photo: iStock_000020482408
It’s Five Minute Friday again. (Today, we’re linked to her facebook page because her website is broken!) This time I was so close to finishing in 5 minutes, I’m calling it 5. It is so rare that this happens!
We’re almost done with our study of 7. It is becoming both painful and overwhelming. Each week, I’m being pounded with so much that needs changing, that I’ve gotten to the point of needing a place to back-up and start over.
I need the pummeling. I’ve been way too complacent and lazy. Now I need some time to put the pieces together. Where do I start? What do I do now? This was a helpful post to write tonite. Repent and walk by faith. Sounds easier than it is sometimes. Continue to accept the grace Christ has offered. Thank you God for this reminder once again of your amazing grace!
GO
With each passing day I become more and more aware
Of my brokenness.
I once thought the cracks were ever so slight.
Just a mild case of failure…enough to keep me out of heaven.
As I age, I realize that each good deed done is marbled with pride and selfishness,
A desire to push forward my own agenda. The cracks are much larger than I once thought!
With each act of humility comes the realization that I want those around me to applaud.
My courage wanes as I am challenged to change in more radical ways.
To change my entitlement thinking that says, “You have worked hard. You deserved this little luxury.”
I forget that the King of the Universe humbled Himself and became a human baby.
He lived humbly and perfectly for 33 years.
He was broken for me despite not deserving any of the suffering or pain.
Now, He holds out the bread and wine.
“Remember my body and blood. I was broken for you so you can be whole.”
STOP
Beautiful post! The words, “I once thought the cracks ever so slight” resonated with me. The older I get the more I realize how far I am capable of falling. I cling ever so tight to the Lord in this realization and I extend much more grace to others because I know that no matter how far out there they, or I, may be the grace of God is there to bring me back. So thankful for such a savior!!
blessings,
Gay @ Captive Heart.
thanks for stopping by gay. thanks too for your help on my project. now i have to choose! i have a friend that may be able to give me some help on wed. we’ll see. all seem like great organizations!
Dear Friend Martha, I am move by this post…you’ve spoken my hearts cry and for that, I rejoice with happy tears. No coincidence that I posted just after you. I needed these words. Thank you.
i am truly touched lisha. thanks for your visit:) as usual, your words were an expression of my heart as well.
Beautiful. Amen!!
glad you stopped by gretchen:)
I remember when I was in college, my roommate, who had been a Christian all her life, seemed to have it down to me, a new believer. She explained that as you go deeper, you become more aware of sins that I didn’t even notice yet. Sounds like The Spirit has been working that one on you! It will result in blessing, to be sure!
he’s always working on me! even tho’ it doesn’t seem like it, it is a mercy:) i do agree with your roommate…the more you get to know the Lord, the more you see yourself and what a mess you really are!
Great post, Martha! I especially love the phrase “I realize that each good deed is marbled with pride and selfishness.” Although I’m a few decades behind you age-wise, I certainly resonate with that growing sense of how broken I am and how much I need a Savior who redeems the broken. The fully, utterly-without-hope-save-grace broken. I’m also a pastor’s wife – I’ll be returning to your blog. Found it through “5 Minute Friday.” 🙂
thanks for stopping by heather:) i’m always glad to meet fellow pastor’s wives as well. i’ve found we’re all as different from each other as each snowflake, but there is a sisterhood for sure:)