On a cold winter's day, it is great to look at something alive and bright. This was one day that I had trouble waking up. It is 5:00 pm and the sun is down; there's a large fire in the fireplace, and I'm glad to be inside.  My husband asked my son to build a fire earlier, and he said where do you want me to build it? I guess he was sleepy as well.

"which he lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding[Practical insight and prudence,]Ephesians 1:8 Amplified Bible

God lavishes us with his grace according to Ephesians 1:7. Think on this for a moment. Grace is God's unmerited favor, that I haven't been given because I deserve it, or did anything in order to obtain it. I can't be "good" enough, or "smart" enough or wise enough to have it placed on me. It is only His love and desire  to freely give this grace to me that I can have anything at all.

This can make me uncomfortable. I want to be in charge. It's not that God decides in a random way who receives and who doesn't. It makes perfect sense how we are able to  see His hand on our lives. It is because we want Him. Our desire for the truth lines up with His desire to pour it out on us.

It makes perfect sense that when we aline our will to His hand that wisdom and understanding begin to dawn. The God of all the heavens and the earth has made a way for us to live with his blessings if we will only follow His lead. This is where the problems begin. One person says all you have to do to follow after God is pray. Another says you have to tithe to unlock the blessings of God. 

 Men are replete with answers about "how to" do anything you can think of.  What does God care about? He cares about your heart attitude. Can I be perfect? Not at all. Can I look to Jesus to give me the strength and ability to do what He desires? Yes, I can. Is this an easy thing? Never, but it is worth every struggle we have with our selves to do what God says. This grace bestowed on us is a bit of heaven come down to earth. It is a reflection of our Father in heaven, who loves us with an everlasting love. The end result if peace.

Ask the man on the street what he would give for peace of mind or heart. How many people truly have these gifts? Some might say, I will have peace when I have enough money. Nelson Rockerfeller once said when asked how much is enough money, "Just a little more." Others might say, "I'll have peace once I retire," but peace never comes. If I learn to be a teacher or doctor or climb Mount Everest, I will have inner peace, and these dreams never bring peace. 

"Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." { John 14:27}

These are the words of our Great King, Jesus. If we cry out to Him, He hears, and fills our hearts with everlasting peace. It comes with no cost, no effort on my part. All He asks for is my heart.