#lovealwayswins

Dear Friend:

She handed me the money. I didn't deserve it. I didn't have to earn it. She just gave it to me.
Let me back up a bit. This story is amazing. I don't know how I did it, but I lost a hundred dollars. I don't know where. It was a gift from this lady. When I realized I could not find it, I tore through every place it should be. Two days later I knew I had to admit it was gone. I felt sick. I told this person I lost it. Her response was "I found $100.00. Here it is." When I left this person I was thinking I am not sure this was the same one hundred dollars. I felt like she just wanted me not to feel bad. She knew I did not mean to lose it. She just gave me another hundred. I did not have the heart to go back and discuss. I knew the person's heart was in the right place. I just thought I should leave it alone. I felt really loved. I am in awe of this person and their gracious heart.

Good things do happen!

I related this story recently to the grace of God. He loves me so much. He gave me forgiveness for all my wrong doing. I like the story above I did not deserve it. Both God and this lady could have just said "To bad for you." They did not give up on me. They just showed me love with grace.
Why did that lady do that? Why did Jesus die for me? Being on the receiving end of that kind of love prompts me to want to find opportunities to be more gracious in my life.
The rhythm of giving grace destroys the ugliness of darkness and brings us to a life of freedom and light.
Have you considered the changes that can occur in us and our world if we spread grace? Not only to spread grace but be humble enough to receive it.

"For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;
Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] (Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP)

Striving. Stressing. Can we stop?


Let's pray:  Father in heaven thank you for your love. Thank you for people who have shown me your love. Help me to be humble and learn from you so that I can pass your grace on. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Martin Luther King

Thier house burnt down. Nothing is left. They are faithful people despite their tragedy.

When I met this couple just the other day, I asked myself "Why did this happen?" They proceeded to tell me it was an accident and the husband tried to put it out but it spread so fast. My heart ached as she told me the clothes she had on were borrowed. She stopped me and did not want to talk about what she lost. She wanted to talk about God and how faithful he was being to her and her family. She smiled and laughed with me and said with determination "We will remain faithful to God. That is our job. If God asked me to live in a box, then I would live in a box." Faithful. Had I been talking with faithfulness in my recent circumstances? Was I rejoicing and being grateful? Was God getting glory in my life in all my circumstances? My brain did a quick check list. When I talked about about my recent pain in my back it was a "Yes". But I wasn't when I talked about some project I was working on.

It sticks in my mind now because truth does that. I will remain faithful to God.

Today is a simple message with a simple question. Are you remaining faithful to God in all you say and do?

It is not always easy. But imagine what our country would be like if we remained faithful. Martin Luther remained faithful till his death. It is a good reminder that we remain faithful to God. But it also is important to remain faithful to people with respect and dignity. It starts with small conversations and care. We have a way to go in the racial divide still in this country. 

Will you pray with me: God help me to remain faithful to you and others today. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.


 

WHAT'S IMPORTANT IN LIFE?

Do you think this question even needs to be answered?

I definitely think it is a good question to ask ourselves every day?

Don't you think it helps with decision-making?

Take on anything in life with this question in mind.

I visited with a family whose family member just passed away.

Here is what some of them said:

Live life with no regrets!

If you should not do something, don't do it!

You feel sad constantly but you know they're not gone they just aren't around anymore.

What's important?
Yourself- I don't mean this in a arrogant selfish way. I mean if something in you needs fixing, then fix it. Take care of yourself and you will be able to help others.

God-find truth about this. How? Ask God are you real? As for faith to believe.

Family

Vocation-something that suits you. You're qualified to serve God, provide for everyday life and others.

Hobbies

STARBUCKS

Dear Friend:

On January 1, 2015 this happened.
"That'll be thirty cent" said the cashier at Starbucks. "Thirty Cents!" declared the shocked customer. "Yeah!" blurted out the Starbucks guy. The guy in front of you had extra on his gift card. He told me to pay it forward to the next customer." The customer smiled and went to find the gift card guy. I saw them shake hands and chat. Both parted with smiles on their faces.
When I see things like this happen right in front of me I am reminded that there is still goodness and kindness around me despite what the "news stations" tell me. Once in a while a warm and fuzzy story will be reported, but for the most part I see doom and gloom.
I think seeing those people in Starbucks was a reminder that I can set all the goals I want like lose weight, more exercise blah, blah, blah...
What matters is showing love to others.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
My prayer for the New Year:
Father in heaven help me to seek first the kingdom of heaven. Help me to make things right with you and follow you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Follow Jesus in the New Year! He will direct your path. Give yourself a break.  Do the best you can in each moment and leave the rest to God.

Blessings,

Elaine James