For years, I struggled with a lack of understanding about the grace message. I thought I understood that God loved me, but felt continually condemned as though I never measured up. Now, I know that I could never measure up because I know that my own righteousness is as "filthy rags" and only through the blood of Jesus can I be brought in right standing with God.

Somehow, in the working out of my salvation, I felt that I had to "take every thought captive", be honest, forthright, loving and kind, and have compassion for all.

Now, my soul can receive His grace, and I weep and laugh at the same time, because you have shared what it really means to take the Holy Communion in an unworthy manner. I now realize, because of God's Word, that it is by grace that I stand and not by works that any man should boast. I can now take Communion without "checking" myself. I partake because it is a sheer joy to realize that I'm forgiven and walking in His finished work.

I can't wait to see how God is going to restore a lifetime of wounds and hurts, trying to live up to a standard that is impossible as long as I was sin-conscious instead of God-conscious.

Praise His name for delivering me from the fear and approval of man. Your teaching has been a blessing to me. Sincerely, from the heart of Texas.