Friday, December 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you. Joshua 3:5

Joshua was addressing the nation of Israel as they prepared to cross over Jordan into their promised land. It had been a long disappointing journey through the wilderness, and the needed a special dedication to face the challenges before them. With Canaan before them, they needed to remember that the Lord was with them. What would happen in the coming days, would depend on their dedication from today on. We stand just over the river from our promised land today as well. For many of us, it has been a disappointing journey and we are in great need of renewal and rededication. With the commitments we make today, we pave the road for our success tomorrow. May all of our roads lead to the glory of the Lord.
Happy New Year.

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

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 29, 2011

Grace for your spirit
After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. Matthew 2:9
Contrary to the popular belief, the wise men didn't make it to the manger. The visited Jesus about 1 1/2 years later at the house He was living in. The star was still guiding them to bring the gifts for this God, Man, King. Someone said that if it would have been wise women, they would have asked directions, got there early, helped with the delivery, and brought a casserole. The wise men helped in a different way. Their valuable gifts may have financed the trip of Jesus' family to Egypt, escaping the sword of Herod. God works for His good in many ways. In the coming year, search how He may equip us to build His kingdom. Whatever we do, let's make sure we are following His Star.

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

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me. Numbers 14:27

If we let the grumbling of the masses affect our living and teaching, soon we will be sitting with the grumblers. Israel grumbled against Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb when they didn't get their way. Those four men took it to God, and let Him take care of it. Grumbling was the cause of so many sins for the children of Israel and it is also a plague for us. Philippians urges us to do all things without grumbling and complaining. When we are covered up with it, let's turn to the Lord, and let His Word guide us to a fruitful walk. If there is any vengeance to be taken, let it be the Lords.

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

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they and where have they come from?" ....And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:13-14

How can we come out of this great tribulation with purity? Remember the words to the old gospel hymn, THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD. How can we be free from the burden of sin? How can we over evil a victory win? How can we be free from our passion and pride? How can our sins stains be lost in the life giving flow? Will we be able to do service for Jesus our king? Will we live daily His praise to sing? None of these things can be accomplished by our own effort, but there is power in the blood. So, come to the cleansing from Calvary's tide. There is wonderful power in the blood. We need it to stand before the Lamb in white robes, and spend eternity with Him.

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

Monday, December 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit
The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment. II Peter 2:9

This passage is a contrast about God's judgment and mercy. He punished angels, but saved Noah. He destroyed Sodom, but saved Lot. In fact in all of Scripture, those who walked with God were rewarded, and those who rebelled were punished. That pattern has been set before us as a guide and a warning. God knows how to reward and punish. He also knows our heart, so guard it everyday.

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

Friday, December 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and the shall call his name Immanel, which translated means, "God with us." Matthew 1:23

Mary had a little lamb, His fleece was white as snow. This nursery rhyme accurately describes the entry of Jesus into this world. Jesus was the lamb of God, without spot of blemish. He was the lamb of God to be sacrificed and take away the sins of the world. Only God with us could deliver us. When Jesus was in the temple at age 12, he amazed the scholars, seeing this lamb at school. Everything Jesus did was amazing and He accomplished amazing things. At this season, let's remember and honor the lamb who came from the days of eternity, to give us a wonderful eternity. Let's praise His holy name, because Jesus is the reason for every season.
Merry Christmas to you all and God bless

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

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hand of sinners. Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand. Matthew 26:45-46

Why were Jesus' closest apostles asleep that night instead of standing watch? Jesus was about to be betrayed. The Garden of Gethsemane would be filled with a mob in minutes, and Jesus was praying. They were sleeping because they were completely unaware of the danger that was just around the corner. Soon Jesus would be arrested and they would be scattered into the bushes. Would it be a good time to be alert and ready for action? The same could be asked of us. With the great commission before us, why are most of us asleep at the switch? The name of Jesus is being trampled under by a sin sick world. As disciples, we have the power to make a difference. Let's be alert and ready for action each day. Our hour is at hand this time.

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

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit
I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears, my eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries. Psalm 6:6-7

David is describing his miserable life to us all. He was King of Israel with all the material blessing anyone could ask for, but his sins would not let him rejoice or rest. He was drowning in his tears day and night. In another Psalm, he revealed that his vitality was drained away like the fever heat of summer. He could buy a great bed and and couch, but he couldn't buy a good nights sleep. When David found a way to repent before God and man, his life was refreshed, and renewed. We may think we are better off when we keep our sins to ourselves, but may we let the wisdom of God's Word lead us in the right path. The path of repentance, confession, and refreshment in the presence of the Lord, and others

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

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit
She said, "the Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free," But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. Judges 16:20

Samson was the strong man of Israel. He was called to be a great judge and deliver his people from their enemies, the Philistines. He had a lot of power, but he never found the wisdom to use that power for good. He spent most of his adult life naively and foolishly sleeping with the enemy. Only he and God knew the secret to his strength, but he toyed with those who wanted to destroy him. He foolishly thought that he could overcome any obstacle, but he was wrong. He revealed the truth about the secret in his long hair to Delilah, and she did him in. With his hair cut, the Lord and his strength left him without him knowing it. Without the Lord, he had no defence against his enemies, and ended up weak, blind, and dead. God has given us all a great commission. May we not be naive and foolish, giving our strength away. The Lord needs us to be strong and deliver His people from the world.

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

Monday, December 19, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 19, 2011

Grace for your spriit
Jesus said to her, "If you knew the gift of God. and who is it who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. John 4:10

As Christmas day draws near, many of us are still looking for that perfect gift. As we wearily continue to search. the joyous season can turn into a miserable season. Let's not forget that there are gifts that last for more than a day, and are appreciated for more than a minute. This woman at the well was looking for water that would last a day, and she got living water than lasted for eternity, and changed her life. God has great gifts for us. The gift of eternal life. The gift of peace and rest, and the gift of material blessings His gifts can encourage us, sustain us, and give us real joy. As people open their hearts and mind to Jesus, perhaps the greatest gift we can give is Him. It is free, no shipping, and no wrapping. You will be thanked for many seasons to come.

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

Friday, December 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit
You shall have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3

Nothing angers God more than seeing His children bow before other gods. These idols have been the ruin of mankind since the beginning. When we split our allegiance between God and our idols, we always suffer. When we wise up and bow before the only true God, lives improve. I walked into a room the other day and saw a large number of young people sitting silently with their heads bowed. What I thought was a prayer meeting turned out to be a room full of people working on their I-Phones. Texting, surfing, and face booking, silently. Can things like this become an idol? What are we focusing on today? What are we bowing before? Is our technology ever before us, or is it the presence of God?

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

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of the were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, the all got drowsy and begin to sleep. Matthew 25:1-5

This is a word picture about us being ready to meet Jesus. Jesus is our bridegroom, and we are the brides in waiting. We don't know when He is coming, so we need to be ready at all times. It is foolish for us to doze off without taking care of our spiritual business first. These foolish virgins thought they would be able to get ready later, but they were wrong. The bridegroom came and they missed out. Five were prudent, five were foolish. Five were prepared, five were not. Five went in, five were on the outside looking in. The prudent thing for us to do each day is be ready to meet Jesus. Let's not be foolish and put our preparations off until later. "O Prepare To Meet Your God."

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

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him, saying, "This man began to build and was not able to finish. Luke 14:28-30

Why so many decisions to follow Christ and yet so few disciples? We can make a decision to fill out a card, say a prayer, be baptised, and place membership, but then what happens? A disciple is a follower and learner of Jesus. It is a continuing process. That process is more than a one day event, and the costs of that following can be more than we counted on. Failure to count the costs and the willingness to pay the price is the reason so many start then quit. When we decide to climb a mountain, we can't carry everything we own with us. As we climb, we must give up things or give up the summit. Holding on too tight to the world, will ruin our climb, and cause us to turn back. Take another look at the summit. Count the costs, and pay the price. It will be worth it to us, and all who follow our example.

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

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 13, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9

God knows the challenges we face in this world and He wants to arm us with the weapons of warfare. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the beginning of knowledge. We gain knowledge by studying the Scriptures, and we gain wisdom by asking God to give us understanding. When we renew our commitment to Bible study and prayer, we renew out commitment to be faithful at all times. Will we accept the personal challenge to pray, study, and interact with others? Our first step is to fear the Lord and commit ourselves to regular Bible study with others. God knows it is the key to fruitful living.

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

Monday, December 12, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 12, 2011

Grace for your spriit
And He said to them, "Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life, or to kill?" But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, "stretch out your hand." And he stretch it out, and his hand was restored. Mark 3:4-5

Are we practical, legal or a helper? Every time Jesus reached out to help someone in need, somebody else had a problem. Somebody thought it couldn't be done. Another thought it was against the law. Still others thought the person didn't deserve the help. The popular response is to find a reason not to help. That way we don't have to put out any effort, and can rationalize our actions. Who is our brother anyway? Let's not be judges. Let's be interns for the Great Physician.

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

Friday, December 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?" Genesis 4:6

When Cain brought an unsatisfactory offering to the Lord, he became angry at the confrontation. Rather than becoming better, he became bitter. That bitterness led to the murder of his brother. Looking down and looking back in the face of sin is a sign of rebellion and shame. Upward and forward is the look of repentance and commitment. Our look tells much of the story. When our transgression is revealed by God's Word, do we look down in sadness and shame, or up with repentance? Our look can tell us alot about what our future will be. May our countenance not fall in shame. Let's look up and live.

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

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
II Peter 1:16

The best testimony of any event is an eyewitness. Peter was just that. He walked with Jesus up on the Mt of Tranfiguration. He heard the voice of God say, "This is my beloved Son." Peter walked, talked, and was filled with the Holy Spirit. For this reason, his prophetic word is sure and will lift us up when we turn to it. The Bible is not just stories, or personal opinions. The Scriptures are God speaking to us. By faith, we not can have a sure testimony as well.

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

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and teh woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" Mark 4:37-38

The apostles were crossing the Sea of Galilee with Jesus, when suddenly they were in a storm. Would they weather the storm? Would they die at sea? The storm in their hearts was as strong as the storm on the sea. How could Jesus sleep in such a situation? Jesus was secure with His Father. He was confident in the mission God had given Him. He had faith. All of these things He wished He could see in His apostles, but did not. Jesus calmed the sea, and then He calm their fears. He hoped that it would build their faith, so they could weather the storms ahead. How about us? Can we sleep in the storms of life? Do we have the faith that God will calm our storm and calm our hearts? As the hymn says, "Hold me fast, let me stand, in the hallow of Thy hand. Keep me safe 'til the storm passes by."

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

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit
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." So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out. Number 13:31-32

A committee report of unfaithful men condemned a whole generation from entering the promised land. Twelve went in to spy out the land. Joshua and Caleb saw the Lord's plan, and the other ten saw only the enemy. The multitude numbering nearly three million souls, decided to go with the majority vote of the committee, even though the report was against the will of God. For lack of knowledge, and unfaithful leadership, they perished in the wilderness. Even today too many make their spiritual decisions based on a committee report of unfaithful leaders. It is time for us to know the will of the Lord, and know if we are being led astray or not. A committee once met to design a horse. They ended up with a horse that had three humps. They called it a camel. Let's beware of what is being designed for us

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

Monday, December 5, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1:12

In order to share in any inheritance, we must be in the will of the giver. We have become qualified to inherit the blessings of God, being born into His family by the blood of Jesus Christ. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, God redeemed us from our sins, rescued us from slavery, and transferred us into His kingdom. We could never qualify by any of that by any effort of our own, and that is why we need to be so thankful for His grace. Let's give thanks. Our future is secure when we are in His will.

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

Friday, December 2, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 2, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolater, and everyone who loves and practices lying. Revelation 22:15

We might not be shocked at those who are outside of heaven's gates, except for the ones who love and practice lying. Loving and practicing lying is a serious matter with God. In Proverbs 6, there is a list of seven things that God hates. Lying is listed twice as an abomination. Steve Erkle, famous pre-teen tv comedian and philosopher, once said,"Lying is like wearing your grandma's underwear. It might cover you once, but if you do it on a regular basis, you've got a real problem." If we call ourselves a Christian, and we love and practice lying, we have a real problem too. A life problem and an eternal problem. Let's not end up on the outside looking in.

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

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Grace for your spirit December 1, 2011

Grace for your spirit
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you. But to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humble with you God. Micah 6:8

Buried deep in the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament in a book most people can't even find, there is one verse that defines Godly living. The Lord has told us what is good and what He requires of us. Do what is right. Love and extend mercy, and walk humble with your God. Almost every command in the Bible could be fulfilled with those three things. Jesus put in another way in Matthew 22. Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourselves. He said every law hangs on these two truths. Put these two verses together, and go tell it on the mountain.

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

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

With God, His Word, & Our efforts, let's find new ways to encourage. May this acronym be helpful.
E- Enthusiasm and energy to support others
N -Next time, you'll do better
C-Compassion for those in need
O-Open lines of communication
U-Understanding the feelings of others
R-Rooting for those who need our support
A-Arranging our schedules to be available
G-Going the extra mile
E-Entertaining those who need a lift
M-Modeling a Godly lifestyle
E-Empowering others to succeed
N-Never giving up
T-Taking time to praise and uplift

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

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. II Corinthians 11:2

Will we be there for the wedding supper of the lamb? The wedding celebration is pretty flat when the bride doesn't show up. When we are washed in the blood of the Lamb, we are betrothed to our bridegroom, Jesus Christ. The principle of the betrothal is a commitment to remain pure until the wedding day. The main part of our preparation for the wedding is to remain pure, washed in the blood of the Lamb. When we lose that commitment, we are guilty of spiritual adultery. Let be faithful so we can enjoy our marriage throughout eternity.

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

Monday, November 28, 2011

What To Expect At The Northwest Church of Christ

MEMBERS OF CHRIST'SCHURCH
1)Believing that the church is the called out of Christ; and the fellowship of the saved
2)Believing in one eternal all-knowing, all-powerful Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3)Believing that Jesus was made flesh, born of a virgin, and lived with us without sin
4)Believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven
5)Believing the Bible is God’s inspired word that provides our standard of right and wrong, and the way of salvation
6)Believing that man is a sinner and lost without the saving blood of Jesus
7)Believing that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism byimmersion for the forgiveness of sins
8)Believing that only baptized believers are members of the church and the kingdom of God
9)Believing that all Christians should worship properly as Scripture directs.
10)Believing that Christians should share the good news of Jesus, and serve others until Jesus returns with our heavenly reward
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Morning Worship Activities
Enjoy congregational singing without instruments. Prayers will be offered that allows our needs to be brought to Him. Communion service offered every Sunday to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. Lessons from the Bible that will teach us God’s word. You may expect the worship to be warm, friendly, and orderly. No one is ever required to speak or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. We pray you will feel welcome to come and stay.

Grace for your spirit November 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

A couple of weeks ago our house was robbed while you were at church services on Sunday evening? The policeman asked me, "Do people know you go to church on Sunday nights?"I replied, "I certainly hope so." He thought that was kind of weird, but I do hope people know what I am up to when I leave the house on Sunday. I hope people know that I am about my Father's business. It is my prayer always that my light may shine in such a way that people may see my good works, and that they glorify my Father in heaven. May our lights shine brightly, and let God take care of the circumstances.

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit
In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

This is a difficult world we live in today. It is easy to have our thankfulness taken away. Broken relationship, broken dreams, and broken hearts can leave us filled with resentment. Under our circumstances, it is hard to be thankful for the blessings we have, and the giver of those blessings. The parachute to break our fall is to remember that it is God's will for us to be thankful. So, in every circumstance we find ourselves in, let's look again and find a way to be thankful in everything. When we put God's will first, everything will start to look better. Have a happy thanksgiving.

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

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Opportunities at Northwest Church of Christ

The church is on the West Side of U.S. 41 North at Florida Ave. Just 1/2 North of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Sunday
9:30 AM Bible Classes: Subject: Holy Spirit
10:30 AM Worship Services
6:00 PM Bible Study: Colossians

Wednesday
7:00 PM Bible Study Studies in Genesis
-------------------------------

CHRISTMAS BASKETS
We are restocking our food pantry to get ready for food baskets and meeting other needs. Bring any non-perishable food anytime. Especially items that would go with a holiday dinner.

CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 3rd at 6:00 P.M. Teppenyaki Buffet, next to Olive Garden
Everyone is welcome to attend. Price is $9.69 not counting a drink.

Grace for your spirit November 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

As the children of Israel were about to enter the promised land, this was a warning given them by Moses. Don't forget!! One of the thieves of thankfulness is to forget where our blessings come from. When we think we have achieved and earned all our blessings, then we tend to forget that everything comes from God. When we forget His blessings we often walk away from Him and suffer the consequences. Next time when we offer thanks for our great blessings, let's remember to thank the giver of those blessings. God, not us.

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

Monday, November 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere--this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah--like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. Genesis 13:10

Lot had been greatly blessed by God travelling with Abram to the promised land. Now he was about to make a terrible decision to part from him for "greener pastures." He chose the green pastures, but it was also a land of wickedness. Erma Bombeck, wrote, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank." Lot made a mistake many of us make today. He made a choice based on superficial things, without considering the long term spiritual consequences. Let's not wander away from the Lord for greener pastures.

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

Friday, November 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit
This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. Matthew 15:8

The self appointed religious leaders of the day focused on their heritage, and their practices, but seldom did they focus on who they really were. Many a relationship falls apart when we focus on what we did or said once, focus on what we are doing, and never come to grips about where our heart is. A man may say to his wife, "I said I loved you once. If I change my mind I will let you know." "I come home every day don't I?" But through it all, the true love has gone, and the marriage falls apart. Lip service without the heart is destructive. The same things happened to the Jews of Jesus' time. If we aren't careful, it can happen to us as well. Let's make a commitment to love with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind.

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

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 17, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a rope dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:11-13

This is a picture of victory in Jesus. Our leader is from heaven on a white horse. Like God, He is Faithful and True. He does not lie and does not change His purpose. He has been crowned King. His robe is dipped in blood and His name is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word, the risen Savior, and the King of Kings. The world may not know the name that is written on Him, but He is obvious to the ones who call Him Lord. Let's follow closely. There is only victory in Jesus.

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

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit
He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. Proverbs 28:19

Ever heard the expression, "What they don't know won't hurt them." King David certainly found out that wasn't true. In his worse days, he kept silent about his transgression. It caused the death of people including his own new born son. In the days that passed his depression caused his great kingdom to crumble. Until he confessed his wrongs and got himself right before God, he was stuck. After his forgiveness, his life, his kingdom, and his ability to lead was restored. Like David, we are kidding ourselves when we think we aren't hurting anybody when we sin and keep in to ourselves. Confess it forsake it and feel the compassion all around. That is what God wants us to do.

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

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit
They will destroy the walls of Tyre and bread down her towers; and I will scrape her debris from her and make her a bare rock. She will be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. Ezekiel 26:4-5

The was God's judgment against His enemy. Israel didn't do it. Babylon didn't do it. The Medes and the Persians didn't do it, but three world kingdoms later it came to pass. History records that over 200 years later, the Greek / Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great did just that. Tyre was an island fortress that enraged Alexander. He built a causeway into the sea and wiped the island smooth. God had spoken, and as always, it came to pass. Stories like this should be a warning to us all. God's makes His promises, and He does not forget. Some may ask, "Where is the promise of His coming?" Let's not let time and circumstances cause our faith to waiver. Judgment is coming. Our part is to obey and be ready.

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

Monday, November 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouting and the sound of the trumpet. II Samuel 6:14-15

In professional football there is a 15 yard penalty for excessive celebration. Players get excited over a great play, and the officials don't like it. Here,King David was finally bringing the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. He was excited, and his praise led to dancing and shouting before the Lord. His wife watched him from afar and didn't like it at all. She threw a penalty flag for excessive and unruly celebration. It ultimately ruined his day and ruined her life. Sometimes we are hold back in our excitement in the work of the Lord because we think someone is going to throw a penalty flag at us. Let's remember that the Lord knows our heart, and He knows when we are truly celebrating before Him. Our heavenly official won't throw a penalty flag.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 45:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Friday, November 11, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 11, 2011

Grace for your spirit
She said to her mistress, "I wish that my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy." II Kings 5:3

This a marvellous story of faith and mercy from a little girl. She was a captive servant working in the house of Naaman, a Gentile that had a deadly disease called leprosy. With faith in the power of the prophet of God, and mercy toward her captors, she made a life saving connection for Naaman. Her faith connected him with Elisha, the prophet. That brought about Naanab's healing from leprosy, and a new found love and respect from him for the God of Israel. Now that is personal evangelism in its purest form. When we have faith in God, and mercy for others, we can direct people to a saving relationship with Jesus. It will bring salvation to the lost, and certainly give them a new love and respect for God and His disciples. Do we have the faith and mercy to rise about our circumstances?

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

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 10, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Run with the cloud, not with the crowd. In the Old Testament, God gave His people a cloud of glory called the Shekinah glory. If they followed the cloud they were victorious, but most of the crowd went another way. Jesus said the way of salvation is narrow, and the way of destruction is broad, and many are on it. In Hebrews, God gives us many examples of those who walked by faith and found victory. Those witnesses are a cloud of testimony to be our guides. Most of the crowd will go another way. Let them go. Let's follow the cloud, not the crowd.

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

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Abraham said, "Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she actually is my sister, the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. Genesis 20:11-13

More than once when Abraham travelled in a foreign place, he was afraid they would kill him for his wife. After all, he perceived them as ungodly people. Rather than trusting the Lord, he trusted in a lie. A half lie about a half wife. This tradition of lying would spread through many generations. Who was it that didn't fear God? Whenever we lie, cheat, steal, or gamble, inside those decisions there is a statement about our faith in God. We really don't think He will provide and protect, so we have to cut corners. If it could happen to the "Father of the faithful", it can happen to us too. Let's trust the Lord

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

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit
So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her Genesis 29:20

Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham was ready to marry. He would be the father of 12 sons. These children would be the children of Israel. He ultimately married sisters, Leah and Rachel. He worked 14 years for Rachel's hand in marriage. She was beautiful and he loved her the most. She bore him two children, Joseph and Benjamin, who were his favorites. They say time flies when you're having fun, but this is ridiculous. Jacob loved her to the end, and set a pillar on her grave. Want to spark your marriage relationship? On your next anniversary or special day, try these words; "My years of serving for you seems like just a few days because of my love for you." Now if we mean it, and we've really got something.

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

Monday, November 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; Matthew 5:11-12

When I put on my Chicago Bears hat, I quickly find my natural enemies; Green Bay Packer fans. You show your teams colors and you get the same kind of persecution. The same thing happens when we display our Christian colors. Our natural enemies will always show up to discourage and persecute us. It is one way to know we are on the right track. Jesus will always draw the adversary. In fact, that is what Satan means. He is the adversary. He persecuted Jesus and he is here for us. Be glad. We are in good company.

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

Friday, November 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit
He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor. Proverbs 22:9

The way of the world is to make all we can, keep all we make, and lay up a nest egg. This is called the blessed life by the standards of this world. The eternal God gives us a much different point of view. He calls for His believers to be generous to those without, and He will bless us. More often than not, those who leave everything for their earthly nest egg, end up with little here, and nothing in eternity. When we begin to look for ways to be generous to those who have no means to repay us, God will bless us richly with blessings that will never go away.

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

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 3, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals. Revelation 5:4-5

The Apostle John was receiving a revelation from God. He was eager to find out the future and what God has in store for him, but the book was sealed and not one could open it. He was weeping until he received the good news. Stop weeping, Jesus can open the book. He is victorious and He is coming. I wish we could see a such a hunger and desire in the church today. What if we so wanted to hear the revelation from God, we were driven to tears? What if we never missed an opportunity for Jesus to reveal His total will to us? Our classes and worship services would be filled with eager learners. Then the church would be alive with God revelation for others. Let's get there.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 2, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and who glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. Philippians 3:18-19

Let's take a quick personal inventory. Do we hold up the cross of Christ, or are we enemies of the cross? If our god is our appetite for worldly things, who is our real God. It should make us weep when people claim to be disciples of the heavenly one, then live like hell. Let's set our minds on heavenly things, and give the glory to God for all we do.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Grace for your spirit November 1, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

When our faith is weak, what do we pray for? Would we be willing to trust the Lord enough to ask for trials and tests that would produce endurance? Do we know God will deliver us, and do we trust Him enough to let endurance have the perfect result in us? Prosperity and good times seldom build our faith. Tests are the best in the long run. When we and our loved ones are backsliding, instead of asking God to make their lives more comfortable, maybe we should ask for adversity instead. If God will afflict the comfortable, then He will also comfort the afflicted. Let's trust and pray

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

Monday, October 31, 2011

Grace for your spirit October 31, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. Psalm 139:23-24

Suppose someone gave us a jigsaw puzzle in a plastic bag. They just dumped a 1,000 pieces on the table and wanted us to put it together. Where would we start? Well, I would want the box to see the picture I would be working on. That is true with life as well. Life is a bunch of pieces that we need to fit together in the right way for success. If we don't have a picture, it is hard to know which piece goes where. The devil will even slip in a couple of pieces that don't belong. God gives us that perspective in His Word. He has the vision, called Omnipresence, to show us where we came from, where we are, and where we should be going. Let's communicate with Him in Word and prayer. He has the picture we need to put the pieces together.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Friday, October 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit October 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Let's consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. Hebrews 10:24-25

Did you ever go into a restaurant when half of the staff didn't come to work? The other employees suffer trying to do the work. The customers suffer waiting for service, and everyone is unhappy. The same thing happens when half the congregation skips services. The worship suffers and those that need encourage suffer too. Let's think how we are affected our brethren and our visitors when we decide to stay away next time. Let's all be in our places with bright shining faces. This is the way to start the new day.

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

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit October 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit
If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night," Even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. Psalm 139:11-12

People with evil deeds love the darkness rather than the light. We think the darkness covers our sins so people and God cannot see them. Like cockroaches in a dark room, we scatter when the light comes on. The world did just that when the true light, Jesus, came into the world. All that time we spend looking for darkness to cover our sins from God is a complete waste of time. Darkness and light are the same to God. We might as well come out of the darkness and into the light. That is His invitation for our salvation, plus the darkness isn't helping us anyway.

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

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit October 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit
They said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth. Genesis 11:4

This is the Biblical event commonly known as the Tower of Babel. Just barely off the ark, the sons of Noah would multiply into seventy nations. God stopped them from building by giving them different languages and scattering them all over the earth. God didn't want earthly towers and earthly gods, nor did He want man to give themselves credit for what they did. This project failed, but it set a standard in that part of the world for building such towers. Much later, the Babylonians built cities with towers called ziggurats. The were towers reaching toward their gods. We know that ziggurats can be hazardous to our health. When we build to gods, faith dies and we die. Let's tear down our idols, our high places, and our desire to make a name for ourselves. Let's throw those ziggurats away, and focus on God to praise His name.

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

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit October 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For we know that if the earthy tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. II Corinthians5:1

The other day I walked up to a lunch counter and said to the lady, "What'ya know?" She responded, "I know we never went to the moon." It seems she had a great conviction on this subject, and just couldn't hold it in. How many times do people ask us the same question? "What'ya know?" We know we are God's creation. We know Jesus died for our sins. We know there is a way of salvation in Christ. We know we have a home in heaven when we die, and a whole lot more if we think about it. We should have such a conviction on the subject that we just can't hold it in either. Yet, the next time someone asks us what we know, will we say, "Nothin' much"? Think about it..

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Monday, May 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, not the Son, but the Father alone. Matthew 24:36

When Jesus was asked when He would return, this was His reply. No one knows and no one will know. Last Saturday evening at 6:00 P.M. many in the world waited to see if the predictions of His return were right or wrong. Some invested their fortunes, reputations, some were afraid, and others just didn't care. If we would like to set a date in respect to Christ's return, let's set a date to walk with Him everyday, and always be ready to meet Him.

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

Friday, May 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit
I know, O Lord, that a man's way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23

When I was a small child, and steering wheels were much much bigger, my dad would let me sit in the steering wheel and drive. It was exciting to drive on those country roads to grandma's house. I thought I was really driving, but without him, we were going nowhere. It useless and dangerous when we think we are in the driver's seat, when we are really just sitting in the wheel. We only get to our destination safely, when we give God the control.

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

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 19, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. Proverbs 1:32

Too many people go through life thinking they are ten feet tall and bullet proof. They plunge into risky behavior thinking that nothing bad can ever happen to them. Solomon had experienced the naive, and complacent life, and realized the destruction that results. His writings try to guide us into a better way. A life guided by listening to God. May His words and His grace guide in a better way.

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

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit
But the woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31

In 1972 Helen Reddy recorded a song that became the anthem of the woman's movement. It was "I am woman, hear me roar." God has always enjoyed the roar of a good woman, but not the roar of rebellion. God enjoys the roar of good works, and the roar of the praise she receives from those who love her. It is the world that made women second class citizens. In God, women have ways been glorified, praised, and been useful vessels for Him. When anyone fears the Lord, they will be praised.

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

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 17, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel of honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. II Timothy 2:21

The book of James tells us that true faith works, and faith that doesn't work is dead. We begin with faith, and works follow if we are diligent in our Christian walk. Often the lusts of the flesh turn our lives in the wrong way, and we end up useless. We need to constantly allow Christ to cleanse us, so we might be useful. It doesn't take long for a pot in the kitchen to become useless if we're not careful. May we be the number one pot on the Lord's stove.

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

Monday, May 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit
So he returned from following him, and took the pair of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the implements of the oxen, and gave it to the people and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and ministered to him. I Kings 19:21

When Elisha was called to follow and replace Elijah, he was ready to go and he wasn't coming back. He literally burned all of his bridges behind him. The call to us for being Christ's disciple demands the same. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow Him. It is a call to come and die, and live for Him. Every time God's people look back, and make provisions to quit, it ruins their spiritual lives. When we totally trust in the Lord, He will make our paths straight, and we will never have a reason to look or go back.


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

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 12, 2011

Grace for your spirit
This is the way of an adulterous woman; She eats and wipes her mouth, and she says, "I have done no wrong". Proverbs 30:20

People can find a way to justify their behavior. We must either accept our judgment, change our ways, or find a way to think we are all right. Our conscience and the advice of people in the world are not good guides. The only sure guide is to compare our life with the Word of God. May we never become so overcome with the lusts of the flesh that we can live in sin, eat, wipe our mouths, and say, "we have done nothing wrong." The judgment day will be the ultimate test of what was right and what was wrong.

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

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 11, 2011

Grace for your spirit
So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, "Come, see a man who told me all th ing things that I have done; this is not the Christ is it?" They went out of the city, and were coming to Him. John 4:28-30

When Jesus gave this woman living water, she immediately let the eternal water flow through her on to her enemies. She was a person who didn't have anyone to help her with her daily water. When Jesus changed her life, He really change it. When Jesus refreshes us, and we experience His living water, we show our appreciation by giving a drink to someone else. You are probably a Christian today because someone gave you a spiritual drink. Let's pass that on by sharing that drink with another. May God give us the grace not to only think of ourselves.

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

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 10, 2011

Grace for your spirit
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colosssians 1:17

Did you ever try to put a model together without the instructions, using the wrong kind of glue? A car can look like a plane, and a plane like a boat. When we pick it up, it falls apart. It is a mess. It is a bigger mess when we try to put a spiritual life together without the instruction manual and the right glue. The words of Jesus are the only instructions, and our love from Him and for Him is the only glue. He is first, last, and always, and in Him, all things hold together.

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

Monday, May 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 9, 2011

Grace for your spirit Then Jonah begin to go through the city one day's walk; and he cried out and said, "Yet forty days and Ninevah will be overthrown." Then the people of Ninevah believed in God; and they put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. Jonah 3:4-5

Jonah was probably the worst preacher in history. He didn't want to go. He ran the other way. He only prayed when in deep trouble. When he had to go preach to his enemies, he only used eight words. When the people listened, they believed and repented. This made Jonah angry. Even with all his shortcomings and bad attitudes, when he got the word of God before these people, good things happened. We may think we are ineffective teachers. We may not have much trust that people will change and obey. Let's get the word of God before them and let the word do the work. What's the best way to get rid of an enemy? Convert them, and make them your friend.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.co

Friday, May 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13

Today might be the last day we can stand it. We may be ready to quit. If just one person would lift us up, we might be able to continue. In the Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown told Lucy that if one person would tell him that they were is friend, he could go on. Just hearing the words even if they didn't mean it, he could be helped. Lucy replied, "Sorry, can't do it?" Today may be our day or the day for someone we meet. Can we do it? Can we encourage and lift up someone today? A trip to the promised land may be at stake.

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

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 5, 2011

Grace for your spirit
There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12

When the devil started talking to Eve in the Garden of Eden, the stuff he said seemed right to Eve. She must have misunderstood the word she had heard from God. When Eve brought the fruit to Adam, it seemed like the right thing to do pleasing his mate. Those decisions separated them from God, the garden and each other. The devil and the world will do anything to deceive us. It sounds right, it looks right, but there is death at the end of the road.

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

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit
On the 10th of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves......You shall keep it until the 14th day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. Exodus 12:3+6

The sacrifice of the passover lamb was a personal loss. The lamb was in their house for five days before it was killed. It made the sacrifice more personal and meaningful. A few years ago at camp that experience was simulated. A lamb was brought to camp. The kids really grew to love that lamb and were in great distress when told that the banquet that week would be lamb. Today we need to the blood of the Lamb on our hearts. Until we are touched with the personal sacrifice of Christ, it will never know it's true meaning.

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

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Grace for your spirit May 3, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. for he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. II Peter 1:8-9

Here God has just given a list of qualities we all need. Faith,virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. When these work together, our Christians life works. When something breaks down, our walk in hampered. A mechanic or an electrician often traces the problem to see what is broken, repairs the break and all is well. As a Christian, we may need to trace our "grace circuits", repair the breaks, and restore our Christian fruitfulness. Feeling useless? Start tracing.

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

Monday, May 2, 2011

Opportunities At Northwest Church of Christ

The church is on the West Side of U.S. 41 North at Florida Ave. Just 1/2 North of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Sunday
9:30 AM Bible Classes on the book of Philippians
10:30 AM Worship Services
6:00 PM Bible Study studies in topical studies affecting our Christians living

Wednesday
7:00 PM Bible Study Studies on grace

What To Expect At the Northwest Church of Christ

MEMBERS OF CHRIST'SCHURCH
1)Believing that the church is the called out of Christ; and the fellowship of the saved
2)Believing in one eternal all-knowing, all-powerful Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3)Believing that Jesus was made flesh, born of a virgin, and lived with us without sin
4)Believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven
5)Believing the Bible is God’s inspired word that provides our standard of right and wrong, and the way of salvation
6)Believing that man is a sinner and lost without the saving blood of Jesus
7)Believing that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism byimmersion for the forgiveness of sins
8)Believing that only baptized believers are members of the church and the kingdom of God
9)Believing that all Christians should worship properly as Scripture directs.
10)Believing that Christians should share the good news of Jesus, and serve others until Jesus returns with our heavenly reward
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Sunday Morning Worship Activities
Enjoy congregational singing without instruments. Prayers will be offered that allows our needs to be brought to Him. Communion service offered every Sunday to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. Lessons from the Bible that will teach us God’s word. You may expect the worship to be warm, friendly, and orderly. No one is ever required to speak or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. We pray you will feel welcome to come and stay

Grace for your spirit May 2, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. II Corinthians 11:2

A betrothal in Bible times was nothing like the engagement ritual we experience today. It was not an on again, off again, give me the ring back ritual. It was a binding commitment to purity, until the day of the marriage. Faithfulness was demanded and expected. Paul felt the same way about our betrothal to Jesus. As Christian, we are the betrothed brides of Christ. Rising from the waters of baptism, washed in the blood of the Lamb, we enter the betrothal in purity, and are expected to be presented to our bridegroom in purity. Someday at the marriage supper, His bride will be presented to Him. May we be in that number, in purity.

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

Friday, April 29, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 29, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt....The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you...Exodus 12:12-13

The morning paper reported a death in every house in Egypt that night. The announcement came as a shock to many, but others were completely prepared. God had told the people that if they killed a lamb, and put the blood on their door posts, their first born son would live. Otherwise, he would die. That night a lamb or a son died in every house. Don't ignore the truth today. We all need the blood of the Lamb on our hearts in order to live with God eternally. Let's bring The Lamb of God into our houses today.

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

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42

The other night a storm was coming, and tornado warnings were issued. My wife was packed for the basement with water and food prepared. I was watching the same reports she was watching. She had a backpack on and I was sitting around with no pants on. Which one describes you? We are all equally warned that the Lord is going to return. Some of us are making preparations, and others of us are not yet clothed and in our right mind. He may not be coming right now, but as they say, "better safe than sorry."

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

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 27, 2011

Grace for your spirit
For My people have commited two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Jeremiah 2:13

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are often described as "living water". We need the living water of His Spirit in order to live. When we turn our back on God, we forsake the regeneration available by His living water. Step number two in a two step blunder, is the attempt to replace divine water with our own brand of renewal. That kind of thinking just won't hold water. Our reservoirs are broken and when we need some water, there is none there. Let's fill in those useless cisterns, and turn our attention to the fountains of living water that never dry up.

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

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 26, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all more as you see the day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

I weigh in at my doctor's office every Monday. I had a bad week, and I didn't want to hear the bad news, so I thought I would skip it this week. Then I remembered what people say to me about Sunday worship. They say they are not doing well spiritually, so they think they will skip worship this week. That's a big mistake. It seems at the times we need it the most, we avoid it the most. I decided to practice what i preach. I went. It wasn't as bad as I thought, and I feel better, with a better week to follow. Be in worship on Sunday. It is one of the best things we can do to improve our "weak" week.

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

Monday, April 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit
A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

Reputation is what people think we are. Character is what we really are. Eventually, character rises to the top and it becomes our reputation. Good character is best built when we have given ourselves fully to Christ. When the spirit of Christ dwells in us, we will have His character, and His reputation. That should be our goal instead of worldly wealth. May we live transparent lives so people may see what we are at all times, and may everyone see that our reputation and character is exactly the same.

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

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Mark 4:37

Whatever the apostles were supposed to be doing that night they couldn't keep their mind on it. The storm, the wind, and the waves kept them afraid. Even with Jesus was in the boat with them, their faith wavered with each blast of wind. Recently I was attempting to teach a Bible class during a fierce wind storm. With every blast of wind that hit the building, the attention of the class was diverted from study to storm watching. Life can be like that. May we not let the distraction of life deter us from doing God's will every day.

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

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 20, 2011

Grace for your spirit
So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Matthew 7:17-18

One of the best known verses in the Bible is "Judge not,that ye be not judged". If is often quoted by those defending themselves. It is certainly true that we cannot judge the heart or the motives of anyone. God, however, has give us the His Word that we might be fruit inspectors for Him. When we see those who claim to be good trees bearing bad fruit, we are called to help those producing the bad fruit. We certainly can judge the fruits if they are ungodly. Let's help those in distress to bear good fruit, and leave the rest of the judging to God.

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

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 19, 2011

Grace for your spirit
O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

Everywhere we shop or eat these days, they ask us to fill out a survey. They offer discounts, and chances to win prizes for letting them know how we feel about their business. Are we satisfied customers? What about our spiritual lives? How do we rate our experiences with God, the church, and those who serve us? When we approach our spiritual lives with a positive spirit, and the desire to be uplifted by the Lord, most of the time we will be satisfied customers. If we aren't being filled with His lovingkindness, singing with joy and gladness, before we complain too much, let's look at the effort we are putting forth to satisfy God.

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

Monday, April 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ? for you have been bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. I Corinthians 6:18-20

There are many ways to glorify God, but the baseline for all good deeds is a life committed to holiness. When we decide that moral purity is our choice, we violate the basic principle of Christianity. We belong to Christ, and we do not have the right to make any choices outside of His will. God created us, He lost us, and He bought us back with the blood of His Son. This price was great, and our responsibility is great. May we glorify God with His choices, then we can bear fruit and let our light shine.

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

Friday, April 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit
All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and they shall glorify Your name. Psalm 86:9

Ultimately everyone will come. Some in salvation, some in condemnation. Teach me now, so i can glorify you sooner and better. There was a saying during World War II that there were no atheists in foxholes. If that is true, there will certainly be no non believers at the judgment day. When we all stand before the judgment seat of God, and we see the reality of eternity before us, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess. As God's judgment fell on the nations throughout time, glory was given, but too late. Let's make our decision to glorify Him now, and enjoy the benefits now and forever.

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

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit
As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever." John 6:57-58

When Moses led God's people from Egypt, their lives were sustained by a miracle from heaven. How do you feed three million people everyday in the desert? The answer was manna. Manna was a bread-like substance that fell from heaven every night. It fed them until they reached the promised land forty years later. It was temporary salvation, because they all eventually died. Jesus called Himself the spiritual manna from heaven. He came down to fill our souls, and keep us until we reach our promised land in heaven. When we partake of this spiritual manna, we will live forever. With this manna, we will all make it the promised land. Thank you Lord for providing the way.

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

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 13, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.' Luke 16:24

We often hear people talking about those who have died by saying, "they are in a better place". In life whether we obey God or not is often vague. In death what happens to us is often vague as well. Is everyone going to a better place after death? Is there a difference between those who live obeying Christ and those rejecting Him? God's Word shows us there is a big difference between comfort and agony. There is a place that is better with God, and there is a place that is horrible away from the presence of the Lord. We can say that those who have died are in a better place, when they have truly trusted and obeyed the Lord during life.

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

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 12, 2011

Grace for your spirit
When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. Luke 8:47

Here is a story of a woman at the end of her robe. With a terminal disease, she was ill, broke, and discouraged. Just by touching the hem of Jesus' garment, all this changed. She decided not to be healed and hide, but rather to share and proclaim. She had benefited by the power of Jesus, and she made a choice to bring encouragement to others as well. When we have been touched by Jesus physically, emotionally, or spiritually, let's not hide it under a bushel. Let's help shine His light onto other people, and give others the hem of hope.

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

Monday, April 11, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 11, 2011

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? II Corthians 6:14

God desires that we come out of the world and be separate and do not touch the unclean. It is often difficult for Christians to understand which friends they should keep and which friends they should stay away from. We certainly shouldn't want to stay in any relationship where they have a more negative influence on us, that we a positive influence on them. There is a story of a new convert that asked a preacher this question once, and the preacher responded this way. "You live the Christian life everyday, and the friends you shouldn't have will leave you." Good advice. Let's take it

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

Friday, April 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent agressor, yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. I Timothy 1:13-14

The apostle Paul had quite a past and a lot to feel guilty about. He fought against Christianity with all his heart. After his conversion, he could only talk about the abundant grace, faith and love that covered him. He could have served Jesus out of guilt for his past, but he preferred to be driven by grace. Guilt comes and guilt goes, but grace sustains, transforms, and motivates us all the time. Guilt is from us, and grace is from God. Many have started a ministry based on guilt, and when they felt better it was over. When we are driven by grace, we will never get over it. Let's not dwell on our past failures. Let's dwell on God transforming grace.

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

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or the idolater, for then you would have to go out of the world. I Corinthians 5:9-10

God directs us to be in the world, but not of the world. His search for purity in the body of Christ is never ending, but He also understands that we will never reach the lost of the world from our ivory tower. He gives the power of the Divine Nature to insulate us from the evil in the world. God wants us to be insulated not isolated. Like a thermos keeps coffee hot on a cold day, His Holy Spirit insulates our spirit to stay hot in a cold world. With that Godly SCUBA gear, we can plunge into a hostile environment for Jesus.

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

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 6, 2011

Grace for your spirit
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6

When we survey the Biblical history of God's people, the pattern between lack of knowledge and failures to obey are obvious. When people failed to study, learn, and apply God's laws and principles, they were always led away from God and His will. King Josiah discovered the book of law in the temple, and the people didn't recognize it. Lack of knowledge, lack of participation, had brought them to ruin. The church should be known for Bible knowledge, Bible study, and Bible living. When we see our empty Bible classes and worship services, our future blessings are in doubt. If we don't learn from history, we are most certainly destined to repeat it.

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

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 5, 2011

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

This letter to the church in Corinth was Paul's defense of his ministry. He had so many trials and tribulations, that many people wondered if he was the real thing. It is true that he had troubles, but he balanced them with the magnificent and precious promises that he had from the Father. Not only did he have a basket full of promises, but they all were labeled YES! Not only did he have a YES from God, but he had the promises sealed in his heart by the Holy Spirit. Why was Paul so positive in a negative world? He knew all the promises were Yes, and Amen. People in this world will promise us lots of things and never come through, but that is not true with God. Read His promises again. Listen for His Yes, and then say Amen!

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

Monday, April 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit April 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself upo for her. Ephesians 5:25
Loving our wives is a com
mand of God. When someone decides they don't want to love their wives anymore, they are in rebellion against God. Christ gave us the example as He showed His love and sacrifice for His bride, the church. When we know Christ as Lord, and wish to obey Him, loving our wives is not an option. If we decide to marry someone who does not know Christ, he may never know how to maximize his love, and he will choose another model for love. Those models could be from a country song, a movie, a TV show, or the boys at work. Let's let Christ be our guide and example in all the decisions we make.

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

Friday, April 1, 2011

Opportunities At Northwest Church of Christ

The church is on the West Side of U.S. 41 North at Florida Ave. Just 1/2 North of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Sunday
9:30 AM Bible Classes on the book of Philippians
10:30 AM Worship Services
6:00 PM Bible Study studies in topical studies affecting our Christians living

Wednesday
7:00 PM Bible Study Studies on grace

Mother's day is coming
We will have our yearly Sunday cookout to honor all of our ladies. This year Mother's day is May 8th. Make plans to invite your friends and family for that day

Participating in the commodity program for Shults Lewis Children Home
This Spring we are collecting Pancake mix and syrup. The pickup date will be May 29th.

What To Expect At the Northwest Church of Christ

MEMBERS OF CHRIST'SCHURCH
1)Believing that the church is the called out of Christ; and the fellowship of the saved
2)Believing in one eternal all-knowing, all-powerful Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3)Believing that Jesus was made flesh, born of a virgin, and lived with us without sin
4)Believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven
5)Believing the Bible is God’s inspired word that provides our standard of right and wrong, and the way of salvation
6)Believing that man is a sinner and lost without the saving blood of Jesus
7)Believing that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism byimmersion for the forgiveness of sins
8)Believing that only baptized believers are members of the church and the kingdom of God
9)Believing that all Christians should worship properly as Scripture directs.
10)Believing that Christians should share the good news of Jesus, and serve others until Jesus returns with our heavenly reward
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday Morning Worship Activities
Enjoy congregational singing without instruments. Prayers will be offered that allows our needs to be brought to Him. Communion service offered every Sunday to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. Lessons from the Bible that will teach us God’s word. You may expect the worship to be warm, friendly, and orderly. No one is ever required to speak or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. We pray you will feel welcome to come and stay

Grace for your spirit April 1, 2011

Grace for your spirit
But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." I Peter 1:15-16

Words of a song can often give us great direction in following God's Word. As a kid, our church often sang, "Take time to be Holy." The words give us the menu for that time. The first verse is "Take time to be Holy; Speak oft with thy Lord. Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word. Make friends of God's children; Help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing His blessings to seek. I hope we can find a few good tips to help us to be more like God wants us to be today. He wants us to be like Him. Let's pay attention to the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. They have great messages for us all.

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

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 31, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Then the men became extremely frightened and they said to him, "How could you do this?" For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them. Jonah 1:10

Jonah didn't want to go to Ninevah and help save his enemies. Instead he caught a ship going the other way. Out in the ocean with a ship full of sailors, they all feared for their lives because of a violent storm. It was the disobedient prophet that caused the storm. What a poor witness was given by Jonah to let them know that his rebellion was the cause of the threatening. What is the reason for the storm we are in? May we pray our disobedience doesn't hurt the people in the world we have been sent to help. Let's stay in God's will, and not run the other way

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

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 30, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have sworn to the Lord God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, 'I have made Abram rich.'" Genesis 14:22-23

Abraham, the father of the faithful, was trusting in the Lord for everything. He knew all his true blessings would come from the Father in heaven. He would not make a deal with the devil nor anyone in the world. Are we trusting in God for everything we have, or do we have one eye on worldliness ? Never make a deal with the devil, or gamble with the world. It will separate us from God and our mission to serve. Him. Give God the glory, and give Him all the credit.

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

Monday, March 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 28, 2011

Grace for your spirit
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

There was an old rabbinical prayer of thankfulness. The Jews had no use for Gentiles, slaves, or women. In their prayers they thanked God that they were not born any of those three. As Jews, free, and males, they felt they were the only blessed ones. Jesus came to break that mold and bury that prayer. Jesus went to the cross to tear down the barriers that kept souls out. In Christ all nations, all people, and all stations of life can find salvation and acceptance in Him. Let's get on board with the Lord.

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

Friday, March 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 25, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

I baptized my cellphone Friday night. It was working just fine when it was immersed in the washing machine, but it hasn't worked since. Sounds a little like some baptisms we see in the church. The direction is to make disciples, and help them to die to sin. Then go into the water dead, and come out of the water alive and serving. When we fail to make disciples, too often the after baptism experience is not good, and no good works follow. Let's get it right. Disciple, baptize, and send them on working.

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

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 24, 2011

Grace for your spirit
As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. Matthew 27:32

Jesus was carrying His cross to His own execution. It was a well known practice by the Romans. Jesus was falling down under the weight, and the soldiers drafted a man from the crowd. Without hesitation or a though of danger, he stepped up to carry the Lord's cross. Who knows, later they might have thought the cross for him? Are we ready to step into the death chamber for the Lord? When Jesus calls us to take His cross and follow Him, it is an invitation to die. Dying to self is the first big step into being His true disciple.

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

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 23,2011

Grace for your spirit
Do two men walk together unless they have made an appointment? Amos 3::3

It is hard to have a conversation with anyone walking the opposite way. Enoch walked with God and it worked for him. He walked and talked with God, and God took him home with Him. God has given us the blood sprinkled path to help us walk with Him. If we walk in that light, have fellowship with Him, we can feed on His words. If we choose another path, our conversations will be strained, and then nonexistent. Let's make an appointment with God, and we know we will stay on the path with Jesus.

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

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 22, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Kind words are like honey--sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

When a waitress or a salesperson steps up to me and says, "May I help you?" I often say, "Yes, I'd like a kind word." Try it, You'd be surprised the number of people who can't come up with even one. How about us? Do we have a kind word to share today? It is a great way to have a sweet influence on the souls we meet today, and it will make both of us healthier. Let's leave others with a smile on their faces, as they are thankful they met us today. Oh yes, by the way, you look marvelous today!!!

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

Monday, March 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 21, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up;; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. Luke 4:16

Jesus made quite an impression in the synagogue that day. It wasn't the building decor, His looks, His style, or His musical intro. It was the Word of God and His interpretation. What are using to make an impact on worshipers? Too often the Word of God takes a back seat, and we wonder why there is such a lack of transformation among us. The worship program can make us feel better, but the Word of God helps us get better. Let's bring His Word back into our worship services.

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

Friday, March 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 18, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, "This is what the Holy Spirit says: In the way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. Acts 21:11

Everyone was fearful about Paul's return to Jerusalem except Paul. Paul felt that the resistance and opposition he would face would mean that great opportunities would follow. Was he right? After his arrest, he preached Jesus to multitudes in Jerusalem. Then he appeared before the Council. He preached to the Roman officials Felix, Festus, and Agrippa, a boat full of prisoners, the people on the island of Malta, and finally to the servants in the house of Caesar. All of this was possible because of conflict. Come on. Try to stop us some more. Let's turn the other cheek, and go the extra mile.

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

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 17, 2010

Grace for your spirit
And He said to him, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' Matthew 22:37

Jesus called this the greatest command, and proclaimed that all the commands would be hang on this one and loving your neighbor. When we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, it will change the way we look at everything. We will begin to love what the Lord loves, and hate what the Lord hates. Let's take a survey. Are we on the same page with the Lord? May we not just give Him lip service, but learn to walk in the way we talk with the one we love.

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

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 16, 2011

Grace for your spirit
So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:33

Is there a cost for becoming a disciple of Jesus? It is true that salvation is free, but it will cost us to walk in His footsteps. When we put Him first, the others things we possess will have to take a back seat. How can Jesus demand that we give up all our possession to follow Him? When we surrender everything to Him, He will let us use them while we are here. He doesn't mind that we own things, as long as they don't own us. Jesus must have first place in everything. As the song says "Kneel at the cross, give your idols up. Look unto realms above." Are we still hanging on to something that really belongs to Jesus?

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

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 15, 2011

Grace for your spirit
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36

It is one thing to sit at a ball game with a sign that reads, "John 3:16", and it another thing to change our life to obey the Son. James tells us that the devils believe, and they tremble. Is there a tremble in us? True belief in the Son must cause us to obey Him in order to see eternal life. Just sitting and talking about how much we believe, will result in sitting with the wrath of God too. Trust and obey, there is no other way.

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

Monday, March 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 14, 2011

Grace for your spirit
And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. II Corinthians 8:5

The church in Philippi was struggling financially. When Paul was collecting for the needs in Judea, he didn't count on them for too much. He was surprised. How did they give beyond their ability, and beg for participation? He found that they first gave themselves to the Lord, and the Lord blessed them for their commitment. With the renewed blessings from the Lord, they were able to give beyond all expectation. When we commit ourselves to the Lord and His work, we can certainly expect blessings in our future. We will reap what we sow, so let's not forget where it came from?

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

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 8, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

When our bodies are sick, we lose our appetites for food. People try to get us to eat something, because the nourishment will help us get better. It is a great sign of healing when our appetites return. The same is true when we are sliding into a spiritual sickness. Our appetites for spiritual food diminishes as well. If we would take in some spiritual nourishment of scripture, prayer, and fellowship, it would help. Unfortunately, that is the time we reject that nourishment. What a great sign it is when we see our spiritual appetites return. It is the way to get better, and a sure sign of renewal. How about us? Do we have any symptoms of sickness on the way? Take something right away, and be satisfied.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com
Grace for your spirit will be on vacation Weds - Fri

Monday, March 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 7, 2011

Grace for your spirit
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. I Timothy 4:15-16

No one ever climbed Mt. Everest out on a casual walk. When we set out to accomplish anything we have to pay attention, prepare, and persevere. Sometimes the effort will cause some pain, but the result is worth it. Our Christian walk and our Christian ministry is such an effort. The result of our walk will bring eternal salvation for us and those who hear us. Walk worthy.

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

Friday, March 4, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 4,2011

Grace for your spirit
Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do no be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

When we walk in the presence of greatness, it is wise to walk softly, and humbly. When we recognize the magnificent power of God, it should motivate us to watch our step, and listen for directions. There is a time to talk and a time to listen. Before the throne of God, we will do better to listen. His presence and His influence may answer our questions before we have to bring up the matter.

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

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Grace for your spirit March 3, 2011

.Grace for your spirit
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

When we have tried everything to be at peace with our enemies, let's give God a chance. God directs us to love our enemies and pray for them. We are directed to do everything we can do to make peace, and we should. When we turn this challenge over to the Lord, God will find a way for our enemies. Job's so called friends had said and done many false things, but at the end, Job prayed for them and they were restored to Job and the Lord. We should never build such a barrier that our enemies cannot find the way to God. Let's build bridges, not walls.

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