God’s Grace is Enough
Grace is more than just a girl’s name or something we say over our dinner. Theologically speaking, grace is unmerited favor with God. God’s grace came to us in the person of Jesus Christ. The offer of God’s grace is everlasting life with him. This everlasting life is not something that we have to wait for. It begins as soon as we accept God’s free gift, Jesus, the person of Grace. With Christ now alive in our hearts we have access to the throne of grace where we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. So God’s grace is not just a theological term. It is God’s power. It is divine enablement flowing in our lives. By God’s grace we can do anything. We overcome challenges by God’s grace. We have strength to go on by God’s grace. We minister to our fellow man by God’s grace. We give of ourselves by God’s grace. God’s grace is all we need. God’s grace is enough.
The Pain Paradox
We have all heard the saying “no pain, no gain”. It is often used to encourage an athlete to work harder in order to achieve some long term goal. I am applying this saying to myself as I enter day #4 in my Daniel Fast. Eating just fruits and vegatables has left me hungry and fatigued. I have already lost 4 lbs. , and I am not trying to lose any weight. I have experienced headaches, stomach aches and dizziness. I have to admit I am weaker than I anticipated. My focus has been mainly on food, but I sense a subtle change occurring. Last night on my bed I was able to spend some time with God. Nothing significant, but a new awareness is developing within me. I am praying for that tipping point where I go beyond the pain to the presence of God. Psalms promises that weeping may remain for a night but joy comes in the morning. The morning will arrive as we move beyond the physical into the spiritual. Like a married couple going on a retreat, fasting is a time to reorient ourselvess with God. It is not about ritual but relationship. It is a time of discovery, intimacy and direction.
The Ultimate Homecoming
This last weekend I went back to Evangel University for Homecoming. I had a great time seeing my daughter, visitng with old friends and making new ones. Next week we have homecoming here at Mountain View Christian School, and I can feel the anticipation in the air. Teachers are stressed and students are excited. I wonder what the “Ultimate Homecoming” will be like? What will it be like after we die? When thinking about the after life, are we more like the stressed out teachers or the excited students? Many people are afraid of the idea of death and never think about it. Others are stressed out because they don’t even know where they will be after they die. But I have to admit I am excited. I am looking forward to seeing my savior Jesus Christ. I am looking forward to seeing my mom again. I am looking forward to living life the way God had originally planned. No more sin! No more sickness! No more disappointment! If you know Jesus Christ as savior, The Ultimate Homecoming is something to look forward to with great anticipation. Hope to see you there!
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