Friday, May 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For the heart of this people has become dull. With their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return and I would heal them. Matt 13:15

This is the reason for all the sin, rebellion, and lack of healing throughout the ages. It is the reason the Jews rejected the Law, the Prophets, and the Christ. It is the reason the church has been rejected from the first century until now. God has always reached out to his creation and tried to give us earthly blessings and eternal life. What has He received in return? Dull hearts, closed ears, closed eyes, and hard hearts. We need to find an opening in the eyes, ears, and hearts of the lost. The devil keeps creating “dead zones” to block reception of God’s Word. We must keep trying to create a connection to spread His good news. Let’s ask someone again today, “Can you hear me now?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, May 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:32

Many religious people brag that they know the Word of God, and they know the consequences of breaking the Word, but it is only an academic exercise. The Word is not practiced in their lives. They believe they are above that condemnation, and even give hearty approval to all those practicing evil. The Bible calls for Christians to put aside the old man of sin, and live as a new man. The new man in Christ does not participate in deeds of darkness, but instead exposes those deeds. How about us? Do we just know the Word, or do we know it, put it into practice, and help others to the same? James tells us that anyone who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household." And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. Mk 6:4-5

When God’s people did not honor Him as their Father, it limited the good He could do for them. When Jesus was not honored as Lord, it limited the good He could perform for His people. Honor is the glue that holds all relationships together. If we want the best out of our relationship with God, Jesus, our family, our church, and our world, try honor first. There is no relationship between friends or enemies that cannot be healed and improved with honor. Every command and every promise can be reached when the way is paved with honor.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Grace for your spirit May25, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness II Corinthians 12:8-9

The Apostle Paul had thorn in the flesh. A messenger of Satan sent to buffet him. Paul really wanted to get rid of this encumbrance so he prayed, prayed and prayed for it to leave, but it would not. What would be our advice to Paul? You need more faith, you need to work a little harder, you need to go to church more often? Here was God’s answer. I will give you the grace to live with this thorn and I will give you power to perfect your ministry even with this weakness. The victory for Paul would not be instantaneous. God would give him his victory in his service. What thorn in the flesh do we have today? If God is not going to remove it, let Him use it to give us power to overcome and enjoy victory.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Friday, May 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

Are we trying to live a good enough life to merit salvation?  Are we trying to work our way into heaven?  Do we always feel like we are falling short of what we ought to be?  If we are trying to be a Christian by our own effort, we have missed the point and will always fall short.  Righteousness, salvation, and a home in heaven are gifts of God.  If we could try harder and be what God wanted, then there would have been no need for Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  Let’s accept the gift of salvation through faith, and let’s quit beating our head against the wall.  The good life and the good works are a result of receiving His gifts, not a way to get them. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 21, 2009

                                    Grace for your spirit

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.  Judges 21:25

The kingdom of God is not a democracy where we all get a vote.  The kingdom is not a dictatorship where one man gets to push everyone around.  The Kingdom of God is a Theocracy.  God is the king and only authority.  We cannot just do what is right in our own eyes, we must do what is right in His eyes.  The book of Judges is a chronicle of one disaster after another.  God’s people were constantly in turmoil due to their bad decisions and tendencies to follow idols.  That much is still the same today.  When we do what is right in our own eyes, we will make bad decision, follow idols, and live in turmoil.   Let’s put God on the throne of our lives and let the king rule.  His way is always the right way, and the best way.

 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Grace for your spirit May20, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt.  I Samuel 15:2

All the way on the trip from Egypt to the Promised Land, the armies of Amalek were in the way of God’s plans.  Just out of Egypt, and at the door of the promise land, Amalek fought against God’s people.  God chose King Saul 400 years later to punish that nation and completely destroy them.  Agag, King of the Amalekites thought surely he could talk his way out of this one, but he was wrong.  When we set ourselves against the purposes of God, there will be judgment.  If that has been our direction in life, we need to repent and pray before judgment comes our way.  Once we stand in judgment before the Lord, we won’t be able to talk our way out.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 19, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves        II Peter 2:1

Often people say “Wouldn’t it be great if all religions could just agree and get along.”  Do we recognize that such agreement would require our willingness to compromise on unbendable doctrines?  We must remember that there are many false prophets in religion, and many destructive heresies.  There are churches the deny Jesus is the Son of God.  Would we want to stand in agreement with that?  The standard for everyone agreeing and getting along has already been published.  The inspired Word of God must be the only standard for unity.  That Word calls for one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.  Which “one” are we willing to change to two or more?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, May 18, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 18, 2009

Grace for your spirit

The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.    Romans 14:22-23

We all have to make decisions each day about what we will do, and what we will not do.  Many times we give ourselves permission to do things that we know that are wrong.  We doubt if we can live in such a way, and our own doubts condemn us.  God tells us that the key to happiness is to have a faith that gives us convictions.  Then that faith gives us direction about the things that are right.  Whatever we do, if our actions do not come from faith, they are sin for us. Let’s stop asking others what we can and cannot do.  May our faith in God direct all our steps in life..

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, May 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit

To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.  John 10:3-4

Why did Jesus use the pictures of sheep and shepherds when he was teaching us how to live?  Well, sheep were everywhere then, and they were a good example of how much we need a shepherd too  It was understood that sheep were generally selfish, stubborn, stupid, and straying.  They needed to shepherd to save them and feed them. The loving shepherd provided all their needs.  The comparison to lost souls is perfect.  Lost souls need to hear the voice of the loving shepherd to bring them into the sheepfold, and lead them to safe pastures.  That shepherd is Jesus.  As the Psalm said, when the Lord is our shepherd, we shall not want.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, May 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit

He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.  Colossians 1:18

Is it all right to stay in a church where Jesus Christ is not first?  In an assembly where Christ is not the head of the body, and the focus of all praise and worship?  Can we make an assumption that Christ is first when His name is never mentioned, and His sacrifice is overlooked?  Many churches have wandered away from the truth following a man and rules.  One day we wake up and find out that the church we are in is not Christ’s church.  When we are not in Christ’s church, we are just a group of people meeting together.  Let’s start a movement to bring Christ back into preeminence in everything.  Without the head, the body will not function as it should.  He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit

For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.  I Thes 1:9-10

The faithful in Thessalonica gave the apostle Paul and Silas a grand reception.  It was evident that they had turned to God, were faithfully serving, and patiently waiting for Jesus.  The arrival of God’s messenger had increased their faith and excited them greatly.  If the Apostle Paul was coming to our congregation to worship and work with us, what kind of reception would he receive?  Does our faithfulness show in our enthusiasm for others?  The news of their faithfulness was spreading throughout the land. What is the news spreading about our church?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Grace for your spirit May12, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.    Psalm 42:5

David hoped for better days ahead.  He hoped to be restored to his fellowship with God.  In the meantime, while he was in distress, he was ridiculed by his enemies. God encouraged him not be distressed or disturbed by the discouragement of non-believers.  When the rebellious, idolaters, and pagans, asked him, “Where is your God?” he was directed to hope in God and look to a bright future.  The same thing can happen to us today.  Often when we need encouragement the most, we are faced with those who ridicule our faith asking, “Where is your God?”   Here the answer I like. God is the same place He was the day Jesus died on the cross for us.  He is doing a great work for us, and waiting for us to turn to Him. Hope in God and praise His Holy Name for better days ahead.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, May 11, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 11, 2009

Grace for your spirit

When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment.  But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."  Luke 14:12-14

Did you know there is a big difference between fellowship and hospitality?  They sound the same and we use them the same, but they are different.  Fellowship is giving to those who can give to us.  Hospitality is sharing with those who cannot repay.  Is there any repayment for selfless hospitality?  Yes, God pays it full.  Fellowship fills up our earthly treasure chests.  Hospitality fills our heavenly treasure.  Fellowship is great, but let’s not stop with that.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, May 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 8, 2009

                                  Grace for your spirit

HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.  Ephesians 6:2-3

We know there are thousands of commands and promises in God’s Word.  These relate to our relationship with God, and our relationship with people.  If there is a “glue” that holds these commands and promises together, that “glue” is honor.  Without honor our relationship with God and other people will fall apart.  The first time that was specifically mentioned was in the Ten Commandments.  God has told us that honoring our father and mother is the formula for a long life and a good life.  Let’s not try to substitute honor with something else.  As Christians, let’s lead the way in displaying honor.  With honor, have a Great Lord’s Day, and a Happy Mother’s Day.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, May 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Matt 13:44

The kingdom of heaven is the source of every blessing in this present world, and the eternal heavenly world to come.  It is the pearl of great price that very few will find.  When we discover the treasure, what will we give up to obtain it?  What can we part with for this great pearl?  The truth of the matter is that everything we have in this world does not compare with its value.  When we know the true value of God’s riches, will we be willing to surrender all we have for it?  Until we are ready and willing to make such a sacrifice, it is unlikely we will really know the value of Christ’s kingdom.  May we all experience the joy that comes when we let go of this world for Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Grace for your spiritMay 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.   Matthew 7:21

Just because we look at our watch, doesn’t mean we will be on time for anything.  We use our watch to help us be on time.  It helps us to do what we are supposed to do.  Just because we have a Bible, go to church, and say ‘Lord, Lord’, doesn’t mean we will go to heaven.  We use the Bible, His church, and our testimony to do His will in our lives.  Jesus went to the cross to complete God’s will for us.  We must go to the cross of Christ, be born again, and walk after His Spirit.  When we surrender to His will, we can enjoy the entrance into His kingdom.  Got the time?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit

I know a man who was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.     II Cor 12:4

How did Saul become the Apostle Paul when he had never walked with Jesus?  What was he doing for those three years between his conversion and his public ministry?  It seems he experienced a trip to the third heaven, the dwelling place of God, for revelations no one could get on earth.  When we want better television reception, we throw away those rabbit ears, and go for the satellite dish.  The height and power of the satellite gives us much better reception than the antenna ears on our TV.  When it comes to knowing God’s will, do we get it on earth or go to heavenly source?  From this world our reception is HD; hardly decipherable. When our signal comes from above we can have HD; heavenly direction. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, May 4, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 4, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Roam to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem And look now and take note And seek in her open squares, If you can find a man, If there is one who does justice, who seeks truth, Then I will pardon her.    Jeremiah 5:1

God offered a great gift to His people in Jerusalem.  It was the gift of a pardon.  It was a pardon releasing them from their punishment at the hands of their enemies.  They could have accepted and received that pardon by knowing the right thing to do and doing it.  They did not, the pardon was revoked, and Jerusalem was destroyed.  The ultimate pardon was achieved for all of us when Jesus died on the cross.  His sacrifice brought us all a pardon from all our sins.  To accept His pardon, we must obey from the heart.  When we refuse, the pardon is also revoked for us.  A pardon that is not accepted is no pardon at all.  How long will God have to look for someone who is willing to accept His pardon?  Will he find that desire in us, or will we face destruction? 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, May 1, 2009

Grace for your spirit May 1, 2009

                                              Grace for your spirit

Your eyes are too pure to approve evil, and You can not look on wickedness with favor.   Why do You look with favor on those who deal treacherously?  Why are You silent when the wicked swallow up those more righteous than they?  Hab 1:13

When we are facing trials and tribulations, do we question God’s perspective and decisions?  When this prophet found out that the ruthless Chaldeans were going to overrun Judah, he assumed God was making a mistake.  He decided to remind God of His error.  The prophet did not realize that God was using the enemy to ultimately make His people better.  When we realize that the trials and tribulations we face with God, are a path to our improvement, we will learn to yield to Him.  When Habakkuk got the message, he could only say, “The Lord is in His Holy temple.  Let all the earth keep silent before Him.”  In other words, it was time for him to shut up and trust.  He got them message.  Have we?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23