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Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!

(words and music by: Julia H. Johnston/Daniel B. Towner)

Shaping a lump of clay can be pretty messy. The spinning of the wheel, water, wet clay, and trimming can get messy. As I’ve watched Carl open the clay up and work within… big changes happen. The clay is not messy anymore. Now the lump of clay is being shaped into a useful vessel. Watching all the changes that take place in the clay makes me think about God’s grace. Nothing in our life is too messy for God’s grace to pardon and cleanse within.

But where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Romans 5:20

I can’t get over the many times in the Bible that Jesus said, “I tell you the truth.” Jesus even said that He came to testify to the truth. God longs for us to know the truth so we can recognize a lie and not be deceived. And God’s Word can cut through any lie. I’ve heard it said that the sound the enemy hates the most is the sound of the pages being turned in the Bible. I’m so thankful that before Jesus was arrested and sentenced to be crucified He prayed…Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 I bet you’re glad, like I am, that Jesus prayed that prayer for us. Let’s be an answer to God’s prayer and seek the truth found in the gift of God’s Word.

This is my husband Carl. Twelve years ago he had a stroke. I’ve seen in his life the evidence of God’s presence in suffering and God’s healing power. To get to where he is today has required: pushing through rehab, no pity parties and not quitting, in other words…perseverance. I’ve heard it said that the most important way to impact the world for Jesus is to persevere through suffering. That’s not easy, but we want to encourage you. We’ve seen evidence that the empowering, miracle working, Good God, will be with you all the way.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

God’s invitation to be with Him in heaven and live NOW a life with Jesus is for everyone. But the invitation requires us to RSVP by trusting in Jesus and accepting God’s gift of grace. God is waiting for us to respond with a child-like faith: believing Jesus died for our sins; asking for forgiveness with a willingness to turn away from sin; and believing Jesus is alive now and choosing to follow Him.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. Luke 8:24

I like going to this scripture when “personal storms” blow my way causing me to feel scared or anxious. It calms me down to think that Jesus is reprimanding whatever it is that’s making me feel worried or frightened. This scripture reminds us that Jesus is Lord over all creation. And whatever unexpected storm may come your way…He can calm.

This picture was taken of our sons many years ago. Their joyful faces captures the moment of being in an upside down world. I have to smile when I look at this picture because it reminds me of the importance of having a child-like faith. No matter what is upside down around us, God is still Good. He always keeps His promises. So, in the ups and downs in life we will shout with joy…Jesus is our Rock who brings us right-side up!

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Isaiah 40:12

God reveals the evidence of His greatness and power in many ways. One way is by showing us this magnificent sunrise. In this picture we see evidence of His power to create and the power of His Almighty hand. May we be reminded of His ever-present help and His powerful hand that personally cares for each one of us. Yes…we know who is above all…the LORD, Jesus Christ.

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

I have a friend who randomly sends me a scripture to brighten my day. The above scripture is one she sent me without knowing I was having a tough week. God’s Word sure encouraged me to stand firm, move on, God’s got it. Do you know someone who is going through a difficult time? Maybe it’s you. If so, remind yourself like I had to… that God understands how you’re feeling. The Prince of Peace is Jesus Christ and His love for you is not shaken nor removed.

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?” Matt. 18:12

The first thing my eyes went to when I looked at this picture was the beam of light in the sky which reminded me of a searchlight. I haven’t seen a searchlight for a long time. Although, they still can be used to rescue or to increase visibility. Do you know “Someone” who seems to be wandering while experiencing life’s difficulties and can’t see how to get back on course? If so, pray and be encouraged. No one is too far from God’s reach. God’s unconditional love is lighting the Way to get back on course. God sees your “Someone.”

When Carl popped the question and asked me to marry him, I immediately said YES. After my YES, I got scared. Marriage is a big promise. It’s forever. So that night I remember kneeling beside my bed and told God I wanted to marry the man He picked for me. God answered my prayer. Over these 56 years I can say without a doubt God picked Carl for me. The lesson I want to remember is when life brings you to a place where God’s will is not clear. Don’t forget to pray!

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jer. 33:3