These "means of grace" are ancient in origin. Although one may be new to me...it's not new. I conform myself to God, not the other way around...God Almighty does not conform Himself to me. Jesus did not die on the cross to follow me around.

Grace begins with God. What is my next step toward God? A question we all have to answer.

Last week's meeting was so very meaningful. Thanks to each one for your participation.

This week's chapter reading about the meaning and progression of grace in our journey is so full, that to fully grasp each part, seems to require a lot longer than just a few minutes or a one-time reading. These are complex concepts and folks study many years to fully understand. But, yet, the explanations are fairly short and to the point.

The two descriptions of the progression of grace (our authors' description, and the linking of that to John Wesley's words) were important, and then of course, saying that the progression is not automatic or methodical helps us to understand that one person's experience won't be just exactly like another. This is indeed a journey.

The "means" of grace...that is, how we experience grace or how we become aware of grace are described. These parts help to understand why we do what we do. It links us with historical Christianity. Since the beginning of Christianity, certainly beginning with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation, these have been recognized by our Christian forefathers/mothers as how we become aware of God and His reaching out to us.

Worship, prayer, fasting, scripture, and community---each one has been a part of lives of Christians throughout the ages. Always looking to allow God to touch our lives, allowing ourselves to keep our journey true and on course.

I look forward to our discussion on Sunday.

I hope you will post your comments about the reading if you would like.