For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

I love the story of the Prodigal Son, especially the often overlooked conversation between the father and he elder brother. The son was upset because his brother received something he did not deserve, thus making him feel robbed.  The father tried to explain his actions, but his words fell on deaf ears.  He tried to explain grace; the elder son was only focused on what he thought he deserved.

I often flounder with grace; while I love to receive it, I often struggle to give it. I sometimes think that some people simply do not deserve grace, but isn’t that the point? Grace is only really given when it is not earned. In fact, unless I actually acknowledge that I am undeserving, I can never recognize or truly receive grace.

Being as flawed as I am, I find grace liberating. Receiving grace does not excuse my shortcomings, however, it fills the gap between where I am and where I should be.  Grace makes me want to be a better person. Giving grace to others allows me to not be ridged or distant; it teaches me to see the individual.  Grace promotes cohesive teams; it acknowledges that we need each other, and by working together we are far better than the sum total of our individual talents and abilities.

Grace is not blind nor does it ignore sin, but it simply does not condemn. None of us are exempt from the need of grace; my prayer is that I will be quick to give it to others.  

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12

I love to run; in fact, I have logged over 2700 miles on my Nike running app.  I have the best gear, including great shoes, dri-fit shirts, shorts and hats, and of course my gps watch (need to log those miles for bragging rights). I enter monthly challenges in order to show those much younger than me that I’ve still got it (whatever the “it” is). 

My running has many parallels with my Christian walk; I have logged a lot of years, have the best Bible translations, software programs, and I still look not so bad in the uniform.  Many people will look at me and see that I’ve still got it (whatever “it” is). 

Not too long ago I was running along one of my favorite beach paths in Long Beach.  I was making great time (at least great time for me).  The skies were blue, a gentle breeze at my back, and the end of the run was in sight.  One moment I was running, the next I found myself laying on the path; I never saw the crack in the pavement.  People hurried over to see if I was alright; which I was other than some scrapes on my arms and legs, and a much bruised ego.

It is usually not the “big things” that trip me up in my faith-walk; rather those least likely things like envy of the attention another is getting, thinking that I may not be getting the recognition I deserve, or others not following my "very good" advice. Before I know it, I have been tripped up, laying on the floor. Thankfully, it is the Father who comes over to me; looking compassionately at me with a helping hand up.  His gentle Holy Spirit reminding me why I follow him; for His glory, not mine.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Are you worried about anything?  Worried about your job? Your relationships? How the presidential election will turn out in November? Jesus asked a simple question, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27) There are verses in scripture that we read, memorize, and study, however, we seldom think about how they play out in our everyday life.  In this passage Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit dwelling in them. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that we should maintain an attitude and belief in Him in all of lives situations. So, whoever is elected this November; whether you get the job or not; regardless of how the relationship turns out, God is in control.  Do you believe that?  If so, live it.