Keep inviting, keep praying, keep extending grace

Verse for the week: You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit -- fruit that will last.’ Jn 15:16

It’s all about grace:

Grace received – as we connect with God

Grace shared – as we connect with each other

Grace extended – as we connect with our community

I was lying in the floor being lazy at my parent’s house the day after Christmas when my cell phone rang.  It was Brenda Russom.  She said excitedly, “I just had to share something.” She tell how she had been reaching out to an employee at a local business for many months.  Last May she invited this person to Grace for our Friend Day service.  They didn’t come.  They did, however, attend our Drive Thru Nativity.  In an answer to our prayers, God used this to get their attention. They were totally impressed when 2 days later a family from Grace showed up on their doorstep with some cookies and information about Grace. When Brenda went back to the same business the day after Christmas, they were excited to see her, shared this story and said they were coming to Grace and bringing their whole family. Praise the Lord! To everyone who took part in the Nativity, thank you, your service made a difference! This story was also a great encouragement to not give up on the people we are praying for and trying to influence for Christ.  It may be months, or even years after we first extend an invitation that people eventually respond, but don’t give up on them! In His great grace God refused to give up on us and I’m so glad He did. As his agents in this world, let’s show the same persistence that God showed with us. Keep inviting, keep praying, keep extending grace, and keep making the most of every opportunity – the next invitation may just be the one that gets accepted.

Pastor Steve