A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers     

Ephesians 2:4, 5, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved.)” Recently one morning, I stopped in at a convenient store to buy a cup of coffee. After serving myself from one of their coffee pots, I took my place in the register line to pay. The gentleman in front of me was digging into his pockets to retrieve money to pay for his breakfast sandwich. Exasperated, he remarked to the clerk behind the counter, “I just don’t have enough money. I guess I won’t be having breakfast!” I stepped up and said, “Please, allow me to take care of it.” The man replied gruffly, “No! I don’t want your money.” I said, “Sir, it’s no problem. Let me bless you today.” “No!” he said. “Besides that, why would you pay for my breakfast, you don’t even know me?” “That doesn’t matter,” I said. “Let me bless you.” “I don’t get it,” he barked. “What’s the catch?!” I replied, “Sir, there is no catch. If I want to buy you breakfast, why not just accept it?” “No!” he replied; and then stormed out of the store. At that moment, on a smaller scale, I realized how the Lord must feel. Everything we receive from Him we do so because of His mercy and grace. Whether it is eternal life, or any other of His blessings, He grants these to us because of who He is, not because of who we are. Yet, we “stand at the counter,” proud-fully wanting a measure of satisfaction that it was something in our quarter that warranted His gift, instead of simply receiving what He has to freely offer. Today, learn to receive. Learn to receive without any measure of cynicism the blessings God wishes to bestow upon you. God’s gifts have no strings attached. No matter what avenue His gifts flow into your life, accept them as a means by which your heavenly Father can express His love and care for you, with this and each new day.