JOURNEY TO JOY (September 21, 2018)

On our best days, we fall far short of our inspiring goals.  We say the angry words, repeat the wicked gossip, upset the ones we’re pledged to love.  And were it not for grace, our story is an endlessly repeating tale of good intentions and bad performances. But grace upends what keeps us mired in our sins, for grace proclaims release from guilt, redemption from our foolishness.  We get a new and wonderful reset each time we come to Jesus.  The slate is cleaned; the record washed; the sins removed as far as east can ever be from west. This is the genius of the gospel:  We need not stay what we once were.  We need not be what we are now.  Grace pulls us toward the joy for which we were created, and puts the hope back in our story.  So move toward joy.  And stay in grace. -Bill Knott