Second Chances

"Just one more chance Mommy pleeease," my seemingly innocent four year old daughter requested as she held up her index finger with a grin that gave way to a giggle.  I can remember it like it was only yesterday.  She knew I would give her one more chance even though we both knew she should not have turned on a flashlight under the covers to sneak and read her new book when she was supposed to be sleeping.  Many years have passed, and my daughter is now almost fifteen and will be driving soon...yikes!  I suppose I still find myself giving her second chances on occasion depending on the severity of the offense.  When it comes to matters of character and obedience to Christ, I am not so quick to offer a second chance I must admit, but I am so glad we have a Father in Heaven who is certain to offer a second chance every time IF we will only turn to Him and repent. 

"The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy."  Psalm 145:8

As we begin a new year in 2012 we reflect on things we wish we had done differently in the previous year and make those fresh resolutions with renewed commitments.  We cannot change our past  nor should we dwell in it, but we can learn from our mistakes knowing that God will take ALL experiences, even when we stumble, and turn those into stepping stones to build our faith and our testimony if we will let Him. 

Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose." 

Even when we stumble?  Yes, even when we stumble.  In fact, even when we fall flat on our face or choose temporarily, in a moment of weakness, the dark instead of the precious light. 

1 John 1:9 says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrightousness." 

So this year as I wrap up my list of resolutions....lose 10 more pounds, save more money, organize my home (wasn't that one on my list LAST year?) and actually USE that gym membership I purchased...I think I will do something slightly different as I create my checklist.  I will include a written prayer of gratitude to my Jesus...thanking Him for second chances.  Won't you join me?  Is there something you can surrender to Him today knowing He IS a God of His word?


"Thank you Jesus for offering a second chance to ALL who simply choose to repent and turn to you.  Thank you for loving me in spite of myself and knowing that I will spend my entire life striving to be like you, but falling short each time.  May I be a light for others to follow that leads to the eternal light only found in you..."

Freedom Isn't Free!

July 4th is certainly a reminder that we are so very blessed to live in a "Free Country."  However, every day we should be reminded of the sacrifices that were made on our behalf.  Just yesterday in church during a beautiful and emotional service, we acknowledged the men and women who so bravely sacrificed their lives for millions of Americans they will never even meet.  One sweet couple stood up as we acknowledged the fact that their only son was recently killed while fighting overseas.  I simply cannot imagine the pain and the pride experienced at the same time, and yet it happens every day.  This poem seemed very appropriate to share on this Independence Day!
 

It is the Soldier

by Charles M. Province
It is the Soldier, not the minister

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is The Soldier, not the reporter,

Who has given us Freedom of the press.

It is The Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us Freedom of speech.

It is The Soldier, not the campus organizer,

Who has given us Freedom to demonstrate.

It is The Soldier, not the lawyer,

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is The Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag and
Whose coffin is draped by the flag
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

The Choice is Yours

Am I the only one who occasionally finds it easier to press that little "snooze" button on the top of my alarm clock in the morning instead of getting up early and starting the day in God's word?  It is always easier to press the button with one finger instead of facing the chore of pulling my entire body out of the bed even though I know I should start my day with a brisk walk and prayer.  Have you ever wondered WHO created the word for that little electronic device we all need yet many of us despise??  The word ALARM seems very appropriate when my little clock begins it's piercing buzz designed to either knock me out of the bed or at the very least cause my heart to skip a beat!  Who wants to be ALARMED first thing in the morning?  Of course now there are newer, gentler devices that slowly stir you out of a restful sleep, but either way each of us has a choice to make at the start of each day.  That ONE choice can impact our entire day for better or for worse. 


Isn't that the case with ALL aspects of our life??  You see, like it or not, we are ALL where we are today for the most part because of the choices we have made along the way.  Now, before you block my blog from your computer or post a not so pleasant comment, give this some thought.  I realize that God allows things to happen in our lives to grow our faith, to build character and to remind us that we need Him always.  Many of the unpleasant experiences in our lives would have happened regardless of our choices.  However, when we consider our marital status, our financial situation, our relationships including our relationship with Jesus, our choices along the way, both good and not so good, have contributed to where we are today.  Now, that can be rather depressing for some of us, but the good news is.....our past decisions do not have to determine our future success.  So often I hear my friends say that they are tired of their circumstances whatever that may be; marital problems, finances, trouble with children, too much weight and too little energy or a job they loathe.  You see I have found that it is easier to make excuses, than it is to make changes. 


We want a deeper relationship with our spouse (or our Lord,) but we are not always willing to invest in the relationship.  We want to lose 10 more pounds, but we do not want to invest the time to excercise or we are not willing to sacrifice that chocolate treat before bedtime.  We are "comfortable" pressing the snooze button every morning, and then we make excuses throughout the day.  What would happen if for one week, we CHOSE not to make excuses?  We would have stronger, deeper relationships, we would have more energy if we are taking the time to exercise, we would be better prepared to handle whatever stress might come our way if we are spending time in God's word, and maybe we could even stop riding the roller coaster of guilt every day with whatever your weakness or battle might be.

Are you up for the challenge?  For JUST one week, don't press that snooze button, and get up maybe even 15-30 minutes earlier to spend some quiet time in the Bible, a devotion or maybe start that excercise program you have been wanting to begin.  You can do anything for JUST one week!  Maybe you can even walk while you are listening to praise and worship music...my favorite!  :)

God has an amazing plan for your life...won't you let Him show you? 

Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

For JUST one week, don't hit the snooze button.  Get up and face the day excited to see what God has in store for you, and He will reveal it to you when spend quality time with Him.