Thursday, April 30, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 30, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,   Romans 8:5-6

I never could get that old saying right.  Is it “starve a cold and feed a fever” or is it the other way around?  If it is right, and you do it the other way, what will be the result?  Still have a cold and fever?  God’s remedy for our Christians walk is something like that.  It is starve the flesh, and feed the Spirit.  When we feed the spirit, we will be built up with life and peace.  When we starve the flesh, we will starve sin and death.  The church “obituary list” is filled with believers who forgot which one to feed and which one to starve.  Let’s get it right, and we will be back on our feet very soon.  Enjoy great spiritual health right away with the right medicine.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And Jonathan, Saul's son, arose and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God.  I Sam 23:16

David was in lots of trouble with King Saul chasing him.  Jonathan made a friendship covenant with David to help him.  His friendship was great, but Jonathan took it a step further.  He encouraged him in God.  Jonathan’s words reminded David of the promises and providence of God in his future. The combination of Jonathan’s love, friendship, and reminder of God’s presence, helped David to be encouraged in his darkest hours.  He never forgot Jonathan, and David honored him in his life and in his death.  Let’s make a covenant with someone today and encourage them in God.  Somebody needs it right now.  God will get the glory, and we will get the benefits.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:12

Do we care about the way people treat us?  Are we concerned about the way we treat others.  Does God care how we feel about that?  When God’s word is directing us, we will always reach out to others in a positive way.  When we wear a smile, give a friendly hello, call people by name, show interests in their conversation, give them a feeling of importance, listen without criticizing, let others talk, and give them praise and appreciation, we will open a door of opportunity to share the saving message of Jesus.  Before we meet the next person today, let’s give ourselves a quick self evaluation.  Are we going to treat them the way we would like to be treated?  More importantly, will we treat them the way God would want us to treat them,

 

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Monday, April 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.  Prov 15:13

When we have given our hearts to Jesus, and are filled with His Spirit, our hearts should not be sad and our spirits should not be broken.  God’s business is filling our hearts with joy and feeding our spirit with His love.  As that joy and spirit rises to the surface, it should affect our face.  Has our joyful heart made our face cheerful?  When people want to find joy and fulfillment, will they be drawn to us?  There is a kid’s song that said, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands, stomp your feet, and say Amen” For too many adults, the song needs to say, “If you’re happy and you know it, notify your face.”  Let’s bring a cheerful face into the world today.  It greatly increases our “face value”.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Friday, April 24, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 24, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?     Luke 23:40

This was the question that one thief asked the other the day they both died on the crosses next to Jesus.  The complaining thief certainly did not fear God, and that was one of the reasons he was in that situation.  Many people, even very religious people, have lost their way and don’t know why?  Romans 3:10-18  gives us the answer.  Why do people lose their righteousness, their understanding, quit seeking God, turn aside to worldliness, and put the path of destruction in their future?  Why?  Because, there is no fear of God before their eyes.  It’s not just the problem of the thieves on the cross, but it is a problem we see everyday in our world.  May we bring the fear of God back into focus, and start walking after His Spirit today.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 23, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.  I Timothy 6:11

In life, there are many things we can pursue.  Most people chase after money, power, popularity, and the things of this world.  The word of God encourages us to flee from these things and pursue righteousness, and the things of God.  For which will we reach?  Will we reach for the treasures of this world, or the heavenly world to come?  When our kids were little, we would lay them on the floor and jingle some keys in front of them.  They would learn to crawl by pursing the jingle and the shiny keys.  What jingle and shine appeals to us?  May we be drawn to pursue heavenly treasures that lead us to heavenly places.   

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.   II Corinthians 1:20

The Apostle Paul began his defense before his enemies by proclaiming that all the promises of God in Christ are yes.  Yes, all of God’s promises are true.  Yes, God is always faithful to grant them.  Yes, we will receive them.  Just because everything may not be going our way today, doesn’t mean we won’t have ultimate victory in Jesus.  God has already given us a down payment on all His promises with His Holy Spirit abiding in us.  It is His guarantee that all His promises will be paid in His time.  As we are marching on to Zion, may our testimony of His precious promises by “Yes, and Amen.”  That is the confidence we need to be a testimony of light in a dark world.

 

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 21, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.  Luke 23:28

When Jesus was led to the cross, many got very upset and emotional over His execution.  As Jesus was led away to His death, this was the message for the mourners.  Don’t lose all your tears weeping for Me, I will be all right.  Weep for yourselves and your children for the calamity that awaits you because of the unbelief. God’s people of that day were going to suffer greatly for their rejection of Jesus.  In many ways the same is true today.  Many in religion get very emotional and weep over Jesus, when in fact they should be weeping for themselves.  The kingdom of Christ is not just about emotions and motions.  The kingdom is based on obedience to His word.  If we will not obey from the heart, we will need the tears for ourselves.  Jesus is all right.  How are we?

 

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Monday, April 20, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 20, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb.    John 20:1

God didn’t have the angels roll away the stone so Jesus could get out of the tomb.  The stone was rolled away so we could get in.  The empty tomb is the glory of the sacrifice of Christ.  Everyone in history who claimed to be a spiritual leader died.  Dying is the easy part.  Jesus is the only Master who rose from the dead and is alive.  Our salvation is based on His death and resurrection. The proclamation of that fact began the day the followers of Jesus walked into His empty tomb.  There have many religions and prophets that have visited the world.  Jesus is the only one with an open and empty tomb.  Come on in and spread that message to the world.

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, April 17, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 17, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  I Corinthians 1:18

What is the cross to us?  The Bible proclaims that we are saved by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  That salvation gives us victory, and we are the fragrance of Christ in every place.  To the redeemed that aroma is the smell of life.  To the lost, the same aroma is the smell of death.  When we bring the cross before people, lost souls think that teaching is foolishness.  When we find people who think the cross of Christ is foolishness, we should never leave the lost soul without trying to bring them to faith in Christ.  If they don’t come, they will most certainly perish.  Could we  help rescue the perishing?

 

 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 16, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.   Hebrews 13:15-16

God is pleased with sacrifices.  In the Old Covenant, the priests would continually bring burnt offerings to God.  The smoke of those sacrifices rose to heaven as a tribute to their faithfulness.  When we sing praises to God, bow our knees in the prayer of thanks, do good things and share, these are our sacrifices in the New Covenant.  The fruit of our lips and hands is the fire burning in our lives as a sacrifice to God.  How much smoke is coming from our sacrifices?  May we make a commitment that the smoke of our sacrifices will be a constant and lasting.  Let’s keep the fire burning in our lives every day.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit

However, the king said to Araunah, "No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price, for I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God which cost me nothing.”  II Sam 24:24

King David knew the meaning of sacrifice.  If he sacrificed something that belonged to someone else, what would that mean?  Not much to David or God.  Once there was a business man who was thinking of making a large donation to a church in China.  As he visited there, he noticed a family of five pulling a plow.  He was informed that the family sold their ox for their church, even though they knew they would have to replace the ox with their own power.  The businessman realized that the gift he was planning on giving, even though it was much more, paled in comparison to this family.  Is our giving really costing us anything, or is it just something extra we can spare?  That’s the same question Jesus asked the Pharisees after the widow brought one small coin to give.  They didn’t get it.  Will we?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.  Joshua 21:45

Joshua had experienced a lifetime of the Lord’s promises and providence in his life.  From the plagues of Egypt, through the Red Sea, across the burning deserts, and into the promised land, all of God’s promises were faithful.  Joshua had seen a whole generation die in the wilderness, and then led God’s people in wars to take the land that He had promised them.  Here in his eighties, he looked back on his experiences with God.  He realized that God kept every promise He had made to them.  Through all of their unfaithfulness and rebellion, God had always been faithful.  It is a record that still stands today.  Why do we trust in our governments and our businesses to provide, when their record is horrible; then doubt the Lord God who has a perfect record? 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Monday, April 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!"  Job 2:9

Almost anyone would have evaluated Job as depressed.  In a short period of time all of his children were murdered, and all of his possessions were taken.  What the enemy didn’t destroy, the weather finished off.  Then his health failed, and he was left with nothing but misery. Without the options of bankruptcy, reorganization, or a government bailout, what could he do?  His wife had a very bad suggestion.  “Curse God and die?”  When our finances have “tanked”, our family is gone, our future is dim, and our health is failing, that is not a good time to curse God.  In fact, we need to strengthen our relationship with Him, since He is the only solution to all our troubles.  Thankfully Job held fast and we can still count on him for inspiration.  Will anyone be able to count on us for encouragement in troubled times?  Let’s hold fast to the Lord.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, April 10, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 10, 2009

Grace for your spirit

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body.  Jn 19:38

The day Jesus died on the cross most of His apostles had scattered and were hiding.  Who would step up and care for the body of Jesus?  Joseph had been a secret disciple up to that day, and Nicodemus who first came to Jesus by night, was also a disciple living in the shadows.  When they saw their Savior on the cross, they could not longer be secret followers.  The cross before them changed their lives and made them bold in the presence of their enemies.  By faith we all need to come to the cross of Jesus.  We need to let that experience bring us out of the shadows, and proclaim our loyalty to Him.  May we all find the courage of Joseph and Nicodemus to begin a life of service for our Lord.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Grace for your spirit April9, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering.  Ezra 9:4

Ezra was in charge of teaching and disciplining the remnant of Judah after they had returned from captivity.  Many were returning to the same lifestyle they had before bondage. Ezra called for everyone who was faithful, and trembled because of the situation, to gather together for prayer.  Would we have been in that group?  In our world of sin, people seem to get worse every day.  Even among the church, we see a problem of unfaithfulness spreading like wildfire.   The faithful of the church need to be gathered together in prayer, making plans to strengthen the body for the challenges ahead.  When the church is called to prayer and service, will we be there?  If we plan to be there  “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”, let’s be there now too.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit

So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.   Matthew 6:2

Whenever we do something good for someone, are we only thinking about our reward?  When we complete a service for God, is our goal only the praise we will receive right now?  Jesus told us that when we receive all our rewards here, we forfeit the eternal repayments in heaven.  We should all seek unselfish volunteer work in the name of the Lord.  Work that pays us nothing now, nor brings any praise to us, will be rewarded eternally by God. There are already plenty of hypocrites in the churches and on the streets serving themselves.  God needs unselfish dedication in His church and on His streets. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:12

This “golden rule” is tested in many ways every day.  I often think of it when I am in a line.  A line at the grocery store, or a line at the stop light.  When I am way back in the line, it is really nice for people to hurry a little and make a way for me.  We all like that consideration, but how are we when we are at the front of the line?  When was the last time we hurried along, or made a place for a person in a hurry with just one item?  If we like it when others treat us that way, we should love showing others the same treatment.  We can spend our day saying to others, “have a nice day.”  Why not try doing something to help others really have a nice day?  It is what God has been trying to teach us all along.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, April 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit

I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David's sake.  II Kings 20:6

Hezekiah had been a great king of Judah.  His life was about to be cut short by an illness, and he asked God for more time.  God granted his request for the great work that he could yet do.  God did His part, but Hezekiah did not.  With his additional fifteen years, Hezekiah dropped the ball.  He quit and opened his life up to the enemy.  He did nothing to prepare the kingdom for the future.  Isaiah came to him and asked what people were seeing in his house.  They most certainly were not seeing God.  His kingdom went from triumph to tragedy.  It would have been better for him to die early, than live to bring ruin to his life.  God has given us additional days to serve.  What are we doing with the time, and what do people see in our house?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Friday, April 3, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 3, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!"   Matthew 14:30

In the middle of the Sea of Galilee, on a dark and stormy night, the apostle Peter received his PhD in faith.  Seeing Jesus walking on the water, Peter stepped out of the shadows, stepped out of the boat and began to do the impossible.  He walked on the water with his eyes on Jesus.  As long as he walked with Jesus, he walked on water.  Soon, Peter came to realize he was doing the impossible.  He took his eyes off Jesus and began to look at his circumstances.  At that point he needed Jesus even more.  Jesus has a walk of faith for all of us that is supernatural too.  When focus on Christ, we can make that walk.  When we look at our circumstance, we will sink like Peter.  Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and walk with Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Grace for your spirit April 2, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,  Eph 2:14

Jesus came to earth to be a bridge builder, tearing down walls.  His death on the cross tore down the walls between God and his people, building a bridge of grace and faith.  The Jews and Gentiles both wanted walls, but Jesus knew they really need a bridge.  With His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brought peace and created a new race.  No longer Jews or Gentiles, but a new man in Christ called Christians.  When we choose to follow Christ, we are to become like Him.  We need to build bridges for people; bridges to God and bridges to understanding among men.  God has left a stack of wood in our lives.  Will we use that wood to build a wall or a bridge?  As the song goes, “If we build a wall our world will be small, but a bridge of love will conquer all.”

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Worship, Class, and Fellowship Opportunities

Northwest Church of Christ
US 41 N @ Florida Ave Terre Haute, In
The Church is located on the West Side of U.S 41 North,
One half mile North of the 41-63 interchange in Terre Haute
Sunday 9:30 AM Classes in Ephesians
Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Services 
Sunday6:00 PM  Classes on Building Our Spiritual Houses
Wednesday 7:00 P.M. Classes Ministry from Timothy

Sunday, May 10th is Mother's Day.  We will be honoring all our women with our annual Mother's Day Cook out.  Dinner will be served right after morning worship services.  Come and enjoy


We will be participating in the commodity drive for the Shults-Lewis Children's Home of
Valparaiso, Indiana.  This year's item is cookies.  Start bringing your cookies on April 12th.  The pick up date this year is May 17th.  

Grace for your spirit April 1, 2009

                             Grace for your spirit

We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he commanded us, not to drink wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons or our daughters,9nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; and we do not have vineyard or field or seed.  Jeremiah 35:8-9

The Rechabites were an interesting family.  They obeyed the voice of their father and were blessed for it.  Since they did not tie themselves to possessions and did not live in the excesses of this world, they were able to live well in good and bad times.  Jeremiah used that as an example of how we all should live.  As we all face the uncertain challenges of these days, what will be our path to victory.  May I suggest the example of the Rechabiltes.  1) Obey the voice of our heavenly Father.  2) Don’t tie ourselves to material things.  3) Avoid the excesses of the world.  Isn’t the abuse of these three things, some of the reasons we have the troubles we do? 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com