“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭139‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

It’s day two of my “gym saga.” This scripture was my inspiration today. Hope it inspires you too!

Forgive me for forsaking the upkeep of your creation.

God knows all about us and our future. For that we marvel at His infinite wisdom! I ask for His assistance in establishing a habit and concentration on health. I pray the same for all…

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Knocking on my birthday eve having many thoughts and pondering…

Sitting in my car in the park watching the Brandywine River water roll in front of me as I did the Virginia Beach waves last week while on vacation – can’t explain much and I can’t answer questions about my future because outright I just don’t understand or even know what’s next.

At this moment I can say I’m amazed at the life I’ve lived so far and wondering what’s next. I’m wondering what’s the “master plan?”

You see, I know I’ve done some things wrong, but I also think I’ve done a few things right. (Funny, how we hold tight at times to the wrong much closer than the right.)

Today though, I’ve decided two things:

1. That I’m going to faintly assess the wrong, but be grateful for the right.

2. I’m going to continue to press.

God has allowed some AMAZING FEATS in my life that others only dream. He has allowed visions pictured in my mind to develop fully. Often I’ve felt like a “Joseph” like character. I’ve dreamt up some crazy stuff that seemed impossible that eventually came to pass. Yeah, unlike Joseph I haven’t always been upstanding and righteous, but I’ve tried and am still trying.

From ending up an entrepreneur, to becoming a homeowner, to becoming a published author, to even having opportunity to teach what little I know by bringing forth a Word or two in front of folk – God has shown Himself faithful. Also through the Alpha and Omega and His plot, I have become a decent facilitator, have presented in national forums more than once, and have grown successful youth and parent programs. Currently, He also aids in me supporting my mom, my nephew and a grandniece in various ways.

Sometimes frustrated, sometimes tired – often I wonder when a few other desires of my heart I’ve envisioned will be fulfilled. Only God knows…

I feel like God is telling me – yeah I’ve done those things through you but – KEEP PRESSING! Seems as though God still has some feats to unfold. Trust me, I still have some BIG visions!

The message is – I can’t grow tired, I can’t give up, I’ve got to keep pressing! You see there’s still things He’s shown that haven’t come to pass yet. My Joseph like life isn’t over, There’s more…

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I guess what I’m trying to say is best said through the Message Bible version of my opening verse-

“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I’m gonna keep pressing!

My birthday request- Please keep praying for me and encouraging me to do so. 😃

“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭31‬-‭44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I first hear God drop on my spirit “rest,” my mind immediately goes to physically slowing down. Sitting on my couch and sleep become a priority. Stopping all of the ripping and running daily is at the top of my to do list.

Today though in my current “slow down” due to health, I began to search the scriptures for times when Jesus went alone or told others to rest.

Why did I chose this particular subject or topic of study? Well, I have tons of work and personal responsibilities. People depend upon me. In my life between work and family, I feel as scripture states above, there were many coming and going, and at times I barely have time to eat. Recently God is insisting that I slow down and rest whether I want to or not.

I’ve heard many sermons preached from these verses. There are so many “nuggets” in this section of scripture! I usually don’t choose this large of a span of scripture- but you’ll understand why I referenced all this toward the end.

Rest is defined several ways. It could refer to physically laying down. It could mean to be motionless. It possibly could reference being free from anxiety or care.

Along with the definition of rest, I recognize that God is funny and has His own way to get his point across. His ways aren’t ours. He knows every hair on each of our heads and tailors His instructions to us personally. For me He gently reminds me through minor sicknesses that I need to rest and take care of me.

As I constantly tell people and attempt to remind myself – YOU CANNOT POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP!!

Excuse me, as I digress…

Lately, I haven’t taken my getaway weekends or taken time to just chill. I’ve have numerous projects for at least 4 or 5 work clients, a 15 year old grandniece, and gracefully aging mother along with a 25 year old nephew that doesn’t ask for much but still has needs.

I approach all this including my business as ministry. I approach my family as ministry. My writing is ministry. I’m busy. Not to prop myself up but, I feel like there are times when God says to me just like Jesus told the disciples- “rest a while…”

Rest a while!!?? God, don’t you know I have responsibilities? Just as in scripture, the people keep coming. I still have people, tasks, and stuff to do! I believe at times things can’t happen without me!

God said to “rest” – even though the folk and their needs are still right in front of you. When God told the disciples to “rest” in Mark 6 it meant more than physical rest. It meant rest in Him. It meant to trust in Him.

Just as the disciples reacted when God said rest physically and in Him – the gift of administration comes forth strong in me. We, or at least I, try to direct how rest is going to happen. Control instincts take completely over! We start to tell God what the plan is instead of seeking Him for the plan. The disciples said/told God – “send them away” so they can get what they need. They FORGOT who they were talking to, attempting to problem solve. What’s amazing in this account is – they tried to give Jesus answers for the people who were in need. God is the Provider – Jehovah Jireh. He is the source and Creator. He already knew what they needed.

Today’s daily scripture while writing this through the Bible app is casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (‭‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬) That request/command includes all the care and responsibilities you have for others.

Let’s go back to Mark 6 – when the disciples finally stopped directing and suggesting, the question was asked what they had. God took over once they shifted their thoughts of who was responsible for action. A miracle was then provided. With God responsible – a little fed thousands!

When the disciples “rested”- they relied and trusted in the Creator and Alpha & Omega! Their ministry through Him was effective and touched thousands of people with little resources.

That’s something to ponder for those of us that are responsible for many people and tasks. Stop trying to figure things out on your own,, take inventory of what you have, and get quiet and still to be able to rely on the One who can supply the answers.

Not sure I have an exact scripture for this note. So many verses come to mind. For those that know scripture you’ll hear them throughout. Perhaps once I finish I’ll go back and insert references. (Try starting at Luke 12:16 and read down as far as you need.)

Here are my recent thoughts..,

I’ve been pondering the little things that are really big. We miss them everyday, being so busy and rushing. We walk right past them, miss them in all their glory, especially when we’re going through.

We get caught up in huge moments and things, but do we rejoice in the little daily moments that happen right in front of us or to us. We relish memorable accomplishments and purchases not cherishing what we consider small acts.

We were able to purchase a loaf of bread. We were able to walk from point A to B. The mere fact that we breathe in and out should be seen as God given and miraculous!

Are we truly grateful for the person that smiled at us when passing or the man that held the door to Wawa open as we entered. Are we excited for that phone call from someone or happy to view that first bloom on the tree this Spring?

There are folks who wait for calls that never come. There’s folk that have lost their sight and will never see that sight again.

We need to appreciate everything we possibly can…

(Rejoice in the Lord, and again I say rejoice. Philippians 4:4)

Yes, the bills are still there. Yes, the annoying person exists. You may even have aches and pains. (😃 – in the past few weeks I’ve had Covid and just found out two days ago I have the potential to have gout flare ups.) Funny my sickness and aches have made me spend more time at home and realize, there are so many things to ponder – little things for which to be thankful.

God cares for the birds, they toil not and still seem to be alright. Spending time with my cat Eli makes me realize he can find joy in the simplest of objects and things. A recycle shopping bag becomes his favorite toy for the day – getting in and out. A little colorful inexpensive cat toy spring can entertain him for hours. Me, so busy trying to find an expensive gadget- when that’s all he needed.

We often stress ourselves out looking for the BIG thing the expensive things to find peace and contentment. We chase the complicated. We work ourselves to the bone, when all we need is right in front of us and simple.

I’m challenge you today to search for the little things. It’s not as hard as it sounds. At the end of the day, hopefully you’ll find joy…

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 NIV

Accompanying music – “Alpha & Omega” – Israel & New Breed – https://youtu.be/EfPJ4j5P5X8

By nature, I worry about EVERYTHING! (Yes, I’m attempting to grow.) I’m a planner. I am methodical and very linear in thinking. My preferred mode of operation is an “A”, to “B”, to “C” process.

Although this thought process is highly beneficial in the natural realm and wonderful for my work life, it can be a major hinderance in my spiritual life and growth. To challenge our dependance and faith in our own thinking/process, God doesn’t always work our paths out in a straight logical path. He often takes us from point “A” to “M” to “C” and then to “Z” just to prove who is actually in control. As believers we are charged to trust God’s process and remain faithful despite whatever state we find ourselves.

Enter Joseph the dreamer into my current thought process…

Like Joseph in the Bible, God has blessed me with vision. With that vision, I have a tendency to think that my path in life is supposed to be linear – extremely straight and smooth. Moves are supposed to be smooth, and transitions should be in progression. What you and I might find is – this is not always the case. As with Joseph’s testimony as relayed in the Bible, there are twists and turns. I constantly pray that I, as Joseph did, maintain integrity and faith no matter what is happening around me.

Grasp this concept though – God could give Joseph the vision because He, the ALMIGHTY, was at the beginning, in the middle, and knew the end of Joseph’s life! Thus, Joseph could take on the bold stance of faith and trust as he did throughout his life. Joseph did not have to maneuver, plot, or plan to get where God had shown him. In confidence wherever he was, he could walk in his gifts and talents which ultimately carried him to where and what God had planned for him.

He “who is, and who was, and who is to come…”

The ALMIGHTY !

When He imparts vision or a destination in our path –

We can walk in integrity.

We can walk in faith.

We can walk in assurance-

…because He is the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the end.

“Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed and refreshed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell forever [throughout all my days] in the house and in the presence of the Lord.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I’m a little teapot short and stout

Here is my handle, here is my spout

When I get all steamed up hear me shout

Just tip me over and pour me out!”

It’s funny, when all is well and life is fine – I rarely write. In contrast when in difficult or confusing times, my pen flows. I know that heat causes water to boil. Water begins to bubble and then it overflows. Troubling times, or “heat,” causes me to be unsettled and to seek God more. Thankfully God gives scripture and insight. I seek God out for me first, and then bubble over and share with others through writing. My cup runneth over…

See, frustration or disappointment breeds my need for relief from heat or troubling times. Mental and spiritual relief are what is sought. I am more apt to hunger for His Word at these times. For I’ve learned through experience and relationship that God has the answers to ANY problem. When I hunger, I seek – read, study, and meditate. God then gives me His Word on which to feast. He knows exactly what I need. PRAISE God! I thankfully eat from the table and am satisfied through His Word. He prepares a table in the presence of my enemies…

When writing God assures me. I am confident that that He is personally revealing Himself to me through His Word. It causes me to want to continue in that state… I want to stay there in assurance, trust, peace, and in faith. In other words – I want to dwell in his house forever.

I can bless others through writing even when I’m in distress. As a matter of fact – I believe it is even more anointed and effective. I have had my own encounter. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…

God is with us through it all! We can go through because He is with us. We can minister through our own distress because we know and have relationship. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we fear no evil because God is there. He guides us and comforts us through…

If you’re like me, you are probably looking forward to the new year. My issue with looking forward -and because God often speaks BIG, very BIG things to me. – I often get overwhelmed. Actually, I get extremely anxious. I spent my week off of work examining aspects of my life and attempting to figure it all out. I’m actively working on my traits as a control freak and methodical to a fault.

So, to get back in balance I have begun a study in faith. Now if you’ve been a Christian/Saved for a while – you know these fundamental scriptures. You probably memorized them at some point. But it is one thing to memorize but the next step is to apply so it is useful.

Faith is essential. Essential for believers.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we’re not walking in faith – we are stepping on only what we see, feel, touch, and taste. Faith is an extension of our senses- or what the Bible calls substance.

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (for we walk by faith, not by sight:) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What is Faith? Hebrews 11:1 answers- King James Version –

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The NIV makes it even clearer-

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Faith is confidence in God.

The words “faith” and “belief” are similar words. Nelson’s Bible Dictionary defines faith as a belief in or confident attitude toward God, involving commitment to his will for one’s life. Nelson also says belief is to place one’s trust in God’s truth.

Wby is faith important essential?

Further down in Hebrews 11 in the 6th verse it says

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

This leads to :

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

‭So how do we grow our faith and stabilize our faith?

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How much Faith do you need?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

You can expand to the speak those things which aren’t as though they were Faith

“Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“…being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I’ve been meditating on this scripture lately. Ok God, I hear you. I need to be confident. I need to have enough faith and trust to believe as Paul said to the church of Phillipi – what God has started He will continue to do through me.

The questions I need to answer – perhaps you need to answer too.

What has God started in your life? In what “good work” have you been successful? Why aren’t you growing/walking in everything now that you could be? I’m trying to examine myself…

I need to write this out to sort it out. Believe me, I say this as humbly as I possibly can giving God all the glory back – He’s gifted me in many ways. So many ways I’m not sure what to do at times. I laugh when I honestly tell people that I’m a “jack of all trades but a master at none.” I have the gift of administration. I have the ability to teach. I love to write. I can sing a little. I feel very anxious, but then am able to bring forth a Word in front of an assembly of people every once in a while. I’ve been shocked that people have asked me to speak since that’s the least of what I feel comfortable. I feel the weight and seriousness of it. The uniqueness of the opportunity afforded at times overwhelms me. I am humbled by it all.

Honestly, I’m terrified. I don’t want to let God down. Reality is – I’ve sorta run away from all He wants me to do the last couple of years. Even before the pandemic I had already transitioned to online church. I’ve satisfied my need for fellowship by the people I surrounded myself – my family Bible study with cousins, my prayer group with sorority, and my friends who are believers, and preachers with whom I can have conversations.

Unfortunately, I finally admit openly – I experienced church hurt years back and succumb completely to my feelings. Truthfully, it wasn’t the first time I have experienced it. My personal relationship with God wasn’t affected as much as my relationship with organized religion and the folks who are a part. I didn’t have issue with everyone, but I felt constantly attacked, challenged, and grew extremely tired/frustrated as a youth ministry leader/education department leader. Then over time, life got in the way, I focused energy that I would put into ministry into work and establishing my business. I have been able to “minister” and help folk that way. Walking away from “church” was probably not the right thing to do, but it was what I did and honestly still am doing.

Funny, in 2022 God made room/opportunity for me to know He still has a hand in my life and the good work He started. GLORY!! I still have had believers around me. I have continued to teach. I still write. I’ve witnessed to folk. I preached at my sorority chapter’s 100th anniversary service. A sorority sister asked me to bring forth her husband’s eulogy. I don’t see any of it as trivial in my journey. I guess it should help me be even more confident and aware of what my personal tasks are.

Entering into 2023 I prayerfully need to be more confident in those things God has started. Confident in the fact that what God places in my path to do will get done. I need to be more confident when He speaks and guides. Please pray for me. I know there is more for me to do. I’m not sure what exactly, but I pray I am obedient.

Conversely, what God has begun in YOU, He will continue to perform it. Hopefully and prayerfully this writing encourages you in some way to be even more confident that what He has started He will continue.

GLORY! This must have been a Facebook post when I first received oxygen tanks 4 years ago. It was traumatic!! I needed assistance breathing 24/7. In the beginning, I couldn’t even use a portable tank. I trudged along with the large tanks on wheels. Doctors offered no hope for a life without them. They only offered suggestions of lifestyle changes – diet, exercise, and quality sleep.

God is The Healer! In faith I took small steps/changes. Soon I could climb a flight of steps and not be winded and could sleep through the night with assistance of my bi-pap machine. I drank much more water and exercised/walked more tracking steps on my watch. I could have done all those things, and nothing change – BUT GOD!!! About 6 to 8 months later I was emancipated!!

God is faithful! I’m still not perfect at all the above, but I’m off oxygen tanks. So, you slipped up today in your plan for better health – Tomorrow is a new day to start over…

I hope this encourages someone else to take the small steps to watch God do a BIG thing!

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:12, 14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind but now I see…”

I remember singing in the youth choir at Mt. Zion UAME Church an updated version of this beloved hymn and having no clue of the significance of the concept of grace or God’s Grace as I am beginning to understand it now. I recognize I struggle with this concept and have begun to search the scriptures for help.

Grace is God’s unmerited favor. I’ve taught this definition as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher. What does this mean though when we are to extend grace?

God extends His grace to us and that fact is amazing! We act up and foul up and He, the Almighty Forgiving God still extends His Grace toward us. This does not give us license to commit sin. It does not mean that there aren’t repercussions to committing sin, but is does give us hope that if we do sin that God extends grace toward us.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As humans, we do not instinctively extend the gift of grace to others as God does. We harbor hurt, hate, jealousy vengeance quickly rather than extending forgiveness, love, mercy, and kindness.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John‬ ‭15:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That fruit, is the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temrance: against such there is no law.” All those actions, with love being the essential/root, lead into us extending grace in a God-like manner toward others.

“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans‬ ‭12:17-19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The concept of extending grace to others is a prayerful decision. Our human nature makes it difficult to bring our mind and heart together to achieve. Our heart constantly wants to protect itself from hurt and our mind rehashes every wrong that has occurred. Extending grace supersedes our natural reaction. It has us respond to situations and circumstances in a manner that can cause others to question and then discover why we react in the way we do.

We may suffer but we can give an answer…

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

For example – when the person shot and killed Amish people in Pennsylvania a few years back, their family response was not in anger, but in love. They prayed for their attacker and his family and I believe reached out to them. They extended grace even in their own grief and sorrow. It made many inquire and sparked conversation. Look how I am referring back to the situation years later and how God is glorified.

I pray that we can begin to extend the same type of grace that God extends to us…that we give the unmerited gifts of love and forgiveness like God bestows toward us.

I pray as Peter wrote,

“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, (in this case being extending grace) being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:6-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

My friends, let us attempt to extend grace to others. Pray for me as I pray for you.