Devotions with Pastor Bill

Dear Church Family:

Grace! What a powerful, beautiful word.  It’s a truly amazing thing we can’t buy or earn in other ways—it must be received as a gift.  John Newton, in one of my favorite hymns, puts it this way:

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.
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come; 
Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home.

the Lord has promised good to me
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures. 

Grace! What a wonderful concept. I believe GOD’s grace is like a beautiful gem with many facets.  It has to do with GOD’s forgiveness, acceptance, His presence.  It is through His grace, also, that His Spirit enables and empowers us by bringing a form of completion and freedom to our lives that we can’t have without it.  His grace offers spiritual gifts to all believers. This is only a sampling – you can no doubt identify other aspects of grace in your lives. 

Let me just leave you with a couple thoughts from Scripture.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
​
​Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) 
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

May GOD’s grace and shalom fill your lives in these uncertain times.
Pastor Bill