Surprised by Grace

When unexpected blessings come my way, I still feel as surprised as I am thankful. Another weekend of surprise blessings caught me off guard again. I don't know if I will ever learn to expect the best on a regular basis, although this is clearly the way the Scripture admonishes us to live.

We are told by the apostle Peter in his letter to the Church of Jesus Christ that was scattered throughout the world, that we "were called for the very purpose that you (we) might inherit a blessing". Simply put, our inheritance as children of God is "a blessing". Blessing is our natural Christian inheritance. Blessing is a state of being in Christ. It is abundant and eternal life. That abundance includes so very, very much if only we can see it and learn to expect it.

Honestly, the scope of God's blessing and unexpected grace is still "wowing" me. This should not surprise me, as I prayed this year for the Lord to win me afresh with his great love. Maybe I had just been knocked down enough in life that it amazes me when the blessing of God meets me with kindness at unexpected times and places. Anyway, I confess that I am once again tasting the goodness of the Lord on a regular basis in the land of the living. I pray that you have the same joy!

Mark

God is good

The Lord is good to us. This truth transcends the circumstances of our lives if we train our spiritual eyes to see the hand of God at work around us. The art of seeing the good in life is often a learned trait. I believe that is why the apostle Paul repeatedly told the people of God to think on the things above. His letter to the Philippian church is a great example of this reminder.

When we think about the good things in our lives, we begin to allow joy and praise to spring up on the inside of us. This is much better than focusing on the negative things in life. Like a Polaroid picture, what what we focus on will usually develop. If we want to see wonderful things develop, we need to think on and focus on wonderful things.

I have been paying more attention to the wonderful little things that surround me. As I purposefully enjoy those things, my overall disposition tends to improve. It is like savoring life, one bite at a time. Personally, I want to get every ounce of flavor out of today. It sure makes me slow down and seize the day. It also makes me a lot happier. Perhaps it would work for you too!

Mark