LOVER OF MY SOUL

Teaching Goal: To connect deeper with God

CHAPTER 3: LEARN THE UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE

The rhythms of grace amidst the rhythms of the world by Jennie Allen

Within the depths of vulnerability lies the profound truth that we all need rescuing. Yet, when we choose to embrace Jesus as our one and only Hero, we become intimately acquainted with the unforced rhythms of grace. This transformative journey invites us to bask in God’s glorious presence, finding comfort, strength, and salvation. Trusting in Him completely, we pour out our troubles, knowing that He will help us. Let us explore the incredible freedom that comes from embracing the unforced rhythms of grace.

1. The Enveloping Glory of God:

God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him. Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! Pause in his presence

Psalms 62:7‭-‬8 TPT

Imagine being surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty of creation, where God’s glory is evident in every facet of existence. His wraparound presence becomes our sanctuary, our ultimate source of strength and salvation. The Lord, our Savior and Hero, offers His loving embrace, assuring us that His presence is all we need. Trusting in God moment by moment, we pour out our deepest longings, knowing that He hears and answers. In His presence, we find refuge, comfort, and a renewed sense of purpose.

2. Embracing Our Worthiness in Christ:

For when the time was right, the Anointed One came and died to demonstrate his love for sinners who were entirely helpless, weak, and powerless to save themselves. Now, would anyone dare to die for the sake of a wicked person? We can all understand if someone was willing to die for a truly noble person. But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! And there is still much more to say of his unfailing love for us! For through the blood of Jesus we have heard the powerful declaration, “You are now righteous in my sight.” And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, you will never experience the wrath of God.

Romans 5:6‭-‬9 TPT

No longer do we need to prove ourselves to earn God’s approval or acceptance. The cross of Calvary stands as a resounding testament to Jesus’ unfailing love and our inherent worthiness. When the time was right, the Anointed One willingly laid down His life for sinners who were utterly helpless, weak, and powerless. Christ’s sacrificial act revealed God’s passionate love for us, even while we were lost and ungodly. Through the blood of Jesus, we have received a powerful declaration: “You are now righteous in my sight.” We are accepted, loved, and forgiven, no longer burdened by shame or the need to earn God’s love.

3. Liberation from Religious Burdens:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28‭-‬30 MSG

Religion and rebellion, the worldly rhythms, offer no true peace or rest for our weary souls. They ensnare us, leaving us trapped and burdened. Yet, as we learn to lean on God and walk in step with the Holy Spirit, we discover the blessed life where everything is light and free. It is a journey of surrender, a path that leads us away from the shackles of religious performance and rebellion. In this divine partnership, we find true rest, freedom, and the joy of living in harmony with God’s will.

The unforced rhythms of grace beckon us to embrace a new way of living. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of God’s presence, we find freedom from the need to prove ourselves. Let us embark on this transformative journey, dancing to the rhythm of grace, and experiencing the profound freedom found in Jesus.

Immerse yourself in the delightful wisdom of Tamra Andress as she explores the transformative power of “Unlocking the Rhythms of Grace: A Journey of Reverence, Reflection, Repentance, and Revival” in this short podcast message. Brace yourself for a stimulating conversation that will ignite introspection and leave you yearning for a deeper connection with the grace that permeates your own life.

Engagement Challenge

Reflecting on the topic of reverence, reflection, repentance, and revival, which is your favorite “R,” and which one do you feel you need to improve upon? Additionally, what does your current life rhythm convey about your relationship with God?

Please share your insights with us! Feel free to express your thoughts, revelations, and aspirations regarding your favorite “R” and the one you want to enhance. Let’s embrace this opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual growth together!

Worship Challenge

Take a moment to fully embrace the presence of God and center your thoughts on His abundant grace in your life. One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus is His unconditional love, which means that we are continuously immersed in His unmerited favor. Open your heart wide and approach God with authenticity. Be transparent and sincere in His presence, remembering that you have nothing to prove. He loves you just as you are, even if you feel broken or unworthy. Embrace your vulnerability as you delve into the depths of your heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to convict and guide you personally. Rather than viewing this process negatively, recognize it as a positive indication that God is communicating with you, particularly when you perceive discrepancies between your life and His truth. Step forward into complete freedom and embrace it, for it is through this journey that you will discover and understand the beautiful rhythms of God’s grace.

The Extra Mile Challenge

To fully embrace the transformative power of grace in every aspect of our lives, it is essential to discern between influences that strengthen our faith and those that lead us astray into sin. Rather than viewing these challenges as forbidden territories and distancing ourselves from God, we should approach them as opportunities for personal growth and resolution. This shift in perspective enables us to foster a deeper connection with God, immersing ourselves in the effortless flow of His astonishing grace.

In order to live a victorious life despite our sins and feelings of shame, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is always there to assist us. Regardless of our shortcomings and failures in living up to His glory, He continues to see us through the eyes of His Son, Jesus. As part of the “extra mile challenge,” I highly recommend two enlightening videos: “The True Gospel Explained In 12 Minutes” by Joseph Prince and “You Are Still Righteous When You Fail” by Joseph Prince. These resources offer valuable insights on overcoming feelings of unworthiness and remind us that God’s grace establishes us in His gift of righteousness.

Meditation Challenge

since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,

Romans 3:23‭-‬24 AMP

Take a moment to explore the profound wisdom of Romans 3:23-24 as you embark on a journey of self-reflection and spiritual growth. In this challenge, you’ll engage in a brief yet powerful meditation session, delving into the depths of this biblical verse.

To begin, find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and be free from distractions. As you settle into a peaceful state, speak the words of Romans 3:23-24 aloud, allowing their significance to resonate within you. Ponder on the message behind these words, reflecting on their personal relevance and the broader implications they hold.

Once you have embraced the essence of Romans 3:23-24, transition seamlessly to the next step of the challenge: playing a guided meditation video. This video will serve as your spiritual companion, gently leading you into a profound exploration of God’s grace. Through this biblical reflection, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how divine mercy and grace can shape your interactions with others.

The meditation video will guide you through a mindful journey, helping you to be conscious of your thoughts, words, and actions in relation to the grace of God. You’ll be encouraged to embody kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, allowing the transformative power of God’s love to flow through you.

By participating in the Romans 3:23-24 Meditation Challenge, you’ll cultivate a greater awareness of your own behavior and develop a renewed sense of empathy towards others. This practice will enable you to witness the mercy and grace of God manifesting in every aspect of your life, encouraging you to be a vessel of love and understanding.

Play the video as soon as you are ready and experience the profound impact of God’s grace in your daily life.