God’s Letter

 

Usually I start my blog with a story and then tie in my thoughts on the spiritual impact or message of the story, but today’s letter says it all, so I’ll just let it speak to you. Please feel free to post your thoughts afterwards, I’d love to hear from you! Have a blessed day! Karen

God’s Letter- Author Unknown

My child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matt 10:29-31) for you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28) for you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you even before I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake; all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and brought you forth on the day you were born (Psalm 71:6).

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16), and it is my desire to lavish my love on you (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11) for I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48). Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand (James 1:17) for I am your provider, and I meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3), my thoughts toward you are as countless as the sand on the seashore (Psalm 139:17-18) and I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32:40) for you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32:41).

I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3). If you seek me with all you heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of you heart (Psalm 37:4) for it is I who gave you those desires (Philippians 2:13).

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:20) for I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the father who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a Shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close you my heart (Isaiah 40:11).

One day, I will wipe away every tear from your eyes (Revelation 21:3-4), and I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4). I am your father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:26). He is the exact representation of my being (Hebrews 1:3). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31) and to tell you that I am not counting your sins (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Jesus died so that you could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved so that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23), and nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39).

Come home, and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7). I have always been your father and will always be your father (Ephesians 3:14-15).

My question is, will you be my child (John 1:1-13)?

I am waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32).

Love,
Your Dad, Almighty God

The Lord’s Baseball Game

The Lord’s Baseball Game- Anonymous
Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord’s team was
playing Satan’s team. The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was tied zero to
zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued
to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung
at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails.

The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.

The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the
first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three
more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at
what Satan throws. The bases were loaded.

The Lord then turned to Bob and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Bob said, “He sure doesn’t look like much!”

Satan’s whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball
harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center
fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right
through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground;
then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord’s team won.

The Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get
on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why.

The Lord explained, “If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you
would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you
on base, but only My Grace can get you home. My Grace is the one thing Satan
cannot steal.
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This story is an illustration of the teaching in Romans 3:20-24 that tells us, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

It is by God’s grace, not our own efforts that we are saved. So, if you have been striving to be ‘good enough’ to earn your way to heaven, relax. Accept the gift of grace that is freely offered. The good works you do from that point on are just icing on the cake, a manifestation of your love for Him. But they aren’t needed to get you to heaven!

Have a blessed day!

Grace

One Day I Woke Up

 

Today I post one final entry about God’s grace.  I don’t know about you, but this one was a real ‘ouch’ for me.  A wake up call of sorts.

Romans 3:20-24 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus

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One Day I Woke Up- Author Unknown

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Ah the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description.

As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work.

As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me.

He asked me, “Do you love me?”

I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior!”

Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t be able to do, the things that I took for granted. And I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”

Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?”

How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.
So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.”

The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?”

How could I listen to anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts. I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.”

The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.

And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!”

I thought I had answered well, but…

God asked, “THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?”

I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”

“THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?”

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued: “Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?”

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

“Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all.”

“DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?”

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, ” Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”

The Lord answered, “That is My Grace, My child.”

I asked, “Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”

The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you.”

“When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you.
When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you.
When you are down, I will encourage you.
When you fall, I will raise you up.
When you are tired, I will carry you.
I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.”

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, “How much do You love me?”

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Savior. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

God is Like

 

Today I am reposting a poem from a year and a half ago.  It is always refreshing to me to re-read previous posts, especially about times of struggle and see how God was helping me through those times.  I spoke then, as you will see, about a turning point in my mom’s fight with Alzheimer’s.  This December, we did move her to a more intense level of care because of her increased needs.  The upside is that we were able to move her to my town and now my family can visit her often.  She has handled the move better than expected, due in large part, I am sure, to all the prayers that have been lifted up in her behalf.

I hope you enjoy today’s poem as much as I have!

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God is like…
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like…
a FORD
He’s got a better idea.

God is like…
COKE
He’s the real thing.

God is like…
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like…
TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like…
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like…
SEARS
He has everything.

God is like..
ALKA-SELTZER
Try him, you’ll like Him.

God is like.
SCOTCH TAPE
You can’t see him, but you know He’s there.

God is like…
DELTA
He’s ready when you are.

God is like…
ALLSTATE
You’re in good hands with Him.

God is like…
VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like…
DIAL SOAP
Aren’t you glad you have Him? Don’t you wish everybody did?

God is like…
the U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.
*******************************************************************************************************
So true, God is all those things and so much more! I am so glad that He is in my life, especially during times of trial. Such times may not be easy, but they are so much easier with Him holding me up, walking by my side, and giving me His strength when I have none of my own. In my devotions this morning, I was reminded of this by the story of the butterfly. Without the struggle to emerge from the cocoon, a butterfly does not have enough strength in its wings to fly. That struggle gives it the ability to fly. Today, I am in the process of emerging from a cocoon of sorts and God gives me the strength to do so. My mother is slowing losing her battle with Alzheimer’s. It appears that yesterday she progressed to the next stage which includes violent outbursts. She will most likely need to be moved to a more intense level of care in a new facility. How thankful I am that God has provided me with a dear friend of my mom’s who has taken on the responsibilities of the official decision-making now that Mom can no longer do so and I do not live close enough to handle the daily needs she has. We work as a team to make very difficult decisions rather than what used to happen when I attempted to do all of this alone. I can give thanks to my Father for this help He has provided and for the lessons I am learning through this trial.

James 1 tells us in verses 2-5: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” In this case, God is giving me that wisdom through Mom’s friend. And I know that the way in which we handle this difficult time in a Godly manner will be a testimony of His work in us- who knows how many lives will be affected for Him? So, I can honestly consider it pure joy to watch what He does through us and through Mom’s illness. I call this looking for the silver lining in a trial- they are there if we look hard enough.

Have a blessed day!

Burnt Biscuits

Burned Biscuits – Author Unknown

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing…never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said, “Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides–a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!”

As I’ve grown older, I’ve thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I’m not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each other’s faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. And that’s my prayer for you today…that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He’s the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn’t a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship! “Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket–keep it in your own.” So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine. And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life–I just did! Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

“Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil–it has no point.”

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“A little burned biscuit never hurt anyone.”  What a great response that was to what would have been in many homes the beginning of a nightly war.  This man’s response was so compassionate and a wonderful lesson for his child.  Rather than belittling his wife for her error, complaining or refusing to eat, he affirmed her in a very loving way.  Realizing that she was exhausted from a difficult day, he lovingly ate the burnt biscuits as if they were the best in the world.

So often I see the opposite in relationships.  While out recently I observed a man relaying a story to a group of friends.  He seldom finished a sentence without his wife correcting him.  ‘No, it was a Tuesday, not a Wednesday.’  ‘Honey, you know it was red, not green.’  And so on.  Not an easy thing to witness, I can only imagine how it made him, or his friends, feel.

In our interactions with others, let us always remember the Golden Rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12)  Imagine a world in which everyone followed this rule!  Compassion would rule, ridicule would die.  Hearts would not need to heal because they wouldn’t be broken in the first place.  Maybe the world won’t be that way this side of the Rapture, but I can do my part in making it a better place in my own small way!  And really, with all the grace God extends me on even my worst days, how can I do less for others?

Have a blessed day!

The Lord’s Baseball Game

The Lord’s Baseball Game- Anonymous
Bob and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord’s team was
playing Satan’s team. The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was tied zero to
zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued
to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate whose name was Love. Love swung
at the first pitch and hit a single, because Love never fails. The next
batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love.
The next batter up was named Godly wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the
first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three
more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked, because Godly wisdom never swings at
what Satan throws. The bases were loaded. The Lord then turned to Bob and
told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate
stepped Grace. Bob said, “He sure doesn’t look like much!” Satan’s whole
team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound
up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball
harder than anyone had ever seen. But Satan was not worried; his center
fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right
through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground;
then it continued over the fence for a home run! The Lord’s team won. The
Lord then asked Bob if he knew why Love, Faith, and Godly Wisdom could get
on base but could not win the game. Bob answered that he did not know why.
The Lord explained, “If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game you
would think you had done it by yourself. Love, faith and wisdom will get you
on base, but only My Grace can get you home. My Grace is the one thing Satan
cannot steal.
**********************************************************************************

This story is an illustration of the teaching in Romans 3:20-24 that tells us, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” It is by God’s grace, not our own efforts that we are saved. So, if you have been striving to be ‘good enough’ to earn your way to heaven, relax. Accept the gift of grace that is freely offered. The good works you do from that point on are just icing on the cake, a manifestation of your love for Him. But they aren’t needed to get you to heaven!

Have a blessed day!

Take the Son

Take the Son

Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection.  Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, and many others adorned the walls of their family estate. The widowed elderly man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.

As winter approached, war engulfed their nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, the elderly man received a telegram that his beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness.

The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to in the past, would visit his house no longer. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. He opened the door and was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hand.

The soldier introduced himself to the old man by saying, “I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.” As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man’s son had told everyone of his,and his father’s, love of fine art work. “I’m also an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” As the old man began to unwrap the package, paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son.

Though the world would never consider it a work of genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the old man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the portrait above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars worth of paintings.

And then the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed, the man learned that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease his grief, as he realized that, although his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the priceless pieces for which museums around the world clamored.

He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in anticipation, since, with the old man’s passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. The day finally arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings.

Dreams could be fulfilled this day; greatness could be achieved as some could say,” I have the greatest collection.” The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum list… It was the painting of the old man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent.

“Who will open the bidding with $100?” he asked. Moments passed as no one spoke. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and get on to the good ones.” More voices echoed in agreement. “No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now who will take the son?”

Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. “Will you take $10 for the painting? That’s all I have. “Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. After more silence he said, “Going once, going twice… Gone!” The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone shouted, “Now we can get on with it and bid on these treasures!”

The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over. Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Then someone spoke up and asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a portrait of some old man’s son! What about all of the other paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art work here. We demand an explanation!”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son…gets it all.” Just as the art collectors discovered on that day…The message is still the same…the love of the Father….a Father whose Son gave His life for others…And because of that Father’s love…Whoever takes the Son gets it all.

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This story is a reminder of what Christ did for each and every one of us.  Much like the son in this story, who gave his life to rescue his comrades, the Son of God gave His life to become the one and only way to Heaven for us, giving us eternal life with God.  Romans 8:17 tells us, regarding our status as children of God,” Now if we are His children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” When we ask Jesus into our lives as our Savior, we become an heir to all that is God’s.

What about you?  Have you taken the Son?  If you have, you are heir to a fortune that is hard to even imagine.  If you haven’t, I would highly recommend checking out the story of the Son told in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible.  It is a story worth reading about a Son worth knowing!

Have a blessed day!

You Have Experienced Grace

Experience Grace   Author Unknown

I left work early so I could have some uninterrupted study time right before the final in my Youth Issues class. When I got to class, everybody was doing their last minute studying. The teacher came in and said he would review with us for just a little bit before the test. We went through the review, most of it right on the study guide, but there were some things he was reviewing that I had never heard of. When questioned about it, he said that they were in the book and we were responsible for everything in the book. We couldn’t really argue with that.  Finally it was time to take the test.

“Leave them face down on the desk until everyone has one and I’ll tell you to start,” our professor instructed.

When we turned them over dreading the ordeal to come, every answer on the test was filled in! The bottom of the last page said the following:  “This is the end of the Final Exam. All the answers on your test are correct. You will receive an ‘A’ on the final exam. The reason you passed the test is because the creator of the test took it for you. All the work you did in preparation for this test did not help you get the A. You have just experienced…grace.”

He then went around the room and asked each student individually, “What is your grade? Do you deserve the grade you are receiving? How much did all your studying for this exam help you achieve your final grade?”

Now, I am not a crier by any stretch of the imagination, but I had to fight back tears when answering those questions and thinking about how the Creator has passed the test for me.  Discussion afterward went like this: “I have tried to teach you all semester that you are a recipient of grace. I’ve tried to communicate to you that you need to demonstrate this gift as you work with young people.  Don’t hammer them; they are not the enemy. Help them, for they will carry on your ministry if it is full of GRACE!”

Talking about how some of us had probably studied hours and some just a few minutes, but had all received the same grade, he pointed to a story Jesus told in Matthew 20. The owner of a vineyard hired people to work in his field and agreed to pay them a certain amount. Several different times during the day, he hired more workers. When it was time to pay them, they all received the same amount. When the ones who had been hired first thing in the morning began complaining, the boss said, “Should you be angry because I am kind?” (Matthew 20:15).

The teacher said he had never done this kind of final before and probably would never do it again, but because of the content of many of our class discussions, he felt like we needed to experience grace.  Have you thanked your Creator today because of the grace you have experienced?

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If I am honest, the answer to that question, most days anyway, would have to be ‘no.’  I am so often rushing through my days, too busy to stop and think of such things.  But when I do take the time to stop and think of what my Creator has done for me, I am overcome with awe.  To think of that amazing grace can bring me to my knees in gratitude, and it should!

John 1:17 reminds us that  “the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”  Before Christ, everyone had to make atonement for their own sins, over and over and over again.  But Christ paid that debt once and for all.  Amazing!  As the song says, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!”

My prayer today, for myself as well as for you, is to show that grace to everyone I encounter in much the same way as the professor or the little boy in a previous story.  Let me give ice cream to those who ruffle my feathers.  Let me show grace to the cranky, mercy to the mean and love to the unlovable.  I should, because He shows it to me when I am much the same as they are!

Grace Multiplied

Today’s Story: Grace Multiplied

Lindsey spread out on her dorm room bed stressed by the closeness of finals and the lack of funds she needed to get through the week.  She needed a break from her studies, so she hopped up and checked her purse to see how much money she had left to spend on food.  Four dollars and fifty-eight cents did not sound like a lot of money considering there were three days left before she got paid.

Lindsey devised a plan to budget the money and opted for a trip to the corner market for a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter.  Grabbing her coat, Lindsey headed out the door and down the stairs hoping she did not pass anyone she knew along the way.

She arrived at Al’s Market just before closing, checked the prices to make sure she had enough money, and headed to the counter with her purchase.  After paying, and to save a few steps in the biting wind, Lindsey decided to leave by the back door instead of the front.

As she stepped into the alley, she jumped as a nearby noise frightened her.  “Oh, don’t be alarmed, Miss. Howie and I were just looking through the garbage cans trying to find something to eat. We won’t hurt you.”

Lindsey turned to see a couple of elderly men in raggedy clothes, and the one who spoke to her tipped his soiled hat and smiled as he spoke.  Lindsey looked at the two men and then at her sack.  “I just realized I don’t need this. Could you two gentlemen use a loaf of bread and a jar of peanut butter?”

“Could we? Are you sure you don’t need it, Miss?”

“Oh, positive. I just realized I already have some at home. Here, take it, and let me see if Al has a knife you can use.”

“Why that is very kind of you, Miss. God bless you.”

Lindsey retreated into the store, secured an old knife from Al, and returned and handed it to the homeless man who spoke to her.  “Here you are. Well, I must be on my way now.”

“Thanks again, Miss. You are much too kind.”

Lindsey headed out of the alley and back to the dorm, more full in the heart than empty in the stomach, and not yet thinking of how she would survive the week.  “Excuse me, Miss, but I think you dropped this,” said another elderly man as he handed her an envelope.

“Oh, no this isn’t mine,” Lindsey replied, as she turned to return the envelope to the elderly gentleman, but he was nowhere in sight.  “Where could he have gone?” Lindsey wondered.

Lindsey opened the envelope and found a note inside.  “For as much as you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me.”  Inside the note Lindsey found two one hundred-dollar bills upon which she deposited a few tears.

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Luke 6:36 says,  “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”  God expects us to be kind and merciful and extend grace to others because He extended it to us first.  Lindsey in today’s story is a good example of this.  She put the needs of two homeless men before her own needs.  What a surprise she had when she was so wonderfully rewarded for that grace!

Now, God doesn’t follow us around with envelopes full of hundred-dollar bills, but He does reward us when we extend grace to others.  It may be a reward as simple as a warm feeling of peace inside us or it may be a more tangible, physical reward such as a need of our own being met, but there will be a reward at the right time.  And when we practice grace in our own lives, we mature as Christians.  In 2 Peter 3:18, we are told to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”  When we exhibit grace in our lives, we virtually extend the hand of Christ to others.

I know that I need to grow more in this area, in thoughts as well as actions.  In fact, God is allowing something in my life this very week that is, I am sure, designed to help me develop this very trait.  So, I am choosing right now to be thankful for this trying situation and person, rather than to stress out about it!  I choose to extend grace to her rather than responding in a negative way to her behavior.  So, Satan, as Joseph said to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done.” Now, I just give that situation to God and sit back to see what He will do with it!

As you go through your day, look for opportunities to extend grace.  Visualize the hand of Christ reaching through you to touch the lives of those you encounter.  I guarantee it will give you a whole new perspective of those prickly people you run into!

Have a blessed day!