OUTLINE:

Rejoice Always (ala 1Th 5:16)
Like every other blessing designed by God, joy has been counterfeited. When a blessing is counterfeited, the true substance of it will never be received, by grace through faith. This leaves a person searching forever.

The Little Things
Before it’s too late, let us appreciate all the so-called “little things” in life. May we suppose, even, that the “little things” are actually the big ones?

“grace upon grace”
Refers to the fact that God showers His children with grace (love). Christ, His Son, has made this possible. In light of this, Christ rightly becomes our central source of gratitude and focus. (Eph 1:2-8)

Grace “reigning”
“reign” - from basileuo - means to reign as king, i.e. exercise dominion (Ro 5:17, 21; ref. Eph 2:4-7)

Perspective
Don’t forget about the best parts of your life because of familiarity. Appreciating God’s grace is to YOUR benefit.

Stop Looking!
There’s no secret rock to look under - God’s grace is where its always been, right under your nose!

Perspective
We humans seem to get along best when we have something good to focus on (that isn’t ourselves). (ala Php 4:8)

To appreciate the “little things” is to appreciate grace.
(ref: Jn 1)

Any Questions???
Php 3:1; Ro 12:9-21; 1Co 13:4-7; Gal 5:22-23; Jas 3:13-18; 2Pe 1:5-7…’nough said on gratitude (the antithesis of familiarity).

“A Place Called Grace”
So many years I heard it told
The story of compassion
A prodigal son who left the fold
And found no satisfaction

“A Place Called Grace”
On my knees, Lord, I cried out to You
I'm so alone
But if there's room in Your house for one more
I'm ready to come back home?

“A Place Called Grace”
I know there is a place
Where arms of compassion welcome me home
Sweet mercy falls like rain
I know there's a place called grace

“A Place Called Grace”
So many days I've trusted grace
Yet I have to wonder
How many times my human strength
Has kept me from surrender

“A Place Called Grace”
The more I learn just to lean on the cross
The more I see
When I fall, I will fall to the place
Where mercy reaches me

“A Place Called Grace”
If it seems that my courage is strong
There's just one reason
He’s my rock when my faith is all gone
He holds me in His arms
Gives me strength to carry on