Friday, December 31, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 31, 2010

Grace for your spirit


Your riches have rotten and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure. James 5:2-3

Jesus warned us that we should lay up our treasures in heaven. Many will do anything to build up riches only to see them rot and fade away. We hide our money in the ground and it rusts. We put our riches clothing, and the moths get to them. We understand that principle, until we get some of those riches in front of us and we tend to forget. As we learn to worship the "green calf", we will cheat, beg, borrow, or steal, to keep on accumulating. This is not the path a Christian should ever be on. If we choose that life, our riches will fade, and our relationship with God and people will fail. That is not the witness we want when we stand before God. Let's quit worshiping the green, and return to the Lord. He will give us all a happy new year.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Grace for your spirit Decembeer 30, 2010

Grace for your spirit
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1

A tour boat on a peaceful lake had its engine die. The boat began drifting toward a dangerous waterfall. The passengers didn't notice it, but they were in trouble. The captain guided the boat into shallow water and blew a hole in the boat, sinking it. A rescue following and a disaster was averted. When we see others who are drifting away from the safety of God and our brethren, often they don't notice it and are content. Danger is near. Pray that someone will sink their pleasure boat, so they can be rescued. How about us? Are we drifting toward danger?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 29, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Now when these things had been complete, the princes approached me, saying, "The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, according to their abominations.....Ezra 9:1

Ezra had a big job on his hands. He was trying to restore spiritual life among those who had just returned from Babylonian captivity. Ezra needed those in leadership roles to be good examples. Their captivity had been caused by their sinful intermingling with worldly people. With the right kind of teaching, positive role models, and perseverance the victory could be won. This news about those who should be spiritual leaders was a extreme disappointment. We certainly have a big job on our hands today too. It is difficult to restore spiritual strength in people, and when our leaders quit, the people perish. Let's encourage our leaders and elders to be faithful. May we hold up their hands and follow them to victory.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, December 24, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 24, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table. Behold for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. Psalm 128:3-4

One of the gifts on feast days was a trip with family to the temple. A man was blessed with his time with family and the Lord. I hope and pray for each of you that you will have a loving family that enjoys spending time together. It is truly a blessing from God. At this Christmas season, we are certainly blessed when can have the warmth of our family about us. May God fill your stocking with an extra portion of grace for your spirit this year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Chrsit be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 23, 2010

Grace for your spirit
And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may be it be done to me according to your word." And they angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

Mary and Joseph were presented with an incredible plan from God. They were assured that the Lord found favor in them and they received the promise that He would be with them. The details were not a problem for either one of them. The trusted that the Lord would make it all work for good. To bring the Son of God into the world, and raise Him for His mission, was a incredible challenge. Nothing they were going to experience had ever happened before, and it was not a problem for them. We all need to follow in the faith of our forefathers. When we are presented with an incredible opportunity to serve the Lord, may we trust in Him to work out the details. Someone's salvation may be at stake.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 22, , 2010

Grace for your spirit
But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity. Micah 5:2

Often a stranger will tell us that they are just passing through. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph were from Nazareth, and they were just passing through for the census. Jesus was just passing through too. He was coming from His home in heaven, from the Godhead. He was from the days of eternity. He would pass through Bethlehem and all of Israel on His trip back to the right hand of His Father. Jesus is not a story from the manger to the cross. His story is from before time began and continues forever. Really, this world is not our home either. We are just passing through too. Jesus would like to meet us all in heaven someday. Let's not disappoint Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 21, 2010

Grace for your spirit
No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. l have the authority to lay it down, and I have the authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father. John 10:18

In this passage Jesus is comparing Himself to a shepherd. A shepherd leads, feeds, and protects their flocks. They will lay down their own lives to defend the fold. Jesus is the good shepherd of His flock. Jesus did exactly that when He willingly went to the cross and died for all our sins. He then rose from the dead, as He promised. Most people think Jesus was killed on the cross by the Romans. That is not true. Jesus chose to sacrifice His life willingly on a cross. He chose, He gave up His spirit, and He arose from the grave. That makes Him our eternal good shepherd.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 20, 2010

Grace for your spirit
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food or with the wine which he drank. Daniel 1:8

As a captive in Babylon, Daniel and his friends would face many challenges against their Godly upbringing. They would be challenged with food laws, language, literature, worship, and even a change of their names. Rather than fortifying themselves to face these challenges, they could have spent their time thinking up excuses for why they couldn't be faithful to God. They were young, they were captives far from home, they could be punished severely,and they could miss great opportunities as future leaders. They decided to do what was right instead. When we are faced with challenges, do we spend our effort thinking of good reasons why we can't comply, or do we begin practicing ways to be faithful to God. God gave them victory for their commitment. What does He have for us?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 17, 2010

Grace for your spirit
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Some of us attend church services for years with very little positive results. We receive instructions by learning, hearing, and seeing, but apply very little to life. The Bible tells we must practice what we learn in order to have great results. I am a genius when it comes to diet plans. I have been on every diet program under the sun. I know calories, carbs, what every food contains. I know what to eat and what to avoid. As smart as I am, I should weigh 100 lbs. but i over overweight. Why? My application and practice is lacking. Is our spiritual application and practice lacking? Let's get back into the Word, and show God what we can accomplish with Him

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 16, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. I John 5:1
Christianity is a package deal. When we become believers in Jesus Christ, we are believers in God, and love all the things of God. Central in the things of God are His children. His children make up the body of Christ, the church, those we worship with every week. We do not have the option to love God, and not love the children born of Him. Ever heard that song, "Walkin' with brethren in heaven on the streets of gold, won't that be glory. But puttin' up with them here, well that's another story"? When we don't love the child born of God, it may be our clue that our love for our Father is falling short too.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 15, 2010

Grace for your spirit
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God
Romans 8:15-16

Through Jesus Christ we are released from the slavery of sin. Now we are free to be adopted by God and be His true child. With Jesus as our Savior and God as our Father, His spirit touches our spirit to give us assurance that we are His children. Our relationship is now close enough to use the intimate name reserved only for His children. Abba! Father! Living in the house of Abba, we have all the rights and privileges of our Dad's inheritance. Let's walk with our head held high. We are children of the King.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 14, 2010

Grace for your spirit
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26

We are saved by grace though faith in Christ Jesus. We do nothing to earn that salvation, but the proof that it has taken place is the works we do and the way we live. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works. He has works planned for us, and we need to yield to His direction. Yielding to Him is the proof that faith is alive in us. Abraham was made right by faith, and when God called him to exercise that faith, his obedience was the proof that his faith was alive. Our physical body is nothing without our spirit, and our faith is nothing if it doesn't produce good works for God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Monday, December 13, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 13, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. Matthew 7:22--23

It is not just saying Lord, Lord that will get us into Christ's kingdom, but doing the will of His Father. Everything about the will of the Father is centered around the cross of Christ. If we do not yield the resurrected Christ, we will never do the will of the Father no matter how much work we do. Without the blood of Christ, we are all directive and no dynamic. We may know what to do, but don't have the power to perform. We may be filled with action, but our attitude is centered in us, not God's will. There is not enough work to be known by God. We must be born into His family by the water and the Spirit. As; His children, the work will follow.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, December 10, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 10, 2010

Grace for your spirit
See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled. Hebrews 12:15

All Christians are given the challenge to run the race set before us, and to help others stay in the race as well. Instilling the grace of God in our brethren will cover and avoid a multitude of sins. Grace not only saves, but grace equips us to overcome our sinful nature. God's grace fills us with the fruits of the Spirit, and is the best preventative against raising bitterness in hearts. Anger and bitterness can defile us and cause us to stumble. Helping is our calling, and we need to see to it.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 9, , 2010

Grace for your spirit
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. I Corinthians 12:26

When God wanted us to know how the spiritual body is supposed to function, He used an example with which we can all identify; our human bodies. All parts of our body is connected to our head, the brains of the operation. When even the smallest part suffers, we hurt all over. If you have ever hit your little toe on a table, or threw your back out, you know what I mean. When we are about to fall on our face, our hands instinctively help break our fall. The hands don't say, "we will pray about it and get back to you." Spiritually we all need to be connected to our head, which is Jesus. Rejoicing is always more fun than suffering, so let's be prepared to work together with our head.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 8, 2010

Grace for your spirit
For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. II Timothy 1:6-7

When a fire begins to diminish, and we want to get the fire going again quickly, we throw on some kindling wood. It catches quickly and keeps the fire going for the big logs. God has given us His gift of the Holy Spirit, and we all need it to be effective in our Christian walk. Have we check our fire lately? If we are becoming a little timid, our power to overcome, our love for others, and our discipline to do what is right has been weak lately, it is time to check the fire. Yes our fire needs attention. Let's rekindle it now before it goes out completely. We all have an manual of instructions to do that. It is the Bible.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 7, 2010

Grace for your spirit
For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an alter with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD' Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. Acts 17:23

When Paul came to Athens, he was bombarded with idolatry. There was a building and monument for every idol under the sun, and one for anyone they might have missed. When Paul taught about the true God of heaven, he wanted to make sure they knew God was not an add-on God. We cannot add on God to our other gods. When we come to truly know Him, we will discover that all those other gods, are no gods at all. The only monument we need is Him in our hearts.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Monday, December 6, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 6, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Submission to God is humble obedience to His will. When we do just what we want to do, that is not submission. When we do the things we don't want to do, because it pleases God, we have learned to walk in submission. It is then that we defeat the devil and he will flee from us. It is not easy to be faithful, available, and teachable. It is the tendency of man to go our own way. When we learn to humbly submit to God, it is excellent preparation to submit to everyone else. There are no limitations on that direction from God. Submission to all is one of the true marks of being His disciple.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, December 3, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2010

Grace for your spirit
And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has given heed to your affliction. He will be a wild donkey of a man. His hand will be against everyone. And everyone's hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers." Genesis 16:11-12

Ishmael was a son of Abraham, and Isaac was the son of Abraham. Ishmael's family would be the Arabs. Isaac's family would be the Jews. They have been at odds with each other for 4,000 years. Jesus came to tear down the walls and create one new race; the Christian race. Jesus died for everyone, yet those on both sides that reject Him are still rebuilding those walls. May we all put down our wall building materials and convert them into bridge building. The bridge that leads to the blood of Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 2, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him, as he was observing the city full of idols. Acts17:16

Paul found himself in Athens Greece, the center of world learning. Like many philosophers, they found a god in everything. They worshiped the gods of mythology, and built temples for them. This attitude about the true God of Heaven provoked Paul. It irritated him and drove him to powerful preaching about the one true God. Some liked his preaching,some did not, but he preached against idolatry with vigor. How does a world full of idols affect us? Are we provoked to teaching or just apathetic? Christians need to fight apathy first, and then false gods with all our heart.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Grace for your spirit December 1, 2010

Grace for your spirit
But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

When Samuel was out to select the future king of Israel, they almost overlooked David because didn't fit the mold they had in mind. King Saul had been a big warrior, and David was a short shepherd boy. God was looking at the heart. Today, if we would spend the time, effort, and money on our "heart appearance", that we spend on our hip and lip, we would look a whole lot better to God. Also we would be better equipped to serve Him.

the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com