beautiful pieces of grace

2019-12-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

Changes in the New Year 2020

Dear Friends,

First I want to thank you guys for supporting the Beautiful Pieces of Grace blog over the last three years. It has been three years full of growth and learning and getting to know some wonderful people. So, THANK YOU!

You might have noticed that the frequency of the blog being sent out has slowed down this year.

With three books out and more to come, my time is being divided. So, I've decided to combine my Beautiful Pieces of Grace blog with my monthly newsletter Beyond the Page.

There is nothing for you to do. I have already set it up so instead of receiving Beautiful Pieces of Grace, you will receive the newsletter. This month I followed my usual format for the newsletter, but starting in January, it will also include a section for the devotion.

I hope you enjoy it!

But no worries, if you don't, you may unsubscribe at any time.

Again, thank you for walking this journey of growth in God with me and may you have a blessed and wonderful Christmas.

Merry Christmas,

Bonita Y. McCoy

A Soul is a Soul, is a Soul - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-08-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

A Soul is a Soul, is a Soul

When we dive through the depths of political differences, the cultural diversities, and the sexual issues that plague our world, when we cut through the layers of confusion, half-truths, and water down answers the enemy has been trying to sell us, when we wield the Sword of the Spirit the Word of God and peel them all away, we hit this bedrock truth: A soul is a soul, is a soul.

There is evidence in the Word of God of this truth.

“For God so loved the world… “

The world being who? Everyone? All?

Another piece of scripture attests to this fact.

“Love your enemy.” We are called to love those we love and to love those we consider enemies.

The greatest story that demonstrates my thought is the story of

The Good Samaritan.

The Samaritans, who were part of the tribes of Israel, were an enemy of the Jewish people going back as far as the split of Israel into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The history between these two people who should have been one is long and painful which makes the story that Jesus tells all that more potent.

My paraphrased Luke 10:25-37: There is a man traveling a road. He is set upon by robbers and stripped of his clothes and property, beaten, and left for dead. Naked, alone, and defenseless.

Another man comes along, a Jewish priest. He sees the man and avoids him by moving to the other side of the road. Still later, another man also affiliated with the synagogue comes along and sees the man. He, too, moves to the other side of the road.

Finally, a third man, the Samaritan, comes along.

We have no idea how long the man has been lying on the side of the road in this condition, but this man stops.

The Samaritan doesn’t know the man who is lying there, but he stops because someone should. It’s the right thing to do.

He checks the man’s wounds. He administers some wine to kill the germs and some oil to help the bruising. He wraps the man’s wounds probably with cloth from his garments or other supplies. Then, he places the man on his ride and heads to the nearest town.

Once there, he does not leave him that first night. We are not told by Jesus what transpired only that he stayed, but I imagine the Samaritan made sure his wounds had been properly attended, as well as arranged for some food and water.

I wonder if they talked. Did the man regain consciousness? Did they introduce themselves? To be a fly on the wall. How did the Jew react when he found himself in the debt of an enemy?

The next morning the Samaritan leaves to continue his journey, paying for the night as well as any expenses incurred by the Jew after he leaves, with a promise to settle up any overage the next time he comes to town.

This man invested time, money, and love into his enemy.

Leading us to the next piece of evidence of this truth that everyone has a soul and every soul is important to God, the second great commandment: Love our neighbors as ourselves.

At the end of the story, Jesus asks the expert in the law, “so who was the man’s neighbor,” and he answered, “the Samaritan.”

Who is our neighbor?

Yes, once we dig to the bottom of all the gobbledygook, who are our enemies or who are our friends, who is above us or who is below us, we find this hidden gem. A simple, uncomplicated truth of our Christian faith: A soul is a soul, is a soul. And as long as there is breath in that soul, there is hope of redemption.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

www.bonitaymccoy.com
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Seeds of Life and Death - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-04-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

During this time of the year, my thoughts turn to the outdoors. After being cooped up for months dodging the cold and the rain, I’m ready to run around in the sunshine and start to work in the yard.

Most years, I plant a garden.

Now, since most of my friends and family know about plants and gardening, it comes as no surprise to you that in order to have a successful garden, you have to plant seeds.

I know right?!

And if you want corn, you have to plant corn seeds. I’ve never known of anyone planting corn and harvesting watermelons, but then my knowledge is limited.

This brings me to my point. In God’s Word, we are told that a man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7). We are also told that our tongues hold the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21)

So, it got me to thinking; what kind of words are we sowing?

If I reap what I sow and I’m going around sowing death, I’m not doing myself or anyone else any favors. If I plant complaints, guess what I’m going to reap. You got it: complaints.

But on the flip side, if I sow encouragement and love, then that is what I should reap.

Our tongues do hold life and death. Our Father created the whole world by speaking it into existence. What are we speaking into existence?

What are we planting in the hearts of those around us?

As you begin to work in the yard or plan your garden this spring, take a moment and assess the seeds that you are planting in the lives of those around you with your words.

Will you reap life or death?

And if you find you don’t like what you’re sowing, lean into God and ask Him to change the words you sow.

Finding God’s Grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

bonitaymccoy.com

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Sinking Thinking - A Moment of Doubt - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-03-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

So here is the set up. Jesus gets finished feeding 5,000 men plus women and children. It is late, and he sends the disciples ahead of him in a boat while he dismisses the crowd.

Later that night, Jesus is walking on the water toward the disciples in the boat, and they think he is a ghost. Calling out, he tells them not to be afraid its just him.

So, Peter calls out, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

And Jesus said, “Come.”

“So, Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him saying, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”

Now there are a couple of things that stood out to me in this passage.

Peter asked for Jesus to command him or call him. So, he had enough faith to ask for the impossible, believing that Jesus could do it.
Peter had enough faith to swing his legs over the side of the boat. He did not hesitate. He swung those big feet of his over the edge of the boat and stood.

3. Peter walked all the way to Jesus on the water, making him the only other person besides Jesus to ever do this feat.

4. Peter was in the middle of being obedient when the doubt hit him.

Have you ever been in the middle of doing what you know God has called you to do and doubt crept in?

I know I have.

Slap dab in the middle of doing exactly what God told me to do, and boom, doubt hits. I start looking around at other people, or the situation, or like Peter, the turmoil of the moment.

And I, like Peter, go glub, glub, glub, as I sink calling out to the Lord, “help save me! I’m drowning.”

But as Jesus has promised, he never leaves us nor forsakes us. He reaches out his hand to me and pulls me up. He walks me across the water, just like Peter, back to the safety of the boat or in our case, the familiar.

Now, here is the other cool thing that popped out at me when I read this. The very wind that caused Peter to doubt, that set his mind to spinning, Jesus stopped.

“And when they got into the boat the wind ceased.”

We must remember that the Lord of the water is the Lord of the wind too.

So, when you step out to do the unfamiliar or even the impossible, remember if God has called you “Come,” you can trust he has you all the way.

Lord,

Help us to trust and believe.

In Jesus’s mighty name,

Amen.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy
www.bonitaymccoy.com
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The Question Jesus Asks - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-02-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

I sat astonished at the thought of Jesus and the question that he asked. The question he asked of his disciples. The question that he asked of the broken hearted, the blind. The question he asks of us, today.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Mark 10: 36, 51 (ESV).

Imagine the God of all the universe asking what do you need? Now, we understand that God knows our needs before we ask, and yet, here is Jesus offering “what do you want me to do for you?”

He asked this of John and James when they came boldly to him and wanted the seats on the left and right of the throne of God. Very bold request.

Jesus dug deeper. “Are you able to drink the cup …?” he asked them.

“Yes,” they answered.

“The cup that I drink you will drink … but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant.”

Jesus met their need and gave them what they wanted, a place of honor. For to drink from the cup that Jesus drank from, to endure the persecution, the pain, the agony, is to be honored. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. Servant of all.

Then Jesus asked Bartimaeus the blind man this same question. “What do you want me to do for you?”

Bartimaeus, who had called out to Jesus from the crowd, knew that Jesus could help him. “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”

Jesus asked his question, and the blind man named his need.

The question Jesus asked isn’t a genie in the bottle that you rub, and he grants your wishes. No, it is a searching light that lays open the deep places in our hearts. It rummages through the superficial and gets to the exact spot.

Whether we come boldly or whether we come blindly to Jesus with our needs and desires, he is willing to meet us there. Right there at that place in our souls.

So, hear the Lord Jesus ask, “What do you want me to do for you?” and let the Holy Spirit search your heart for the answer. You might be surprised.

Our Father,

Search us and try us. Show us any need that might be hindering our relationship with you or others. Meet us where we stand. Thank you that you love us enough to ask the questions we can’t.

In Jesus’s mighty name,

Amen

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

www.bonitaymccoy.com
www.courageouswriters.com

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The Grace of Laughing - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-01-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther – You have as much laughter as you have faith.

We recently got a new kitten. He’s an orange tabby with huge eyes.

We call him Itty Bitty Orange Kitty or Itty Bitty for short. He’s been a bit of a whirlwind. We hadn’t planned on getting a kitten in November, but one of my sons knew a guy who had a kitten who needed a good home, and we needed a barn cat.

So, one afternoon around the dinner table, it was decided we would be blessed with a cat. The following Monday, I received a call from my son letting me know he was on his way with the kitten. Once he got here, I realized I was totally unprepared for the cat. No toys, no food, and most important, no litter box.

Now, Itty-bitty is a great house cat. However, we don’t need a house cat; we need a barn cat. So, Itty-Bitty is slowly becoming an outside cat with inside privileges.

What has surprised me most about our new addition to our family is my reaction to him. I fell in love with the silly thing. Through all his antics and snuggles and cries for attention, he brought me joy. He filled my heart with mirth and happiness.

He made me laugh. Crazy cat!

I found myself playing with him, in the middle of the afternoon, like I had nothing better to do then to entertain a ten-pound purring machine.

Then the other day as I was coming out of one of the bedrooms, Itty Bitty was sitting outside the door ready to shoot through into the room. I stuck my foot out to stop him. He bowed up, arched his back, and jumped sideways, all at the same time. It was one of the funniest things I had ever seen.

I laughed until I cried. Stupid cat!

But in that moment, I realized something; laughter is a grace -filled blessing from God.

Think what life would be like if we could not laugh … at ourselves, with our friends, or at our beloved animals.

There is a reason Funniest Home Videos was so popular for so long.

Laughter is good for the soul.

In Genesis, Sarai laughed when she heard God intended to give her a child at ninety. But she laughed even more when it came to pass, and she held the child in her arms that had ached for so many years to hold a baby. She laughed and rejoiced at the hearts desire God had fulfilled for her. She said, “God has brought me laughter.” Genesis 21:6 (NLT).

When God brings laughter into your life, enjoy it. If he fulfills a dream or a desire, rejoice. If he gives you friends to share a good giggle with, indulge. If he gives you a crazy cat that makes weird faces, laugh out loud. It will do you good.

A joyful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22 ESV.

Finding God's grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

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Mars, Cars, and the Bethlehem Star - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-01-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

“Stay true to my directives, and they will serve you well; make my teachings the lens through which you see life.” Proverbs 7:2 (The Voice Bible).

Sharp words cutting into people’s hearts. One person’s foul mood breaking apart someone else’s joy. A wrecking ball that leaves mars across a moment or a day.

An opportunity to push through to have the joy of the Lord, anyway. A learning experience to make softer, kinder words and release them into the world.

A dented car. A chance to love people and not things. A remembering of the time you were in their shoes.

Everything is fixable. And everyone redeemable. That’s what Jesus thinks. That’s why He came.

An older woman in a nursing home seated in a wheelchair. Music pressing in around her as the visitors from a church sing a holiday song. She praises God with raised arms and closed eyes.

“So, glad you sang the Bethlehem Star – I’ve tried to remember the words all day,” she says.

A small kindness of God to meet our needs even for those who might be out of sight, forgotten.

Not forgotten by her Lord – her Jesus.

These are the classrooms of life that God walks us through, to grow us more like Himself.

This year be a student. Make God’s teachings the lens through which you view life, so you will grow and stretch and be like Him.

May God’s blessings flow to you as you begin this new year.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

One Blown Mind - Bonita Y. McCoy

2019-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV).

Every time I think about it, it blows my mind.

How can I be sitting in my room in my chair having my quiet time, reading the words Jesus spoke thousands of years ago?

These words of Jesus recorded by men who walked with Him along the way reach across the ages and touch my heart, or I consider Paul sitting in his Roman jail cell writing the letters to encourage the believers that are now encouragement for me.

The written word truly does transcend both time and space.

Jesus’s words, the prophets, the kings, the writings of Paul, all at my fingertips. What a mercy? What a grace to be able to read the Psalms of David or the wisdom of Solomon. To derive comfort or spiritual nourishment from the words of God’s own men and women, His Words for His people.

Praise the Lord for the written word.

As a writer, I journal while I study because I see worth in the activity. I get so much out of writing God’s word down. It helps me to remember it. It also helps me to find it quickly if I want to pass along the encouragement, and it helps me to draw out particular words or phrases that mean something significant to me at the time.

Writing down what I am learning as I go through the scriptures and the devotionals, I may be reading, helps me to voice how God’s word applies to my life and the lives of those I love. It helps me to know how to pray for others, and it helps me to know who I am in Christ.

And when I forget – I can go back and see it solid, written down – a reminder.

So, as we enter the new year, I would urge you to consider keeping a journal as part of your quiet time. Let God use this wonderful gift of words to inspire you.

Remember God’s Word is active; so actively study God’s Word.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

If Tomorrow Were Christmas - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-12-18T20:00:00.000-08:00

Corrie Ten Boom – Who can add to Christmas? The perfect motive is that God so loved the world. The perfect gift is that He gave His only Son. The only requirement is to believe in Him. The reward of faith is that you shall have everlasting life.

If tomorrow were Christmas and the presents weren’t wrapped,

The pies needed filling, the gingers weren’t snapped.

If tomorrow were Christmas and the stockings lay limp,

The fire didn’t roar, the tree mostly bent.

If tomorrow were Christmas and the cards had no stamps,

The turkeys sat frozen, the lights had no amps

Would Christmas still come if nothing got done?

If tomorrow were Christmas and the hymns were not sung,

The flights were delayed, the wreaths never hung.

If tomorrow were Christmas and the snow didn’t fall,

The stores wouldn’t open, the kids couldn’t call.

If tomorrow were Christmas and the bells didn’t ring,

The pudding went flat, there were no carols to sing.

Would Christmas still come if nothing got done?

If tomorrow were Christmas, what would it bring?

Rushing and stressing, or worshiping the King?

If tomorrow were Christmas, what would it hold?

Feasts for our bodies, or feasts for our souls?

If tomorrow were Christmas, what would it be?

All about Jesus, or all about me?

Yes, Christmas would come if nothing got done.

For presents and singing and eating and such

The myriad of things, on which we spend so much

Are tidbits and pieces of the true celebration

Of God’s only Son; man’s hope and salvation.

So, open the presents and hang the wreaths

Call the kids and enjoy the feast.

For Christmas Day has come to us; it’s nothing we have done.

A Thanksgiving Thought - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-11-19T04:30:00.000-08:00

photo from Pixabay

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him. Psalm 34:8

With Thanksgiving coming up, many of us have turned our thoughts to hosting gatherings and planning menus. We count the numbers who will sit at our table, and then try to remember what each person’s favorite dish was last year.

We begin digging through the old tried and true recipes, and then we start taking polls to see what everyone is expecting. These vote for Aunt Renae’s cornbread dressing; the next group all agree we need molasses crinkle cookies.

Do you want turkey or ham? And it’s unanimous … both.

With coupons in hand, we make the trek to the super market, the dollar store, the boxed warehouse, and the discount place because we want the very best for our family and friends. We want the meal and the conversation to be memorable for those we love.

I think that’s how our Father in heaven is toward us. He wants the very best for us, and he wants us to remember all that he has done for us.

He wants us to taste and see that He is good.

As we go about preparing for the holiday, let us take a moment each day to taste the goodness of God’s salvation, to acknowledge His Holy Spirit in us, and to recall a time that God made Himself known to us.

May God richly bless you throughout this season of celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving to your family from mine.

Bonita Y. McCoy

Bonitaymccoy.com

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He Who Never Changes - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-11-14T12:56:00.000-08:00

Changes come. We see them everyday. Seasons pass; children start a new school year; our football team gets a new head coach. Things are forever changing.

How wonderful it is to know in our ever changing, swirling life that we can count on some one to stay the same, to always be there when we are in need.

Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us that Jesus our savior, our friend never changes. He is always by our side. "He has said,'I will never leave you nor forsake you,'" and it goes on to say because of this promise we can boldly, with great confidence, state that the Lord is my help.

In the constant changes of the world where we often feel out of control and helpless, isn't it a powerful assurance to know that the Lord, Creator-Sustainer, himself, is our help. What a powerful promise.

The Psalmist wrote "I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121

Lift up your eyes my friend. Your help is not of man; it does not run out. It is not weak or fragile. No, in this changing world, your help comes from Lord who cares for you, enough to die for you.

Your help comes from the one who is the resurrection and the life.
Rejoice for the One who loves you, never changes.

Finding His Beautiful Pieces of Grace.
Bonita Y. McCoy

Bonita Y. McCoy Website
Newsletter Heart, Home, Humor Books

Ye Old Fake News - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-07-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

Every day, we hear broadcasts about the latest technical wonder, the best places to eat, how to become debt free in thirty days, and almost everything else under the sun. Shoot we even have ads pop-up on our computers and phones shouting at us while we are working.

And if the advertisements aren’t bad enough, now we have to contend with fake news. People posting about celebrity deaths, but the person is alive and kicking, thank you very much, or the spreading of false reports about another school shooting or worse the outbreak of nuclear war.

In today’s world, it’s hard to tell what is true from what is false.

But the fake news is nothing new. It’s been around for a long time.

Thank goodness, as God’s children we have His word to help us discern truth from falsehoods.

Let’s look at a few fake news headlines our enemy would love for us to believe.

Fake News Headlines:

God abandons His children. In breaking news today…

Now, we know this isn’t true because of the verse in Deuteronomy 31: 8. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

We also know that we have Jesus in us, that he abides with us. God never leaves His children.

You can satisfy your own soul. All you need is this new thing…

Contentment cannot be obtained without God. We ourselves cannot satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. Psalm 107:9 states, “For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” Also, Psalm 145:6 says, “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

It is God who satisfies the soul, not us and certainly not stuff.

You only live once. Since you only get one…

This is probably one of the enemy’s biggest lies. The entirety of the Bible from Genesis to Revelations tells us that Christ came to reconcile man to God in order that we may have everlasting life. That does not sound like once and done to me.

Yet, we live life not as if this life is the journey to our forever home, but rather, as if this is all we get.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Also, 1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Eternal life is a gift you are given when you receive Jesus as your savior. Through His death on the cross, we are reconciled with God the Father and destined for eternal life with Him.

Fake News is a thing now, but as we can see, it’s not a new thing. It’s been around for as long as the world has been spinning. So be diligent with the news you hear and check it against our source of truth to see if it stands up to the test.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

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What to Wear to a Royal Wedding - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-05-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

Matthew 22:1-14 starts out, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king whose son is getting married."

After the pomp and circumstance of the Royals big day, the tweets, posts, and conversations began about the brides wedding gown and the attire of the those in attendance. Names were dropped, and clothing was scrutinized.

What to wear to a wedding is not a new question.

Recently, I attended the wedding of a friend’s daughter. Shortly before traveling to the event, it dawned on me that I hadn’t found anything to wear? Going to my closet, I waded through the contents. This dress is too dark; this one is too short; this one simply shrunk a size!

It didn’t take long to figure out a shopping trip was needed.

But once I got to the wedding, I was so thankful that I had taken the time to get something appropriate. It was an evening celebration and nothing less then a dress or flowy pants suit would do.

In today’s scripture, the king has invited selected guests to his son’s royal wedding. These guests, however, make excuses as to why they cannot attend.

The king then sends his servants out to invite “anyone you see; invite everyone you meet.”

Within a few hours, his banquet hall is full, and everyone is having a good time.

But then he spots one fellow who is inappropriately dressed. So, he approaches him and asks him why he isn’t wearing a wedding garment.

Now, before we get upset with the king, I need to tell you that it was the custom of the day for individuals and families to own wedding garments. These garments were decorated in order to show social status and were passed down within the families.

However, at the royal weddings, the king would provide the wedding robes. To wear your own would be an insult.

So, the man had no excuse for not being properly dressed. He had chosen not to wear the garment provided by the king.

This is the meat of Jesus’s parable. The kingdom of God is like this situation. Through Christ, God has provided for us a way to be righteous before Him. We are clothed in the righteousness of Christ like the wedding guest were clothed in the king’s garments.

Only God, Himself, can provide us with a way to Him, but we have a choice. We can either accept the garment given, or we can choose to wear our own. The decision is ours to make.

Those who accept Jesus as savior become a new creation “And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24. Their filthy rags of sin are washed clean in the righteous blood of Christ.

The parable ends with “For many are called, but few are chosen.” God’s call is for everyone. 2Peter 3:9b “Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

However, few are chosen. We cannot come to God on our own terms. We must come as an invited guest to the wedding banquet, accepting the robe of righteousness He has provided.

Come.

You are invited.

Accept the wedding garment of Christ for the real royal wedding!

And live.

Finding God’s grace,

bym

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Jesus, Taxes, and a Loaded Fish - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-04-17T14:46:00.001-07:00

No one likes paying taxes, but no one likes being in trouble with the government either. In the story of Peter found in Matthew 17: 24-27, Peter reacts no differently than any of us would.

When the disciples and Jesus entered Capernaum, Peter is confronted by the temple tax collector who demands to know if his master pays the temple tax. In his panic and wanting to keep everyone out of trouble, Peter answers yes to the tax collectors question.

If you’ve ever had any dealings with the IRS, you know the type of fear the organization can produce.

Just the letters – IRS – conjure up dread in even the most honest of citizens.

But that’s not really my point of sharing this story. It’s what happens when Jesus gives Peter instructions on making good on his promise to pay the tax that intrigues me.

“So do this: go out to the lake and throw out your line. And when you catch a fish, open its jaws and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take this to the tax collectors and pay your taxes and Mine.” Matthew 18: 27 (The Voice).

Jesus did three things that strike me as merciful.

First, Jesus showed mercy by trusting Peter.

Peter had just put Jesus in a tight spot. Everyone was watching Him to see what he would do. But instead of chastising him, Jesus gave him a set of instructions that maybe weren’t how Peter would’ve done it, but Jesus trusted Peter to obey what He told him to do.

Second, Jesus showed mercy by letting Peter participate.

Jesus sent Peter to fish.

How is this merciful you might ask?

Peter was a skilled fisherman. He had made his living before his ministry with Jesus, catching fish. So, Jesus used the skills that Peter already possessed to fulfill his promise. Jesus let Peter participate.

Aren’t we drawn closer to Jesus when He lets us use our gifts and skills to participate in the working out of His will? Like seeing someone come to know Him after years of prayer or helping our neighbors in a time of financial hardship because Jesus has nudged us to give.

Third, Jesus showed mercy by providing for Peter.

Jesus sent Peter a miracle. Yes, Peter threw the hook in the water showing obedience and faith, but God sent the fish with the coin in its mouth. And He didn’t send just what was needed to keep the promise, His own taxes, but He provided the tax money for Peter too. God sent Peter a loaded fish.

When God’s Word speaks of His ways and thoughts being higher, I think of this fish and know it is so true. Only God would’ve sent a fish with money in its mouth, so Peter could participate in the miracle and keep his word to the tax collector. Nothing is impossible with God.

Jesus used Peter’s encounter with the tax collector to teach him a personal lesson about mercy. May we be open to God’s lessons in mercy in our lives, even during tax season.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

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Seeds of Life or Death - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-04-06T05:26:00.000-07:00

Most years, I plant a garden.

Now, since most of my friends and family know about plants and gardening, it comes as no surprise to you that in order to have a successful garden, you have to plant seeds.

I know right?!

And if you want corn, you have to plant corn seeds. I’ve never known of anyone planting corn and harvesting watermelons, but then my knowledge is limited.

This brings me to my point. In God’s Word, we are told that a man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7). We are also told that our tongues hold the power of life and death. (Proverbs 18:21)

So, it got me to thinking; what kind of words are we sowing?

If I reap what I sow and I’m going around sowing death, I’m not doing me or anyone else any favors. If I plant complaints, guess what I’m going to reap. You got it: complaints.

But on the flip side, if I sow encouragement and love, then that is what I should reap.

Our tongues do hold life and death. Our Father created the whole world by speaking it into existence. What are we speaking into existence?

What are we planting in the hearts of those around us?

As you begin to work in the yard or plan your garden this spring, take a moment and assess the seeds that you are planting in the lives of those around you with your words.

Will you reap life or death?

And if you find you don’t like what you’re sowing, lean into God and ask Him to change the words you sow.

Happy planting,

Bonita Y. McCoy

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Bonita Y. McCoy

Courageous Writers

Yes, and Amen - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-03-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

“For all the promises of God find their yes in Him (Jesus). That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV.

The thermometer read 32 degrees on the second day of spring. That couldn’t be right.

Looking out the window, I saw the robins flit about, hunting for seeds and worms. The white from the Bradford Pear trees drifted down on the breeze to the ground. The grass sported a bright shade of green. All the signs were there. Spring.

But the thermometer still read 32.

Do you ever experience this in your walk with God the Father? You see all the signs, but the circumstances or the timing suggests something different.

God gave you a promise, but others plant seeds of doubt or concern in your heart and mind. They whisper, “Where is your God now? He has abandoned you, left you to bear the shame and foolishness of believing.”

This happens.

And when it does we need to stretch our wings of faith and flap them hard.

Faith means to lean heavy on the promises of God and to take the opinions and philosophies of man lightly.

David learned this.

In Psalm 42, he says, “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’”

His answer should be ours. “Despite all my emotions, I will believe and praise the One who saves me and is my life.” Psalm 42:5b (The Voice).

We need to believe that all the promises of God were fulfilled in Jesus and that our only response is Amen, which means so be it.

Jesus will return. So be it.

I will never leave you or forsake you. So be it.

I will sing over you and delight in you. So be it.

I will be your God, and you will be my people. So be it.

When they ask, “Where is your God? Why hasn’t He fulfilled His promise to you?”, remember the signs of spring and know that God has fulfilled all His promises in Christ Jesus. He will not fail you, stand firm and believe.

Prayer: Father God, teach us to lean heavy into you when doubts plague us. Give us Your assurance and peace of mind that Your word is truth. Help us to stand firm in our faith. In Jesus name, Amen.

Finding God's grace,

bym

Courageous Writers

A New Look at Noah - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-03-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was wracking my brain for an idea of what to teach the kids in my Sunday School class. The hot topic all week had been the rain. I seriously thought about putting floaties on my horses. You know those little orange ones the kids wear at the pool.

Then it hit me, I’ll talk about Noah. Now, my Sunday School class is made up of elementary aged kids. So, I wasn’t planning on going into any deep theological aspects of the story of Noah.

Just the basics. Noah being obedient, the animals, the ark, and of course, all the water.

However, God did not get that memo.

As I was studying for that class, Noah’s story became our story with Jesus.

Let me show you what I mean:

Noah was chosen. Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”

Noah was called. Genesis 6:18 “But I will establish my covenant with you…”

Noah believed. Genesis 6:22 “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

Noah was saved. Genesis 7:1 “The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family…”

Now, our story with Jesus:

We are chosen. Ephesians 1: 4-5 “just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…”

We are called. Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

We believe. John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”

We are saved. 2 Corinthians 5:20 “(Christ) who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.”

God saved Noah from certain death and used him to repopulate the earth.

When we accept Jesus, God saves us from certain death and uses us to populate His kingdom.

How cool.

And in case you’re wondering if I used this with my kids, I didn’t. I stuck to the basics for them. But God can use even the simplest of tasks to teach us more about Himself.

Prayer: Father, daily teach us more about Yourself. Gives us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Finding God’s grace,

Bonita Y. McCoy

Complex God, Simple Answer...Your Phone - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-02-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

The other day I was talking with my sister. We were discussing my horrible phone habits. I’m one of those people who never seem to have their phones with them. It’s always off or dead or laying somewhere in a dark corner unattended.

I told her I didn’t like having to keep up with my cell phone. It made me feel tied down. “For years we never had cell phones, and we survived,” I complained

“That’s the pioneer Bonita.” She observed. “And maybe a little rebellious Bonita too.” Here, she laughed. Sisters know us too well.

Her comments, though, made me think about all the Bonitas that live inside of me. There are many. There’s mom Bonita and wife Bonita and lifelong learner Bonita and writer Bonita. The list goes on and on.

With each new season of life and each new experience, more Bonitas are added.

The sheer complexity of being human and all the different roles we play made me realize if we can’t identify and explain all that makes us, us, then, how on earth can we ever hope to explain God.

It’s funny. We want God to be simple. We want to be able to grasp completely all that he is and package Him in just add water form.

But God is love, and justice, and mercy, and faithfulness, and joy, and…and…and.

God cannot be simplified. He cannot be a formula. He is the creator of the Universe who has never thought in the box but instead created the box and the formulas and all.

So, when we see the simplicity of the gospel message, we should marvel.

Our complex God gave a complexed world, a simple solution: Jesus.

His righteousness in exchange for my sin.

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Simple and yet, so complex.

Now, if techno Bonita can just find her phone...

Prayer: Dear Father, Thank you for Jesus, your son and His work on the cross. Teach us the depths of His sacrifice and obedience. Make us more like Him each day.

Amen

Finding God's grace,

bym

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Shades of Heavy - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Like many others during the month of January, my family dealt with one of the sicknesses that swept into our area. We have had not days but weeks of trips to the doctors and the chore of dispensing medicines.

Being cooped up inside with the gray clouds painting everything a dismal shade of heavy, left most of us tired and in need of relief.

Then this weekend a wonderful thing happened. The cold dispelled for a brief moment, and we could go outside without our coats. The sun’s rays spilled all over everything, warming the earth and our hearts.

Isn’t that the way of the Lord. When things look gray and dismal and everything is cold, His love breaks through and warms us.

When we feel cooped up or cut off, He reaches down and refreshes us. He reassures us that He is never far from us.

As Christians, we know from God’s Word that there will be days, weeks; yes, even years of what the world would call heavy. But God assures us that we are never going it alone.

“Come to Me all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (HCSB).

Jesus’s Words in Matthew are given to comfort. They serve to remind us where our power, whether on good days or bad days, comes from.

He invites us His children to come, to seek Him out. He may not change the circumstances, but He will dispel the gray, the heaviness of the heart. He will pour out the needed relief. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Jesus is in the yoke with us. Let us feel the warmth of His love as we walk with Him through the heavy of life.

As we humble ourselves and seek His face, He will give rest to our weary souls.

Finding God’s beautiful pieces of grace,

bym

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Thank You!

What to Wear? - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-01-17T14:29:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I was standing in my closet trying to figure out what to wear. The weather outside was just above arctic and for this Southern Belle, it posed a real problem.

I knew I had outside chores, so the barn not being heated lead me to dig out the heaviest clothing I could find, my large hooded U.S. Space and Rocket Center sweat shirt and a pair of brown corduroy pants.

I haven’t worn corduroy since I was ten. It swishes when you walk no matter how hard you try to keep it from rubbing together. That bothers me. But about two years ago, I bought this pair because they fit great and the price was right.

Thankful. I ripped the tags off the pants and wore them. They did the trick. I stayed as warm as I could under the snow day conditions, and I found I didn’t care one iota about the occasional swish.

Sometimes what you wear is more important than the inconveniences it might cause.

Isaiah 61:10 “…For He dressed me with the garment of salvation, wrapped me with the robe of righteousness.”

Sometimes it might be hard, or trying, or even inconvenient to be numbered among the followers of Christ. But to be dressed in the salvation of God in Christ Jesus is worth every obstacle faced here on earth.

Today, as you stand searching for something to wear, embrace the fact that you are dressed in the salvation of God in Christ Jesus. His salvation covers you.

We can celebrate even in those hard places that He made the way for us. We don’t have to lean on our own works or good intentions. Jesus is our salvation.

Challenge: Find time today as you are doing the laundry or choosing an outfit to thank God for his plan of salvation and Jesus’s obedience even to the cross.

Finding God’s grace,

bym

bonitaymccoy.com

Brand-New - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-01-09T12:15:00.002-08:00

When I think of the word creation, I think of beginnings.

In the beginning, God created…These two words to me go together.

They draw in my mind pictures of weddings…creation of a family.

Or newborn babies…creation of life, or the sprouting of plants in the spring…creation of, well, creation.

There is another word though that should also conjure up for us as believers the notion of creation and new beginnings, and that word is Salvation.

Now, the definition of salvation is being rescued, saved, or preserved. However, in the Christian faith, the word entails so much more.

Salvation is that fresh start, a saving for a purpose. God renewing us, forgiving us.

It is the start of a lifelong commitment to do life the Father’s way.

It is God placing His Spirit in us and creating a new man. Colossians 3:10 “And have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (KJ2000 Bible)

When we identify with Christ’s death on the cross and accept it as payment for our sins, God remakes us. We become brand-new.

Look at Paul, himself. He was so changed that he needed a new name. No longer Saul, the one who persecuted the church, he became Paul, the messenger of God.

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Remember as believers, we have been made new. We leave the past in the past, and we press on towards the prize…as a brand-new creation.

Prayer: Father, thank you for your provision of salvation. May we take this message of hope and life to others, today.

Amen

bym

bonitaymccoy.com

Divine Planning - Bonita Y. McCoy

2018-01-02T12:01:00.001-08:00

photo from Pixabay: Count it all joy.

Every year in January, my husband and I sit down to plan…the year ahead of us.

Now, we are not God and cannot foresee everything that will happen in a year. Thank goodness. Think how overwhelmed we would be if we knew every little detail, good or bad.

So, when we plan, it is always with the understanding that we want God’s will not ours to be done in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Trust me when I say we have had our share of surprises. Everything from unemployment and illnesses to the other extreme of spontaneous weddings and the fulfillment of hearts desires.

This is not unusual. It is the general condition of man, this not knowing.

So, why plan?

If we can’t account for every item, why bother planning at all some would ask?

Because our planning is a reflection of our Father. Okay, what?

I’ll say it again. When we plan, we are imitating our Father God. Just like we reflect Him when we create, we reflect Him when we plan.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Who is doing the planning in this verse? God.

God has a plan.

Jesus, the Anointed One, is part of that plan, the plan of salvation for all mankind.

Our salvation and our good works are all a part of His plan. He planned our good works the Scripture tells us “from the foundation of the world.”

So, when you go to make a plan for this year or set some goals to pursue, remember you are reflecting God, the planner, in your actions.

You might wonder how the planning went for me and my sweet husband. It went divinely.

We opened in prayer, discussed trips and purchases, set goals and priorities, and ended in prayer.

Will it all go according to our plan? No. LOL.

But it will all go according to God’s plan, and for that, I am truly thankful.

Happy New Year and Many Blessings,

bym

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Fragile: Handle Us with Care - Bonita Y. McCoy

2017-12-22T11:20:00.000-08:00

If you’ve ever held a newborn baby, you know how fragile life can be. The first cry that welcomes in air, a breath. Nothing more than a wisp.

The fragile stamped on Christmas packages should be stamped on us: our hearts, our bodies, our souls.

We should handle each other with care. Our words should be easy, our touch gentle, our actions full of love and devotion.

We think ourselves a fortress, unstoppable. How far from reality those thoughts are.

Fragile life –

Filled with God’s grace.

The teenager who walks away from a bad wreck with little more than a scratch.

The daughter who keeps her aging father from falling.

That baby’s first cries held in the arms of one who will love him.

A gentle swirl of air. Fragile

“For apart from me, you can do nothing.” John 15:5. We must have Jesus.

He is the true fortress; He is the unstoppable One.

Life is fragile – Here by God’s grace.

Father,

Thank you for the miracle of life. Our life, the lives of those we love, the life of Your Son. May I remember that each day is a gift wrapped in Your grace and mercy. That I am not required to be the strong tower because that is Your job.

Amen

Merry Christmas,

bym

bonitaymccoy.com

Stinking Thinking - Bonita Y. McCoy

2017-12-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Proverbs 23:7

We’ve all heard the phrase stinking thinking, and at this time of year, we can see it in action. Everyone stressed out and in a frenzy. We grumble and complain:

Too many

Too much

Too quick

We look up, and it’s Christmas. Cue groan.

However, there is a cure for this Christmas crankiness, and you possess the key.

Focus

Where is your focus this Christmas season?

In Philippians 4:8, we are instructed by Paul to focus our thinking on what is beautiful and true. We are to meditate on the good stuff of God and His world.

We shouldn’t place our focus on the long to-do list, the unwrapped gifts, or the tree that is sitting in the box in pieces. (I might just put lights on the box and call’er done!)

No, our focus should be on Christ, Himself.

So, this Christmas grab a hold of those grumbling, complaining, anxious thoughts and throw them out like Christmas morning trash. Then recount the wonders of the season –

God with us

Prince of Peace

Tidings of great joy

A Savior is born…. not for one, but for all.

Pure. Lovely. Noble. Think on these.

Merry Christmas,

bym

Full of Joy - Bonita Y. McCoy

2017-11-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 10:28a “The hope of those who do right is joy and celebration.” (The Voice).

Someone today remarked that Christians should be the most joy – filled people on the planet.

And they were right. We should have a continual celebration in our hearts over our salvation and our surety in the Lord.

Now, I know that life is full of difficulties and hard circumstances. Loving others is not for the faint of heart. It can bring with it sorrow, loneliness, hurt, and pain. The fact is we live in a fallen world. Sin seeps in no matter how hard we try to keep it out.

However, God tells us that life is good and sweet. He reassures us that He walks with us through all the valleys and that even in those hard, hurting places we can still find His joy.

In Ecclesiastes 9, Solomon encourages us to seize life. He instructs us to “eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

We must look for the joys, the blessings, the Lord has set in our lives as we walk this journey. The road is not always easy, but the joy of the Lord is always with His children. It is our strength. It gives us hope.

Challenge: During this Christmas Season, look for the joyful moments in your life. Thank the Lord for them and tuck them in your heart as love notes from the Father.

Finding God’s grace,

bym