Greetings to all…
As the suspension of social contact continues with the curtailing of all but essential businesses, it will be normal to feel a sense frustration and anxiety increasing. It is important to remember that while we are being inconvenienced, this is NOT the end of the world as we know it. I’m kind of thinking of it as forced pause to follow the wisdom found in Psalm 46… “Be still and know that I am God…” Please know that I am available at any time – reach out to be by phone or e.mail. If you want to just scream in the middle of the night – its ok. I won’t have my hearing aids on! 😇
Many are asking if this will be over in time for Grace to celebrate Holy Week (Palm Sunday and Easter), April 5 – 12 in gathered worship. The answer is, I don’t know – no one knows. But right now it is looking doubtful. We continue to be guided by our Bishop and government/medical announcements to do what is necessary to curb the spread of the virus and protect each other as best we can. In the meantime, we, the staff of Grace, are doing everything we can to help us all stay connected to each other and to this great God we serve who is our Protector, Sustainer, and Redeemer. In the event we do have to suspend worship through Easter – I commit to you that we WILL observe and celebrate – Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter – later in the church year when we are back together again. As I have shared with others, remember – for the Christian, every Sunday is Easter (Resurrection) Sunday!
Today’s devotion is copied below. I understand some were unable to open the attachment I sent yesterday. So – this will be the format for our Daily Devotions going forward. I also commend to you the devotional messages of Max Lucado. I always find Max’s insight to be food for my spirit – you may too. Just Google “Max Lucado Devotionals” – downloads are free, but email signups are required.
MESSAGES OF THE HYMNS
Hearing the Words We Sing
“Grace Greater Than Our Sin”
The lyrics to this hymn were written by Julia Harriette Johnson (1849 – 1919), the daughter of a Presbyterian minister in Peoria, Illinois. Johnson, herself a faithful Christian and teacher, wrote many hymn texts, but this one emerged as a favorite among Methodists and other denominations.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
Will you this moment his grace receive?
Central to its message is the contrast between the matchless, unending, and unmerited love of God offered to believers and the guilt and despair of sin that only God can forgive. Grace … freely offered that is “…greater than all our sin” – not because of what we do, but because of Jesus’ supreme, loving sacrifice on the cross, as proclaimed by the Apostle Paul in Romans, Chapter 5. This stirring hymn comes to us as a fresh wind of peace and forgiveness, available to us because of what He endured for all humankind on Calvary’s cross. To understand this hymn and its message, is to begin to grasp how desperately God loves us and longs for us to receive Jesus as the One who rescues us from “…the dark stain that we cannot hide.” Thanks be to God!
Shalom…
Pastor Bruce
