II Corinthians 9:14-15 March 31, 2014

Kirstie Lund    

II Corinthians 9:14–15        

March 31, 2014

And so with deep affection, they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you.  Let us thank God for his priceless gift!         

The Corinthian church was raising money for the impoverished church in Jerusalem. They had begun their collection the year before—excited by their connection to a bunch of strangers in Jerusalem. They all were brothers and sisters in the family of God! What a brand-new concept.

My understanding of Eastern thinking is that people were obligated to do anything and everything for their circle of friends and family. But needy outsiders were out of luck. We Americans are used to providing disaster relief for people we’ve never met. I think this positive trait can be traced to the early church. In the first century, however, a collection for poverty-stricken saints “abroad” was a wonderful fresh way of behaving.

Over time the Corinthians had lost their enthusiasm. Giving to the Jerusalem Relief Fund had slowed to a trickle.

So, Paul delivers a pep talk. After both praising and admonishing the Corinthians in an effort to spur them on, he explains that the offering will not only meet physical needs, but will also result in “many expressions of thanks to God.” At the human level, it will foster “deep affection” between the saints. 

Paul reminds them  of the amazing grace shown to them. It was this grace that, through the Holy Spirit, inspired them to be such generous givers in the first place. And this is the grace perfectly embodied in the most “priceless gift” of all: Jesus. How can the recipients of such a Gift—in the first century, or the twenty-first—be anything but generous?

Oh, Lord, You are our most precious gift. Thank you for gracing us with giving hearts.

II Corinthians 9: 8 March 30, 2014

Tom and Linda Sipp    

II Corinthians 9: 8    

March 30, 2014

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

Today I wake up to thy grace. It surrounds me, and it fills and supports me.  It is exactly what I need as you keep before me wonder, mystery, opportunity and discovery Thy grace transforms me, lifts me up over my worries, my pain and my loneliness.  In my deepest darkness, it is by thy grace that I am delivered from fear to love, from despair to hope, and from sorrow to joy.  I can barely take in the richness and abundance of this moment before the next one arises, each with endless possibilities and limitless opportunities.  

Prayer: O Lord, help me to share and give away all that I have, as all that I have is by thy grace and will be sustained by you. I am a tiny part of thy infinite blessings and I ask that you make me part of thy grace to serve all that I meet for you.  Thy grace is my sufficiency!  Praise be to your Glory!  Amen.

II Corinthians 8:9 March 29, 2014

Sarah Whitley   

II Corinthians 8:9            

March 29, 2014

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, rich as he was, he made himself poor for your sake, in order to make you rich by means of his poverty.

This verse, taken from Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, is part of a longer passage in which the apostle is urging the Corinthians to participate in a collection for the Jerusalem church.  Our theme this Lenten season is Grace.  The word, grace, in this verse is also translated as generous act, as well as blessing.  Paul commends the members of the church at Corinth for excelling in faith, speech, knowledge, and eagerness and urges them to continue excelling in this “generous undertaking”.  

I have been fortunate to have had in my life a mother and a mother-in-law who excelled in generosity.  Johnny and I never left either of their houses after a visit without a bag full of things “I thought you might like” or an armload of “I’ve been saving these for you” items.  They were always thinking of others and thinking of how they could share themselves or their possessions with someone.  

They excelled in generosity because they were full of grace.  This grace that Paul mentions is modeled for us by Jesus Christ.  The grace that caused Jesus Christ to voluntarily become poor so that we, through his poverty, might become rich, is the same grace that we are called upon to exhibit as we mature in the Christian faith.  Generosity is a product of a life of grace.  

As we grow in our faith, as we learn to let go of the things of the world, we begin to see what Paul means by becoming rich through poverty.  We learn the joy of generosity as we are filled with grace.  Living a life of grace means we give ourselves away as we abandon ourselves to God’s love.  We give ourselves away as we follow Christ’s example of becoming poor so that others through our poverty might become rich.  Grace allows us to excel in faithfulness, kindness, knowledge, generosity, and, above all, love.  

Almighty God, help us to live in a spirit of abundance and love so rich that we joyfully pour out ourselves to you and to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

II Corinthians 6:1 March 28, 2014

Bill Byars            

II Corinthians 6: 1        

March 28, 2014

In our work together with God, then, we beg you who have received God’s grace, not to let it be wasted.

Challenge: Count the number of opportunities you have today to drink or use water: brushing your teeth, making coffee, drinking from a fountain, ordering a glass of water with a meal at a restaurant, sipping from a bottle of water, etc. 

God designed us as ‘water’ creatures. He covered 71% of the earth’s surface with water. Did you know a newborn infant is 75% water by weight? (An adult is 60%) It is recommended we drink more than 100 ounces of water every day! Water is vital to the health of our physical bodies. Water removes impurities, heightens our alertness and extends life. Water is available in abundance to us in America. Our local water filtration plant pulls water from two rivers. I pay them every month to flow the clean water to my house. 

So, why can’t I make myself drink more than 16.9 ounces of water a day? 

Grace is abundant, too. In God, we are all new creations in grace. We know his grace is sufficient. We know a daily dose of grace is vital for our spirit, giving us purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, the power of God and, yea, salvation and eternal life. I have bibles, devotional books, hymnals, brothers and sisters in Christ, a friend in Jesus, a pastor and a church fellowship. Yet, do I (we) accept the grace of God in vain?  

The disturbing reality about the abundance of water on earth is the fact that today over one billion people will not drink any clean water. You and I don’t have that problem. The other disturbing truth is that billions of people do not know about the grace of God and those who do know the gospel struggle to ‘not accept the grace of God in vain.’

In John 7:36-37, Jesus says, “Let anyone who is thirsty, come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink.”

Prayer: Grace. Grace. God’s grace. Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace. Grace. God’s grace. Grace that is greater than all my sin.

Note to self- DRINK.

II Corinthians 4:15 March 27, 2014

Alfred Shropshire     

II Corinthians 4:15       

March 27, 2014

All this is for your sake; and as God’s grace reaches more and more people, they will offer to the glory of God more prayers of thanksgiving.

Paul tells the believers at Corinth that he engages in his ministry by the mercy of God granting him favor, benefits, opportunities, and especially salvation.  Paul speaks out boldly because he believes in and has faith in what he says. Paul keeps his eyes fixed on eternal truths that can be experienced but not seen. The difficulties, setbacks, and troubles Paul encounters are temporary and momentary happenings that mark ones life on earth.   As believers see how Paul’s faith enables him to weather each storm, they also recognize God’s grace at work in their own lives, and are joyous in giving thanks to God.

When the “temporary” and the “momentary” get under your skin, remember, keep your eye on the eternal truth, “God who raised the Lord Jesus to life, will also raise us up with Jesus and take us . . . into his presence “ (II Cor. 4: 14).  Until that day comes, be thankful for God’s grace and for what God has given you:

Enough happiness to keep you sweet,

Enough trials to keep you strong,

Enough hope to keep you happy,

Enough failure to keep you humble,

Enough success to keep you eager,

Enough friends to give you comfort,

Enough wealth to make you look forward,

Enough faith to banish depression,

Enough determination to make each day better than the last. *

Prayer:  Thank you Father for your greatest gift of all, your son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Help us to keep our eyes fixed on him through our daily living.  Amen.  

*Author unknown

I Corinthians 15:10 March 26, 2014

Marshall Jenkins     

I Corinthians 15: 10    

March 26, 2014

But by God’s grace, I am what I am, and the grace that he gave me was not without effect.  On the contrary, I have worked harder than the other apostles, although it was not really my own doing, but God’s grace working with me.

Saul claimed a fat resume full of prestigious identities.  Marked at birth among God’s chosen people, he also had his papers in order for Roman citizenship.  After holding the Pharisaic equivalent of the editorship of the Harvard Law Review, he led the troops commissioned with beating down the Christian riff-raff.  Beyond reproach in the eyes of anybody who was anybody, it was more than sufficient for Saul to be Saul without any help from anybody else (Philippians 3:4b-6).

Then came grace.  Sweet grace?  Well, if you call getting blown out of your chariot and blinded for a few days, “sweet,” if you call begging shelter and tutelage from the ones you persecuted, “sweet,”  if you call the assignment to a life of conflicts, imprisonments, lashings, seasickness, and ridicule, “sweet,” then I suppose so.  But unlike his former self, Paul could say with confidence, “I am who I am,” because the identities we think we earn are bogus.  Paul knew grace told the story of his life, and who could pass up assurance that all the sufferings and sermons to clueless churches were not in vain?  

Who could pass up knowing that whatever we do for God’s sake in this lonely, thankless world is not in vain?  Who could know that except by grace?  Who could call that anything but sweet?

Gracious Lord, grant us, by your grace, the joy of living not for our narrow ends but for your loving reign on earth as it is in heaven.  Amen.

I Corinthians 3:10 March 25, 2014

Alfred Shropshire   

I Corinthians 3: 10        

March 25, 2014

According to the grace of God, which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon.

I recently watched a program on PBS about the construction of One World Trade Center, the skyscraper going up at “Ground Zero”  the site of the destroyed Twin Towers in New York City.  It focused on the care that is taken by each trade with every detail as the building grows floor by floor.  This reminded me about the Habitat for Humanity homes being constructed here in Rome and Floyd County.

I have worked on the foundation of virtually every Habitat home that I have been involved with.  After Bill Burk digs and pours the footers, Ed Cescutti is the wise master-builder who has laid almost all of the cement blocks for those homes.  On occasion, his brothers Ron and Bob will lend a hand. Ed takes pride in doing the work and teaching others as the foundation walls rise block by block.  He makes sure that the foundation is exactly as planned because others will build upon what he has done.  Two other craftsmen who built on Ed’s foundations were Frank Norment and Paul Webb.  There wasn’t a craft that they didn’t have knowledge of and an ability to share that knowledge with others.  It is through the work of these builders that firm foundations, leading to improved and better lives, have been laid for many families in Rome and Floyd County.  

As Paul told the church at Corinth, every man should take heed on his foundation and how he builds thereon.  Here at Westminster, through our Growth Fund Campaign, we have made a good start on our wishes to grow in our faith, our mission, and our commitment.  Let’s not let that foundation go to waste.

Prayer:  Father, “Our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.   On Christ the solid rock we stand.  All other ground is sinking sand.”  Amen.

Romans 12: 6 March 24, 2014

Teresa Dulaney    

Romans 12: 6           

March 24, 2014

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion to our faith.

The Lord, by His grace (his divine unmerited favor) has blended our gifts with our personalities, experiences and opportunities.  These gifts are God-given channels through which the Holy Spirit builds up the church.

Paul is thoroughly encouraging the church to rightly evaluate their gifts and then use them.  As members of the Body of Christ, we depend on the interchange that occurs between us.  That involves using our gifts to serve one another.

Prophecy is a gift to speak God’s truth.  Some prophets had the ministry of foretelling – addressing the future.  But some had the gift of “forth telling” -  speaking God’s truth into present situations.  Regardless, the prophet’s purpose was to build up believers, challenge them to obedience and comfort them in need.

God has doled out to every Christian certain abilities and the faith to use them.  So when we share the gospel, we are to share the Word of God, the base of our Christian faith, and to make sure our teaching is consistent with our abilities.

Barb Newman, an education specialist, says, “We are all a package of unique gifts and needs.  Inclusive worship happens when you factor in everyone’s needs.”

Unwrap each person as a GIFT From God to your community.

Romans 12: 3 March 23, 2014

Marge Hauser           

Romans 12: 3             

March 23, 2014

For I say to you, through the grace given unto me, to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you should.  Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.

Paul is reminding us that we have been given that grace as well, which is an amazing gift not to be received lightly - not to be used to take whatever gifts God has given us.. 

Maybe you and I are able to share our beliefs with non-believers, teach a Sunday School class, or sing in the choir. Perhaps we take food to the homeless shelter or work at the food pantry. Some will keep our church building in good repair, visit the sick and lonely, serve on the Session, be on a committee, enjoy being with the children in the nursery, contributing items for mission, write a check, and being faithful in our daily devotions. It is so easy to want to take credit for being pretty wonderful. 

Prayer. Gracious, loving God, thank you for the gifts you have given us.  We pray that we never take them for granted. Help us to remember that those gifts come from you. "To Thine Be The Glory" when we use them.  Thank you for your Grace to forgive us when we forget and feel proud for what we are doing.  Amen.

  

Romans 6: 14 -15 March 21, 2014

Andrew Elkins          

Romans 6: 14 -15       

March 21, 2014

Sin must not be your master; for you do not live under law, but under God’s grace.  15 What then?  Shall we sin because we are not under law but under God’s grace?  By no means!

Have you ever heard the phrase "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission"? It sounds nice, but just because it's easier doesn't make right. As Romans 6:14 points out we cannot allow sin to be in control of our lives. Doing something with the foreknowledge that you will have to ask forgiveness for having done the thing is plain old stubborn, willful sin. 

Just because we are capable of doing a thing, or a good end may come of having done this thing, does not mean the action is not wrong. It most definitely is not ok to do wrong just because we know, if we ask, God will forgive us. If we truly live the faithful life, we will not do anything we feel the desire to do simply because we know we've got a free pass. We will choose the action that we know we won't have to beg forgiveness for. That choice will be natural for the simple reason that it glorifies God.

Romans 6: 1 - 2 March 20, 2014

Brad Barris             

Romans 6: 1 - 2        

March 20, 2014

NIV: 1. What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2. By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

The best part of being a grandparent is said that you can spoil your grandchildren without limits and then hand them back to their parents. What happens when we constantly feed our puppies scraps from the table during a meal? In both cases we have created a monster. No one likes being around a child, teen or adult who has never heard the word “no.”  We cannot walk across the kitchen without the dog nipping at our fingers for the next treat. We haven’t done them any favors, have we?

God not only treats us with the desserts of Grace when He enters our life, but He also teaches us to eat some vegetables along the way. Just as a child cannot thrive on criticism alone, the child needs plenty of praise, too.

The tough spots in life are the sandpaper that makes us smooth. Sometimes we learn from our mistakes in life.  Sometimes we don’t and we are doomed to repeat them. Thank God for Your everlasting supply of Grace.

Lord, thank you for loving us when we aren’t so lovable.

Romans 5: 20 - 21 March 19, 2014

Alfred Shropshire     

Romans 5: 20 - 21       

March 19, 2014

Law was introduced in order to increase wrongdoing; but where sin increased, God’s grace increased much more. 21 So then, just as sin ruled by means of death, so God’s grace rules by means of righteousness, leading us to eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Adam introduced sin into the world by going against God’s will.  Death entered the world through sin because death is the penalty for sin (Gen. 2: 17).  Death spread then to all people because all people are descended from Adam – “In Adam all die” (I Cor. 15 – 22).  Between Adam and the time of Moses, there was sin in the world, but no accounting of sins was kept because there was no Law (Rom. 5: 13).  When the Law was introduced under Moses, it served to define what was “sinful” – it brought “sin” into the light of day by naming it.

Sin increased in the sense that it is now visible and evident.  But, once sin is defined, to continue in it is willful disobedience.  And, undoubtedly, sins increased because there were always those who felt delight in defying God.  This is still true today.

One act of righteousness, the obedience of Christ’s whole life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, supplanted sin’s death-hold on mankind, then and now.  ” . . . All will be raised to life because of their union with Christ” (I Cor. 15: 22).

Growing up in Pittsburgh, I am a lifelong Steelers fan.  On defense, Troy Polamalu mans the Steelers’ strong safety position, and the free safety is Ryan Clark.  It’s not unusual to see Troy making spectacular plays all over the field.  He often freelances because he knows that “Ryan has my back.”

Isn’t it great to know that when we freelance, God has our back?  Jesus is both, our “free” and our “strong” safety.  As Christians, we have the Bible as our Playbook, full of directions for being the players God desires us to be.

Prayer:  Thank you God for having our back, even when we bend, break, or defy the rules.  Thank you for providing the WAY for our restoration to your comfort, care, and grace.  Amen.

Romans 5: 17 March 18, 2014

Carolyn Walker       

Romans 5: 17         

March 18, 2014 

,  ,  ,  All who have received God’s abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ.

From TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY by Lessin  “Because of Grace” (Part 3)

Grace abounds to you today with so many favors, blessings, and joy.

Without His grace we were songbirds without a song; by His grace we have been given a new song to sing and a melody of praise for our hearts to rejoice in.

Without His grace we were trees bearing bitter fruit; by His grace we bear sweet fruit, lush fruit, and fruit that remains.

Without His grace our heads hung low and turned away from the light of his love;   by His grace our hearts have  been lifted up and our hearts have been flooded with His glorious light.

Without His grace we were defenseless against the attacks of the enemy; by His grace we stand triumphantly—completely equipped with the full armor of God, the blood of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of the heavenly host.

Without His grace we lived in confusion, were lost, and had no clear direction; by His grace we have been found, and His wisdom guides our lives as He makes straight paths for our feet.

Without His grace our words had no message, and we gave our opinions only to have them drowned by others;  by His grace He has put His sure and certain words of truth in love in our mouths to abide forever through the Word of God.

Without His grace we were blind, stumbling about in darkness, trying to find purpose; by His grace our eyes have been opened, our purpose known, our hears set on eternity, and a daily walk He has for us.

Without His grace we were fearful, motivated by self-interests, and striving to succeed; by His grace we have entered into His rest, we walk in His peace, and we daily live for His glory.

Without His grace we were without hope, without assurance of heaven and the fear of death; by His grace we abound in hope and in the certainty of the resurrection- and we glory in knowing that the very best is still ahead.

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares I have already come,

‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and GRACE will lead me home.  A-men.

Romans 5: 15 March 17, 2014

Carolyn Walker          

Romans 5: 15           

March 17, 2014

.  .  .  God’s free gift is not like Adam’s sin.  It is true that many people died because of the sin of that one man.  But, God’s grace is much greater, and so is his free gift to so many people through the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ.

From TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY by Lessin      “Because of Grace” (Part 2)

There are so many benefits of grace that are yours today;

*SALVATION You are saved by grace.  The forgiveness of your sins, your justification before God, your redemption,  and your future home in heaven are yours today because of grace.

*SUFFICIENCY     Grace enables you to do all God calls you to do today.  Success is not based upon what you can accomplish, but upon what He will do through you with His power working in you.

*EDIFICATION   Grace builds you up, lifts you up, and keeps you standing.  It is heard in the sound of God’s voice speaking over and over into your ear.  “I am for you and with you today.  I am the source of everything good, lovely, holy, and mighty.

*HOPE       Grace assures you of a glorious future and an overwhelming inheritance that is yours in Christ.  Grace leads you on, cheers you on and moves you into all God has for you in His heart.

*VICTORY   Grace brings you to all that is yours in Christ.  You are victorious because Jesus Christ is the triumphant One.  You reign in life because He reigns – King of kings and Lord of Lords.

*ABUNDANCE   Where sin once abounded, grace abounds even more.  Where darkness ruled, grace overruled. Where death held you in bondage, grace brought you into a glorious new freedom.

*PURITY    Grace is the doorway into the beauty of God’s holiness. It never is a license or freedom to sin.  Grace brings us into a life greater that what sin could ever offer, and lifts us up out of the deepest pit.

*GIFTING  Gifts that come to you from God are grace gifts.  They are yours alone.  Grace does not play favorites.  God’s gifts are perfect and are needed for you to fulfill His will and His calling  in your life.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.

How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.  Amen.

Romans 5: 2 March 16, 2014

Carolyn Walker           

Romans 5: 2        

March 16, 2014

Christ has brought us by faith into this experience of God’s grace, in which we now live.  And so we boast of the hope we have of sharing God’s glory!

From –TODAY IS YOUR BEST DAY by Lessin    “Because of Grace” (Part 1)

Grace makes it possible for today to be your best day.  Grace demands nothing and gives everything God desires you to have.  Through grace, God has pulled out all the stops, and poured His abundant favor upon you in Jesus Christ.  

God does not want you to try to earn His favor.  He’s not looking at the number of years you have been a Christian to decide how much He should bless you.  You are not blessed today based upon your tenure in Christ.  

Grace means that you do not need to earn something that you have already been given.  Even when you need more grace, God supplies it freely.  How did you receive grace in the first place?  God did not extend His grace to you because you were a nice sinner, a sincere sinner, or a disciplined sinner.  He extended His grace to you while you were a sinner, no matter what kind of sinner you were.  He did not extend His grace to you because you were religious or full of good works.  God’s grace came to you through the cross.  He extended His grace to you, not based upon what you did for Him, but based upon what His Son did for you.  

God extends grace today as His child, as He did when you were a sinner. Whenever the word “grace” appears in the scriptures, there is another word that often appears nearby.   The word is  “given.”  You will never find the word “deserved“ associated with grace.  

Every joy that fills your heart and every delight that satisfies your soul are your today because of the benefits of grace.  The motivation of grace is to bountifully bless you.

Amazing grace!   How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see.   A-men.                                                                                       

Romans 4: 14 - 16 March 15, 2014

Alfred Shropshire     

Romans 4: 14 - 16       

March 15, 2014

For if what God promises is to be given to those who obey the law, then man’s faith means nothing and God’s promise is worthless . . . And, so the promise is based on faith, that it may be by grace .  . not merely to those who rely on the Law, but to those who rely on a faith like that of Abraham, the father of us all.

The Jews thought of law keeping in terms of credit and debit; did your good deeds outweigh your bad?  There was a rabbinic saying: “Whoever fulfills only one law, good is appointed to him; his days are prolonged and he will inherit the land.”  In contrast, James says that breaking even one law (as everyone does) makes a person a lawbreaker and thus liable for judgment.

So, if God’s promises were only for those who never break any laws, they would not be applicable to Abraham or to us.  Man’s fate would already be sealed because of Adam’s sin, making perfection impossible.

Christians are not bound by rigid laws, by which they will one day be judged, as Judaism taught.  The fear of future punishment is not a deterrent to behavior.  Rather, it is the inner compulsion of love that motivates the Christian to right action. It is the “royal law” (You shall love your neighbor as yourself) that is the central principle by which Christians are to order their lives.

“Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping” (Romans 4:18). “He was absolutely sure that God would be able to do what he had promised”  (v 22).  So, we are to have the faith of Abraham and have our lives grounded in God’s mercy and grace, most perfectly shown in Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  O God, the pressures of daily living often cloud our judgment and action.  May our faith in you be as unwavering as your love and grace for us, offered through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Romans 3: 23 - 24 March 14, 2014

Alfred Shropshire    

Romans 3: 23 - 24      

March 14, 2014      

Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence.  24 But by the free gift of God’s grace, all are put right with him through Christ Jesus who sets them free.

Did you purchase a Mega Millions or Powerball lottery ticket last week?  Did you return to Publishers Clearing House the three letters you got last week offering you the chance to win ”$5,000.00 a week for life”?   Before these get-rich-quickly schemes or state lotteries reached fruition, there was a TV series called “The Millionaire,” airing from January, 1955 to June, 1960.

It told the stories of people who were given one million dollars, tax free, by a benefactor whom they did not know and would never meet.   Beneficiaries were shown in a typical life situation before receiving their gift.  They were not always poor persons and could be from any social class or occupation.  After legal papers were signed and the check presented, the show covered how the gift affected the recipients lives, which often did not change for the better. 

All of us fantasize about what we would do with that big jackpot, should Lady Luck look our way.  At the top of most winners list is paying off debt, followed by donating to charities, buying a home or new car, etc.  

Even without obtaining that big financial win, we have already hit the jackpot and had our greatest debt, sin, wiped out by Jesus’ death and resurrection.  Because of that unselfish act, God’s grace abounds in our lives.   In a Lenten mediation, author Mitch Finley writes, “ We always pray for mercy, while finding it so easy to withhold mercy from others.  Mercy doesn’t say, ‘It’s okay you did what you did.’  Mercy says, ‘It’s not okay what you did, but I’ll forgive you and give you another chance to do it right.’  Mercy carries with it forgiveness and compassion, and since God is merciful to us, we are to show mercy to one another.  Now there’s a discipline for Lent.”

Yes!  We are all sinners, because the Gospel is easy to talk about, but difficult to live.  However, with God’s grace, it’s well within the reach of everyone.    

God our loving Father, help us to meditate on the word of the Gospel prayerfully, but even more, help us to live it each day.

Acts 15: 11 March 13, 2014

Gloria Eberhart              

Acts 15: 11            

March 13, 2014

No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. (NIV)

When a dispute arose in the early church concerning Gentile believers, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to discuss a resolution with the leaders there. The preceding passage was one of the responses from the Jerusalem Council affirming that we are all saved by grace and not by laws. 

Even from its earliest beginnings, humans have tried to bend church’s teachings to their will sometimes forgetting the wonderful, freely given grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus taught that mere humans cannot attain heaven by our own actions; i.e., adhering to the law as given to us in the Old Testament. That does not mean that we should ignore the life lessons and moral teaching of the law. Jesus didn’t say to put aside all those teachings. He did say that He brings a new commandment that we love one another as He loves us.  

As controversy arises in the church today, we would be well advised to cling to the God-given grace assured by Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, remembering that “we believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved . . . “

Prayer:  Thank you, Jesus, for loving us just as we are and help us in our striving to do your will.  Amen.

Acts 13: 43 March 12, 2014

Brad Barris               

Acts 13: 43              

March 12, 2014                

(NIV)  When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

The word “Grace” must have sounded so strange to the ears of the early church. Paul and Barnabas were teaching a concept that people did not understand.  Sacrifices, fasting, and religious ritual were the only true ways to please God. An eye for an eye……a tooth for a tooth………the youngest purest lamb….. undefiled…… slaughtered and sacrificed to our God.

Times haven’t changed much since then. We are steeped in our religiosity…….performance, performance, performance. We grow tired and weary as we fail to keep “The Law”.  “What’s the use? I cannot keep up.”

It is only then, that we can be lifted in our Father’s arms and hear His words of Grace. “I love you just as you are. Rest and walk with me.”

Dear Lord……….Warm us with your Grace. Help my human heart understand that You are all I need.

John 1: 14 - 17 March 11, 2014

Joe Errickson      

John 1: 14 - 17                  

March 11, 2014

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen the glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  John testified concerning him.  He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”  Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.  For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 

I never met Moses, but my impression of what he must have been like would not lead me to believe he was all that full of grace.  Grace, according to my Religion 101 professor, is undeserved favor.  I don’t picture Moses as one oozing with that quality.  Nor do I imagine John the Baptist as being God’s standard-bearer for undeserved favor.  Both called people to repent out of fear, rather than out of response to the love of God.  Jesus, on the other hand, was different.  God’s grace as understood by Moses and John the Baptist had a much different face according to their understanding of the Old Covenant.  Obey the law!  Repent, or pay the price!  Jesus proclaimed the love and grace of God saying all who call upon Him in spirit and in truth;   He would in no wise cast out.  Even though the Old Covenant was ordained by the grace of God, it was “grace upon grace” by which God through Jesus Christ established this New Covenant upon the Old.

In writing If I Should Die Before I Live, Joe LoMusio asks: “If we were to describe Easter without using any words, and could only use punctuation marks, which punctuation mark would you choose to describe Easter for yourself?  Would it be a comma, because it makes you pause, think, and listen?  Maybe a period, the end of the story, as the disciples felt on the day of the crucifixion.  Perhaps for some, the Easter story would be a question mark because of doubt.  But when Jesus appeared to his disciples, and the truth of the resurrection was revealed, Easter becomes an exclamation mark!”

               God’s gift of undeserved favor, the fulfillment of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the Grace of God is given for all, forever!

Prayer:  From  Harry Emerson Fosdick’s hymn, God of Grace and God of Glory:  Set our feet on lofty places, gird our lives that they may be, armored with all Christ-like graces, in the fight to set men free.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, that we fail not man nor Thee.  Amen.

Proverbs 3: 21 - 22 March 10, 2014

Laura Murrray           

Proverbs 3:  21 - 22    

March 10, 2014

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

I have some beautiful pieces of jewelry. A few were newly purchased, and several were handed down from the previous generations.  All I keep "safe", and take out on special occasions to wear. I am more protective of them than other pieces of jewelry, and worry about losing them or having them stolen. But the one drawback of this is that because they are not in plain view I forget I have them! Yet, the loved ones who gave them to me took great pride in giving them, and the beautiful pieces make me feel special, and are reminders of how much I am loved. And doesn't the giver of the gift receive a blessing when they see their gift appreciated by its display? 

So, what of wisdom and discretion? Are these not more special and precious? Another translation of the above verse reads; "…..so shall they be life to thy soul."  Wow! These are gifts given to us by the grace of our loving God that when adorned, remind us of how much He loves us. Are not our lives in a sense "richer" when we wear these jewels on a regular basis? We make better decisions and we have more loving interactions with those we see on a daily basis. The father in this Proverbs verse dispenses his advice with a warning. Don't take your eyes off of wisdom and discretion. Be conscious or their importance, lest we forget to use them, which might lead to our losing them…and the tools we have been so graciously given to care for ourselves and each other as God intends.  

Heavenly Father, Thank you for blessing us with the gifts of wisdom and discretion, and may we wear them as a reflection of your love and grace.  Amen.

Proverbs 1: 8 - 9 March 9, 2014

Sam Jones         

Proverbs 1: 8 - 9                        

March 9, 2014

Listen, my child to what your father teaches you.  Don’t neglect your mother’s teaching. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and clothe you with honor.

In biblical times, crowns and clothing were symbols of prestige and honor.  The Pharaoh was adorned with crowns, jewels, and luxurious robes.  Joseph, after gaining Pharaoh’s trust was dressed in fine linen and was decked with rings and with chains around his neck.  So if one wore a crown and “fancy” clothing, he could be considered to be important and of a high social status. 

Crowned with grace, however, holds a totally different meaning.  If you consult a dictionary for the meaning of the word, grace, you will encounter a fourth of a column of explanation, hoping that one definition will suit the circumstances you are facing. One such theological definition of grace is as follows: “a condition of being in God’s favor.”

To me these verses point out the importance of listening to what Mom and Dad say.  It’s an inducement for youth to show obedience toward the instruction of the father as well as the mother.  And this obedience toward the parents will enhance the child’s virtue and moral character. 

But in a deeper sense, if you listen to and obey the teachings of God, our Father, we will be crowned with the grace of being in His favor, a gift far greater than earthly crowns and clothing.  And I believe that this is the true meaning of this passage.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your teaching in the words of Holy Scripture. You have told us that if we follow your teachings, you will crown us with grace, and allow us to enter your kingdom. Thank you for this opportunity!  Amen.

Psalm 84: 11 March 8, 2014

Katharine Lovvorn           

Psalm 84: 11       

March 8, 2014

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory:  no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

“Come Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace.” How many times have we sung these words to claim God’s mercies and promises? He has promised His believers that He will supply every need, even that as basic and life-giving as the sun, and every protection with His shield.  What we are required to do is to claim Him, proclaim Him, and live according to His commandments.  The Lord will give grace.  We will not earn it; we cannot earn it.  Grace was given to us in His Son, Jesus Christ, before time eternal.  Glory, He gave by sending that very Son to bring salvation and eternal life to His people.  The cost of keeping that promise was great beyond all comprehension.

“O to grace how like a debtor daily I’m constrained to be.  Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee.”  The psalmist said that no good thing would be withheld from them that walk uprightly.  It is our duty and privilege to keep our part of the covenant, to make ourselves worthy of that promised, hard-earned glory.

  

“Here’s my heart, O take and seal it; seal it for Thy courts above.”  Amen.

Ezra 9: 8 March 7, 2014

Alfred Shropshire                  

Ezra 9: 8                 

March 7, 2014

Now for a short time, O Lord our God, you have shown grace to us and have let some of us escape from slavery and live in this holy place . . .  and have given us new life.

When King Cyrus of Persia, overthrew Babylon in 539 B. C., he offered Jewish exiles the opportunity to return home.  There was never a mass exodus to return to Jerusalem. Only about 50,000 exiles did return.  They began the task of trying to restore life to what it had been like before their exile to Babylon.

Under the leadership of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Nehemiah, using the authority granted by Emperor Darius, the Temple was rebuilt and reforms enacted to make the nation what God had intended it to be, a blessing to all nations.

A generation after Nehemiah’s reforms, King Artaxerxes II of Persia gave Ezra permission to return to Jerusalem with a second group of Jews.  Ezra was instructed to  take with him “everything that the God of  Heaven requires for his Temple. . . . [and to] teach the Laws of your God to anyone who does not know it.”

Alas!  All is not well.  Ezra finds that in the short time since Nehemiah instituted his reforms, and Ezra’s return to Jerusalem, things are back to pre-reform status.  The Jews are not  a blessing to other nations. On the contrary, they have continued to intermarry with other peoples and adopt their customs and gods.  Ezra’s prayer of confession expresses his being “too ashamed to raise my head in your presence.  Our sins pile up higher than our heads; they reach as high as the heavens.”

I am thankful for our “Prayer of Confession” each Sunday morning. The printed words always make me aware of why my little light does not shine very bright and has a tendency to flutter in the breeze.  The moment of silence gives me time to reflect on God’s grace and how, even in this brief time, I have been given the opportunity to free myself from whatever enslaves me in this world, and to take on a new life in the days ahead.

Prayer: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.  Amen.

Exodus 34: 9 March 6, 2014

Alfred Shropshire          

Exodus 34: 9          

March 6, 2014 

And Moses said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, I pray thee, go among us; for it is a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for thine inheritance.

This request of Moses could have been spoken today if Moses were still alive.  Moses sets an example for all of us.  He wants for everyone what he shares with God.  Even today, with our set ways and firm ideas, we often remain a stiff-necked people as we interact with our family members, our friends, and our foes.  

Man’s inhumanity to man seems to be the lead stories on the evening news each day.  We forget what it means to be a Christian.  I don’t want to imply that perfection is necessary in order to be considered a “good” Christian.  In spite of our imperfection, we still have the opportunity to ask God for mercy and forgiveness for our overt and covert sins. 

Each Sunday during our “Prayer of Confession” we are reminded that our God is a loving, caring, and forgiving God.  We are invited to emulate Moses and ask for God’s pardon for our iniquity and sin, and through God’s grace be claimed as his heir.  But, this is not just a Sunday morning happening.  God’s grace and mercy should be foremost in our minds and heart, through words and actions, as we go about our daily lives as heirs of God through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lord!  Have mercy!  Make me an instrument of they peace.  Amen.

Exodus 33: 17 March 5, 2014 ASH WEDNESDAY

Greg Lund            

March 5, 2014

Exodus 33: 17

And the Lord said to Moses, I will do this thing that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thy name.

Imagine a Christmas morning.  Two children in pajamas are standing by the Christmas tree, so tempted to rip into the boxes of gifts.  They call out, “Mama!  Hurry up and come in here so we can open our presents!”  There is no answer.  Then they remember how naughty they were the day before.  They threw a football in the living room and broke an antique vase.  All day they had sassed and disobeyed. 

The two find their mother at the kitchen table, hunched over a cup of coffee.  She doesn’t look up as she answers.  “You two go ahead and open the presents I bought you.  Enjoy them.  But don’t expect me to come along.  I’m still too angry about how you acted yesterday.” 

In Exodus 33, God’s people anger Him by bowing down to a golden idol.  The Lord tells Moses, “You and the people go to the Promised Land, a land of milk and honey; but I will not go up among you…for you are a stiff-necked people.”  What good are God’s presents without God’s presence?

Moses prays, “If Thy presence will not go with me, do not carry us up from here.” In other words, “If you’re not coming along, God, I’m not going.”  God responds, “This very thing I will do, for you have found grace in my sight.”  Grace is another word for acceptance.  God goes with us, even when we fail.  All we need do is humbly ask. 

Gracious God, forgive our disobedience.  Thank You for not abandoning us.  We need You with us as we travel on.  Amen.