https://www.facebook.com/groups/muchgrace/

... many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him. (John 6:67)

I'm slowly reading through Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown for the second time now. As a reminder, it follows four women who meet at a spiritual retreat centre and help and encourage each other to draw closer to GOD.

Anyway, this book is so well written that the Holy Spirit has challenged (pruned) me with so much harsh truth that the remaining stump of me would even question my being 'in Christ Jesus' at all!

What does harsh truth mean? For example, I refer to Jesus's stark, unyielding, blunt truth to his disciples: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” (NB - before you mention it there is not a shred of historical evidence that a “Needle’s Eye” gate ever existed).

Anyway, when the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, ‘Who then can be saved?’” (Matt. 19:25). Who indeed?

Finally, what Jesus says next clearly explains the point of the whole exchange: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (19:26).

So, spend just ten minutes in the news, and you'll see that ALL OF US LIVING DOWN HERE - (Even Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) can have our gods who lead our hearts astray. Indeed, a poor man can worship Mammon just as easily as a rich man. The former yearns adoringly for it; the latter clings tenaciously to it.

My point is that whatever separates us from Christ in any way, e.g. pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, or sloth, leaves us stranded and on our own. And if we'd rather dig in and keep on going and reject our Saviour's warnings, then ... !!!

But the Love of Jesus is merciful. When we despair, He tells us, "... With GOD, all things are possible." Indeed, they are more than possible: in Christ alone, they are certain. By His work, his sacrifice, His Grace and Mercy, anyone can enter the Kingdom of GOD.

So, if you're being prodded by the Holy Spirit in these last days - do the right thing. Turn around and run to Him, listen up, believe what He's telling you to do, open your heart and repent. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

As usual, I asked the Lord what He wanted to say, and He led me to this Scripture: “What does God require from us? He wants us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with him." (Micah 6:8).

“Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. Christ-conquerors are safe from Devil-death.” (Rev 2:11)