In a box

The past couple of weeks a friend has been reading through the book of Acts.  She has been studying the early church.  Encouraging me to take a look, and I have.

Yesterday I started a new Bible study on the books of James (God must have more for me because I just finished a James study a month ago).  Always more to learn...that's my perspective anyway. Today as I began day two of my new study...I'm reading ACTS!  God is neat like that!

I'm reminded today about how easy it is for us to stay in our comfortable little box. We want to hold onto Biblical law. We want justice at any price. A price higher than what Jesus has already paid. We impose that on ourselves and those around us. So did the people of long ago. Even the early church had "much debate." They wanted the law of circumcision obeyed. (Acts 15:1)  But God in all his GLORY had another plan. Peter reminded them that God cleansed their hearts by FAITH.  He also reminded them that they are ALL saved by grace, not by yokes that no one can bear.

Its so simple and yet so profound. God wanted to raise a "new" people.  He wanted to save ALL people and not by Biblical law or acts of works, but by FAITH and GRACE!

Are you in a box?  Can you step out of your box today and rest in the truth that God loves you right where you are at.  A broken sinner in need of a Savior.  No "circumcision" needed, just a complete surrender and acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Savior.