| How challenging it is to accept forgiveness. Ā To really accept it, to own it, and to possess it, one has to realize there is a need. Likewise, one has to acknowledge that he or she canāt do it alone and that it is a gift of anotherās generosity. Ā How challenging it is indeed to accept Godās forgiveness. Ā Unfortunately, there is something inside of human nature that resists this degree of grace. On one level, a person either seeks to prove in action or thought, that his/her sin is real-ly too much or dark for Godās grace to overcome. Ā On another level, one might partially receive Godās grace but on conditional terms, because deep down he or she wants to pay God back for the gift given. Ā Neither one will do. Eventually, every person has to grapple with a few questions: Ā Do I honestly want to be forgiven and began a new life in Christ? Do I want to break away from my deep-rooted selfishness and totally surrender my will to Godās grace so that a new day may emerge? Ā Total surrender involves a regime change where God leads and the person follows. Ā As long as one believes he or she can dictate the terms or control the outcomes, he or she will always be a hired servant (Luke 15) and pushĀ against a wall. Ā To claim and live into the dignity and place God desires, surrender is a must.  This Week’s Readings: * Monday – Galatians 3 * Tuesday – Galatians 4 * Wednesday- Galatians 5 * Thursday – Galatians 6 * Friday- 1 Corinthians 1 Prayer Requests: *An immediate end to the crisis in Ukraine. *Heal those who are sick and protect those who are not. *Comfort those who are grieving and in distress. *Give our leaders extra wisdom as they navigate this pandemic and economic uncertainty. *Help for those seeking to find their way. *Continued Growth Inside and Outside the Walls of St. Paul UMC. |
| āDonāt worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.ā – Philippians 4:6 |