Morning Devotional

2 CORINTHIANS 4:15 (NIV) "All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God."
 
Recently I sat with a family reeling from grief, confusion and sadness. A loved one passed without closure to anger and bitterness. After my experience with thai family it made me realize  how important it is to keep communication with those I love open and clear. As the Matthew says, we do not know the time and place. As I thought about this encounter I realized that it was not about dying it was about living in the moment and in the glory of God. Making the choice not to bind my loved ones and others with guilt or confusion but set them free in the truest sense. 

​If I live in the excitement of forgiveness, the fullness of hope with those around me, then they would have the peace and confidence that they were important in my life. They would experience my love, God's love and true spiritual freedom that reign in life and death. Living in gratitude of what I have, who surrounds me and in the promises of God I will not have to worry about what I may leave behind when I am called up yonder. In fact, I believe when my hour of death comes it would reveal more spiritual freedom and hope then life could ever reveal on its own. My choice in how I live fully influences the lives and hearts of those I will someday leave behind. The far reaching of God's grace is infinite. I hoep to see you all later today as we walk in the Parables of Jesus. Pastor Carl

Almighty God, Your love and grace reach beyond this life and into the lives of those I will leave. Help me oh Lord to live each moment in gratitude for the gift of new life you have given me. Help me to prioritize my life to live in Your blessings and not simply living in the momentary happiness of this life. Help me Father, to focus on the things above so i you may reveal to me a deeper understanding of Your Son's teachings. Father, forgive me of my sins through Jesus' atoning love. Forgive me of my wrongs and allow Your Glory to shine through this corrupted body. I thank you Lord, for my families, keep them safe and may I be the presence of Your love Through Jesus Christ. Amen