I love this time of year when the city comes alive with returning college students and everyone seems to get back into good routines. As much as I love summer, I'm always sort of glad when it's over.
As we start this new fall season we are also beginning a brand new series that I'm really excited about. It will be called "Lavished" and will be an exploration of the boundless grace of God. More specifically, each week we will unveil one aspect of God's grace that He is eager for us to receive. I'm talking about things like pardon, assurance, affection, peace, provision, nearness, virtue and joy. Because God's grace is so boundless this series could probably go for eternity, but I'm planning on Sept-Oct.
What God has been putting on my heart so strong is His eagerness to pour out His grace upon us in abundance. It seems like for whatever reason we often settle for crumbs when the Father is wanting to lavish us with a feast. Many people view God as demanding and stingy. We don't always see Him as a generous Father. We see Him as willing to give, but not eager. I am really praying that we would be awakened to see God for who God really is in the coming weeks.
This series isn't just about thinking rightly about God in some dry theological way. When we think right about God it will change us. When we begin to see Him as One who longs to bless us, we become more free to receive. When we begin to see the God who is eager to lavish, we more confidently position ourselves to be lavished. When we begin to see that the Father does not want His children to be spiritually impoverished but, rather, to be clothed with the riches of His grace, we are opened up to confidently help ourselves to the storehouse of heaven.
What I'm trying to say is that God is getting us ready to receive greater measures of His glorious grace in this next season!
–Pastor Scott A.