by Leigh Moran

A-L-Stellhorn@msn.com

“He never bears a grudge, nor remains angry forever. He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins.” Psalms 103:9-10

BY GRACE I AM SAVED

My favorite hymn is “Amazing Grace,” the words fill me with great emotion. When I sing this song my heart and soul swells with great tenderness to God. Yes, indeed, He saves me from the toils and snares that attack me and try to dash my spirit into the churning sea of sin.

As the ending of another year has come upon us I am reminded of my fleeting years. It seems that, at times, I am bogged down by the thoughts that sway back and forth through my mind of things in the past. There are times I feel I am not good enough to be in God’s presence. I think of the many wrong turns I have taken as I walked this journey, fearing for my eternal soul. Yet, He is there, guiding me and telling me of His great love for me.

Some of the pathway was gilded and some of the pathway I walked was rocky and I fell into the grime of sinfulness. Each of us sin daily, perhaps, not really even knowing that we are sinning.

God is always there for us, He has so much love for us, His wayward children, more than any parent could even think about having for his child. God is so full of love for us and all He asks is that we love Him in return. He does not punish us the way we deserve; He is merciful toward all who honor Him.

How do you honor God? All of us need to consider the time in which we are living. There is much chaos and suffering going on and yet we remain in our own little selfish world. Every single one of us needs to reach out with love and kindness to those about us this New Year!

You may be out of a job, that should not stop you from being kind. Stress is very damaging to our mental and physical health so, therefore, we must do something to eliminate that stress. The way to do that is to interact with other brothers and sisters who are in this “boat” with us. Little things that do not cost money, such as a simple “hello” or a “smile” can mean a lot to someone who is very stressed and hurting. Sharing just some simple meal with another is a way of reaching out.

One does not have to have a great mansion to offer a bit of bread and cheese or a fruit and cup of tea or coffee. You can find something, somewhere to share with another “family member” in this “boat.

I told someone just the other day about the Angel Food Ministry program and please look into this and see if this is something you can use or share the information with someone who needs food. Many churches sponsor this program.

This New Year of 2010 is frightful, to say the least, however, we know that God is on our side. He will sustain us if only we let Him. We need to bless His Holy name for all we have. You must remember that we are in God’s timing, not our own. This is sometimes very hard knowledge to accept. Over the years, I have found that the rough times are the times I grew and came closer to God than the easy, “walk in the sunshine” times.

I get saddened at life and I know when those times are upon me I need to speak to my Father. I have friends, I have family, however, I feel the most loved and blessed when I totally give my full “problem” to God. That is what we must learn to do. When you are burdened down and see no way to take another step….. go to your Father, He is there; He is listening to your sorrow.

In the reverse, do not forget to thank your Father for the many blessings He brings to you.

I know many folks try to make New Year Resolutions and often fail to keep them. So, instead of making a “resolution,” why not try to begin each new day with a prayer of thanksgiving for the night past, prayer for guidance for the day ahead, and prayer to be filled with the Holy Spirit so you can spread God’s love and kindness to all you meet.

If you fail one day, you have another to try again. Just like the New Year that is here, there is a New Day, each day of our lives.

May you know the grace that God gives you; may you feel the love He has for you; may you walk in peace with the Holy Spirit as your guide; and may your New Year be the beginning of a new life for you.

Yes, indeed, I feel I am saved by “grace” and so are you, if only you honor God and follow His leading to eternal life.

Dear God, may we come before You, humbled and repentant, striving to be, as You would have us be, full of love, kindness and forgiveness for our brothers and sisters. May we praise You, in thanksgiving, for all the beautiful creations of Your world. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Love and

I remain His humble servant,

Copyright Leigh Moran