Cool Devotions

My Favorite Things

published May 02, 2006 12:00

http://www.633main.com/dev241.htm There are a number of things that I consider "favorites". It absolutely brightens my day when when I pickup my daughter from the sitter, and she runs to the window and blows kisses to me when shes my car. I love that! And my wife's spaghetti. MMMM. But my most favorite thing when it comes to God is His Grace! Today I simply want to encourage those who feel that no matter what they do, bad things still happen. I want you to consider how much of God's grace is being excericised to keep you going, despite the seemingly bad situation you think you're in. Now you and I know you dont have to be here and your situation could be a lot worse. But the fact that you are alive and your soul still has a chance to be saved, says that you are receiving God's Grace. Did you know that God's grace is lessening the impact of the Devils darts! It;s true because the devil has every intention on taking you out, permanently! See here's how it works: Satan tempts you to do something. You do it, and then he runs and tells God. God doesnt punish you, but the circumstances from your actions creates pain and hardship. Then you wise up and turn to God and start acting right, then the devil persecutes you because you're doing right, Its hell whether you do right or wrong. But here's the encouragement. God's not keeping score on how many times you did wrong versus the times you did good. He's looking at your heart and your sincere sorriness for your sins. The only thing that will get you through is your relationship with Christ. Thats why I want to remind you from last weeks podcast, its not about the religion its about the realtionship. Just like I was telling the listener who wrote last week when we discussed the Sabbath truth, though the Sabbath is true, it wont save you. Grace saves you. Your relationship with Christ saves you. You know what, you may need to look at Joseph. This brother had it bad. He was catching alot of hell. He didn't sleep with Potiphars wife, but he still gets thrown in jail. But remember his last two years in jail? He didnt know it was his last 2 years, but he intrepreted the cup bearer's dream and he said remember me. And the cup bearer did nt speak his name for 2 years! Now Joseph had to be discouraged. But he didnt know that in two years he would be the prime minister of Egypt. So look here, like Joseph you may feel you are in your darkest hour, but be encouraged, the light is just around the corner. Don't keep score of the goods and bads, stay focussed on your relationship with Christ, and accept the Grace He has already imparted to you. -Eric Lusain, Cincinnati, OH