Grace / Can You Hear The Music Of Faith ? (Short Devotional )

John Shares these words of truth with us John 1:16

BIBLE " For of His (Jesus) fullness we have all received and grace upon grace." END

During a British conference on comparative religions, ...... experts from around the world debated what, if any, ......belief was unique to the Christian faith.

The debate went on for some time until C. S. Lewis wandered into the room.

"What's the rumpus all about?" He asked,

And heard in reply that his colleagues were discussing Christianity's unique contribution among world religions.

Lewis responded, "Oh, that's easy. It's grace."

(Pick up Bible) "I give thanks to my God always for you ..... because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,"

Beloved in Christ ...... It is Grace!!

We are called ..... to be a people of Grace ....

A people filled to with grace .... And overflowing with the joy of the Lord.

Sadly ....So many ....even those who call themselves followers of the Christ ..... seem to have lost their first love.

They have lost or misplaced that ...... spiritual joy of the Lord.

And as we know ..... the joy of the Lord ...... is our ...... strength.

And The Joy of the Lord in a way .... is the Music of Grace .... The music of Faith.

The Author .... Max Lucado speaks about grace ....... and hearing the music of faith: (Pause)

Now.... Imagine that you want to learn to dance.

Being the rational, .... cerebral person you are, ....you go to a bookstore ....and buy a book .... on dancing.

You take the book home ...... and get to work.

Finally, you think you have got it, ..... So you invite your wife to come in ..... and watch.

You hold the book open .... and follow the instructions ..... step by step.

You even read the words aloud ..... So she will know ..... that you have done your homework.

"Lean with your right shoulder," ..... and so you lean.

"Now step with your right foot," ..............so you step.

"Turn slowly to the left," ..... so you turn.

You continue to read, .... then dance, ......

read, then dance,..... until the dance is completed.

You plop exhausted on the couch, ..... look at your wife, ..... and proclaim, ...... "I executed it perfectly."

"You executed it, all right," she sighs. "You killed it." "What you ask?"

"You forgot the most important part. ....... (Slow) Where is the music?"

You never thought about .... music.

You remembered the book. ...... You learned the rules.

You laid out the pattern. ....... But you forgot the music.

"Do it again," .....she says, ...... putting in a CD.

"This time don't worry about the steps; ...... just follow the music."

She extends her hand and the music begins.

The next thing you know, ..... you are dancing..... and you don't even have the book. (Pause)

We as Christians are prone to follow the book while ignoring the music.

We master the doctrine, ..... outline the chapters, memorize the catechisms, ..... debate the rules, ..... and stiffly step down on the dance floor of life ..... (Slow) with no music in our hearts.

We measure each step, ..... calibrate each turn, ..... and flop into bed each night ....... exhausted from another day...... of dancing by the book. (Pause)

"Let God have you, ..... let God love you.

Allow the Grace of God to permeate your very being.

Than do not be surprised ..... if your heart begins to hear music ..... that you have never heard ..... and your feet learn to dance ..... as never before."

Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ ......and you will hear the music of the Holy Spirit ...... and you Will dance a life of grace.

And Beloved..... You will dance ... (Slow) You WILL dance like you have never danced .... before.

Amen and Amen!

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