We were walking the other day on our newly purchased property. It was a beautiful morning for a walk. Hand in hand we strolled through the woods, enjoying simple chatter between the two of us. However, we stopped dead in our tracks, because the property owner next to us had tied a brightly colored orange tape from one tree to another tree, blocking off the path that we were walking on. It made a pretty bold statement. It seemed to have screamed, "You are not allowed on this property." Well, so much for our tranquil morning walk. Peace was quickly replaced by anger and strife. Of course this didn't set very well with our flesh. We wanted to retaliate and tell them just what we really thought...neighbors just don't do this to each other.
Well instead of listening to flesh, we chose to listen to Holy Spirit. And what did He speak? Grace.
It's easy if we're not careful to get caught up with the thinking that we are "so special." We "sorta" thought that this land that God had allowed us to buy was all about us and for us and was special favor from Him. "How dare someone get in the way of our blessing from God," flesh began to speak. The grace of God spoke something differently. It doesn't matter how greedy, hateful, vengeful, self-seeking, prideful, (and the list goes on) that we or anybody else is, God loved us so much that He gave us His ultimate gift, Jesus, and He will continue do whatever it takes to draw us closer to Him. That is grace. Apparently, the blessing that God gave us was not just for us...He always had someone else in mind...He wanted us to turn our hearts toward our neighbor and give them the same grace that He so lovingly gives us every day of our lives. Oh my, what a loving Father that is.
The scripture says, this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us-and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. I John 3:16 NIV
Father, forgive my selfishness. I pray today,that I will be a willing vessel, not my will but your will be done; that heaven and earth come together for your glory.
Thank you Father God that you do favor me (you favor us all). Your loving kindnesses, your over-flowing grace and mercy is for me (also)... for always.
Help me remember though, it's never for my own selfish ambitions.
Sammie Jean
 |
No comments:
Post a Comment