Witnesses to Grace.

I have been encouraged this summer:

witnessing
many times
many ways:
although broken,
God's people - His church -
witnessing
to His grace

It has been an encouraging summer. When I am drawn to view the church with disdain, I need to remember these experiences. But most of all, I need to remember that God loves this, His church.

I cannot pretend to follow God in the midst of growing distaste for some or all of these people for whom Christ died, and for whom he will return.

I have many words, lofty ambitions... but the question remains, will I be an active witness to God's grace and His faithfulness?

By His grace alone, I will. And when I forget and fail and fall, His grace will challenge me and teach me and develop me into a more faithful witness. Not because of who I am, but because of who He is.

Hey unfaithful,
I will teach you to be stronger
Hey ungrateful,
I will teach you to forgive each other
Hey unloving,
I will love you.
I will love you.
(Underoath, "Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Will Escape")

The devil's singing over me
An age-old song
That I am cursed and gone astray
Singing the first verse so conveniently
He's forgotten the refrain:
Jesus saves!
(Shane & Shane, "Embracing Accusations")

I don't want to forget the first verse or the refrain.

Thank you, God, for your faithfulness and for your people and for opening my eyes and encouraging my heart. You are patient as you open my eyes, a blind and broken and arrogant sinner.

I don't want to continue to take you for granted. Thank you. So much.

Quote

"Western inclusivism is really covert exclusivism." (Tim Keller)