There Is No Grey, But There Is Grace...

Grace to you!

So much has happened since I last blogged! Let's begin with the ministries...

The Next Door Bible study is doing well. We are up to date with the studies on the Mercy Abounds Facebook page so you can print the study guides and follow along. How I wish you could be here with us! There is no way I can put into a study page the depth of study we actually do. We spoke for a long time about Jacob and how his name would be changed to Israel. How from soon after Genesis 29 God would refer to Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We talked about how Jacob left home with the reputation of a "Momma's boy", a thief and a cheat and how God changed him in one encounter. He changed Jacob so drastically that when this man, who didn't do physical labor, got to a certain well he rolled the large stone from the well with no help. God changed Jacob and if we have truly encountered Jesus Christ He has changed us. It will be noticeable!

The Up Bible study on Fridays had an interesting development. Once long ago when the Next Door Bible Study met the police came to see us for a erroneous complaint. This past Friday it happened again. What are the odds that it would be the same police officer? Sure enough, it was and he remembered us. It was clear he didn't really want to be there but we are meeting opposition from my neighbor who had to "beef up" her story to get them here. Bobby took the chance to glorify God for the resistance to His work and we prayed for her! He didn't miss a beat! The kids are doing well and we've started some new things including a rewards program. They get to choose from a basket of gifts if they put forth the effort to learn God's Word. God gives us rewards, too. I can't tell you how many times a scripture I've learned has come to mind in certain situations and saved me from trouble! What an awesome Savior. From time to time the kids will post a note in a blog for you. Stay tuned to this ministry.

The Kings' Kidz are doing well! We missed this Saturday because I was ill but we'll be back on track, God-willing, this Saturday. My dear friend Tracey who helps me on Saturdays received the best gift ever Sunday. Her husband was saved and now has a relationship with Jesus Christ. There's nothing like being sure of your salvation. He was stirred by another saint who found Jesus as an adult and couldn't rest until it was settled. God is so incredibly good!

If you have any doubt about your relationship with the Lord, nail it down! There are no gray areas when it comes to salvation or living according to God's word. "Gray areas" imply that God's direction is not clear or uncertain but God is a God of order and He, "God, who does not lie," Titus 1:2b, means what He says. When you come into agreement with God you agree with His opinion of you and your condition. When you decide to do God's will there is no halfway or it's not His way. Living for Christ can be hard but we can't let that stop us. There is no "grey area" but there is grace. "Grey" means we give ourselves the "break" we think we deserve. "Grey" means we aren't fully agreeing with God. God will not work in "grey", but He specializes in grace. In fact, God is the only giver of grace and God gives us far more than we would give ourselves. "In Him we have we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Ephesians 1:7,8 I would not give my only son to die for others wrongs especially if they were my enemies. Surely one who gives His enemies this opportunity for salvation and forgiveness surely knows how to bless His own child. Make sure you know this Jesus.

For those who have been praying for my provision, I was hired for a part time position with hours that will not at all affect these ministries. They are aware of my limitations and are working with me. This will lift some of the burden and worry from me so I can focus on the important. It is an opportunity to learn something totally different and some never get that chance this late in life. I have been so blessed. Please continue to pray for this ministry and the children it serves. They so desperately need Jesus.

To God be the glory!
Jamie