(G)Leaning on Grace

He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Psalm 50:5   the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:11   What does it mean to 'sacrifice thank offerings' to God? If we are showing and communicating our thankfulness how then is that a sacrifice? Interesting questions, I believe, however answering is not the difficult part, following through with the answer is.   Thank offerings are words and ways in which we express to God our grateful attitude for all that he has given us, done for and through us and accomplished in this world. It can be simple 'popcorn...

The LORD said to Moses, 23 "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." ' "So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them." Numbers 6:22-27     This scripture is a direct blessing from the one and only Almighty God. He delivered this message to Moses to give to Aaron and the other Levite priests. This particular blessing has been often quoted and spoken over not only the Jewish community of believers through the centuries but is also a promise of blessing to all believers in Jesus Christ.   When God sent his son Jesus to walk this earth as the pure and spotless lamb of God to be later sacrificed on behalf of all human beings God's promises and blessings were then opened to us all. It's not just th...

But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Forgiveness is difficult, forgetting, impossible. How many of us have said, "I can forgive but not forget"? As human beings we tend to hold on to the past. Our memories, although not perfect since I sometimes can't remember why I went from one room to the next, are part of what makes us who we are. Our minds hold on to images, scents, sensations, all things that bring back a particular moment in our life experience on this planet. Sometimes the moments are good, heartwarming flashes that give us the warm and fuzzy feeling like being a child wrapped tightly in a quilt by our grandmother. Yet others are upsetting and painful filling us with dread and tears. As we travel our journey in this human form waiting on eternity we spend day after day making new memories, having new experiences that fill ...

"This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NIV) “This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come." Jeremiah 33:2-3 (NLT) Happy Mother's Day my friends! Today, as I look out into the world that God created I see the beauty of nature. I have been watching a family of Robins for the last few weeks as they have grown from two to six. Momma built her nest on the railing of my covered deck in plain view. For the last 4 weeks we have watched as the nest went from empty to being filled with four lovely blue eggs, to four not so lovely hatchlings. Now after only a week and a half we have fat feathery babies bouncing around the porch. This morning ...

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10   Many people in today's society speak of how busy we are as human beings. This daily grind, so to speak, that keeps us moving from one engagement to another day in and day out rules our time. The speed at which life moves today seems so quick in comparison to times of old. All of the technology, the modes of communication that are constantly bombarding our senses leave little room for quietness in our lives. The constant barrage of stimuli and demands on our much coveted time seem almost overwhelming making it a necessity to purposefully plan for a few moments of focused devotional time with God.   I have heard and even said myself that today's life is much more hectic and rushed than past generations. However, it occurred to me that although in some ways that may be true, intentionally sitting down and being with God has appar...

Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— the LORD, who remains faithful forever.    Psalm 146:3-6 Every time I watch the news I am reminded of just how fallible and unreliable humankind is. Yet, it has been my experience that many people tend to put those they look up to on a pedestal of sorts. The adorning fans of movie stars and music mavens revere them as they expect perfection. The followers of the political leaders and media giants expect nothing short of great wisdom and impeccable decision making. The congregants of popular preachers or evangelists, even Christian based music make...

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.  I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.  Jeremiah 29:12-14 Most of us have heard, quoted and claimed for ourselves the promise made in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  We all want to be reminded in the midst of our hectic and sometimes harried lives that God is in control and is watching out for us.  This morning as I was reading over this promise, reminding myself of God's sovereignty I went a bit farther and found yet another promise that brings me great encouragement and peace. When I call upon Him and pray to Him he will listen to me!  If I seek Him with all my heart I will find Him.  And, when I find Him he will bring...