Reflections 2013

As I reflect on the last year, I realize that the reoccurring thought God put in my heart is experiencing and living under His inexhaustible grace (not under the law). This means that just as I received Jesus Christ in my heart through faith, I will continue to live my life by faith in Him (Jesus).

As God said, there is no one righteous, for all men have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But God loves us so much that He gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have eternal life. So then I live by faith in the Son of God, who gave himself for me so that I become righteous in God’s eyes. Jesus paid in full for all my sins and I am free from guilt and condemnation. MY DEBT IS PAID IN FULL.

As I reflect on this past year, I noticed that every time I tried to prove that I am good or I did or didn't do something, God’s grace was not there with me. But every time I put my trust in Him, and looked at what Jesus did (not how I performed), God’s grace abounded and joy filled my heart. Did I fall from God’s grace? Yes, every time I looked at myself. I came equipped with plenty of shortcomings, but that is good... because I don't rely on myself or my own righteousness. I rely on Jesus and His righteousness.

As I stand in God’s truth and live under His grace, I experience more peace and joy every day. As I remain under His grace and live in this state of unmerited favor, I experience freedom and victory in every area of my life. It is all of Christ and none of me. And it’s true, apart from Jesus, I can do nothing (John 15:5).

I realized that living under God’s grace is synonym with standing in faith. As God said in Isaiah 7:9, "if I do not stand firm in my faith, I will not stand at all". And how can I remain in the faith if I don't leave under God’s grace? The moment I look and rely on myself (how good I am, what I did or did not do), I fall from grace.

I love Romans 5:17 because we are promised that "if we receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness, we reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ".

I will not make any New Year resolution, but with God’s help I will continue to leave under His grace, experience His peace and rest, and share the good news with others. Love to all!