Devotions with Pastor Holmes

Dear Church Family:
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.” (Titus 2:11-12)

The word that seems to jump out of Paul’s instruction to Titus is grace! “It has made its appearance”, and brought with it instruction and wisdom. Aren’t you glad God does not leave us in the dark when it comes to needing things such as wisdom and instruction, especially in the arena of grace?

Receiver or giver, grace makes its appearance and we always become better for its arrival.

I remember a time I was driving in some heavy traffic, and instead of paying attention to all the other drivers, I allowed myself to become distracted by some recent events in my life. All at once I realized the lane I was driving in was about to end abruptly. With seeming no option, I cut the car off behind me, knowing I was going to get a frustrated and angry response. As the car I had cut off eased up beside me in the other lane, I looked over with some trepidation.  Much to my surprise, the driver simply waved, shrugged their shoulders and smiled. I will never know for sure, but I think I had just encountered a grace giver, who perhaps at one time had found themselves in the same situation.

These are days when we have the opportunity to practice, share and give grace. We all will have a time to give it, and we will all have a time when we need it.

When you encounter that harried grocery store cashier, or the mother that has had just one day too many with children kept cooped up in a house that keeps getting smaller by the day, or the distracted driver more into themselves than their driving, let “grace” show up. It will make a difference, not just for them, but maybe, just maybe when you need it to show up for you.

Pastor Holmes