  If you have never heard this before, I hope it opens your eyes like it did mine.  Or if you have heard it before, and kind of forgot about it, like I do so often, I hope that this is a fresh reminder.

The Lord has really blessed Luke and I with a small group.  They are a fun and loving group of people that I have grown to appreciate so much.  I really enjoy meeting with them every week and discussing God's Word.  We are reading a book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan.  It has opened my eyes to so many things, including the above passage.  The book has also pushed me to read the Bible for myself to see if what I have been fed all my life is the truth.  And so far, I am not surprised to report that all I have learned from the teachers and preachers in my life, including my Dad, is spot on.  I am kind of embarrassed that I haven't done this earlier, but I am glad that I am finally doing it now.  In the past I have found reading the bible to be so hard, but I have started in the New Testament, and it has been so great.  I am learning what kind of Christian the Lord wants me to be, which is the most important thing I could ever do.  I will share more scriptures that the Lord has revealed to me with you soon.

Love always,
Gracie

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Love

This Sunday's past sermon made me realize that I need to Re-connect with people this Christmas season.  Jesus loved us so much that He died for us, and He commanded us to love each other like we love ourselves.

"Love each other like brothers and sisters.  Excel in showing respect for each other."
Romans 12:10

"Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each others faults because of your love."
Ephesians 4:2

Spread the love of Jesus this Christmas!