Getting Our Bragging Rights Right

"...What do you have that you did not receive?
And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?"
1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

Those are two good questions. Ones that correct and sharpen our focus and perspective. Check 'em out again. . .

They remind us that any ability, skill, talent, gift, endowment, blessing or advantage we have is a "gracin" from God. A gift - undeserved through & through - from our lovin' Lord.

Yet, we act as if who we are & what we can do is solely of us. Yes, we may have worked diligently to develop our abilities. And yes, we may have applied ourselves to get where & what we have. BUT - even the ability to apply diligence, spunk, moxy and even elbow grease is an enablement of the gracious Almighty.

So kudos to any and all who work hard to make something of themselves. YET, all due proper respect, regard and credit should point Heavenward. (That there's a circumlocution for God...)

I guess that why we call the gifted that... "gifted"?! Let us remember to give credit and thanks to WHOM it is ultimately due. If it requires a little humbling and thanking along the way, so be it.

Looking Good

Our church web page is not only a rich tool, it's is looking good!

Why don't you www.GetGraced.org

A Tribute to a Good Man, a very Good Man

My Uncle Tommy Oakley died early this morning. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ, this meant an entrance into the presence of God and being welcomed on the basis of the blood and righteousness of Christ. Mercy was his, grace was his. Hope was his and ours.

We had a kid at our Halloween party Sat. night dressed up as a face of death. Her name is Hope. Made me think... If you looked closely into death's face / mask (& I did) you could see Hope behind it - smiling in fact. So it is for the believer. Because of Jesus'death, life & grace, we have hope in the very face of death. And yes, there is hope hiding behind death, smiling.

Today - the day of Uncle Tommy's death - is All Saint's Day. He may not have died for Christ, but more importantly, he lived for Him. And does so still, evermore and even more, without hindrance of temptation, sin or illness. Makes one jealous.

Our prayers go up & out for Aunt Sandra, Kelly, Cari & their (our) families.