Extending Grace

He called Peter out of the boat – in my case it is a hermit cottage.  Lavish grace Jesus has bestowed on me, lavish grace he asks me to give away.   The same dear friend who encouraged me to teach a ladies Bible study asks if I will help with the ladies Christmas outreach.  Together with another adorable child of God I step further out of my introverted, hermit ways.   I am so grateful for a partner on this part of the journey.

A local women’s ministry here asks for sponsors to host a table of women for a Christmas dinner.  This ministry extends grace to women who have bumped hard up against life and ended up in prison or a drug rehab program or both.  They call themselves a whole-way house because they desire to see the women whole in Christ – fully healed, fully free.  It is breathtaking to see the change that is made in these women. 

I feel so privileged to be able to partner with others to serve the Lord by extending His grace.  We have the opportunity to provide a nice dinner and gifts for these women who are seeking the Lord after walking through so much.   We seek to sponsor two tables.  Father, could we start small blessing the sixteen women at these tables.

Father, this is more than I can do.  I am in over my head.  Father, you drew me out and I responded in faith but I have this lump of fear in the pit of my stomach.  Help me remember, it is not about me, it is about you.  Father help me be your hands and feet.  Serving others so that you will be exalted and glorified.  Being a grace giver so that your light shines bright. 

Teach this child how to organize these servant hearted women to minister to those in this world who have endured so much suffering.  Oh how sin gets hold of us and twists our lives into knots.  We have all ended up in some kind of bondage.  Some stray so far, try to cover the pain, they end up in chains, handcuffs.  Physically they are chained, but Father, the binding goes deeper.  The chains keep us bound to every cutting word, hurtful deed, devastating choice we have ever experienced. 

Jesus, thank you that you have come to set us free – to set me free.  How you long to give us garments of righteousness and praise instead of filthy rags.  Jesus, you have draped your robe of righteousness over my shoulders – how can I share that with another?   Show me how to open arms and embrace another with your grace, to share a glimpse of your glory.

Spirit, I have opened my eyes and seen your grace daily poured out in my life.  I have felt the weight of your glory carry me when things have been difficult.  In this year named grace and glory how can I do anything but throw my arms up high and wide and rejoice that you would bestow on me the blessing of being a grace giver in your name.  That perhaps someone would ask me, “Who is this King of Glory?

His name is Jesus, precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty, the King of my heart
The King of glory”^a

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Ann asks, How do we PRACTICE Christmas?  How do we prepare for the coming of Christ?  To which I answer, Extend Grace.  Christmas lives daily – His name is Jesus.  Linking to A Holy Experience Walk with Him Wednesday.

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^aSong lyrics “King of Glory” by Third Day