The Gift Of God’s Grace

     I’m sure most of you received some to many gifts this Christmas. But may I take a few moments to tell you about a gift that everybody can receive.

     Many who work in a mechanical field are familiar with what is called an “access panel.” For the most part, this is a small door which gives technicians a handy access to strategic parts of the device on which they are working.

     In much the same way there is a special “access” by which we can tap into God’s Grace – namely the person of Jesus Christ. His substitutionary death on the cross opened the way for us (gave us access) to the Grace of God.

     Without the work of Christ and without the exercise of faith on our part, the Grace of God would be outside the scope of our experience. But God has made provisions for anyone to make use of that special access to His Grace.

     No wonder so many church hymns and Christian songs deal with the Grace of God. It is so unexpected, such a great gift – that the heart has difficulty grasping the magnitude of this underserved gift of God’s love and mercy.

     For those who have yet to gain access to God’s Grace, it is important that you realize that it is the goodness of God (His Grace) which leads you to repentance. Will your share this good news with someone today? May they see and know God’s Amazing Grace.

     I pray each of you prosper not only in your physical, but also in your spiritual life this coming year of 2012. God wants to bless you!

What Is Your Conversation?

Suggested Reading: Matthew 12:30-37; Proverbs 15:1-2

     In our conversation, people hear what we “say.” They hear words we use, and our tone of voice when speaking. But God hears what we are “thinking” when we’re speaking.

     In Luke 6:45, Jesus explained it’s the heart (mind) that first produces evil. The mouth only gushes forth what has already been placed in the heart. In Matthew 15:19, Jesus said that out of the heart, springs the evil deeds that people do. Our heart then, is the source of our speech and actions.

     In Hebrews 4:12, the writer says that the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

     How many times do we say “I didn’t mean to say or do that?” But if we are really honest with ourselves, deep down inside, maybe even in our sub-conscious mind, something made that off color or rude comment come out. Was that apology you offered genuinely sincere, or was it just words to make you feel better, and to pacify someone? Was that “cute” remark you made, to lift up someone, or to cut them down? God knows doesn’t He?

     We are held accountable for what we say, AND what we mean, whether we say it or not.

     When you pray, ask God to make you listen to your conversation and be aware of what He and others hear you say.

Fulfillment Of The Empty Life

Take Time Read: John 4:3-18

     In a sad, popular country song several years ago, the singer recalled his past romances. “Lookin’ for love in all the wrong places” was how he summed up his failure to find love that truly satisfied his heart and need for acceptance.

     This Samaritan woman certainly knew how it felt to miss out on love. She had been married five times and was living with a man who wasn’t her husband when she met Jesus.

     This woman had faced five rejections – how bruised and scarred her emotions must have been. She went to the well at the hottest part of the day just to avoid the scorn and disapproval of her neighbors. Have you ever experience some similar circumstance where you just wanted to avoid everybody?

     Jesus’ words cut straight to her hurts and deepest desires: “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (v.14).

     Have you tried to find complete fulfillment in human relationships? Listen: Jesus’ love is eternal, unchanging, sustaining; all other affections are temporary and someday prove disappointing.

     You can trust in the Savior Jesus Christ who will not let you down or leave you comfortless. Jesus is the person to go to when you are looking for true love. So sing a new song “Lookin’ For Love In The Right Place”