GOD'S GRACE by Danita Harris The dictionary defines grace as " the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God?the spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them." Aren't you thankful for God's grace? Where would you be right now without it? What prompted me to write about this was a song that was ministered so beautifully at my church this past Sunday, by one of my sisters in Christ, Cynthia Peeples. Her interpretation of Larnelle Harris' "Were It Not For Grace" stirred my spirit. So much so, that I went to the store and bought it. As I listened to the music and the words, I began to really meditate on what God's grace has done for me. Tears started to flow down my cheeks, as I felt the overwhelming love of God in my spirit. I cannot utter the words to illustrate just how grateful I am to God for his grace. John 1:16 says "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." When I entered into a "relationship" with Jesus Christ, my life did a 360 degree turn for the better. God did exceedingly and abundantly above all I could ever ask or think! You see, I know for a fact that I would not be here today if it wasn't for the grace of God. I've experienced hopelessness and despair, weakness, depression, and fear...all of which are tools used by the enemy to take you out of here. If you are currently experiencing these emotions let me encourage you. The grace of God will strengthen you where you are right now. 2Corinthians 12:9 says, "But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Don't be embarrassed or ashamed of your weakness for it is an opportunity for the power of God to come forth in your life. The grace of God has also kept you from many situations that would have been detrimental to your Christian walk. I'm sure you can think of some instances in your life where, if it wasn't for the grace of God, you would be in a heap of trouble. And the cherry on top of it all, is that God's grace is given to us freely. None of us deserve it, but because he loves us so much, he gives it to us. When I think about how many times I've failed God and how many times his grace has kept me from some serious pitfalls, I just have to say "Thank You Jesus!" Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast." Grace is a "gift" from God. You can never say that you did something and that's how God's grace was given to you . It doesn't work that way. That's what makes the whole concept of God's grace awesome. Without God's grace we'd all be lost, wandering around with no direction and no sense of purpose. What an empty life! But because of his grace we have been brought to life with Christ. Take a moment to reflect on the goodness of God's grace in your life. Where would you be right now if it wasn't for His grace? Really think about it. It's overwhelming when you reflect on where you were before you knew Jesus and where you are now. You don't even have to think back that far...think about where you were two days ago and where you are now. God's grace makes a difference in our lives. 2Corinthians13-14 "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Danita Harris is an anchor at WEWS News Channel 5 and can be seen daily on Good Morning Cleveland and News Channel 5 at Noon. She loves to write poetry, sing, and volunteer with The Girls Club of Ohio. Danita loves to encourage people in the Lord, and prays everyday that people would see the light of the Lord in her life. June Home