Just Grace for Today

...they neither toil nor spin...

For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its   appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

James 1:11

Isn't it amazing that what we see in the natural realm also has a spiritual lesson to teach us? A fading flower reminds me that I too, will one day fade away.

That beautiful flower did nothing to make itself show the glory of God's creation, yet it does so for a season, and then dies. I am on this earth for what seems just a moment on the line of eternity.

Just why am I here? Why was I allowed to be born at this certain time in human history, when the nations are raging and even nature reveals warnings that grow only more urgent with the passing of time?

It is a scary time to be alive. It is an exciting time to be alive. It depends on how I look at it.

And yet, many people seem to realize that things cannot go on the way they have forever. Creation groans, the people groan.

"When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan."  ~ Proverbs 29: 2 

Each day I receive from God what my pastor calls "a 24 hour grace packet." He gives me just what I need for this day, even though we are in dangerous times. I do not need to worry about tomorrow, for He has not given me grace to worry about tomorrow. If I ignore that and take on tomorrow's worries anyway, I will not be able to bear it.

It has taken me well nigh most of my life to slowly learn this lesson. I thank Him for His patience with me. I used to think I had to worry about tomorrow. As if me worrying could change one thing about tomorrow anyway.

This morning I woke up after having troubling, vivid dreams. I automatically seemed to enter into self-condemnation. When I opened my Bible to John 14, I took from my Father's hand the packet He wanted to share with me for today. I have read this verse so many times before, but today it brought tears to my eyes, the love He has for someone like me.

"Let not your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." John 14:1-3

When I turn on the news, or log onto the web, I can plainly see that there is plenty for my heart to be troubled about. Jesus warned us through Paul that these difficult days would come. We are in them now.

I don't know what tomorrow holds.   But as I continue on in the Christian life, and gaze into the mirror of His word, I see how trustworthy He is. He really is coming again to receive me unto Himself. My anxious heart rests. I know that He is good, in spite of all I see.

I found a beautiful old Bible book at the thrift store yesterday and  thoroughly enjoyed skimming through it last night. But at the same time a nasty old fly kept dive bombing straight for my face and buzzing loudly in my ear. I couldn't help but think that the fly represents our enemy and his minions. Well, he just kept buzzing and finally he landed right on the top of my shirt. I smacked him just once. Usually, the fly  wins and  buzzes away. But this one small hit knocked him dead and he fell into the crack of the chair. I scooped him up in a wad of paper quickly and got rid of him.  I could not but help but think to myself:

"... the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."    Romans  16:20

Jesus is coming quickly and the enemy was defeated when He shouted "Tetelestai!" (John 19:30) from the cross. That gives me the grace for whatever comes my way today.