Guilt or Grace??

I think I must have been taught from early in life that I had to constantly work harder every day in order to please God - and everyone else around me! I didn't realize until a few years ago how this belief had affected my life. It surely must be one of those mind-sets that requires "letting go and letting God" time and again for me to understand and accept God's most amazing Grace.

Words from today's devotional that particularly spoke to me were "Guilt-evoking messages can undermine the very foundation of grace in a believer's heart" and then, "I want you to relax in the assurance of My perfect Love." This reminds me that God really does want me to relax and enjoy His Presence and His Grace and His Love! Ephesians 2:8-9 says it so clearly, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works so that no man can boast."

The hymn, "Amazing Grace" is one of my favorites and one that reinforces today's reading. Please take time to listen to the words of this beautiful hymn; this version of  "Amazing Grace" is by Chris Tomlin and has a few additional verses.