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Good morning!

A string of restless, sleepless nights left me feeling a little bit “mental” and off. There is a reason we are encouraged to take time to rest! But, sometimes the nights of less rest happen for multiple reasons.

I sat still one afternoon during that time feeling like I didn’t know what to pray or what to think. I think exhaustion was just too pressing. I flipped open my Prayer Notebook that I have used on and off over the years. Back in 2021 I had written something that my eyes landed upon. It was words God had spoken to my heart and it occurred to me today that perhaps sharing this might encourage another “performance-driven” person out there that reads this!

At that time, Pastor Jim had spoken of healing coming through love that extends from grace.

Grace.  Think about that….I felt a strong impression to stay here.

God, I don’t grasp that! Help me to grasp that!

You have to be willing and ready to receive FULLY My favor. You cannot allow your past, your struggles, your challenges, whatever it is, to overpower and supersede My power. If you fully believe that My Grace is enough and more than enough, you will be able to receive My love completely. With it comes healing and then you can extend it to others. This is not earned through behavior - this is your willingness to lay down the sin of pride that keeps a wedge between us. Any wedge, albeit small, will obstruct the flow of My Spirit in you.

Receive My love like a tidal wave -overcoming all of you - give into it. Don’t try to resist or paddle. Just give into it. Breathe in My Spirit. All is washed away in My pure love. It is pure because there is no hidden motive or trace of anything other than pure love.

Give into My Grace and Love. It is offered to all but it is not received fully by those trying to earn it.

At that point I flipped to Acts 11 and the verse “you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.”

So, there in my Prayer Journal from 2/19/2021 I received the reminder once again that grace is not something I get because of my “good” behavior. It is freely given and it is my choice to receive it and allow the Tidal Wave of His love to take over me. No trying harder, No pushing harder. Thank You, Lord, for CHOOSING to love me. For choosing to love the one who reads this. Not because we have been good, but because YOU are oh, so good.