I really don’t understand people who are so legalistic and dogmatic all the time. Don’t they know that it took the same amount of Jesus’ blood to cover them, too? Aren’t they aware deep down of their own faults and weaknesses? When Jesus wept over Jerusalem, why do they seem to gloat over the fact that some people are going to hell? And why am I like that sometimes?

I need grace daily. I need it hourly. Today I needed it on a minute-by-minute basis. I am trying to give more grace and understanding to people because I know in my heart who I am without the grace of God and it is not pretty or PG-13.

I am still learning to forgive myself. I can’t ever do anything right by my own standards sometimes, but thankfully God doesn’t judge me by my own standards. He sees me through Jesus and He is satisfied with me, because He sees the perfect righteousness and finished work of Jesus.

I figured out that I have to yet again surrender trying to make things work my way and let God have His way in me. I prayed the old Elisabeth Elliot prayer, Thy will be done, even if it means my will be undone.

It still boggles my mind that God chose to use me. That I can be a part of seeing His kingdom break through in my lifetime. That I can be God’s hands and feet and be Jesus to the broken and needy.

I am so beyond thankful for good friends and good conversation. I don’t deserve either, but I have both. I am blessed. So why do I worry and complain? And why am I always putting my hope in something that’s just around the corner instead of resting in and enjoying what I have right now?

Thank You, God, that grace wins everytime, because I need a victory right now. Thank You for the everlasting arms that are over and around and under me as I write this.

Amen and amen.