God is working on us all the time. The closer we draw to Him, the more complete our surrender to Him, that still, small voice becomes clear and distinct. To say that the last month has been extra-ordinary would be a start,
but not sufficient. As a man of God, I am blessed in so many ways to have the opportunity to be up close and personal, watching God work His love and grace on the lives of people around me. Having been on the Pro BBQ circuit for 5 years and just completed my 100th competition, there is a growing crowd of great friendships I have been blessed with.
One of those relationships that started in Bainbridge GA, was with Bill Allen of Hollywood and Swine BBQ out of New Jersey. We met, became quick friends and I was looking forward to another BBQ family relationship. Bill decided to use my Goal Line rub on his chicken, took 1st out of 73 and had a perfect 180…dat’s what I’m talking about. After the contest and celebration, I went to say my good-bye’s and God had me give Bill a bible that was on my front seat. I handed the bible to Bill, said Good bye and walked away. Bill collapsed and passed away. Life and death. We all have Life and will all have death. Shocking reality and sobering experience.
God’s work on me is heavily focused on grace. God pours out grace (unmerited favor) on us all the time. Jesus went to the cross and died for our sins as the ultimate expression of God’s Grace. The point is it needs to be extended from us as well as an expression of Jesus living in our hearts. Much easier said than done, because it seems to feel better to hold onto a grudge, justify blowing people off, and wallowing in our own self pity and righteousness. That’s our reaction, (mine included) but not God’s. God wants us to extend grace in all situations, and remind people that Jesus came down to save us from the sins that will keep us from spending eternity with God.
I have a choice. How do I represent God? How do I preach? Do I preach the fear of God, and the consequence of sin to remind myself and everyone that I deserve hell? Or do I proclaim Jesus, lift up the answer of salvation
through Jesus? The second one requires a shift in tone - a new “tongue” to speak hope, life and glory through surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. I’m already seeing the positive results, and I have to focus on this new direction. I know God is right there with me coaching me along the way.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," [Rom 3:23 NKJV]
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to [His] purpose." [Rom 8:28 NKJV]
We have life, and we will all have death - and in the middle Jesus is right there to help us prepare for when we stand before God. He wants your whole heart… Give it to God…what are you waiting for?
but not sufficient. As a man of God, I am blessed in so many ways to have the opportunity to be up close and personal, watching God work His love and grace on the lives of people around me. Having been on the Pro BBQ circuit for 5 years and just completed my 100th competition, there is a growing crowd of great friendships I have been blessed with.
One of those relationships that started in Bainbridge GA, was with Bill Allen of Hollywood and Swine BBQ out of New Jersey. We met, became quick friends and I was looking forward to another BBQ family relationship. Bill decided to use my Goal Line rub on his chicken, took 1st out of 73 and had a perfect 180…dat’s what I’m talking about. After the contest and celebration, I went to say my good-bye’s and God had me give Bill a bible that was on my front seat. I handed the bible to Bill, said Good bye and walked away. Bill collapsed and passed away. Life and death. We all have Life and will all have death. Shocking reality and sobering experience.
God’s work on me is heavily focused on grace. God pours out grace (unmerited favor) on us all the time. Jesus went to the cross and died for our sins as the ultimate expression of God’s Grace. The point is it needs to be extended from us as well as an expression of Jesus living in our hearts. Much easier said than done, because it seems to feel better to hold onto a grudge, justify blowing people off, and wallowing in our own self pity and righteousness. That’s our reaction, (mine included) but not God’s. God wants us to extend grace in all situations, and remind people that Jesus came down to save us from the sins that will keep us from spending eternity with God.
I have a choice. How do I represent God? How do I preach? Do I preach the fear of God, and the consequence of sin to remind myself and everyone that I deserve hell? Or do I proclaim Jesus, lift up the answer of salvation
through Jesus? The second one requires a shift in tone - a new “tongue” to speak hope, life and glory through surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. I’m already seeing the positive results, and I have to focus on this new direction. I know God is right there with me coaching me along the way.
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," [Rom 3:23 NKJV]
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to [His] purpose." [Rom 8:28 NKJV]
We have life, and we will all have death - and in the middle Jesus is right there to help us prepare for when we stand before God. He wants your whole heart… Give it to God…what are you waiting for?
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