During a morning devotional a few days ago God revealed three words to me: GRACE. MERCY. ALIGNMENT. In the moment, I was curious as to why. This is one of those times that I really thank God for the dictionary and concordance in my Bible.
Grace – an undeserved favor or gift
That one is an eye opener. I am so undeserving of anything from God, yet he lavishes me with his love, forgiveness, and kindness. I started thinking of the blessings that He has given me: my LOVING family, fulfilling my dream of living in NYC, traveling the world, having a full-time job at 18 years old, and now spending time with Him in Africa. What have I done to deserve any of this?
Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in MERCY, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by GRACE you have been saved. Ephesians 2:5
Mercy – kindness and forgiveness, especially when given to a person who doesn’t deserve it
My God is rich in mercy. He wants to give forgiveness and love to those who will receive it. And he wants to make those who are dead in transgressions alive through Jesus Christ. God sent his son to take on my sin and to carry my burdens. He gave me His forgiveness even though I was not deserving of it.
Alignment was not in the dictionary. It is what God wants me to do as a Christian. Align my daily walk with Christ’s walk. Where does He want me to go? Who does He want me to speak to? How does He want me to do this?
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. Matthew 16:25-28
Another teammate and I blessed, from God, two young girls (Dori and Sarah Joseph) here in Singida, Tanzania. We have grown close to their family and the father is our night watchman at the house we are staying at. We filled two backpacks with pencils, notebooks, a t-shirt, a balloon, a stuffed animal, and some candy.
Abba, I belong to you. My whole self is yours. Not just a small part of me, but every ounce of my being. I am yours in all circumstances, in every situation, from Africa to America, from the house to the destination, from Earth to Heaven.
Fear God. Live Humbly. Be Blessed.
Matt
