tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post7552030839888695137..comments2024-01-18T06:14:23.950-05:00Comments on Shining Light on Life's Long Trail: What's on Your Coffee Table? WednesdaysVanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03609122386376968883noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-69286595276562053512010-11-14T02:15:02.865-05:002010-11-14T02:15:02.865-05:00hi Van,
I'm afraid I have to hang with Julie o...hi Van,<br />I'm afraid I have to hang with Julie on this one.,...This verse came to my mind in this regard:<br /><br />Heb. 4:16<br />Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.<br /><br />Grace and mercy are not earned. <br />We can ask boldly based on who God is; not based on what we've done. <br /><br />But I too, understand what you are saying. God is not a stooge whom we can manipulate into granting our requests while we blithely go and do as we please. <br /><br />Somehow there is a fine balance between obedience and grace. It is impossible to please God with our good behavior...because even our best efforts are tainted with our sin and failures...ENTER GRACE. <br /> <br />God looks at Jesus in us redeeming all of our best intentions and failures and He is eager to meet the requests of His beloved Son and daughter. <br /><br />It is based on Jesus that we have boldness to act and ask. Not based on us or what we can do.<br /><br />It was wonderful to hear from you on my blog this week. I've missed you my friend,...but haven't ceased in praying for you and your family.<br /><br />CynthiaCynthia Lott Vogelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03843602511992810355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-29575823467027023122010-10-14T08:35:22.625-04:002010-10-14T08:35:22.625-04:00I love this post-- and this feature! The pictures ...I love this post-- and this feature! The pictures of your coffee table make me feel like I am sitting down with you. Love it!!Marybeth Whalenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04138498344723215611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2832860740344359320.post-87702033967794894032010-10-13T21:21:24.413-04:002010-10-13T21:21:24.413-04:00Scripture is pretty clear that God will reward our...Scripture is pretty clear that God will reward our faithfulness to Him. It's also clear that His blessings will not be dictated by how well we are performing; Ephesians 1:8 speaks of grace (undeserved merit) being "lavished on us." I'm pretty sure you do not intend to imply that God will only answer our prayer requests when we are meeting some kind of standard. He works on our behalf-- whether we like what He is doing or not-- because He is good and loves us with a perfect love.<br /><br />I know where your heart is--and may we all be at the place where loving God with all of our hearts is our highest goal. Thanks for the encouragement, friend!!Julie Zine Colemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16929069403684878757noreply@blogger.com