Wednesday, March 7, 2012

what good is grace if you don't enjoy it?




The times they are a changin'. And more than a Dylan song, it is prophetic. Right has become wrong, wrong has become right, and no one seems to know the difference between the two. Or for that matter really care, they only care if they get caught, then the finger pointing begins. Sadly we are all guilty of it, but with the biased media, lack of morals, and personal integrity lacking, we all too often are left to fend for ourselves. To feel alone, and to feel like no one cares. Even sadder is the truth contained within that statement.
The old saying "don't bite the hand that feeds you" used to refer to not turning on those who meet your needs. But today it is also a warning, for you don't know where that hand has been. And just like our dog Clemenza licking Mary's face, she was happy and saying "look how she is kissing me," until reminded that the dog drinks out of the toilet. You really don't want to know where her paws have been. Gone are the days of dogs licking faces, kids riding in the back of trucks, strangers helping strangers, and having someone in authority to go to. If "hi I'm from the government and I'm here to help" sends chills down your spine, welcome to America 2012. Former land of the free, and home of the brave. Not the people, just those who are in power to govern. Which we elected. Remember that old saying, "first time your fault, second time mine.." might just make a great campaign pledge!
God initially had no sin in the Garden, but then our ancestors couldn't keep it together. So God sent Moses, a murderer, and Jew to rescue them. But they didn't like the food, didn't like the 10 Commandments, and soon didn't like Moses either. And would rather go back to being slaves instead of trusting God, just because the food was better in Egypt. That would make an interesting series on the Food Channel! And after enduring judges, kings, and not-so-benevolent despots, we are now in the era of Grace-God's grace. Our sins are forgiven, He promises to take care of us, and we don't have to work for our own salvation, God offers it as a gift. Yet so many people are afraid of this freedom, and rather than live under grace, seek laws to live under it-or to enforce freedom. And with laws come courts, then policemen, and then finally attorneys, and we find no freedom in any of that. And yet grace just waits patiently for us to repent and turn to it, God calls it mercy. Not much of that in courts these days. When is the last time a law worked for you? Which leaves grace. What part of free don't you understand?
As we watch the Biblical prophecies unfold in the news every night, it is evident that government and man's rules just don't work, and won't work. Right now there are so many laws in the US that they quit printing the book listing them, and rest assured the US of A feels even the most patriotic citizen only breaks three laws daily-without even knowing it! And we need more laws, and more lawmakers? Maybe Barney Fife was right, "first rule is obey all rules..."
God's grace is free. It is so expensive that no one could afford to pay for it, so He offers it as a gift. Turn away from sin, turn to Jesus, and He forgives, and offers you a better way. And as depression, escalating food and fuel costs, and lack of enforcement of civil laws increases, the only safe place to be is in Christ. Our Rock, our Fortress, and our deliver. The Israelites called Him Jehovah Jireh, my provider. His grace is sufficient.
Need more grace, seek God. Mired in troubles, take the burden to Jesus. Alone and scared, with Him you are not. If needed He can send thousands of angels, some are watching you right now, and you don't even realize it. He cares for you that much. But what do you do when Apollyon, the destroyer aka the devil attacks? Turn it over to God. It is His battle, and He never loses! It takes trust, just a little, and today we face a battle that is not only at at our doorstep, but has found its way in. Please pray for us that God will prevail soon against the evil that confronts us.
As we sit each night overwhelmed by more tragedy in the news, and a lack of answers via politicians, look to God. While others seek solace in politics, none will be found. It takes Jesus. So vote for Him-choose Him right now! No need to cast a ballot, open your heart. God vs. man, a battle for the ages, and of the ages. I choose God, for I trust no man-only because they cannot be trusted. All it takes is a little faith.
The best definition of faith I have ever heard is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. Feel like that right now? Let me agree with you in prayer, that God will show you grace. He knows how to solve the problem, will you let Him?
And pray for us also, we all need God. And in the depths of our problems He is with us. No need to fall asleep in fear, or wake up in fear. No need to fear during the day! Out of darkness into the light! Perfect love which casts out all fear! Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay with you.
The hand that feeds you! From a heart of love. Let's pray.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot