January 26 - Grace

So, Youtube has this deal with all of these recording companies that prevent people from using music on their videos. Why? I don't know. So, I believe I will start hosting the videos on the blog. If you didn't start this program at the beginning of the year, just remember it is not too late to start. You can start on week 4 now (4 push-ups, 4 sit-ups, and a 4 minute run or walk) or you can make this your week one. The most important aspect of this is to become more like Christ and stronger spiritually.

2 Peter 3:18

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Grace is a gift from God and it is a repeating term in the bible. This gift is the love and salvation that God gives, even though we do not deserve anything but death and hell. God's grace goes deep and is true. We sin and we break our Father's heart everyday, but His grace is so amazing (yes, just like the song), that He is willing to wash us clean. God is flawless. We are not. If we had the forgiving and loving heart that God has, the world could truly see the eternal promise and truths, instead of hypocritical people.

Earlier in chapter three, Peter reminds us of God's love and grace, but at the same time, His promise of returning and taking us home:

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.

God is promising to be patient and understanding towards us with our sinful mistakes. All He wants is for us to recognize Him as a loving God who wants His children to repent and turn to Him for every need and desire. God's promise is eternal. Verse 10 further explains His promise. The day of the Lord will come quickly and stealthy. We will not have any kind of warning and that's why it is important to fear Him and make Him the Supreme Ruler in our lives. The skies will dissipate. The elements will cease in fire. The earth and every creature, person, and object will be demolished. At that point, His promise is fulfilled that if we believe and we have a relationship with Christ, we will be in the loving safe arms in Heaven. If we neglect this choice accepting the free gift of grace, we will spend eternity in hell...forever.

God's grace is beautiful. God wants to answer our prayers. He is not a bully or a punk. He doesn't look for opportunities to strike us down, slap us, or inflict pain on us. The Lord just wants to embrace us as closely as possible, regardless of the dirt and flaws we may have. Our works and deeds do not get us into heaven and into God's presence. Christ has made a way for us through the death on the cross. Acceptance of grace seems like a no-brainer, but sadly there are some who turn away for whatever reason. Whether they feel that God has no love for them because of a terminal illness in their lives, the loss of a job, the death of a family member, the hurt of a spouse, or whatever circumstance...God is fair, just, and loving. We can help tear down the walls of misconceptions that have been built in these person's lives. I work around people like this. Most likely, you do too. Share grace...

"By grace, you have freed me. I will not suffer anymore..."
- Inhale/Exhale