Free Pizza

Jerry's

For many who have lived in Romania, that word alone brings to mind many different images. For others who are oblivious to the pizza chains on the other side of the world (which is okay) it has no meaning.

For me, Jerry's is a bimonthly ordeal. Student council orders pizza for students and staff who choose this alternative to bringing their own lunch. Last week, I walked into the office at 11:10 (5 min before elementary lunch starts) and was dismayed that the smell of Jerry's was missing. As the trampling of little feet climbed the stairs, we waited wondering what might have gone wrong (lost driver, misplaced order...). As our cherubs waited, the delivery man arrived, handed me the bill, and I rushed the first batch upstairs to start serving. Half way through serving elementary lunch, I realized that not only did we have an extra pizza, but the bill was only for 13-we had ordered 15. I was perplexed and stunned.

After lunch and my 1/2 grade music class, I returned to the office to try and sort out what had happened. It turns out that Jerry's decided to give us free pizzas because we had such a large order. Mind you, this had NEVER happened before. Sadly, I realized that I had counted out money for the price we were quoted over the phone so we had paid more than we needed. Had I only been paying attention.

I just can't seem to let go of things like that, so it has been drifting around in my mind and I made an interesting comparison that I would like to share with you. Earlier that week, we had been studying verses about the gift of grace in chapel. I realized that in a way, the gift of the free pizzas was similar to grace. Jerry's was freely offering free pizzas. They even showed a reduced bill. I simply chose to ignore it and kept my eyes focused on what seemed important at that moment-the hungry kids ready for food. Instead of accepting their gift, I paid for it.

I think in some ways this comparison works. God has canceled our bill and extends his grace and love to us. At times, we simply choose to focus on other things and try to continue to pay the bill. Paying for free pizza is one thing-because we can, but we can NEVER "pay" for the grace God offers. If we choose to keep trying to pay-through good works or any number of ways-we loose out on that gift.

Are you still trying to pay for grace?

Devoured

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I don't know if you've ever felt that way, but I certainly felt devoured today. It hit me toward the end of the day-as I was sitting discouraged-that I had been devoured, or at least toyed with. Why didn't I see it earlier? Why did it have to go on so long before I finally realized what was happening? I wonder sometimes if I will ever get to the point where I am strong enough and then I realize that my only strength comes in standing in the shadow of the cross-hiding behind my savior and allowing Him to fight for me-to rescue me. Jesus, please come and protect me.

Recently, I received this song in an email. I was a bit embarrased to look back and realize I had listened to this song multiple times and let the words slip by without really hearing them. As I read the words today it really fit with the place where I am at. It fits with what I am hearing and with what I sense God showing me. May you be blessed and encouraged as you read these words.

In Me
by Casting Crowns

If you asked me to leap
Out of my boat on the crashing waves
If you ask me to go
Preach to a lost world that Jesus saves

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

If you ask me to run
And carry your light into foreign land
If you ask me to fight
Deliver your people from satan's hand

I'll go, but I cannot go alone
'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own
But the power of Christ in me makes me strong
Makes me strong

'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that You want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

To reach out with Your hands
To learn through Your eyes
To love with the love of a savior
To feel with Your heart
and to think with Your mind
I'd give my last breath for Your glory