“I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to you among the nations.”
~ Psalm 57:9 (ESV)“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
~ 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Wow, were in the world did the month of June go? Please remember that in the month of July, my friend Lynn at “Spiritually Unequal Marriage” is hosting Thankful Thursday; in August my friend Laurie will be hosting the weekly meme at “Women Taking a Stand“.
I chose the title “God’s Shelter” because I am currently reading Sheila Walsh‘s book “God’s Shelter for your Storm“.
I often say to friends in real life and on the internet: I do not know where I would be without my faith in Jesus Christ. Sheila’s book really emphasizes that we as humans and believers are not perfect, but we have Someone who makes us perfect in God’s eyes; Jesus Christ.
Today I read a snippet of the short book that really hit home. Sheila is talking about Peter’s denial of Jesus and the homecoming of the prodigal son. Both turned their backs on God, but God was waiting for them to return. Sheila writes:
“If you have taken your father’s inheritance, broken his heart, spent all you had, and ended up feeding pigs, where do you go? Peter would tell you and the prodigal would say, ‘Turn your heart toward home, toward God. Cling to His promise that He’s got you covered with His lavish, unmerited grace. His power is made perfect in your weakness. Just recognize your need for the Shelter when you stand exposed and vulnerable.'” ~ Sheila Walsh “God’s Shelter for your Storm (page 106)”
Isn’t that powerful?!? I tell you, my sweet friends, I have read/heard the story of the prodigal son and Peter’s denial so many times, but every time I read/hear it, it gives me goose-bumps. His grace is just amazing; and I am so thankful for it. No matter how weak I am, He will cover me with His amazing grace.
What are you thankful for my dear friends? Please leave your link below to your Thankful Thursday post or leave me a comment.
Thank you for stopping in today; remember: His grace is amazing, give Him thanks and do not take it for granted.
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I also do not know where I would be without my faith in Jesus. His grace is amazing. Thank you for an encouraging post.
Iris, I just dont believe I could make it in this crazy world without my faith and without His love and grace! I havent read that book, but I am reading another great book called “The Shelter of the Most High” by Francis Frangipane. It is also a good read. 🙂
Very nice post!!!!!! I always love Thankful Thursdays because even when you have a bad day you always find something to be thankful for :0)
Oh Iris,
I am deeply moved by this post. What a precious and beautiful hope. I am “the prodigal” daughter and every time I think about those lost days and how God would not let me go, I’m brought to my knees. I’m brought to tears. Of Joy, thanksgiving or worship. Awesome.
I love Jesus. I LOVE JESUS.
Hugs, and happy TT. Lynn
I love that word forgiven. I love the comfort in knowing God takes care of me. The book is on my too read list. Glad to hear its a good.
Wow, what powerful words! I love that His grace is always enough. Without it, I’d be a lost cause–literally. What a refreshing post!
Blessings to you this Thursday! I loved this post and of course you picked one of my life verses-My Grace is Sufficient for you.
I have clung to this verse for years-and thank the Father for His mercy as well. Thanks for hosting TT this month.
Hugs, Noreen
Beautiful reminder of where we’ve all been. . . and the grace that brought us to the place where we run home to Abba Father. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” I John 3:1
Wonderful post and reminder, His grace is enough. Even when we turn away from Him, forget to cling to Him.. He love us so, He showers us with grace. It is wonderful to be able to run to Him and know that He is our shelter.
Blessings,
Misty
I started my post the same way…where did June go?! Thank you for hosting this month.
I listened to one of Shelia Walsh’s books and it was very good. Thanks for sharing this one.
Have a blessed day!
Bethany
Grace! What a gift from Our Heavenly Father. Grasping a better understanding and appreciation of grace for myself, I can now give it to others in great proportions. Praise Jesus!
Hi gals, I just found you! I am a Christian Mom/Nana blogger and have always participated in a meme called Gratituesday, hosted by Laura at http://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com, which is similar to yours! Now that I have found you I can be grateful on Tuesday and Thankful on Thursday!
Blessings to all of you and thanks for this great post. I happen to be going through a storm in my life now and this message today was helpful.
Teresa
Oh Iris,
this was a great post. #1 on the list Grace. Thanks for sharing this.
Have a great day,
Sherry
I cannot imagine my life without grace: not only grace received but being able to extend grace when all I have within me is a judgemental and hurt spirit. In recognizing grace given, I can let go of all that and give grace. That helps heal the hurt.
Sheila Walsh is a great author! Thanks for hosting us this month!
Hi Iris,
The example of Peter and the Prodigal son are great lessons. I have preached about them many times and still have never scratched the surface of the Grace of God displayed in these accounts. I will be browsing the site here, you have a lot going on here that is good and encouraging, keep up the good work!
God Bless,
Joe Young
Associate Pastor
Norwich Tabernacle
Just found your blog…perhaps I can link up next Thursday 🙂
I am thankful for His grace to do that which I cannot do…
His faithfulness to me, even when I was not looking to Him, is a blessing beyond words. I am so thankful for His Grace!
Oh my…I have so many things to be grateful for! I’m probably one of the luckiest teenage girls in the world!
I have:
1) Loving parents (who provide for me in sooo many ways. They basically give me everything I need!)
2) Great friendships to-be when i start high school
3) A supporting church family (who constantly pray for me)
4) A nice home
5) I’m healthy (probably a tad overweight, but i’m working on being healthy!)
6) Vacations
7) Last but not least, JESUS CHRIST who’s always patient, loving, and over forgiving to me. Who always gives me a second chance when I’m selfish, confused, or distant from Him. Who guides me, protects me, and wants the best for me ;). Although I’m still a new-born baby Christian (i was saved a few weeks ago) God has been workin’ up a nice relationship.
Things definitely aren’t perfect in my life, however, appreciating all the blessings completely outweighs the small negative details!
i love this, God’s Shelter many years.thanks very very much
Sheila Walsh is a great author! Thanks for hosting us this month!
Something to be thankful for: me joining back Thankful Thursday.
You can read my list of things I am thankful for here:
http://iamjanujennifer.blogspot.com/2011/07/these-are-few-of-my-favorite-things.html
I am most thankful for the gift of faith. Life would make absolutely no sense without it.
He is the creator of all I have had so much help in my time of doubt… here http://www.ScriptureVerses.com
Hi Iris!
So nice to connect with you. You have a lovely blog here. So encouraging. So important to always bear in mind the multitude of things we have to be thankful for.
I’m thankful that He will never leave or forsake me. That He chooses to use me in spite of myself. That in my weakness, He is strong. So “funny” that after I posted over on my Eternity Cafe today, I came here and found the same Scripture reference. This is what I will meditate on today.
Blessings,
Susan
God’s Shelter, it’s usful for my country, i love it.
I love god, and thankful for the gift of faith. really ..
That is such a powerful excerpt from Sheila’s book. It resonates with me and how I feel toward the lives of many of my loved ones. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
(formerly of http://www.extravagantgrace.net)
Peter’s denial really hits home for me. The fact that he could make such a powerful “comeback” is really encouraging for the rest of us when we struggle with our faith.