An encouraging word today at Granger Community Church with Dr. Bob Laurent. Here are a few of my notes from his message.
God — is the Source of all things — Romans 11:36
Jesus — is the Channel of all things — Colossians 1:16-17
Holy Spirit — is the Agent of change — Romans 8:27
John 14:20 — On that day, when I am raised to life again, you will KNOW that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. The “you are in me” part of that verse is so amazing. Jesus carries me in His heart. Imagine trying to count the times in a day that He would think of us… He carries us in His heart. How wild of a thought is that!
In the book of 2 Chronicles, chapter 33, we read the story of Manasseh. This King of Israel did unspeakable and horrific acts of barbarism — sacrificing live babies to the pagan god Molech on burning hot altars while the people stood by and cheered that their god was appeased by their sacrifices. He was taken captive and led through the streets with a ring in his nose and thrown in jail in Babylon. As he reflected on his life, he repented cried out to God for mercy. God saw the humility and repentance of his heart and forgave him. He restored Him as king. Manasseh went on to tear down all the altars and remained faithful to God until his death.
In Luke 13, Jesus tells a story of the fig tree that has languished without producing anything for a few years. They are ready to uproot it, but the gardener begs them, “Please wait. Just give me one more year. Let me work with it and fertilize it and see if I can get it to produce fruit.”
This is the God of the second chance. He shows it over and over again throughout the stories of scripture. Broken, messed-up people are given the opportunity to repent; to change. Jesus’ stories in Luke 15 of the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son are like arrows pointing to a God who celebrates “what was lost is now found.” It’s the second chance… when we are stunned by His grace; overwhelmed by His love.
What I believe about God’s love is what I will believe about everything else in my life. My view of His love shapes how I act or react.