Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

In the Grasp!

Dear Friend,                                      

One of the phrases you will hear during the game of football is, “in the grasp.” A referee calls this when the quarterback is in the embrace of another player.

It reminds me of William Barclay’s wonderful translation of Philippians 3:12, “I seek to grasp that for which I have been grasped by Jesus Christ.”  

You and I are “in the grasp” of Jesus Christ, his powerful loving embrace is holding us tightly, not letting us go.

Jesus said, “No one can snatch them [his sheep] out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:28-29*

When you look to Jesus you are in the loving grasp of the hand of the Son of God and in turn embraced by the hug of our loving God that says, “I am never going to let you go. I love you.”

Our Lord grasps you for his resurrected life and with some unique design and purpose for your life. There is something he wants to do through you!

Trust yourself to the embrace, the grasp of Jesus and know his encouragement! “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

Joy to you -- E. Stanley Ott            

© Copyright 2020 E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the ESV

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Can you remember specific hugs from family members, friends or others in your life that were so memorable you've never forgotten them"

While some of us give and receive physical affection more easily than others, all of us can understand the significance of the bone-crushing hug by someone who loves you. How do you feel when you consider that is exactly the kind of hug our Lord gives to you?

Who is your life needs a hug? If you cannot offer it physically, then hug them verbally through a phone call, text or picture!