Breath of Grace: Embracing Change and Growth in Christ (05/30/'24) -Message

Breath of Grace: Embracing Change and Growth in Christ Life is constantly moving, and time never stops ticking. Staying in the same place and clinging to the same things can be a complete waste. Change is painful, and growth can be uncomfortable, but nothing is as painful as being stuck where we don't belong. We need to make decisions based on where we want to be and what we want to achieve. Let go of the past and embrace the future. Life is a sacred breath, given by God. As Job reflects, "For as long as life is in me, and the breath of God is in my nostrils," and "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life" (Job 27:3 & 33:4). God's grace is our breath. Jesus reminds us, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:4–6). We can do nothing apart from Christ. The air we breathe, the very life we live, comes from God's hand (Acts 17:25). Our salvation, our sanctification, and our perseverance in faith all come by God's grace. It’s God’s grace from beginning to end. Let us cherish each breath, embrace change, and grow in the grace and love of Christ. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 30, 2024)