Amazing Grace

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

Dear God,

Those words become more true every day. I wasn't into drugs. I didn't murder anyone. But my life had spun out of control. I truly was wretched. And you saved me.

I wondered lost and alone and you found me. You took my hand and led me back to your presence, peace, and love.

I couldn't see the pain I was causing my family. I was blind to their broken hearts. I was unable to witness the self-destructive patterns of my own life. But you opened my eyes and showed me the painful truth. Then you took my face in your hands and asked me to look into your eyes. Nothing was ever so clear.

Thank you, God, for your Amazing Grace. Thank you, God, for your love.

AMEN

HOME

It Is Fall Once Again

It is fall once again.

The heavy summer heat is replaced with a cool night air. The rhythmic call of crickets makes way for the dry crackle of blowing leaves. The brown grass is renewed to a deep emerald hue by mild temperatures and foggy mornings. Petunias become thin and spent just as the chrysanthemums blossom full once again.

The air is filled with the fragrance of green apples, marshmallows, straw bales on farm wagons, burning leaves, and scratchy wool blankets.

The farmers working hard to gather their crops in the waning daylight are silhouette against the brilliant setting sun in a darkening western sky.

It is fall once again, and I thank You Lord for this season of color, bounty, beauty, and light.

AMEN.

HOME

Thanks, For Chris

God, you know the guy across the street. No, the other one. Ya. He's really had a tough go of it and I just wanted to thank you for helping him these last 3 months. He's really trying to do his best and I want to thank you for honoring that.

He's studied hard. He's worked hard. He's staying focused and I can see a difference in his life. It makes me happy just to be around him. I know you've got some good things planned for him and I can't wait to see what they are.

Also, thanks for his good news this last week. We were all relieved.

Help me to be a good neighbor and friend.

AMEN.

GRACE

Let's try something for one minute....Stop whatever you are doing and answer this question:

Have you ever done something bad? Now, I'm not talking about something not nice, or something petty, or even something questionable. I am asking about something Bad with a capital "B".

Have you ever stolen anything? Money? Food? Equipment? Tools? Office supplies?

Have you ever lied to anyone? Your boss? Wife? Parents? Neighbors? Teachers? God?

Have you ever hurt someone? Fist fight? Cutting remarks? Ignoring them?

Have you ever turned away from God because you were too busy? Not interested? Angry? Proud? Self-important?

Have you ever done something Bad? If so, and most of us have, God offers Grace. God offers forgiveness. God offers peace, mercy, and love. God offers Himself. There is good news. There is Grace. God reports in Hebrews 10:17, "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more."

Their sins and lawless acts...I will remember no more. May you know God's grace today. May you know God's short memory. Ask for his forgiveness. Ask for his mercy. Seek his grace and it is yours to find. AMEN.

HOME

Blessed Be Our Shortcomings

Dear God,

The Bible says that you've known us from the beginning of time. Before we were born, you knew every hair on our head.

You know every cell in my body. You know every step I will take. You know every decision I will make. Every stumble and every fall is part of your eternal knowledge.

You know our character weaknesses.
You know our sinful nature.
You know our foolish pride.
You know our inner struggles our our outward failings.

And yet...you still love us! You remain faithful to your children in spite of their flaws.

You show mercy and grace in the face of our short-comings.

And we are amazed.
We are dumb-struck.
We are confounded.
We are eternally grateful.

AMEN.

HOME