Grace, Mercy and Peace...

You have a bright future. Let me share that with you this morning friends and please let that sink into your mind and hearts. This life may be full of struggles, things may not be going your way and one thing is on top of another and you see no way out or any hope of things getting any better. God has something to offer you: His-

Grace - God offers unmerited favor - Gods grace is undeserved and if we had to earn His grace we would have to keep doing what we were doing right? - If we stopped doing what we were doing - we could lose it. What if God decided to stop it? - Nothing we can do will earn Gods grace for our lives.... its a free gift.

Mercy - its the opposite of grace - It's God not giving us what we deserve. We deserve death - we deserve to not take another breath in this sinful place - but God gives us Mercy, offers forgiveness and accepts us the way we are.

Peace - its a calm reassurance that God is on control and a confidence that God will do what He says He would. Ever wonder why some people just have a peace about them when all things are falling down around them - or when a stressful situation is in front of them. Its Gods peace that makes them calm - gives them a sound mind to make decisions.

I experienced this peace with my mom when she was sick and when I was having some health issues a few years ago. Its amazing to experience the peace that God will grant those who ask for it. I am experiencing it right now with the 1 year date of my moms passing fast approaching. There is a calming affect to not fly off the handle, make a rash and unjust decision in life when everything is breaking loose.
Friends you have people praying for you. Draw on the grace that God is offering you and thank God for the friends you have in this life. Many are going through the exact same things as you are. Many have already went through them and some will some day but either way a blessing can be shared - because of friends. Friends that pray together - stay together. What an awesome message that is! Rekindle that flame in your faith. We have nothing to fear - dont choose to stay down and where you are today, many of us are choosing to take this route in fear of getting knocked back down or the attitude of why bother if I am just going to fall again. God gives us the supernatural power to face our fears, to love each other when we think we can't love again! I think that many times in life WE are our own worst enemy. Put things into perspective - major on the major things in life and not the minor things. God sees you where you are today friends, He understands where you are standing, He hurts with you - Ask Him to rise you above the place you are in right now and in your understanding. WHY linger where you are? Take up the passion and persevere! Don't give up - don't pack it in - don't quit when things are too hard - make the decision today (this afternoon!) and put God into your life. Don't give up on your marriage, friends, serving, your parents and loved ones. Persevere!!!

Psalm 73:
21-24 When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy, I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence. I'm still in your presence, but you've taken my hand. You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

The prayer of Jabez: Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil.

Carry on loved ones and don't give up. Hold your head high and know - God is with you -always.
love you all,
Randy~