Two spinster sisters lived alone when times were lean and tough. Grace was kind and Faith believed somehow they’d have enough.
Grace gave to others without thought. Her nature was this pure. While Faith, the younger, struggled some. Her hopes weren’t always sure.
Without her sister’s knowledge, Grace would work behind the scenes. She scrimped and saved (when Faith would sleep) to bring about the means to shed the rags of “getting by” and dress like royalty. Grace loved her sister and could see one day she would be free.
One day she’d flee from poverty. One day Faith would take hold of all she hoped and dreamed about: A mansion gilded gold.
One day arrived. Grace died and left her twin what she’d saved. ‘Twas in the bank and was not based on how Faith had behaved.
Yes, (Grace, through death) expressed her care for one she loved so much. The proof was Faith’s inheritance. An unexpected crutch.
But what Grace had made possible could not be earned through doing. All had been done that one could do. No need for stress or stewing.
The gift of Grace was in the bank all ready to be claimed. No strings attached or fine-print clause. It bore her sister’s name.
The only thing the bank required was that Faith show her face and then endorse the waiting check made possible by Grace.
For no one else could claim this prize as Grace had clearly shown. For only one could make withdraws. Just Faith and Faith alone.
And Grace has done the same for us. A life savings in our name. And though we don’t deserve what’s ours, it’s ours alone to claim.
No need to prove we’ve earned it, though. That’s one thing Grace insists. Eternal life comes through Christ’s death not our demanding fists.
It’s humbling, to say the least, to take what someone’s given. But that’s God’s plan. Our pride must die for us to be forgiven.
And when (with faith) at Heaven’s bank we claim what’s guaranteed, guess what’s compounded? Gratitude! A thankful heart, indeed!
Yes, thankfulness is interest earned on funds that grow and grow. But there is also something else I think that you should know.
St. Paul says in our text today, we’re not saved by doing good. But here’s the catch… Once we are saved, we can do the good we should.
We’re saved in order to achieve what we alone can’t do. By grace (through faith) we activate God’s plans for me and you.
Black horned-rimmed glasses, long white hair. I’d recognize him anywhere.
A heart for God and young folk, too. He touched my life but never knew.
For Pete’s sake! Ralph gave our faith wings. His upbeat praise songs helped us sing.
A restless one? I think he was ‘cause Ralph was bored with hymn-drum blahs.
This gifted bulb was soon root-bound and could not flourish underground.
Ralph’s blades and shoots broke through the sod. This rebel was a gift from God.
His plant grew up. Became a tree. The rest they say is history.
From first violin to Big Band king, Ralph Carmichael was everything.
He’s everything to me and you because he saw we needed new.
I sing his praises though he’s gone. Because of Ralph, the song goes on!
The man and his music both brought us deep joy. Ralph Carmichael gave grace a voice. Composing, arranging, conducting and such, Ralph wired our hearts to rejoice.
With Mar at his side, this musician of note continued to show us the score. The soundtrack for living that flowed from his pen was embellished with grace notes galore.
I’m just one of those grateful for what Ralph has wrought. There are millions who counted him friend. A friend who inspired our childlike faith through his music again and again.