Tag: acts

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A moment on the road…

Grace is one of the greatest gifts we have received from the Almighty.  It is how we can live now, in this time, without the regulations of the law of Moses.  The blood of Christ covers our sins – we can go to our Father with sincere repentance and our transgressions are blotted out.

One of the greatest pictures of God’s grace is found in Acts 9.  Saul, a Pharisee and Bible scholar of that time, took it upon himself to get rid of all these “Jesus followers” that kept popping up everywhere.  One day, on the way to Demascus, Jesus himself shows up, confronts him about his actions, and converts him.  As you know, Paul became one of the greatest prophets in that time and wrote half the New Testament.  

Let’s think about this for a moment – God sees a man killing off His people and says “I want that one.”  Makes no sense to this human brain of mine.  If it was up to me, I would have taken him out.  But that is why I am not God.  His ways are not like our ways.  He sees us differently than we see ourselves.  His love is unconditional.

This type of Grace is available for all.  You feel like you are unlovable?  Guess what?  You aren’t!  If God can take a man who is killing off His own people & show Him love, He can show you love too.  No matter who you are, what you have done, who you have hurt – He can make you new.  You have  to just be willing and trust that He will do it.

Let’s pray: Jesus, thank you for who you are.  Thank you for loving me just the way I am.  I know that I have not done anything bad enough that your grace cannot cover.  I ask you, Lord, to wash away all my sins.  Come into my heart, Lord, and show me your ways.  Also, Lord, help me show others grace like you have shown me.  In your precious name, amen.

Be blessed, everyone.

  
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Generations

A great leader leads his family first.  My grandfather was that type of man. He was not someone who you would notice in a crowd or ask to lead a company.  No, he was not one to be in the spotlight.  But the thing he understood was the value of those around him.

This year marks 20 years since he has passed.  It is fitting – and no way ironic – that the vision for my church home is Generational Blessings.  My life has been blessed because it was set on a foundation that Milburn Brook Gann built.

It was never the big things that I remember fondly – it was the small things.  For instance, how he planted a yellow rose bush – because I have blond hair – and, every time it bloomed, he’d bring me a rose.  Or just sitting and listening to me talk as a very young child – hanging on every word.  In those seemingly small acts, he taught me my value.

He was a man of character – a man who loved God.  He set the standard for us who came after him.

So, you may be asking why do I decide to write to you about this person?  Is it to brag on him a little?  Partly, yes it is – because he deserves it.  But it is also to outline the responsibility we all play to those around us.  As my church leadership speaks on the importance of setting a great example for the next generation – I cannot think of a better example in my personal life.

To make an impact on the generations around me – I don’t need to be a successful business person or a person of great wealth.  I just need to let those around me know how valuable they are.  This could be in sincerely listening to people when they talk or tiny, yet meaningful acts of kindness or just spending quality time with someone who may need it.  It doesn’t take much to impact the world.  It just takes true effort.

I encourage you to watch your actions and understand the impact they have on others.  If small acts of kindness can make a positive act on someone that lasts a generation – so can small acts of carelessness.

Be blessed, everyone.

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