37 Days – Embrace the Grace

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.  - Ephesians 4:7

January 14^th Prayer:

Paul was confident in the measure of grace apportioned to him. Like Paul, you must embrace the grace God apportioned to you. When you live within your sphere of grace, you will stop comparing your life to others and wrestling with all the insecurities that accompany comparisons. You have a specific deposit of God that you are responsible to reflect. God has dealt each of us a measure, and it’s all you need to fulfill the purpose of God for your life. Relax and enjoy your measure. Embrace the grace! Thank You for the measure of grace You’ve given me.

Thank You that I’m not called to perform like anybody else. Thank You that I’m free from the need to compete with any of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I applaud the grace in the lives of others. And I thank You for the unique expression of Jesus that I am. I am excited to grow more and more in the grace apportioned to me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:

One of the greatest differences of Christianity vs every other religion of the world (past or present) is Grace.  Simply put, you have the opportunity to receive eternal life with God in heaven because of what He has done, not because of what you have done.  He has graciously given us a path to redemption, despite the fact that we don’t’ deserve it or for many, even accept it. 

He had to create a sacrifice to atone for our sins, because God is perfect, His heaven is perfect and our sin-filled lives cannot enter therein.  But God had a plan, He created the perfect sacrifice because He realized man could not do it alone.  He created a path just so you could join Him in heaven.  This path would cost Him the very life of His only Son, but His love for you is so deep that He went through with the plan.  He brought His Son to the earth, and watched mankind, amidst the pain and suffering, destroy him on a cross.  What man didn’t know though was this was actually God’s planning, and a part of how He would redeem the world.  In the sacrifice of His son’s life; a perfect spotless, sinless man; He saved the world.  This is an unspoken love that neither you nor I can fully comprehend, because we are unable to do the same.  You can’t ever pay it back, it is beyond your ability; yet He gave it to you anyway.  This is God’s grace, His oh so amazing grace; and you can only choose to accept it or not.

He gives it to you, so you can be saved.  He gives it to you, so you can find salvation in Him.  He gives it to you, so you can live eternally with Him one day.  He gives it to you, so you can share it with others.  Just as He gave everything to set you free, are you willing to do the same?  Are you able to give grace to others when they absolutely, without a doubt don’t deserve it, or even want it; and can never pay it back?  To each of us grace has been apportioned accordingly.  Enough grace to overcome our sinful, unrighteous and worldly lives.  God has enough grace to overcome anything you have done.  You can rest on this truth, that by believing in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, He and He alone, can bear your sins so you can stand before the Lord, blameless and worthy of His Kingdom. 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found,
was blind but now I see.

You were lost, but now you’re found.  You can now see how much God loves you and has prepared a way for you to join Him in heaven.  Take the step today, admit you have been a wretch, but you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the redeemer of your sinful actions.  Be born again today, and rest in the grace of our Lord.   

Be Blessed,

Rich

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What Say You

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” – John 11:27

I was five years old and I remember Ms. Sebring teaching me about the books of the bible.  We spent 45 minutes each Sunday at church memorizing the order from Genesis to Revelations.  On the wall was a picture of Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath and a large framed picture of Jesus Christ.

Like most of the kids in the Sunday school class I loved singing the songs Jesus Loved Me and This Little Light of Mine and hearing the Bible stories of His birth, life, death and resurrection.  I couldn’t grasp the fullness of His grace and understand what it all meant, but I knew at an early age that there was something special about Him. 

I was taught early on to respect the heroes of history for the freedoms we have, and not to take it for granted.  History is filled with men and women who gave everything and sacrificed much so I could have the freedom in my life today.  I heard stories of my American forefathers who fought gallantly and courageously for the liberties and opportunities to become who ever I wanted to be.  Unlike the legacies of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and the other American leaders I learned about as a boy, I found myself continuously drawn to the man God sent to provide a way for me to get to heaven.

There was no revelation and miraculous scales falling from my eyes to see Him as my Savior.  At a later point in my life, around 12 years old, I knew without a doubt the Jesus Christ was the Messiah, He died for my sins and was raised again from the grave as my Savior – to allow me acceptance into eternity with Him in heaven one day.  For the last 35 years I have been continually maturing as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.  Every day, I am amazed at how much more I learn about His love for me and how He can use my servant’s heart to help others. 

It’s no longer just about believing in Him in order to get to heaven and avoid Hell, it’s now so much more about serving others and helping spread His love to others.  Having discovered the depth of His loving grace for mankind I am continually in awe of how much Jesus Christ’s sacrifice meant.   Ten’s if not 100 billion people have been born and have died in the last 2000 years.  His life, death and resurrection was intended to bring every one of these people to heaven.  My heart is broken realizing that the majority of these people have not accepted Jesus Christ and as a result will not enter into His peace in eternity.  There are 6.5 billion people on the earth today, and I want nothing more than to help as many of them as possible discover the love, grace and mercy that I enjoy. 

That’s my story – that’s who I am and that’s what I believe.  So do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the world?  If so, what are you doing with this knowledge? 
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For All

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14

There is no first class, no business class and no coach seats.  It’s not a round trip, it’s one way and you needn’t pack anything.  You won’t have any time to kiss your loved ones goodbye and there are no security lines to wait through.  No passports, visas, work permits or green cards are necessary; and the ticket is absolutely free.  The lines will be long, but the check in process is immediate, no waiting.  You don’t need to worry about how your dressed or whether you packed enough socks.  You can’t check anything, not even your laptop, iPad or phone.  Leave the makeup on the bathroom counter, the toothbrush in the jar and your razor in the drawer right next to the shaving cream.  For you see, when Christ returns none of this will matter ever again.  He is coming back to rapture His church and escort them back to be in the presence of God Almighty in heaven for all of eternity.

The scriptures tell us that every single one of us have the opportunity to get a ticket for this trip.  The choice is left to the individual.  Nothing can remove a person from eligibility except their own decision to turn the other way.  The ticket of salvation was printed once and it has no expiration date.  When Jesus Christ died on that cross, the printing press started up.  He spent the next three days in the “heart of the earth” as we read Jesus saying about Himself in Matthew 12:40.  He rose again on the 3^rd day and broke the chains of death once and for all.  The ticket of salvation was finally printed and made available to all mankind.  All means all.

Jesus blood was spilled that day to cover the sins of all mankind.  We can’t look at that sacrifice and say it is only good for the redemption of some sin and not others.  If we truly believe it is sufficient to cover the sins in my life, can I honestly believe that it is insufficient to cover the sins in another person’s life.  The idea is preposterous when you think about it in this way.  If indeed His blood is insufficient for redeeming this person or that person because of what they have done, then it is insufficient for all and the entire redemption plan is a farce.  The sins of our life separate us from God, but the scriptures tell us in John 3:16; professing your belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is sufficient to receiving God’s grace. 

Those who refuse to believe this and follow this One called Christ will not receive the ticket of salvation.  To our dismay, this list is just as long, if not longer, than the list of those who will make the journey.  This is our mission in life.  You ask yourself what is your purpose – open your heart, your mind and your eyes.  Standing all around you are those that will one day perish into the abyss.  Our main purpose in life should be to help them find their ticket, for even their sins can be forgiven if they so choose, despite their race, religion, culture or age.  God’s love is available and waiting for every one of them, if they will repent and ask.

Loving Father,
Your love is amazing and everlasting.  You have provided for us the means by which to join You in eternity, and given us free reign to choose.  I believe Your salvation is available to all mankind equally, and the blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient for even those who hate You.  Help me to be Your light and love to those who despise You.  Help their hearts be softened so that they might hear of Your love and redeeming grace.  In Your name I pray – Amen

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Love Your Neighbor

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’  - Luke 12:20

As they came over the hill, their eyes deceived them.  For miles in every direction all they could see was sand.  The glare from the bright sun off of the grains of sand nearly blinded them as they continued moving forward, determined to make it back to the small village.  Pulling the scarves over their faces, they press on one step at a time on weak legs.  Regretting the moment they left the Land Rover and wishing for some shelter from the sun.  They knew the small village was less than 5 miles away, which they should be able to make before nightfall, if they kept moving and drinking their water.  Then everything changed when one of them stumbled over something in the sand.  Unearthed was the hoof of a horse.  They quickly began brushing away the sand and uncovering the body.  What they weren’t prepared for though was the hand that reached up from beneath the horse and grabbed them. 

Digging faster, they held onto the arm and pulled until finally the face of an elderly man with cracked swollen lips, and bruises under his eyes emerged into their view.  Freeing the man from the horse’s weight, they had to lift him and carry him away from the dead animal, which was slowly being covered again by the blowing sand.  The man could hardly stand and his voice was near a whisper.  His eyes begged them to help him to the next village.  The two travelers looked at each other and began debating what they should do.  One wanted to help the aged man, while the other was concerned about their own safety and water supply.  The older man had nothing, but the shirt on his back and pants.  No hat, glasses, scarf or shoes on his feet.  The blisters on his feet and hands represented the sheer heat of the sand to the touch.

The more compassionate of the travelers, unwrapped his scarf and covered the mans head.  He took his canteen, shaking it realized that there was less than half left, but handed it to the older man.  He removed one shoe and sock and helped them man secure them to his feet (one on each); and then proceeded to do the same to his own feet. He gave the older man his hat, his glasses and salve for his lips and blisters.  As the man drank the last of the water, savoring the final drop, the trio began walking.  Hour after hour past until finally on the horizon were the peaks of the white tents of the nomadic village.  By the time they reached the village the older man and the good Samaritan were parched, dehydrated and exhausted.  The other traveler was tired, but looked fine in every other way.

As the three entered the village there became a loud commotion and people ran over toward the men.  Pushing past the two foreign travelers they poised all of their attention on the older man.  Picking him up, lying him on a stretcher and carrying him to the medical tent, he received wonderful care and treatment.  A few moments passed before the attendees came back to the two travelers.  The one villager that spoke English looked to the compassionate one, and said,  “You come, be near the King and find rest and nourishment.”  Then he motioned the other traveler off to find his own treatment and nourishment from the water troughs near the livestock pens.

Everything we have is from God above.  He is not in the business of manufacturing or mass distribution, but He is in the business of creating intelligent minds and creative thought.  He is in the business of providing each of us skills and talents that allow us to make a living.  Look around yourself – your laptop, your table, your chairs, your car or transportation, your food, your furniture, your water . . . it all is spawned from the Creator of the Universe.  Not a single one of you can take any of it with you when you pass on.  It is the compassion, the love and the charity that we share in this world that have lasting values as we stand before the King of Kings.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
You have given me everything.  My mind, my spirit, my heart and my passions all stem from Your creative process.  You made me to do Your will, and to expand Your Kingdom.  Thank You Holy Spirit for building in me a compassionate heart for others.  Help me to reach out and be an instrument of my God.  In Your name I pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

21st Century Psalms - Choose Freedom

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
Oh God, my Savior
has ransomed me
and like a flood
His mercy reigns
Amazing love, Amazing grace             - Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone – by Chris Tomlin – 2006 “See the Morning”

Chains hung heavy from their shackled wrists as they were moved slowly through the crowd.  People shouting, yelling obscenities and spitting upon them.  They hid their children from the men hobbling along the dirt streets, with chains between the heavy shackles around their ankles.  Their bodies were beaten and fresh blood oozed from the lacerations on their backs and chests, where the whip had dug into their flesh.  As the approached the wooden steps, some of them would fall which caused a cascade of falling as the chains connecting each of their bodies, one to another, would pull them off balance.  Once they had all ascended the few steps and were all lined up on the platform, they were stripped of any remaining clothing, lest the covering of their loins, and stood there helpless before the onlookers.  Then the bidding would begin.

Did you think I was referring to the disciples, the followers of Jesus Christ?  No, not at all.  I was referring to the slaves that were bought and sold as nothing more than animals less than 150 years ago.  The slave trade in England, Spain and the Americas was big business and took every ounce of humanity away from the men, women and children that were auctioned off like livestock.  The song Amazing Grace was written by John Newton, a slave trader from England in the late 1700’s. As I wrote in my book, Truly Amazing Grace, “..After coming to the revelation of the grace of Christ in his life, it became his life’s passion to abolish the trafficking of slaves because of the inhuman and unjustness.  The song lyrics represent the anguish that John Newton was going through as he struggled to find his own worth in God’s eyes, after partaking in slave trading for so long.” 

In the 1^st decade of the 21^st century many musical artists have adopted John Newton’s Amazing Grace with refined lyrics.  Chris Tomlin’s version calls out the chains that bind each of us in sin.  The chains of bondage keep us from fully experiencing the love and grace of God the Father as we remain addicted to our own desires in life.  We must understand that God’s mercy and grace will not bend and mold to our desires in life.  They are immutable since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We are to mold our desires to be in line with His grace and mercy you see.  The grace of the Father is available to all mankind if we chose to accept it.  What chains bind your heart to the world today?  What chains and shackles keep you from living all out for the Lord?  God and only God has the key to loose the chains that bind your heart and mind.  The owness is upon you to choose freedom though.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I lift all glory and honor to You for the freedoms You have given me in my life.  Forgive me, for I am blind to my sin, to the addictions in this life that keep me from serving You completely.  I am unworthy of Your love and mercy, but by Your grace I am accepted.  I cannot fathom the love You have for me, to allow me in all of my filth to enter into Your presence.  I choose freedom from the worlds bondage in my life and lift my eyes to You in awe and wonder.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011