Baffling Grace

Since coming to school at Cornerstone Bible Institute, I think one of the biggest things I've learned about has been God's grace. I've been learning about how it affects both my standing (position) and my walking (living). It sounds so simple, I know, but truly, growing in my understanding of this has changed my walk with the Lord and made Him seem that much bigger. There's so much I could say on this topic, but for the sake of time, and for the sake of not saying something that someone else has already said so well, I'll just leave you with the words to John Newtons song "AMAZING Grace", and encourage you to do a study in God's Word on this topic for yourself. You will be baffled and encouraged by such an incredible demonstration on the part of such a mighty God and your only response will be "To God be the glory. He deserves all my praise."

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
the hour I first believed.



Through many dangers, toils and snares
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far
and Grace will lead us home.



The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.



Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.



When we've been there ten thousand years
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we've first begun.

Treasures

It amazes and encourages me to read or hear of people who turned to God in hard times and not only found Him to be there, but also found Him to be enough. So much so that they were able to write "It is Well with My Soul" while grieving the unexpected death of four daughters, or "To God be the Glory" though a accident had removed sight for life, etc. Martha Snell Nicholson was one of these people and today I just wanted to share something from her life that I discovered a week or so ago and I want to point out that we serve an incredibly gracious and loving God. He uses things, that to us may seem difficult or unfair, to teach us more of Himself, which in turn allows us to live a life void of all except what truly satisfies; Himself.

Martha was a woman who suffered from four incurable diseases. She struggled with pain for more than thirty-five years, an invalid, bound to her bed. Her spirit was so transcendently triumphant through those many weary years that she wrote some of the finest Christian poetry ever written. Below is an example of one of her famous works describing a spiritual lesson she learned in the midst of pain.

- TREASURES -

One by one He took them from me,

All the things I valued most.

Until I was empty-handed;

Every glittering toy was lost.

Then I walked earth's highway grieving,

In my rags and poverty;

'Til I heard His voice inviting:

Lift your empty hands to me.

So I held my hands toward Heaven,

And He filled them with a store

Of His own transcendent riches,

'Til they could contain no more.

Then at last I comprehended

With my stupid mind and dull,

That God COULD not pour out His riches

Into hands already full.