Weekly Newsletter Oct. 28
God's Grace Is Greater
A few months back my husband tried to be helpful while I prepared the family meal. He decided to clean up the mess I made. He began by wiping the vegetable scraps off the cutting board. He wiped the table down, and then he threw out the mayonnaise jar.
“There’s still some in there! What are you doing?” I blurted out. He quickly held up the jar to look inside and replied, "There isn’t anything in here. Besides, you have a new jar right there on the table.” I mumbled, "There is a little left," while he shrugged his shoulders and just walked away.
Later I realized that to him the jar was empty, and probably most people would have agreed. But I'm different. I NEVER throw out a jar when I can scrape at least a tablespoon of mayonnaise out. I would add just a few more ingredients and make a great salad dressing or add it to something else I was preparing.
My husband was correct. I did have another jar of mayonnaise on the table. I wondered where I got that from, but it really doesn’t matter. There was no need to save the last scrapings of mayonnaise. I was focused on the wrong thing. I not only had an extra jar of mayonnaise on the table, but I’m pretty sure I had one in the pantry too. Not to mention the market is only ten minutes away. I worried more about the little mayo left in the jar instead of realizing how helpful my husband had been. I could have thanked him for helping me and asked him to perhaps set the table, but instead I was focused on the mayonnaise and didn’t take advantage of the gift (help) he was offering me.
I’ve learned as a Christian I lack nothing, yet the little mayonnaise incident is similar to how I
live my life at times. I spend it focusing on small mistakes or trying to save something I don’t need when I lack nothing. I was given a gift. I have the unlimited grace of God; but I don’t always take full advantage of the gift I have received. I have the unlimited resource to live a life that is full of love and hope. I can press towards the mark of the high calling of Jesus Christ, yet there are many times when I just go along with people who don't care about Jesus' calling. I act as if I can run out of God's mercy. The truth is there is no limit. I can always experience God’s unchanging love. I can challenge myself to do greater things. I can always improve.
The Bible says in Ephesians 2:4-5; "But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)" God grace is indeed greater.
Let me offer this prayer. Dear God, thank you for your wonderful gift of grace and righteousness. Thank you for allowing us to win over sin. Because you are our father we lack nothing, and we can daily triumph over sin and live a life rich in love. Teach us to lean and depend on you so we can enjoy the gift you have given us. In Jesus name. Amen.
April Loper-Brown
Children's Ministry Director
Men's Breakfast
Fellowship and Discussion
October 29, 7:30AM at
Bear Campus' Celebration Room
Men from both campuses are
welcome to join us for a
fabulous breakfast
and then a time of discussion
on the theme:
"Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table"
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