A Savior (Not A Condemner) Is Born

At the suggestion of Beth Moore during the Living Proof Live Simulcast this past August, I have decided to make an "ABCs list of scripture." What this simply means is finding a verse from the Bible that starts with each letter of the alphabet to encourage you to memorize scripture. I have slowly been working on my list and today I decided the verse I was going to use for the letter "F" was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Pretty appropriate seeing how Christmas, the day we were given God's son, is just three days away. However, this verse is not the focus of my entry today. Though I am eternally thankful for God's gift, the following verse, John 3:17, spoke volumes to me this morning. "For God did NOT send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (All caps my emphasis.)

I have always had a tough time accepting grace. The fact that I have been forgiven and not condemned is something I have to constantly remind myself of. Being a legalistic perfectionist, I find it difficult to forgive myself of failures and mistakes and expect others, including Christ, to do the same. I have read and memorized the scripture that says there is no condemnation in Christ but a sneaky little voice will creep into my head and remind me of all my past shortcomings. Fortunately though, a more powerful source constantly reminds me that God's Son came to save me and not condemn me. What a great verse. God telling us that he didn't send his Son to "clean house" and wipe out all the riff raff but to love, heal, forgive and offer mercy to anyone who chooses to accept these gifts.

So this Christmas, as I watch one of my children open the gift under our tree that holds the baby Jesus from our Nativity scene, I WILL be reminded that I have been forgiven, that I am loved and that my failures will not keep me from being the woman God has intended me to be.

No fail dinner tonight, clam chowder with English muffins toasted and topped with cheddar and tossed salad.

Fish or Clam Chowder
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups diced potatoes
2 tbsp butter
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 med onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb fish fillets, cubed or 2 cans whole baby clams, drained
1/8 tsp dried whole thyme
1 pint half and half
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 whole English muffins, split
6 slices cheddar cheese

Bring stock to a boil in a large sauce pan then add potatoes. Cover and cook 10 minutes. In a small skillet, melt butter then saute bacon with onions and garlic until bacon is lightly browned and veggies are tender. Add bacon, onion, garlic, drippings, fish or clams and thyme to potatoes in the stock. Simmer 10 minutes then stir in half and half, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes then sprinkle with parsley. Toast English muffins lightly then top halves with cheese and broil until cheese is melted. Serve with chowder and salad. Serves 6.