Captured By Grace: No One is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God

And this book surprised me. It wasnt what I expected. I thought it would be more of a "Self Help" kinda book... which it was - but BETTER. I'm not a self-help kinda gal - those books bore me. But this book had back stories on John Newton & the Apostle Paul that was just so interesting. Two men from different times... but the same grace... the same grace that hits us & makes their stories make sense to us in our lives today. I especially loved this book because it broke things down... like the verses from Amazing Grace... line by line & gave an example, or a story, or just "real talk"... They also would do that with verses in the Bible - & a big part of it came from Romans - which is my favorite book of the Bible... so this was just awesome for me. I sat with my highlighter, marking up all the things that stood out to me. I always love looking back & seeing what I marked - so many good things... here are just a few examples: *It (Grace) is the gift unsought, unmerited, unlimited. For no matter what we have done, no matter the depth of our transgression, the darkness of our hearts - grace overrules them all. *If we edit the sin out of our awareness, then grace no longer has any beauty or power for us. In due time, we wonder why we need a Savior at all. *Is there any such thing as an "unanswered prayer"? Or would it be wiser to call them "unwanted answers"? *It's as if God is saying to us - "I wont give you what you want, but I'll give you what you need. If I took away the trail, you would grow no stronger - in face, you would be just a little weaker & more helpless, like a pampered child. But if I allow the trial & help you endure it, you will be stronger, wiser & more useful to Me." Oh mercy - I coulda highlighted the whole book really... such good stuff in there. And an easy read. Its broke down in sections that are quick & have you wanting to just keep reading. I'm so thankful for this book... this will be one I go back & will read over & over again in the future

By following the dramatic story of the "Amazing Grace" hymn writer John Newton, and the Apostle Paul's own encounter with the God of grace, the author helps readers understand the freeing power of permanent forgiveness and mercy. (Practical Life)