The Rake

Okay, 2010 is going to be quite a year for UMCL. Things are happening and talks are taking place that may cause many of us to smile, frown, cheer, sigh, scratch our heads, argue, agree and even do things that are not exactly Christ-like. Boy, it is a good thing God gives us grace. Whatever happens in the upcoming year, I want us to keep one thing in mind…

The greatest gift God has ever given is… the electric blanket! Oh it keeps us sooo warm in the wint - wait that’s not right. Our most precious gift is GRACE! We have been given grace through baby Jesus. Why did God do that? The easy answer is because God loves us. A more complex answer is so that we REST IN GRACE. We work so hard and run so fast in order to make certain that our shacks are going to be finished. We fear that we will run out of energy, time sprays all over so we feel there’s no more left and our money does the same. See, if I’m at the center or you are, these shacks fall. God must be at the center so that TEMPLES are built and CITIES are saved through us.

Mary and Joseph did not trek across Israel and Egypt to deliver and protect a baby so that the world will toil in vain. They knew they were part of a thing far greater than themselves. They knew they were part of liberating the world BY GRACE!! You know what, so are we. Let us tap into the GRACE that gives the peace that passes all understanding.

If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early & go to bed late & work your worried fingers to the bone. Do you know God enjoys giving rest to those He loves? Psalm 127:1-2 (Msg)