Category Archives: God’s Grace & Love

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February 7, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Joy, Thanks & Praise

It’s a Wonderful Life

You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God. You have made many wonderful plans for us. No one compares to you! I will tell others about your miracles, which are more than I can count. [Psalm 40:5 (GW)]

I’ve heard people complain that life hasn’t turned out the way they had expected. I respond, “Thank God!” If we’d gotten exactly the life we’d expected, we would have seriously short-changed ourselves. We could never have imagined all of the blessings that would come into our lives: the joy, love and laughter that have been ours. Of course, we made more than our share of mistakes and experienced heartbreak and disappointment along the way. Moreover, it is likely that the future will bring its share of difficulties for us as well. Yet, along with those difficulties will come unimaginable blessings as well. Let us lift our hands and thank the Lord for the life with which we have been blessed. Let’s raise our voices and sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful. [Annette Funicello]

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February 3, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love

How Can He Do It?

Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. [Psalm 65:3 (NLT)]

It just takes a glance at the newspaper or a few minutes of television to see how absolutely horrific we humans can be to one another. The abuse of power, the exploitation, atrocities, corruption, selfishness, violence and depravity that exist in our world are both overwhelming and depressing. It seems that every day brings another news report that makes me ashamed of being part of the human race. How can we call ourselves “civilized”? That God is capable of repeatedly forgiving the evil mankind regularly recommits is hard to believe. Moreover, that He actually does forgive us our sins is astonishing. I find it absolutely mind-boggling, however, that God hasn’t given up on us in despair. Instead, He sacrificed his son for our salvation. If He hasn’t given up hope in the human race, neither will I.

Thank you, O Lord; we are so unworthy of your love, mercy and forgiveness.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. [Psalm 145:8-9 (NLT)]

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January 30, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Thanks & Praise, Wisdom & Guidance

Let us Give Thanks

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. [Colossians 4:2 (NLT)]

Heavenly, Father, thank you for the many blessings in our lives: our health and homes, family and friends. Most of all, dear Lord, thank you for your unfailing love. Open our eyes and give us grateful hearts, not just for the joys of life, but also for the stumbling blocks we encounter. Teach us to turn them into stepping stones so that we can better serve you.

 

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January 17, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Thanks & Praise

His Grace Rains on Us

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. [Ephesians 1:6-8 (NLT)]

It was a sudden cloudburst and we were caught in a torrential downpour. Taking cover in a bus shelter was useless; rainwater poured through the roof and gushed over the edges in sheets. Almost immediately, the streets flooded; the water rose over the curb and cascaded across the sidewalk, soaking our feet. We were drenched within minutes. Having read this verse from Ephesians that morning, I couldn’t help but picture God’s grace coming down in buckets like that rain. There is no escaping God’s showers of blessings; He loves us that much!

That evening, the sky seemed clear and I stepped outside to enjoy the evening air. As I held out my arms and lifted up my face to the stars, I felt a fine mist. It reminded me that sometimes we see God’s love showering down upon us and other times we need to step out in faith to receive His blessings.

I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to be a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed. [Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)]

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January 16, 2014

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God's Grace & Love, Holy Spirit, Trusting God

A Trustworthy Saying

This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him, we will also live with him.
If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,
For he cannot deny who he is. [2 Timothy 2:11-13 (NLT)]

Thank you, God, for believing in me, even when I doubt you. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being faithful to me even when I am untrue to you. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for never turning your back on me even when I choose to disregard you. Forgive me for the times I have rejected you; thank you for your steadfast love.

 

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January 11, 2014

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Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Salvation: A New You

FORGIVENESS: AN UNDESERVED GIFT

He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. [Psalm 103:10-12 (NLT)]

Father of Second Chances, we are sinners and beg your pardon and mercy. Redeemed by your son Jesus Chris, we are grateful for this gift of forgiveness and salvation. Thank you for not tiring of forgiving us time after time. Fill us with your peace and guide us as we meet this day.