Daughters of Grace

Hello Daughters of Grace ~

The word grace has been on my heart for the last day since reading a blog about how many Christians don't treat others with much grace because we don't really walk in it ourselves.  Our expectations are so high and when we mess up we continue to beat ourselves up, allowing the enemy to condemn us continually.  We try over and over again to prove that we are good Christian girls.  See our works!!  If we are single we are celibate.  If we are married we are submissive.  We never yell at our children.  We volunteer for whatever and whenever.  We are patient, modest and always helpful.  SEE, it's grace, isn't it?  Then five minutes later we sin again and the cycle starts over.  Enter more condemnation that we may hold onto for years.

I know many of us know the definition of grace - free or unmerited favor of God.  It's amazing isn't it.  Sadly, I'm realizing more and more that I haven't been fully living in that definition.  I've desired over and over to prove myself to people and now to God.  As a teen mom I had to prove that I could be a good mom to those who just knew that this 17 year old girl should get an abortion.  When I worked in the professional kitchen I had to prove to the other chefs that I was just as good as the men (yes, the professional kitchen is male dominated).  Growing up without a father I had to prove to myself that I was good enough even though my father had abandoned me.  Once I became a Christian I continued to try to prove myself, only this time I felt like I had to prove myself to the Lord.  I had to show Him that I was worth Him saving.  I love Him and I love that He loves me and I receive it but I still felt like I had to work to show Him that I could be good enough to be called a daughter of grace.

The Lord has chosen, once again, to be gracious in showing me that I don't have to prove a thing.  Every so often He reminds me that when I begin to walk in works instead of grace I lose focus.  I don't have to prove myself anymore - because Jesus gave His life for mine.  Daughter of grace, you don't have to prove a thing as well.  I thought about my greeting long and hard today, daughters of grace.  Daughter of grace, I have a question for you.  Are you living under grace and I mean really living under grace?  Are you feeling guilty for messing up yet again?  Maybe you yelled at your kids again or were disrespectful to your husband.  Maybe you are holding on to something from years back and you've never quite forgiven yourself.  Yes, you know that you are forgiven but are you really living in free, unmerited and undeserved favor?

Please read chapter 7 of Romans.  As you do, you'll notice that Paul is speaking about the battle in his flesh.  The Spirit encourages him to make the right choices but he's always battling the sin that still battles in his flesh and sometimes he fails.  Sometimes he falls back into sin even though he wants, so desperately, to make the right choices.  Daughters of grace, that's all of us!!  Romans 3:23 tells us that we've all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Each and every one of us.  As Paul talks about his battle in marched Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.  And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.  You have to read the 7th and 8th chapters together to get the full grasp of that statement!  Daughter of grace, you are free!  Free from the bondage of sin and you live under the protection of grace.  You are not condemned!  You don't have to prove yourself!  This means that you will not get everything right or be perfect. It simply and amazingly means you don't have to pay for the times you fail because Jesus already did.

Pick yourself up and dust yourself off!  The King of Glory has paid for every time you fall.  Yes, we strive to please God but how awesome is it that our desire to please Him and live according to His Word comes only from a place of love.  He first loved us so we pour our love on Him by spending time with Him and allowing His Holy Spirit to take control over our lives.  Once we get that we can walk with a JOY and freedom that only comes from the love and grace of God!  Psalm 32:5 tells us that He also forgives the guilt of our sins! Walk in that daughter of grace!  Be truly forgiven.  Let go of the guilt because God forgives you and He loves you.

This was not what I planned to write and yes I still have a recipe for you but I have to share what's in my heart.  Part of the goal of the Mom Squad blog is to be transparent so that the lives of all those who read this blog are impacted by the love of Jesus.  Thanks for allowing me to share.

I'm posting a link to my latest Fox 8 appearance.  I had the honor and pleasure of making my BBQ Chicken Grilled Pizza.  Hope you enjoy!

Walking in HIS grace ~ Chef Robin

Please click here to watch the video