The Story of Grace ~ a Book Review

 

The Story of Grace by Horatius Bonar is an excellent presentation of the grace of God.  

Just a bit of background about the author...he was a Scottish churchman who lived from 1808-1889.  He was a licensed preacher, he worked in missions, he wrote poetry and one of my favorite parts of his life is that he wrote hymns.

He actually wrote over 140 hymns.

That will set the stage for the book and the way that he writes.  He's very easy to read and I thoroughly enjoyed this book as he starts in the Garden of Eden to explain the necessity we have for a Savior.

He reminds us of the fact that God is our Father and that all He has done has been to establish that relationship with His children.  It's all of Grace.

I have so much of the book underlined and pages tabbed, but I will try to share just a few of the quotes that really spoke to me.

In speaking of all that God has created and why He has created it we find these words,

"When thus looking at His works as laying open His heart, we get at their real meaning.  We understand the story which they were meant to tell-a story about the heart of God.  They are God's revelation of Himself.  And they are just such a revelation of His character as is fitted to bring glory to Him and joy to us."

As our author is explaining about our fallen world and how God fits into all of this, he says,

"A world unfallen reveals but half of God.  The deep recesses of His character only come out in connection with a world fallen.  The heights and depths of His infinite nature were not manifested, till that which is opposed to them occurred to bring them forth."

Bonar reminds us throughout the book that we are unrighteous before a holy God and shows us time and time again throughout the book how God has made the sacrifice of His Son, for us that we might be reconciled to Him.

"This is grace-that feeling which is called forth, not by the worth, but by the worthlessness of the object, which awakens at the sight of want, and misery, and guilt; and which can only be gratified by the supply of that want, the removal of that misery, the pardon of that guilt."

If you are interested in reading a book that is a wonderful reminder of the Grace of God, of how much you are loved as a child of God, I would highly recommend this book.

Be Encouraged

 

Patience and Longsuffering

 As I have been reading my Bible this past week, I have repeatedly been challenged by two words and how or if they were related...patience and longsuffering.  I decided to do some research and studying and since my layer of self-control for the month of March has been Patience I thought I would share my findings here. 

Both are virtues that involve enduring difficult circumstances without becoming easily frustrated or giving up.

Longsuffering typically refers to enduring prolonged suffering or hardship with a sense of forbearance and self-control.  It involves enduring difficult circumstances or people without losing one’s temper.  Some benefits from long suffering may include improved relationships and greater peace.  It can also help people develop a greater sense of self-control and emotional maturity.

Patience is more about maintaining composure and tolerance in the face of delays, annoyances, and setbacks.  It is the capacity to wait calmly for something or someone without becoming annoyed or anxious.  Basically, it involves maintaining composure and self-control in challenging situations.  Patience can lead to reduced stress and anxiety.  When we develop patience, we will find that we can experience a greater sense of peace and contentment in our lives.

Both require a level of inner strength and resilience, but longsuffering may involve a deeper level of endurance and perseverance in the face of ongoing challenges.  

Are there challenges that come with being long-suffering and patient?  Yes, when we are long suffering, we do take the risk of being taken advantage of by other people. Setting boundaries in order to not end up in a toxic relationship as a result of being taken advantage of is always wise. I've definitely found that to be true in my own life.

Patience has its challenges as well.  When we become someone who is content in waiting, we will find that we are going against the flow in this fast-paced world we live in where instant self-gratification is the norm.  It means resisting the urge to rush or force outcomes, which can be difficult unless we are keeping our eyes focused on Christ, where our strength to be patient comes from.

Is it possible to develop both of these virtues?  Yes!  I think here we need to be mindful, first of all, where the strength is coming from where these two virtues are concerned. 

When setting boundaries in order to not be taken advantage of and avoid toxic relationships we need to seek the face of our Savior who will give us the strength to do that. 

It’s the same with patience…we can develop patience through mindfulness and self-discipline, reminding ourselves WHO it is that is truly in control of our lives.  There we will find peace and not be as concerned about the things going on around us.

The Lord has definitely been highlighting the need I have in my life for patience by providing circumstances that have been very frustrating, and I have certainly not passed the tests with flying colors, but I am beginning to become more mindful of how I can respond when these times come about. That's progress...but I also realize at the same time that even the ability to engage with mindfulness comes from the Lord and His power working in my life.

A wonderful example of God's longsuffering can be found in Psalm 78!