Amazement is defined as “a strong feeling of astonishment or wonder.” I have been amazed many times in my life.
I was amazed when my wife said “yes” she would marry me. I was amazed when I witnessed my five children born. I have been amazed when I saw the Grand Canyon, the Empire State Building and the trees at Sequoia National Park. 
Richard RayI remember growing up and attending Texas Rangers baseball games. Each time that I entered that stadium, walked up that ramp, and saw the grass field, I was amazed.
Later in life, I had the privilege of delivering the baseballs and bats to the Texas Rangers baseball clubhouse. I remember the time I walked onto that field, stood at home plate and pretended to hit a home run. That was an amazing day.
We all have had those days of amazement, but those days do not sustain us. The amazement we experience in this world is only temporary, but the amazement we receive from the Lord is eternal. I still am amazed God loved me so much he sent his only Son to die for me. I am amazed each day God saved me by grace and not by works. With this amazing gift comes the amazing presence of the Holy Spirit who comes to dwell within us, to direct us and keep us in true fellowship with our heavenly Father.
Grace and Mercy
God’s grace and mercy is amazing. While mercy is not receiving what we do deserve, grace is receiving something that we could never deserve. Our works never will be enough, but God’s grace is more than sufficient. In fact, we find because of God’s grace, we are justified.
Through justification, God pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, his Son. However, God does not stop there. God also initiates a personal relationship with us. He walks with us, cares for us and always blesses us with his presence.
Jesus Christ amazes me. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Jesus left the gates of heaven, came to earth, took the robe of flesh and became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. It is by Jesus’ amazing grace we are set free to live, to serve and to be able to spread his amazing love to this world we live in.
I put my faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and that makes me an amazing child of God. You as a believer are amazing in who you are because of who loves you. You are clothed in his righteousness and forgiven by his grace. You are empowered to serve and to live through the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, do not live your life in defeat, for Jesus has conquered defeat and brought you victory.
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Amazing every day
Serve him, knowing God is amazing every day. Let Jesus be the one who amazes you each day, for it will be in his amazement you will find strength and refuge. 
Never forget you are an amazing minister, servant leader, child of God, because you have been saved by the amazing grace of an amazing God who has uniquely called you to serve him.
Remember, God has called you to serve him, but God has not called you to serve alone. Let us be your advocate, your resource and your prayer partner as you fulfill your calling. Until next time, please visit our website at www.bivocational.com.
Richard Ray is executive director of the Bivocational/Small Church Association and director of missions for the Tri-Rivers Baptist Area. You can reach him at [email protected].
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