Saturday, August 29, 2015

Grace - Graceful - Full of Grace

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1: 14 (NIV)

Jesus is full of grace and truth. He is our shining example, our mentor for graceful earthly living. I have seen the phenomenon resident in individuals on the trails of the Eastern Sierra, riding with me in groups of motorcyclists, in my family and friends, in children whom I’ve been tasked to watch over, and displayed with prominence in room 7C at Oak Park. Therefore, I am blessed beyond measure, the blessings overflow the cup I’m given, and I hope the excess spills over those in need of more.

Grace as defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary – “1a: unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace”

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9

with permission from
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When I am in need and languish in brokenness I am reminded that His grace is sufficient for me and that it must be enough for me to continue. Jesus’ sacrifice has made it so. Webster tells us and we are taught that God’s grace is freely given to us without merit and for His glory. Paul tells us that it is sufficient for us. Take it, it’s free (but not without the cost of ‘self’) and a requirement of the Kingdom of God.

Chris Tomlin wrote a great song of praise, “Your Grace is Enough”. Every time I sing it I’m met exactly where I am in my walk of faith. For your edification, the first verse, chorus, and refrain:

Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner’s heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart

So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your Promise
Oh God

Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me


Graceful as defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary – “1: displaying grace in form or action 2: pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement”

“21My son, do not let wisdom leave your sight.
Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,
22and they will be life to you
and a graceful ornament for your neck.
23Then you will travel safely on your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24When you sit down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,
or the devastation that comes to the wicked.
26Indeed, the LORD will be your confidence,
and he will keep your foot from being caught.”
Proverbs 3: 21-26 (ISV)

And so we appear graceful to those around us when we cling to God’s wisdom and when we pay close attention to sound judgment and discernment. To the casual observer we go through life as the deer through the forest and the antelope over the plains. They will either see it without understanding or they will understand and come to believe.

Today, accept His grace as it has been poured out on Calvary, seek his wisdom and wear it as a garland, and go about your day full of grace to dance in God’s presence.


In His grip, jerry

3 comments:

  1. Facebook from my daughter Ashley Cornelius: Love the last paragraph!

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    Replies
    1. It was one of those sections that make me wonder where it came from and seemed like a worthy benediction. I work for a wonderful author.

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  2. Facebook comment from my mom, Betty White: Per usual, very well put! I'm with Ashley about the last paragraph!

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