Homes of Grace.

If you're reading this, are a member at TFBC, and weren't at church yesterday to hear the sermon, shame on you. Just kidding, but you did miss out. Richard Blackaby (Henry Blackaby's son and member of our church) filled in for Dr. Page and did an amazing job. He spoke, specifically to dads, but really to everyone on how to be a person of grace.

I love grace. It is by grace, I am saved, and people that have grace, amaze me. It's a quality I've always coveted, strived for, and recently, have prayed to obtain. For God's glory, I want to show other people that one should forgive much, for we, as sinners, have been forgiven much more than we could ever forgive someone else. What better place to model this than in our homes, with our children and spouses? Richard Blackaby pointed out that one, most obvious way we can show grace is through our mouths. In an unkind world, strangers almost expect unkind words, rudeness and hostility. However, if I can give a kind word, show love, and do so when it is undeserved by the receiver, I think people might wander about me. I want people to wander about me, what it is, in my heart, that takes on grace. It's Jesus Christ, people. Show some grace to someone today.

Also, I wanted to share the lyrics to this song. It's one of my all time favorite songs and it goes way back to my middle school years and a band called, "Siler's Bald." Anyone heard of them? I hope they know, that to me, just one person, the lyrics to this song they wrote have struck me for a lot of years now.

"Grace"

My heart is so proud.

My eyes are so unfocused.

I see the things You've done through me

As great things I have done.

And now, You gently break me.

I cry just like a baby.

You hold me as my Father,

And mold me as my Maker.

Chorus:

And I ask you

How many times will You pick me up,

When I keep on letting you down?

And, each time I will fall short of Your glory,

How far will forgiveness abound?

And You answer, "My child, I love you,

And as long as you're seeking my face,

You'll walk in the power of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak.

And feel a bit discouraged.

Knowing that someone, somewhere

Can do a better job.

For who am I to serve you?

I know I don't deserve you.

But that's the part that burns in my heart,

And keeps me hanging on.

(Chorus)

And you are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning

About what Your grace really means.

How all of my transgressions

Were paid at Calvary.

So, instead of trying to repay You,

I'm learning to simply obey You.

By giving up my life to You

For all that You've given to me.

(Chorus)