I went to the gym yesterday for training with Morgan. When leaving, I get in my car, and push the button. Nothing. I pushed it again. Nothing. I pushed it a third time, and it started up. What is going on? I am beginning to think that it IS the battery itself and they need to quit looking for 'other things'. Sure, they charged up the battery, but did they check to see if the battery was 'dead' - as in having a dry cell or something like that and perhaps just the battery needed to be replaced? Come on! It's a $300 battery that I bought from them - and I checked - in 2024. Needless to say, I called AAA Repair on my way home from the gym and spoke with 'my guy'.... I am taking the car down this morning as there is no place I need to be today, and leaving it for them to do what they are supposed to do. Fix my car. No, I'm not irritated. I get it, something simple is usually not where people look first. But I will get my car fixed. After all, I do plan to do the driving up to Heber next month when hubby and I go on vacation. Definitely do not want anything going wrong there! Or maybe I will just rent a car and save wear and tear on mine... may need to think on that.
I did continue on to the post office to mail my big brother a package for his birthday. I took the 'cheap' way out and he won't get it until Saturday (his birthday is Friday) and that's ok. He's always telling me NOT to get him anything, but I like trying to find something unique. This time it is a book about Unusual things. I think. I had looked at several books before I got it... and now I'm not sure. But - it's a book, anyway, and a couple other things. He is always so appreciative. Just as I am when he surprises me with things.
Hubby met up with his friend Steve last night for their Bible study. I always find it interesting that hubby will often ask me questions when he gets home that they couldn't think of the answer for. Not that I am so smart about the Bible - trust me, there is a lot I do not know! But hubby thinks I am wise in that respect, I guess, and will ask. Last night he shared they had finished the book of Titus and were trying to decided what book of the Bible to study next. So, he asked my opinion on what they should do. I suggested Romans. He asked why. And I told him because it shares about grace.
How do I know that? Because I had watched an interview with Dr. Charles Swindoll, a well known pastor. He was asked the question, "If you had only one more sermon to give, what would you preach on?" He responded, "Romans. Because I'd want to share about grace." Then he pulled in Philippians, which is one of my favorite books of the Bible for it talks about joy.
I have always been about grace. Why? Because I learned first-hand what grace is a long time ago. Grace was offered to me, and I didn't know what it was. I was asked in this situation, "Haven't you ever heard about grace?" And I hadn't, but then I knew. I experienced grace, and there is nothing like it. That experience is one I have never forgotten.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV): For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
It isn't what things we do for God that will save us. It isn't giving money to people who need it. It isn't baking that cake when someone has a birthday. It isn't volunteering to help others. Those are just works. Works will not get us in to heaven. Yet, people seem to think it will. We hear and see it all the time, don't we? We may have done it ourselves, thinking to ourselves, 'well, I did that and it was such a good thing, I surely will make it into heaven'.... and yet, our lives do not reflect Jesus. Our words do not reflect a Savior who saves us by His grace towards us.
John 3:16 (NKJV): For God so loved the world that His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life.
Acts 16:31 (NKJV): So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."
Are your actions following your belief? My heart breaks for members of my own family who have turned against God, although they once walked with Him. God works in His own timing. Lord knows that I would drag my family kicking and screaming to church if that is all it would take to get them into heaven!! But salvation is a choice. Following Jesus is a choice. And it is a choice we all get, no matter who we are. Do you believe?
I John 2:6 (NIV): Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.
I plan to start day 1 tomorrow in the book.... I couldn't remember what I said I'd give up for 40 days; had to think about it and read what I wrote the other day! It was to give up my additional readings in here in the mornings. And I did that today - but too late to read the book. So I will make myself a note (us older folks need to do that sometimes) to remind me again of what I want to fast, and then read.
Stay tuned - you may learn some really good stuff! Depends on what sinks into me. But what I do know is that I want to walk so close to Jesus that the dust of His sandals gets all over me.
Have an amazing day!
Blessings!
