Grace - Marvelous Creation

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.  And there was evening, and there was morning - the sixth day."  Genesis 1: 31 NIV

God could have made the natural world much simpler than he did, but instead he made it full of incredible variety.  I think he knew how much the wonders of nature would fill us with awe, and bring joy to our lives.  Nature would also remind us of the mystery of life. When we consider the bumblebee, we are reminded that we don't know everything since scientists still don't know how they manage to stay air-borne. Or how can fish live in the depths of the oceans with the tremendous weight of the water pressing down on them.  How does a small brown seed turn into a beautiful flower or a bountiful tomato plant? God in his endless love and grace fills our lives with marvelous creation.

I pray that I will take the time to enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate the gift that God has given us.  Even my own body is a miraculous creation that performs a myriad of functions in conscious and unconscious ways. I pray that I will never become blase about the gift of the natural world.

Grace- eternal fellowship

 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  Matthew 28:20 NIV

At the end of Matthew's gospel, Jesus commissions his apostles to make disciples in all the nations. His promise at the end of the book is that he will always be with his followers.  Even after leaving them in his physical body, Jesus is still with us through his Holy Spirit that indwells believers.  The assurance of eternal fellowship is another aspect of God's loving grace to us.  No matter where or what the circumstances we are never alone because God is with us.  People may abandon us but God never will. He encourages us with his Word and he gives wisdom to our thoughts. His inner fellowship with us transforms us on the inside and that manifests in a renewed life on the outside.

Thank you Lord that you are always there to hear my prayers.  Thank you that your Holy Spirit works to sanctify me.  I pray that I will share this message of grace with those who feel lonely. No one needs to be alone because God is always reaching out to us, ready with his blessings and grace.

Grace - More Than Forgiveness

 "But the father said to his servants,  'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let's have a feast and celebrate.'" Luke 15: 22-23 NIV

In the Parable of the Lost Son, the son takes his inheritance, leaves his father, and squanders his money in wild living. After his money is gone, he realizes his foolishness and disrespect for his father.  He decides to return home and beg his father to let him work as a servant.  However, when he arrives back home his father is full of forgiveness and love for him.  He is so happy to have his son back that he celebrates with a special party.  What a beautiful illustration of the love that God lavishes on us.  He doesn't just forgive us, he loves us abundantly.

Dear Father, let me always remember how big your love is. Never let me think that you are miserly with it.  I thank you, Lord, that you have graced us with, not only your forgiveness, but also your endless love.