Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

I have been blessed to have so many friends in my life. I have been blessed with an incredible wife, two children that continue to blow me away at their love for Christ and others.. We are a part of a church movement digging into a discipleship life, I have had several fund raisers to help us with our bills for this fight against cancer. I have a ton of guitars, awesome cars and a bunch of stuff I could live without.. in all of it.. I deserve one thing… HELL!!

This can be a hard thing to read, especially when a person realizes that it’s not just me. I haven’t done anything to deserve any of it. I especially haven’t done anything to deserve a ticket to heaven.

We are singing a remake of an old hymn known by millions this weekend called Amazing Grace.

This song was written by a man named John Newton. He had a rough life at sea, rebelled against authority and worked on slave ships. It was one night during a bad storm and after reading about Christ in a book, he decided to give his life to Christ. Years later, after many group bible studies and singings, he wrote this song “Amazing Grace”. He felt his life that was used in so many negative ways was to be used to bring the news of Christ to many and was devoted to ending slavery. When he grew old and was facing his death, someone asked if he would retire and rest and he said: “I cannot stop. What? Shall the old African blasphemer stop while he can speak?”

What is amazing about amazing grace is that is grabs a hold of you. It makes you aware, daily, that you are not what this is all about. It was the love, blood and sacrifice of Jesus and a loving God willing to send His son for us.  Not because we deserve it, but because he loves us.

I am compelled to share the story of Christ. I am compelled to live for him everyday. I am compelled to quote and hold to His words and promises. I am compelled to believe I am healed.. not because I deserve it.. I deserve to go to hell.. but BECAUSE OF HIS AMAZING GRACE... I live!! I live now, on earth and I will live forever eternally with Him.

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind, but now I see!!

Thank you Lord for your amazing grace again today! Thank you for letting me see. Thank you for always reminding me, in the midst of a chaotic world…. #GodsGotThis