The focus of my blog posts this week has been on our Grace Giving Missions Sunday at BCBC. Truth is, every day of our life is a focus on the grace of God because by grace we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9) and by grace we operate in life (2 Corinthians 9:8). Grace is God giving us what we do not deserve. Grace is the principle upon which God operates in our life. Therefore, these “coupons” we clip are gifts of His grace to undeserving people who stand in Christ alone, redeemed, justified, and forgiven (Romans 3-5).
Coupon #1: Denise, My Wife
I certainly do not deserve such a godly, Word-filled, hard-working, caring, loving, lady of prayer and faith as my wife! For 35 years we have been working by grace on our marriage. One of the things that she has seen fit to do through the years is to make our house a home. A man cannot do that. Only a woman with her touch can make your home a place where you are accepted, love, and . . . fed as the picture shows. How cool to walk in the house this week and see fresh homemade French bread on the counter. She knows me so well. In moments she said, “You want a piece? Get some butter.” Wow! What a grace blessing Denise is to my life in so many ways!!
Coupon #2: Souls Coming to Christ
How awesome to hear the testimony of teens coming to Christ for salvation!! How awesome to hear when anyone comes to faith and repentance for salvation through Christ alone (Five Questions), but to hear about precious teens in their public schools coming to Christ is super-awesome!! My friend, there are no schools, work-places, government, or countries closed to the gospel (Romans 1:16). My, my, my what a thrill to hear of fifteen students getting saved in one school! Wow!! Glory!!!!
Coupon #3: Grace Investments
When you reach my age, you are able to look back over your life and rejoice in the people God put in your life to make spiritual and ministry life investments! Yesterday, we were able to have lunch with two faithful, glowing, caring servants of the Lord who made those investments in us while we were serving in Indiana from 1986-2000. One of the awesome blessings to our hearts is that these two servants have not really retired. Dr. Taylor is no longer the senior pastor of Colonial Hills Baptist Church, Indianapolis, IN, but he teaches a seniors Sunday School class and supports his pastor and the ministry that he loves so dearly. His dear wife, Joan, continues to serve alongside him in the class just as she has done for many years. These folks are investors, champions, encouragers, and trophies of God’s grace!
I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
From A Pastor's Heart 
Aw, thank you, Sweetheart. We’re a team and you are an equal blessing to me! I love being your wife and homemaking, and that you appreciate it makes it all the sweeter!