Friday, October 30, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 30, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, Luke 2:43

When Jesus was a boy, His family went to Jerusalem, and when they left for home, He was accidentally left behind. When they realized it, they couldn’t do enough to get back and find Jesus. Have you ever enjoyed a wonderful meal at a restaurant, got a “togobox” and then left it on the table? Did you go back, or determine it wasn’t really that important anyway? Too many of us go to worship services and enjoy the presence of Jesus, but as we leave we forget to take Him with us. We left our “togobox” in the seat. Is He important enough to take with us for the week ahead, or do we determine that it wasn’t really that important anyway? Hurry back, and take the name of Jesus with you next time.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit

How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, Acts 20:20

It is great to have to hear that we have 20/20 vision. We can be assured that we will be able to see the things we need to succeed. Some have called what we read in Acts 20:20, the vision that the church needs for success. Paul’s 20/20 vision was to boldly declare everything that was profitable. He was determined to share it publicly and from house to house. How is our vision? Are we seeing clearly what must be done against the schemes of the devil? This is no time to shrink back from bold public teaching of the truth. We need to fill our assemblies, go into the streets, and open our homes for teaching and fellowship. This 1-2-3 punch can put the devil down. Can we see that? When we see it, will we do it?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 28, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

We all have many things on our minds every day. It is necessary give priority of some thoughts over others. Some things need to go into the “back of our minds”, and other things we need to put at the “front of our minds”. Things from the past will always be remembered, but if we can push them back, we will have more room for the tasks of today. Paul had plenty to remember that would keep him from being Christ’s disciple, if he wished to dwell on them. He chose to forget the past, and press on toward his new goals in Christ. Goals to meet the needs of those he met, to give God the glory, and proclaim the name of Jesus. What is in the front of our minds today? Do we have thoughts to press on, or drag us down?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 27, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

A man said that he was so overburdened with troubles and worries, that if anything else went wrong today, it would be two weeks before he could worry about it. Is that the life Christ has in mind for us? Should we let our troubles and worries pile up until we have a backlog that will kill us? God has given us a plan to avoid such a lifestyle. Instead of worry, in everything pray with thanksgiving, giving our trials and worries to God. With that burden lifted, we will have time to give God the glory for our life, and let His light really shine into a troubled and burdened world. When we do it, God promises us a peace beyond what we can understand. Don’t try to figure it out. Just do it!

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, October 26, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 26, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, Hebrew 10:11-12

Under the Old Law, the Levitical High Priest stood daily offering sacrifices that could never take away sins. That is why he was always standing there. When Jesus came to establish His new covenant, He became our High Priest forever, and after His one sacrifice, He sat down at the right hand of God. Take a peek at the high priest that is ministering for you today. Is he standing or sitting? If your priest is standing, it is time to come to Jesus. He is easy to find. He is sitting next to God.


May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Friday, October 23, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 23, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. Romans 16:17-18

Satan dangles the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life in the faces of Christ’s children. The devil helps God’s children surrender as bond slaves of Jesus, and teaches them that they should serve their own appetites instead.. When anyone serves only their own appetites, everyone around them will suffer. Lives will be destroyed, families will be fractured, and dissension will plague the church. The hearts of the unsuspecting will be polluted by such division. May we not be naïve and allow our hearts to be deceived. Let’s be on guard at all times.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:23

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. And Job said, Let the day perish on which I was to be born And the night which said, 'A boy is conceived.' Job 3:1-3

People have mixed feeling about their birthdays. Some people never want to pass 29 or 39, and don’t want anyone to remember their birthdays are coming. Others can’t wait to celebrate and get their party. Job had recently lost everything. He was very low. He cursed the day of his birth and tore the day off his calendar. He didn’t want to celebrate anything at that time. Fortunately, he remained faithful to the Lord, and patiently waited for His blessings. He learned to trust in the Lord and in due time his blessing and joy was restored. Let’s hang in there. We may be down today, but there are better days ahead. Let’s go ahead and plan our party. God is faithful.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 21, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; Ephesians 5:1

The word imitator here comes from a word that means to mimic. Have you every mimicked someone? Sometimes it is done to make fun of someone. We walk like they walk, talk like they talk, laugh like they laugh, and so on. God uses it here in a positive way. He wants us to closely study His nature and then act just like that. When we mimic God, we will find ourselves walking in love, forgiveness and service for others. The next time we find ourselves at a crossroad in life and don’t know just what to do, this is an excellent guide for us. It will keep us off the paths that lead to destruction, and on to the narrow way that leads to life.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 20, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

When Jesus came to earth, the Word, the Logos, was made flesh and they beheld the glory of the Father in heaven. In the Old Covenant, when the glory of the Lord was in the camp, it was in a cloud. When Jesus walked the earth, the glory of the Lord was in Jesus. When we obey the Lord and become a Christian, the Spirit of God dwells in us. As participants of the Divine Nature, the glory of the Lord can now shine through us. The tabernacle is gone, Jesus has ascended into heaven, and God has left His light in jars of clay. We are those “cracked pots” He continues to use. Let the glory be seen in us that will lead souls to obedience.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, October 19, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 19, 2009

Grace for your spirit

A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Proverbs 22:1

When we are people of integrity, when we walk blamelessly, living in the right way, people will notice it. When we establish a record of deceit, dishonesty and inconsistency, people will notice it sooner. If we are Bible students, we can call the names of those with integrity and those who lost their way. Names like Joseph, Job, Daniel, and Samuel, reflect lives of truth and integrity. Name like Samson, David, Jonah, Solomon, Cain, and Judas Iscariot, give us a opposite feeling. What category would we place ourselves in? Which category would our family place us in? What about our church family, and those we meet in the world? Do we have a good name because of our integrity, or a bad name? Most importantly, what category does God put us in? Let’s start today to seek truth, commit to it. ,and establish a good name.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, October 16, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 16, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And it came about, when God caused me to wander from my father's house, that I said to her, 'This is the kindness which you will show to me: everywhere we go, say of me, "He is my brother. Genesis 20:13

Abraham is called the “Father of the faithful.” After he accepted the righteousness of God, his faith grew each day, but it had it weak points at the beginning. As they traveled from Ur to Canaan, Abraham and Sarah made an agreement to protect each other by lying about their marital relationship. Instead of totally trusting in the Lord for protection, they devised a plan of their own. This compromise of their integrity would come back to haunt them when they met people who lived upright in the world. Soon Abraham and Sarah learned that the Lord would provide, and they didn’t need a devious plan of their own. Have we reached that place yet, or do we have a ungodly plan to mix with God’s? Let’s live with integrity. The Lord will provide.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, October 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit

The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:5

The life of Jesus Christ is the true light of the world. When anyone acknowledges His light, and receives His light, there is eternal life for them. The problem is, the devil wishes to keep the world in darkness. Satan blinds the eyes of the unbelievers so they cannot see the true light of God. Then he convinces the world that true happiness is in the darkness. That is the reason the darkness does not comprehend the great benefits of the light. We need to keep shining Jesus into the darkness, and keep proclaiming the light of the world. Jesus possesses the only true and everlasting joy for us.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 14, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." Matt 16:13-14

Many think Jesus was just a good man, or a great prophet. When people don’t know God and don’t know His Word, they won’t know Jesus either. Then Jesus asked his Peter, “Who do you say I am?” Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. It is not surprising when people of the world don’t really know who Jesus is, but it is devastating when the church doesn’t know. If we really want to be His disciple, and build His church, we must know Him, and be ready to testify that He is Lord of all. Jesus said he was the Christ, the Son of God. Will we make Him a liar by denying it, or make Him the basis of our lives?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 13, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it."But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us. Num 13:30-31

Twelve men spent forty days in Canaan and came back with their report. All twelve saw exactly the same things and came back with different views. Joshua and Caleb saw the challenges through the eyes of faith in God. The others ten viewed the obstacles through the eyes of doubt. The two saw that God was bigger than the enemy. The other ten saw that the enemy was bigger than them. How do we look at the challenged before us? Do we see through the eyes of faith or the weakness of our own effort. Can we see what Caleb saw? Can we see that with God, we can win? Let’s take another look through the eyes of faith, and encourage others to see the same way.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, October 12, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 12, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now behold, the LORD has let me live, just as He spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that the LORD spoke this word to Moses, when Israel walked in the wilderness; And now behold, I am eighty-five years old today. I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in. Joshua 14:10-11

What is the age of retirement for the work of the Lord? Should be put the “gray heads” out to pasture, or rely on their wisdom and strength? Here two old warriors, Joshua and Caleb are talking. They are only two men left who came out of Egypt. Today is Caleb’s birthday, and he is 85. He still has the strength to go to war, and the strong mind to come in for counsel. He is ready for the land promised him.. That land will be the land of Judah, and the land of Jesus. He is ready to claim it. Are we ready to gather our strength to claim our land for Jesus, or looking for retirement?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, October 9, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 9, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Galatians 6:1

There are some people who “got caught” in a trespass and are only sorry they got caught. There are others who “are caught”, overwhelmed, and stuck in a trespass, and really want help getting out. II Corinthians tells us that those who “got caught” often only have worldly sorrow that leads to death. Those who are caught and wish to get out, develop a godly sorrow leading to repentance. Christian growth prepares us to help those who are experiencing godly sorrow and want help. Let’s be ready to help them in a spirit of gentleness. That is one of the joys of spiritual development.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, October 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4

The world draws us to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life. It is extremely hard to be totally faithful to the Lord, and not let worldliness draw us away. Have we tried living a double life? Do we want Christ, but they also want the things of the world? Are we spending time wondering why we can’t be happy living a split life? God desires us to be totally His as we dwell with the Spirit He gave us. As Christians, we are the bride of Christ. When we choose to be friends with the world, we are living in spiritual adultery. Will be a friend of God or worldliness? Our happiness depends on our faithfulness to Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? II Cor 6:14-15

A symphony is an agreeable mingling of sounds, blending together. For it to be pleasant everyone needs to play their part and everyone must be on the same song. The church is meant to be a symphony for God. When everyone is playing a different tune, it sounds horrible. Righteousness, light, Christ, and believers together make a sweet sound for God. Mix it with lawlessness, darkness, Belial, and unbelief you have extreme dissonance. When the baton drops, and only part of the people wish to play, and only part of the people wish to harmonize, it hurts God’s ears, our ears, and the ears of the world. Let’s be prepared, be ready, and let the symphony begin.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. Philippians 2:17

In a movie about women’s baseball, called “A League of Their Own”, Tom Hanks caught one of the girls crying about a bad play. He told her she really wasn’t crying, BECAUSE THERE IS NO CRYING IN BASEBALL. He wanted her to see that she was playing a wonderful game, and she was doing her best, and she shouldn’t be depressed over one bad play. Paul was delivering the same message to those in the kingdom here. Sure, Paul was a prisoner, and the work of the kingdom seemed to be suffering, and great sacrifices were being made. Many wanted to cry and quit. Paul encouraged them not to cry, but rejoice over the great work that was being done. We may have a bad day now and then, but we have a wonderful life and a wonderful mission. Let’s not cry, let’s rejoice

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Monday, October 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit

What profit is the idol when its maker has carved it,
Or an image, a teacher of falsehood? For its maker trusts in his own handiwork when he fashions speechless idols. Habakkuk 2:18

Idolatry causes us to trust in the created things instead of our Creator. We put our trust in worldly things rather than our God. That’s why it is wrong and useless. Can a decorated rock or piece of wood become our teacher and Savior? Of course not. Remember the movie, “The 10 Commandments”, when Pharaoh placed his dead son on the idol. That big black rock bird was the god of their underworld. Pharaoh promised the bird everything to bring his son back to life. The bird didn’t speak, and the boy remained dead. As a kid, I knew the bird idea wouldn’t work. I hope I never grow up and think it will work. Let’s trust in the living God for the living.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Friday, October 2, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 2, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16

The Otd Testament people of faith, like Abraham, died without receiving all the promises of God. They never owned land, and they realized they were stranger and aliens in the world. If they had been seeking a earthly home, they had the opportunity to go and claim it, but that were not looking for roots on the earth. By faith, they knew God was preparing a eternal heavenly home for them. May we capture the faith of Abraham. We live in a temporary alien world, and if we aren’t careful, it can become our whole goal in life. May we look beyond any blessings on this earth and yearn for the heavenly city God has prepared for us. This world it not our home, we are just passing through.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23


Thursday, October 1, 2009

Grace for your spirit October 1, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

When we constantly gripe and complain, we have a testimony about our relationship with God. We are saying that we are not happy with what God has done for us, we are not happy about what He is doing now, and we do not believe His promises for our future. Look at the verse again. The promises are for us who love Him, and are called according to His purpose. Instead of complaining, our time would be better spent loving Him more, and centering our lives into His eternal purpose. When we do that, God will cause good and great things to happen for us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23