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Thursday, September 29, 2011

Compelling Love

There is an age old debate about "works vs. grace" that I have never understood.  It seems like the two camps espouse views that are completely exclusive of the other.  On the one hand, there are those who feel that they must perform good works in order to receive redemption, approval and acceptance from God.  Then, on the other end of the spectrum are the folks who believe that all they need is grace, atonement, forgiveness of their sins to be held in a place of honor by the Church and their heavenly Father.

I say that it is because of grace, that we do good works.  When we have a burning desire to be in His presence and soak up His love, then we are going to long to do good works, to share that wonderful love with others.  The more I press into Him and draw closer to Him, the more I want people to experience the God who I know.  This makes it natural to do good works.

But I believe this...God does not love me any more or any less, if I do good works, or I if I don't. The Bible says His grace is sufficient and it is.  He will still love me and save me, even if I don't do anything for the Kingdom.  But, oh, how sad and selfish that would be.  How can I spend sweet time with Him, receive His blessings and not share?  How can I look around at a hurting world and not offer up the answer.  You have heard the saying "Always preach the Gospel...sometimes use words."  We can preach the Gospel with our hands and our feet, by acts of service.  His love compels us to do so.

It's easy to get hung up running around "doing works" but never actually draw closer to Him. The result is that we get burned out and begin to resent serving others.  The greater thing would be to spend time on our knees with Him, which in turn, will make us hungry to do His work.  Spending time in prayer, in praise and worship, on His lap, makes us hungry for more of Him.  And the more we have of Him, the more we want to share Him.  You don't have to exhaust yourself running here and there, trying to meet every need that you see.  Spend time with Him.  Just ask Him to reveal to you, people around you, who need a touch from Him, and then go serve them!  I guarantee, you will begin to see places and people all around you who could use a hand up and God will work through you to bless them!

From His lap,

18 comments:

  1. Erin,
    That is exactly what I need, feeling overwhelmed... thank you...
    Love you bunches.
    Lisa

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  2. Lisa,
    I'm so glad you came by! There is no need to get overwhelmed or weary in well doing. He will direct you where you should be getting involved! Your post made me laugh today!!!
    HUGS!
    ~Erin

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  3. Have to agree. Living faith determines if religion will be inclusive or exclusive.

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  4. Amen,
    Living faith...what will we do with it?
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  5. Beautiful, once again. If we do not let ourselves be filled with God's grace and presence, we really cannot do the work He has for us. And, by spending time with him, he reveals the work he has for us and shows us what we have put on our plate by ourselves.

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  6. Shanda,
    You have so much on your plate right now! I'm praying for you...for strength, for peace and for joy! You are multiplying the Kingdom daily. I adore you!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  7. Erin - you are so right, our works should be an overflow of the grace bestowed upon us. Because I have "Martha" tendencies, I have to guard against taking on too much at once. However, by seeking His face and His will, I (we) will always be doing the things He has intended.

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  8. Joan,
    You said that perfectly!! I love it. Thanks so much for stopping by. You blessed us!
    Hugs,
    ~Erin

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  9. Reading your posts brightens my day. Thanks for sharing:)

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  10. Thanks, Barbara! I love when you visit! I hope your week has been wondermous!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  11. Erin - Well said. So important the God lead...in doing good works....and not doing good works in hopes to receive salvation. Have a great day! ~ jen

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  12. Jen,
    I like that..."the God lead"... Thanks for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  13. It's all a matter of the heart isn't it. Only grace can produce hearts that long to serve and only humble hearts can receive that grace.

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  14. Beck,
    You are so right...it's all a matter of the heart...a heart that longs to serve...
    You are such a blessing!
    ~Erin

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  15. Another inspirational post, erin! Just wanted to wish you a wonderful weekend and a very happy October!!
    Lots of love xoxo
    Maria

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  16. Maria,
    I hope you've had a great week! Thank you so much for stopping by!
    Blessings,
    ~Erin

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  17. Thank you for this. I needed it. Blessings to you!

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  18. Shootie Girl,
    I'm so glad it blessed you! Have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs,
    ~Erin

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for giving us a little nugget of truth from your heart!

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