Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” KJV
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. NIV
This is a verse that I have kept over my sewing machine or work place for many years to remind myself of the importance of doing my very best in whatever I do. Whether it be a job or making a gift for a friend or family, in my work place, as a wife and mother, a pastor’s wife or teacher.
A dear niece noticed my typed note to myself several years ago and sweetly cross-stitched a beautiful plague for me in lavender with a pretty blue flower and lavender ruffle.
Whenever I went to a new job or moved I would take that little plague and put it up over my work area.
When I make a mistake in my crocheting that perhaps only I would even know isn’t right, I feel compelled to pull out my work and make it right.
I crocheted a beautiful apricot tablecloth with a pineapple design and several years after I made it I was sitting at the table and I noticed a place where I had skipped a cluster stitch. No, I did not take it apart and fix it, it is still a beautiful table cloth and it is still very useful, but it has been twelve years or more since I made it and it still pops out at me.
I think of the time when I was making a bride’s maid’s dress and the iron spit water on the peau de soie (a lovely matte satin fabric which Is very unforgiving). Needless to say I had to go shopping to replace the section that was damaged.
One day while decorating for a Christmas program I was carrying some boxes and I entered the building in the dark (the light switches were at the other end of the sanctuary) and someone had moved the platform furniture into the area where I usually walked freely and holding the boxes high, I suddenly crashed into the pulpit. Now though the hand is healed, I have a scar to remind me of that occasion.
I often think back over my life as a Christian and think of things which I wish I had done differently, or that I had been a better servant of Christ, a better wife, parent, or friend.
This reminds me of the “Wonderful Grace of Jesus” and the blessed fact, that as born again Christians who have put their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, we are assured of His forgiveness.
I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Read this precious portion for the Word of God…..
Psalm 103
1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;
18. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
He does not remind us of our sins or mistakes, as the tablecloth, scar on my hand or any of those things that come to our minds that make us feel so inadequate.
Just confess (talk to the Lord) and tell Him your heart and He Is Faithful.
Sing with me, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”
Words & Music: Haldor Lillenas, 1918 (MIDI, score).
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame,
O magnify the precious Name of Jesus.
Praise His Name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost,
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven,
For all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
