Clippin’ Grace Coupons In Ministry

A Place to Meet with God and Study His Word:  Since returning from our time away in August, I have rearranged my schedule.  As a pastor who has been preaching the Word for 41 years, it would be real easy to coast along in sermon preparation.  Recognizing the need of keeping my heart on fire and hearing directly from the Throne of God, I have made it a point to give Monday and Tuesday to digging in the Word, sitting at Jesus’ feet, seeking God’s face for my messages.  I do not want give the congregation I love so dearly “leftovers” or a “fast-food” sermon.  My sheep need good grain that comes from the hand of God.  So, with that in mind, the Lord has graciously provided a place that has become very dear to me.  A place where my cell phone has almost a non-existent signal; a place of extreme quiet; a place removed from the distractions of home where my study is located; and a place that causes me to be very intentional.  This is a huge grace coupon!!

Mentoring:  Our neighbor’s two children attend Pioneer Club, our Wednesday children’s ministry.  If a child has to miss a night, they can make it up during the week.  So, what a thrill to help my little buddy next door with his assignment.  I had a hard time holding back the tears.  He is so precious, and like a grandson to us.  He is all boy!!!  Thank You, Lord, for another grace coupon!!  God, you are so good to me!!

Country Living:  Our home is a genuine gift of God’s grace.  The story behind it and how He has used it in these three years for ministry has been and is awesome!!  Here’s the view yesterday morning.  I never tire of the quiet, the cattle across the way, the sunrise, and the time spent in prayer and in God’s Word . . . here in the country!!  Love those grace coupons!!

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).