regenerating grace.

i was listening to one of mark driscoll's sermons on grace the other day. mostly people think of grace in two forms: common grace (food, rain, natural abilities, creativity) and saving grace. in the sermon, mark lists many more than that. (15 i think??) one that stuck out to me was regenerating grace.

regenerating grace is the grace that God gives to us in changing our hearts and making us new. we desire things that we didn't used to, and things that used to be appealing no longer are. i used to believe the lie that my desire to do things well, serve people freely, live in the light, or be obedient stemmed from being raised well. while having parents that instilled these ideas in me is a component, apart from the regenerating grace of Jesus, these things would constantly be at war with the lazy and selfish desires in me. those do exist, sure, but my deepest desires are steadily being conformed through regenerating grace to mirror those of Jesus.

these past few months i've seen several areas of my heart changing to desire to the things that are true and good, things that are in direct opposition to society and culture. i'm thankful for the reminder that THIS is evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit in me!

love,
tracey