“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions; it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:1-4
Yesterday we celebrated Reformation and there are many in our world do not know what that word means but it sounds like a church word. Last weekend the distractions of our world told us that the really important things were Halloween, world series, college football, the dossier and tax relief. Grace? Grace is a woman’s name or something that religious people say before they eat. GRACE; God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense is so important for this world but many in this world don’t have time for Grace. And that is where this Haitian child and you and I come in; remain faithful and do good to those you meet. I am closing today with the words from the song that I heard recently while driving; ‘HE does’ that were sung by Greater Vision from their ‘As we speak’album. These lyrics are so good and probably could have been sung in Church on Sunday but they weren’t Lutheran and I was instead moved by them while driving in this world.
“If anyone ever felt as though his sin was deeper than grace would go; I have. If anyone ever thought his prayer was a waste of time, 'cause no one cares; I have. If anyone believes that he's gone too far, then my friend I have been right where you are. You're not alone, no, you're not alone. I have good news to share with you; what you're feeling now is far from true, so keep hanging. Cause if there is one who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does. If there's a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does! He walked the road to Calvary. He suffered pain and agony because He knew there'd come a day when you would need to call his name. If there is one who wants to be the one and only friend you need; He does! If anyone has a right to say ‘Thank you Lord for another day’; I do. If anyone has a reason to sing a song, when gray skies hide the blue; that's me. If anyone can stand and testify, you can count on me and I'll tell you why; He set me free, oh, He set me free! When the guilt and shame from my own sin sought to rob me of the joy He gives; He reminded me! Cause if there's one who loves beyond the sad mistakes that we've all done; He does! If there is a soul who understands and longs to heal the hurts we have; He does! Jesus does! He walked the road to Calvary. He suffered pain and agony because He knew there'd come a day when you would need to call his name. If there is one who wants to be the one and only friend you need; He does! Jesus does!”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay