Study Only by His Grace

 "The purpose of the spiritual discipline [of study] is the total transformation of the person."

And how do I experience this transformation?  What causes my "total" transformation?  How do I replace the old broken, and chipping facade I cling to with life-giving habits free from any bondage and opening running into my Papa's arms?

By learning about the truth.  Studying the truth.  Getting to know the truth!

"Jesus made it unmistakably clear that the knowledge of the truth will set us free, "you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:32).  Good feelings will not free us Ecstatic experiences will not free us.  Getting 'High on Jesus" will not free us.  Without the knowledge of the truth, we will not be free." -Foster

"We should rejoice that we are not left to our own devices but have been given this means of God's grace for the changing of our inner spirit."

I am overwhelmed looking over this past weeks study about study!  What unbelievable grace lavishly poured out and lathered onto my broken and sinful body to have a honor, right, and authority to know my creator!   Foolishly I sometimes think God's grace fills in the holes of my pain.  That each crack, scar, deep cavern, and insecurity is spakled over and painted to have the appearance of being new and fresh to the on looking world.  THIS IS FALSE!  God does not cover up what I deem to be unimportant or assign as "shameful," "unacceptable," or "bad."  His continuous, unconditional grace meets my hurts and pains and joys exactly where they are.  Instead of covering them in hopes of making others believe I am new, he inwardly transforms me by the TRUTH and creates me NEW!  He transforms my total body.  He totally blows out the old, leaving it hung on the cross, freeing me from any chains or burdens holding me back as He claims me for His own.  GRACE, GRACE, GRACE!  Not only does He make me new by His overflowing grace, he allows me, loving invites, and romances me into relationship with Him!  GRACE!   And that same grace invites me, desires for me to know, learn about, and study the Creator of the universe!  

If His grace is and ocean, we're all sinking..."

Grace!

So let's rejoice! Because of His freeing truth, His loving invitation to study him, and GRACE!! "We should rejoice that we are not left to our own devices but have been given this means of God's grace for the changing of our inner spirit."