That’s right – NOT US!

Verse for the week: “Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimilessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” I Cor. 9:26-27

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

Last week when our family went to the YMCA the place was packed. As we pulled in to the nearly-full parking lot Michelle said “It won’t be like this in February.” We both laughed and the kids said “why not?” You know why. It’s because many of the out of shape people who made New Year’s resolutions to get in shape and lose weight will not be able to maintain the discipline it takes for that to happen.  In a few weeks there will be no more waiting for the treadmill.

I was encouraged last week to hear these kinds of statements from some of the people at Grace:  My resolution is to read the Word more consistently this year. (translated: I’m going to be more faithful in positioning myself to receive grace from God.) My resolution is to lead someone to Christ this year. (translated: I’m going to be more intentional about sharing the saving grace of God with others.) My resolution is to be more bold and confident in my witness and the way I love other people. A couple weeks into the new year, much of the world has already forgotten, failed, or given up.  Not us! That’s right – NOT US! Because we are empowered by the very Spirit of God at work within us, we have an advantage.  So stay at it. Keep putting yourself in a position to receive grace from God each day.  It will better enable and equip you to share that grace with others, and extend it to our world.

Pastor Steve