Prayers for the Philippines

Massive recovery and relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan are barely underway, and they need our help. That help need not take the form of financial contributions, as the heartfelt prayers and support from all of us combined can help bolster the spirits and strength of the resilient Filipino survivors of the recent disasters.

There are a number of ways you can contribute financially to the relief efforts, if you are able. Links and other donation information are posted to the official One Way to Grace Facebook page.
Those in the UK can make donations to Disasters Emergency Committee.
For those in the United States, I am a big proponent of donations being made to the Red Cross, who have an outstanding record for taking action in the face of catastrophes.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by this disaster.

Forgiveness

What is Forgiveness by God?

Mankind has a sinful nature. Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and humans have been sinning against God ever since.
God Almighty provided a way for us to be forgiven, and that way is through His only beloved Son Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jesus confirmed that in no uncertain terms when he said:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
-John 14:6 King James Version

God’s plan of salvation was to send Jesus, His only Son, into the world as a sacrifice for our sins. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot repair our broken relationship with God on our own. Moreover, that sacrifice had to be perfect and spotless. Only Jesus Christ was qualified to do that for us. During the last supper Jesus said:

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
-Matthew 26:28 King James Version

 Why do we have to forgive others?

We cannot hold grudges, bitterness, or seek revenge because when we do it only eats away at us, the feeling of tumult and pain on the inside just keeps getting worse, leaving us resentful, hard-hearted. The longer we refuse, the more unwilling we become to forgive. We are to trust God for justice and forgive the other person who offended us.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
-Matthew 6:14-15 King James Version

In order for us to be forgiven we must forgive others, which then releases us from all resentfulness, bitterness and ill feeling and gives us freedom from the pain inside and leads to peace in our hearts.

May God Bless you all.

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://www.onewaytograce.com/

y

God's Grace

Grace is looking for you.

So often we only think God is interested in “the good people.” People who have it all together, who resist temptations, people who never makes mistakes. If your performance is good enough you can expect God’s goodness. But if you ever get off course, ever fail, ever have doubts, too bad, it’s your fault.

This leads to the thought, “If you don’t want me I’ll leave you alone. I won’t bother you.”

The truth is, when you blow it God doesn’t turn away from you but rather turns to you. His grace comes looking for you. When you have doubts God doesn’t say, “What’s wrong with you? You need to have more faith.”  

God will even pass over people with faith to come to you, the one who has doubts. Jesus told a parable about a shepherd who had a 100 sheep but one of them went astray. The shepherd left the 99 and went looking for the one.

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.
And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
-Luke 15:1-7 King James Version

We tend to write people off, saying or thinking God wouldn't have anything to do with them. They’re living in a wrong kind of life, out there on drugs, drink etc. Do you realize that over half the New Testament was written by a man that at one time hated believers; Saul was the main enemy of the church. He was having believers put into prison. A bright light shined down from heaven and knocked him flat on his back. He heard the voice of Jesus saying, “Saul, Saul why persecutest thou me?” Long story short Saul became the apostle Paul and wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else.
What happened is that grace came looking for Saul.

Don’t ever write anyone off. Your family, your friends maybe they’re making poor choices. It is natural for you to think they will never fulfill their destiny, they’re never going to do what’s right. You have to remember grace is looking for them. You may write them off but God doesn't write them off.  God knows how to get their attention. If God can change Saul the greatest enemy of the church, and make him the greatest asset of the church, God can touch your loved ones too. God can turn your family around, God can change your friends. This same man wrote in Romans about the grace God freely gives us. If anyone should understand grace it would be Paul. No matter where you are in your journey God can leave the 99 and come looking for you. You can be discouraged, depressed, about to give up on life. The good news is grace is looking for you, God is saying I’m not even interested in your past I’m interested in your future. It doesn’t matter to God where you have been it matters where you are going. That’s why He’s coming after you, that’s why he won’t leave you alone. His grace will never give up. He loves you too much to let you miss your destiny. You can turn away again and again but you know what grace will keep coming. You can’t out run the grace of God. God’s grace will keep coming saying I got something better forgiveness, mercy, restoration a new beginning if you shake off your guilt, condemnation start making the right choices to honour God. God will do for you in spite of your mistakes. He makes something great out of your life. God never gives up on you, don’t give up on yourself. Receive the grace, believe there’s something great in your future.
God’s grace knows no boundaries, has no limits.

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Romans 9:18 King James Version

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Ephesians 2:8 King James Version

God will never give up on you; His Grace keeps coming for you!

With Blessing in Christ,

David & Gay

https://www.onewaytograce.com/

Thoughts from David on the Coming Print Release of One Way to Grace

Finally, the paperback of One Way to Grace will be released on August 15, 2013. First of all we thank God Almighty through his Son Jesus Christ lead by the Holy Spirit for the opportunity to publish our testimonies to the entire world. All Glory to God Almighty.
What a great honour and privilege given by God to be an inspiration and a blessing to each and every soul that is willing to read One Way to Grace and their hearts to be touched by His great mercy and love of God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Someone said to me and I don’t know who to this very day, approximately eleven years ago, when I was in early recovery from alcohol and drug abused, “David things will happen in your life beyond your wildest dreams.” I remember looking at that person but had no vivid image of their face and thinking to myself “How can you say this, you don’t know who I am” and thinking they were crazy. Looking back in hindsight knowing what I know now they were right and I was wrong.
I found this scripture a few years later and it really made me think we never really know who we are talking to when we meet strangers on the street.

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
-Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)

It’s marvelous how God orchestrates our lives by placing people in our lives to comfort, to guide, to heal, to strengthen, to lead us to do His will and holds us by His right hand continually for his glory. Dawn has been one of these people, with her talent and writing ability, her perseverance and time given for both of us to do this powerful testimony to encourage others and give people hope. As we were going through the writing process recalling events from childhood to present, I am still amazed at how Dawn wrote these events as if she were there looking through my eyes, capturing exactly what I've seen. This is a God given gift, with men this would be impossible. This just shows how the love of God Almighty as He can use anyone unbeliever or believer to do His will. I've also been given the privilege of calling Dawn Merrow my God given friend.

Thank you Father in heaven for the people you place throughout our lives to do your will.

God Bless you all,

David

Thoughts from Dawn: The Release of One Way to Grace

It's here. It exists. It's out there in the world.

One Way to Grace has been released by our lovely publishers Ambassador International. You can buy it and everything. Somewhere right now, in all likelihood, a person I've never met, never seen, never conceived of, is reading the words I wrapped around the incredible stories of David Daly. Perhaps he or she feels less alone, less desperate, a little closer to a relationship with God. 

Two years, three composition notebooks, and more hours than I can count on Skype. It sounds like a lot, but in truth the whole production came down to one moment. One sentence... 

Fruits of the Spirit

One Way to Grace provides readers an insight into how trust and faith in the Holy Spirit radically alerted the path of David's life. The fruits, or gifts, of the Spirit are laid out clearly both in the life experiences of believers and indelibly within Scripture.

In this post David has asked his wife, Gay, to discuss with us the Fruits of the Spirit.

The Difference Between a Contract and a Covenant

We all make promises we know we can't keep, sign contracts we're unsure we can uphold. Throughout his life, David made contracts and promises that eventually fell apart. It wasn't until he turned his life over to God that he understood the true difference between these contracts and a covenants of God.

In this post, David discusses these differences.

Understanding Confession

When people hear confessing your sins they think of monks in a monastery or stepping into a formal confessional at the end of mass. However, God’s Word teaches us that confession is an important practice for everyone’s daily lives.

What does the Holy Bible say about confession?

The Meaning of Repentance

REPENTANCE

The word repentance means deep sorrow; regret for any past action, wrongdoing, conviction of the heart, or sinful ways. A sincere turning away in both mind and heart from mans sinful ways to God.

To repent in relation to salvation is to change your mind from rejection of Jesus Christ to the faith of Jesus Christ, to recognize that He is indeed "Lord and Saviour".

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
-Mark 1:15

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
-Romans 12:2

All the Prophets, apostles and even Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ called for repentance.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
-Matthew 4:17

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
-Luke 5:32

 The goodness of God leads us to repentance.

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
-Romans 2:4

By Gods Love and great Mercy, when we believe in Jesus Christ, repent (turn away from our sinful ways) admitting we have sinned against God, family, and friends and even strangers.
God then is able to restore that relationship with Himself  by His Grace, leading us to receive by Baptism the gift of the Holy Spirit, to continue to guide us into all truth ,the renewing of our minds through Gods word, personal relationship in prayer, and the inwardly and outwardly changing of our lives. A person who has truly repented from the rejection of Christ to faith in Jesus Christ will give evidence of a changed heart, mind and life showing the love of God.

Believing in Jesus

In a World where we have so much access to the Truth of God's Word through books, internet, and other media, so many people still find it so hard to believe in Jesus. Many need to see in order to believe. With all this knowledge finding the reason for existence and the answers to where did we come from? why are we here? and where are we going? still eludes many.

That is why God sent his Holy men and women, prophets, and apostles to proclaim the truth and to put together 66 books into One Holy Bible, the manual for life itself.

Considering Grace

Thanks to the support of three generous backers, our most recent Kickstarter campaign has been a success! Combined with the generosity of two other contributors, David and I are able to move forward with the publishing process without issue. The ability to focus on the creation of the book is such a gift. The journey David and I have been on together is far from over, that's for sure. However, like riding a bike up a steep hill, it is time for me and him to raise our arms joyously and enjoy this second portion of the ride.

The Next Chapter

Thanks to a generous supporter, David and I are moving on in the publishing process with Ambassador International! We're still seeking some additional support (please check out the Kickstarter campaign that was relaunched today!) that will round out the rest of the funding we need. 

You can also show your support for One Way to Grace by liking our Facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/onewaytograce

We are sincerely grateful for all the support we've received. Seeing this incredible work taking shape with such a fantastic publishing team is exciting and inspiring. 

Kickstarting Grace

The first Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for One Way to Grace was nearly a success. With a few small tweaks, David and I have relaunched the fundraising effort with optimism and excitement. Check out the new video:

The publisher is ready for us to move forward, to craft a book that can touch people and change lives. All we need is this funding, and the ball will start rolling. Check out the official Kickstarter campaign using the tool on the right hand side of the page, and thanks in advance for the support and contributions!

Funding Grace

The Kickstarter campaign to provide the necessary funding to move forward with One Way to Grace is up an running! David and I are proud of the work that has already been done on the book and are itching to move on with the publisher by our side. In order to do that, though, we need your help and support.

Spreading the word to your friends, family, congregation, and strangers on the bus is just as good as committing a pledge toward our campaign.
Thank you in advance for your love, support, pledges, and excitement!

Help to Publish One Way to Grace

David and I are still working on raising the funds necessary to begin the publishing process with Ambassador International.Want to help? Well, you can!
Check out our Kickstarter campaign.
The campaign goal is $1,000 right now, but the amount David and I need total is $2500. The fundraising efforts will continue in full force until every penny has been earned. David and I truly appreciate any support or exposure you all can provide.
Here's the link to our Kickstarter campaign again:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596938919/publish-one-way-to-grace

For more information on how to contribute to the publication of One Way to Grace, please email me and David at onewaytograce@gmail.com

Making Grace a Reality

Dawn proudly holding the completed manuscript

Well folks, the book is complete.
Proofreading has been done, submissions made, and a publisher is on board! One Way to Grace is quickly becoming a reality, only one more big step to take.

Because I am a new writer, and David is an everyday man with an incredible but unknown story, we need to raise a small amount of money to invest in the publishing efforts. The publisher we are working with is ready to print, promote, market, and distribute the book as soon as David and I are able to make a $2500 investment. Neither David nor I are rich people, but we are sure that God will help us find a way to reach this funding goal.
Throughout my time as a writer, I've heard stories of expensive self-publishing ventures that ended in disappointment. Let me assure you, this is not self-publishing. The investment is much more similar to the cost of hiring an agent, editor, and publicist. Instead of paying for those services out of the percentage of the book's profits we receive (which David can use to more effectively minister and deliver his testimony to the world) we are taking care of it right up-front.
We are reaching out to you, Dear Reader, for any kind of support you can offer. One Way to Grace will touch so many lives, show so many people how faith and trust in God can transform a man. Not to mention the opportunity to put passages from Scripture and an inspiring testimony into the hands, minds, hearts, and souls of those who need God's love and light in their lives. Even as someone who has not accepted Christ or walked the born-again path that David has, I can attest to the beauty this work has brought into my life, the purpose and relationship with God I have felt since first studying Scripture with David over a year ago.

The needed funding goal is a total of $2500. As we make progress toward that goal, I will update readers here and anyone who chooses to contribute will get regular email updates. Plans are currently being made for a way to easily make contributions through an online platform. Until that option goes live, each contribution will need to be handled personally by either me or David. For information on how to contribute to the One Way to Grace publishing efforts, please email onewaytograce@gmail.com .