Starting Point

Here’s something to remember: “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  That’s your starting point today, and really, every moment of every day.  If you’re hearing or feeling anything else, it is not from God because He always begins with what He has done for you.  That’s always His starting point with you every day, throughout the day.  That just might make a difference for you in those days, don’t you think?

But maybe you’re asking, “What about when I fail?  What about when my behavior stinks or my thoughts about myself and about you are terrible and ugly?  What then?  What happens when, after the 438 time that I’ve promised to not do something (or to do something, as the case may be), I blow it again?  What then?  What’s my starting point with God?” 

Same place:  “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Same starting point. 

Of the New Covenant letters, 19 begin with essentially the same vital truth that we do well to remember and to emphasize for each other:  “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Everything starts with Him, so it’s wise if you start with Him, too.

(This is a transcript of the video, “Starting Point,” and is for those who might rather read than watch.  To see the video, click http://youtu.be/aULNZciNi7U.)