Epic Grace ~ Destiny Matters

If you'd told me ten years ago that I would be rewriting a novel, encouraging other writers in their gifts, rubbing shoulders with some of the best authors in Christian literature, and teaching at writers conferences across the country, I'd have looked at you dumbfounded.

As a young child, I had a dream of being a writer or a magazine editor. I loved immersing myself in story worlds as an escape from real life and all its teenaged drama. I loved running my hand over the glossy faces of the cute guys who lit up my movie screens, dreaming of having the opportunity to interview them. And in 1992, I left home in pursuit of a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism with a minor in English that I never completed.

Instead, in 1994 I fell in love with Jesus and walked away from the college life that kept trying to call me back into my sinful ways.

And for four years or so I quit reading books of any sort with the exception of the Bible. For ten years I didn't pick up a single fiction novel. That desire to read and write had died.

Rather than focus on the dream of a career, I switched gears to focus on the dream of getting married and having babies. And I focused on growing deeper in my relationship with my First Love, Jesus. Which lead to a life of service in ministry.

In late 2009, I wrestled inside of myself. I'd been serving my husband and my children for ten years. I'd laid down my life for them, and I really wanted something for myself. I wanted to use my gifts and talents for God's kingdom, and I wanted something to do that I enjoyed.

That's when God spoke a very clear calling: "I want you to write for Me."

Flash forward nearly four years: I am rewriting my first novel and find myself very encouraged as others who've been able to read glimpses of it keep asking for more. I am currently working with six different authors, encouraging them in their craft and talent. I'm friends with some of my favorite authors. And I'll be teaching for the first time at a writers conference this October. (And I've resumed reading. A wide variety of books, including fiction novels, which I love.)

Because God's grace is EPIC. Kurt Bubna recently released his book Epic Grace:  Chronicles of a Recovering Idiot. In the back of the book, Kurt provides a discussion guide. One of the questions he asks is what Epic Grace means to you. Here's my answer: I really don't deserve any of this. God must REALLY love me.

Because only God could send a lowly little writer like me to her first writers conference in 2010 and have her teaching at one in 2013. Because only God could give a servant of His like me the favor of award-winning authors in the industry. Because only God...

This week, as I read John 6, a very familiar verse took on a new meaning. I pray it does for you, too.

"Lazarus, come forth!"

We all know the call of resurrection Jesus gave his good friend, Lazarus. Lazarus had been dead for so long he'd been bound in grave cloths.

What has died in your life? What dreams, desires, hopes, talents, and gifts have you laid to rest because of the negative words of others, the circumstances of life, or your own self-doubt? Is there something you really want to do for God but feel you are unworthy or incapable of doing?

What in your life does Jesus need to call forth, to resurrect?

Consider this verse that follows Jesus' call to Lazarus:
And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth (John 11:44).

Maybe Jesus has already called you forth, but your hands and feet are bound, immobilizing you. Maybe your face is still wrapped in that cloth, rendering you blind, deaf, and mute. What then?

"Loose him, and let him go." Jesus commanded the graveclothes to free Lazarus of their grip. He can do the same for you.

Because He loves you, and even when you think you don't deserve it, He knows you do.

And this is His Epic Grace for you. Chase that dream. Pursue that career you've always wanted. Get on your face and beg God to loose your barrenness. Don't let death bind you and keep you from God's promises over your life. Come forth and reach for your inheritance of abundant life and the saving grace of our Lord.

To read more about Epic Grace, you can find the book here:
amazon
Barnes and Noble
CBD
Parable

Join Pastor Bubna (pronounced Boob-nuh) at his blog. You'll find his posts very encouraging and down to earth but heaven sent.

Words of Life

I'm a writer. One of the things they tell writers in books about writing and at conferences is that you need to develop a thick skin. You need to be able to take criticism in all of its many forms. Your thick skin will allow some of what your critics say bounce off, not allowing them to take root.

And with good cause. Because some people don't think before they speak. Their words don't speak of truth, they aren't helpful, inspiring, necessary, or kind. They just hurt.

They condemn. They tear down, destroy, destruct. And most of the time, it's because those people are so damaged inside that the only way they feel good is when they're certain others don't. They feel elevated, better than thou, holier than thou. When in reality, they've blinded themselves to the truth of their own bitterness and heartache.

As Christians, it is our call to love others with the love of Jesus. Because Jesus did not come into the world to condemn us. He didn't come waving a "holier than thou" banner over our heads, setting up expectations that would never be achievable. No. He came to serve. To love. To heal. To speak truth. To set captives free. So that the world, through Him, might be saved. He laid down His life for all of humanity.

It's up to us to accept His gift of salvation.

And it's up to those of us who have to set examples for others, so they don't need to be thick-skinned and insensitive, unable to receive truth.

So this Resurrection season, let's THINK before we speak.

Is it TRUE? Does it line up with the Word of God? Would Jesus say something like that? Or is it just your emotional trauma speaking in the moment? If it is, hold your tongue. If it will bring life to the hearer, then by all means, share it.

Is it HELPFUL? Is what you're about to say going to further the recipient's walk with God or draw them to Jesus? Or is it going to drive them away from not only God but you too? Will you hinder their walk and become a stumbling block? Or are you going to encourage them. Be aware that some people don't need to be fixed; they need to be graced.

Is it INSPIRING? Will your words draw out the creator in them? Will they challenge them in a healthy way? Will they push them toward their dreams? Encourage the hope that is within them? Or will they crush the joy the person is struggling to hold onto? Be aware that there is power in the tongue. It can lead someone to life or it can kill their spirit.

Is it NECESSARY? Must you say it? Or could you just keep quiet? Proverbs 10:19 reminds us, "In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise."

Is it KIND? Jesus taught us the Golden Rule, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31). If you wouldn't receive what you're about to say as kind, don't give it away. Allow the law of kindness to reside on your tongue. Remember that tone matters, as well as the words. It's easy to say something that would be perceived as kind in a tone that says it isn't.

Remember, Jesus came to bring us to salvation, not condemnation. The world would be a much more pleasant place if we chose to consider others and how our words will impact their hearts instead of running at the lips. Love someone today. Speak an encouraging or kind word to them. Be the light Jesus called you to be.