Today was a very special day at Grace Place.  We had our first unofficial/official service as Grace Place Community.  I really did not have any expectation, only a hope that things would be as the Spirit wanted and I think that this is exactly what happened.

It was great having family and friends together for a sweet time of worship and the beautiful and amazing thing was seeing all of the new folks coming to join us.  When you give your life to something, you need confirmation, whether you realize it or not.  The Spirit provided some much-needed and appreciated confirmation this morning.

I am thankful to God for blessing us with the opportunity to be a part of something amazing and special.  I am thankful to all of the people – those who were there today and those who could not be there today, who have been faithful over the past several years to help make a day like today possible.  I am thankful to family and friends who continue to encourage me to stay faithful.

To God be the glory for what He has, is and will do.  To all of the faithful folks who have given, are giving and will give of themselves – thank you – the blessings of today are a testimony and witness of how God rewards the faithfulness of His people.  To the family and friends who encourage me in so many different ways – I would not want to think of having to do this without you?

Heading to bed tonight – humbled, thankful and hopeful!  I love you all – God Bless and Press On!

Almost everyday of my life, I talk with people who are facing some of the hardest  and most difficult times they have ever had to face.  The hard knocks of life have been rough and left them wondering is life really worth living?  The answer to that question is YES!

This is what Jesus said on the issue:  “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Life is going to be tough and in this world we are going to have tribulation, but He has overcome this world and if we have Him in us, then the same power that allowed Him to overcome this world flows into and through our lives.

The key is this:  As we live in this world, we need to make sure that we are living in Him, because in Him, we have peace.  We live in Him by letting His words live in and through us.  We let His Words live in and through us by reading, thinking and obeying His teachings, which are found in the Bible.

It really is not nearly as complicated as most of us try to make it!  Read/obey His Word and you will live in Him.  Live in Him as you live in this world and you will have His peace and power flowing into and through your life.  His peace and power gives you overcoming power, which allows you to live the victorious and glorious life of grace.

Get it and give it – you will be glad you did!

If you woke up today and if you are reading this, then you have a brand new day.  A brand new day is an opportunity for you to move beyond the mistakes and failures of yesterday and forward into the promises and hope of tomorrow.

You have a choice:  Today can be about survival and just barely getting by or today can be about victory, adventure and getting the most out of life.  My Granny used to sing a song called “One Day At A Time!”  It is kinda like a prayer – asking God to help us to live today – today!

The chorus of the songs says:  “One day at a time, sweet Jesus, That’s all I’m asking from you.  Give me the strength to do everything that I have to do.  Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus, And tomorrow may never be mine.  Help me today, Show me the way, One day at a time.”

This is my prayer today for me and you:  “Help us Lord to live today while it is today.  Help us to get the most out of this day and allow our lives to bring You glory.  Forgive us of our sins, failures and shortcomings.  Reveal Your will and help us to chase after it with everything that we’ve got!”

Praying your today is a great day!  God Bless & Press On!