When we were children, practicing was frequently the bane of our existence.
Endless loops of cursive handwriting; sticky valves on rented clarinets; stubborn keyboard ivories that mocked our stubby fingers. Practicing brought little joy as we outlasted clocks.
But then, perhaps, we found some sweet proficiency—some pleasing skill still short of smooth perfection. We scored the winning soccer goal; our fingers or our voices shared a recognizable tune.
And so it is as we learn grace. Against the backward pressure of our fears, we sing to others and ourselves of mercy when we least deserve it; of God’s rich kindness finally overwhelming all our callousness. We now rehearse the stories of what Jesus did; what He is doing; what He will do. “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son” (Rom 5:10).
Practicing the gospel is all about repeating what is really true against the echo of our past. The Father still calls prodigals back home; embraces all who stumble on the way; forgives the ones who never seem to get the tune just right. Day by day, we grow in grace as we remind ourselves of Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
Keep practicing until you’re sure He got it right.
And stay in grace. -Bill Knott
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Enoch Was A Daddy, Too (June 2019)
GraceNotes: Sweet Word of Grace (May 31, 2019)
GraceNotes: By Grace Through Faith (May 24, 2019)
GraceNotes: Grace and Safety (May 17, 2019)
Jared Thurmon: Dear Ava (May 2019)
GraceNotes: Practicing Grace (May 10, 2019)
Wilona Karimabadi: For Tough Times (May 2019)
Searching The Obvious: Soft Sand (May 2019)
Journeys With Jesus: God-Centered (May 2019)
GraceNotes: When Grace Finds You (May 3, 2019)
GraceNotes: Baptize Us Anew (April 26, 2019)
GraceNotes: The Rising Song (April 19, 2019)
GraceNotes: Released From Fear (April 12, 2019)
Gerald Kingbeil: Thy Kingdom Come (April 2019)
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