Monday, December 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit
May 2013 be a healthy, happy, and holy new year for us all.  May we make new commitments to serve the Lord and others around us, and have our spirits renewed daily by His grace.  If we will find a "life verse" for our day and ask Him to help us fulfill it, He will lead us in the paths we should follow.  Allow me to give you one of my favorite "life verses" for the new year from Psalm 139:23-24.  Happy New Year.

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.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But when he came to his senses, he said to himself, "How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!"  Luke 15:17

This lost son had been on the pig pin trail for some time.  His life had been spinning our of control ever since he left home, but he didn't realize how bad it was until he hit bottom.  Often when we are spinning out of control in life, in the air, in the water, or in the mud, we can't get our bearings until we hit.  Fortunately the Lord gave him a soft landing, so he could come to his senses.  His father had given him those senses because he certainly didn't get them from his worldly friends or the pigs.  When we are spinning and falling, let's pray to the Lord that He will give us a soft landing in His grace, and the senses to make better choices.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?  I shall lift up the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.  I shall pay my vows to the Lord.  Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.  Psalm 116:12-14

We all need to remember all the benefits we have from the Lord.  He pardons us, redeems us, heals us, satisfied us, and renews us on so many ways.  We need to be thankful children by worshiping and honoring Him with our lives.  We certainly can 't fully repay Him for all His goodness, but we can surely show our gratitude in the way we help others.  One of the best ways is to thank Him is in the presence of people.  May our churches and communities realize that our success comes from the Lord.  Praise the Lord, and let's not keep it a secret.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people, for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

For generations God had sent the prophets proclaiming that the Messiah would come with joyful shouting.  He would bring gladness and joy to all with sorrow and sighing flying away.  Time after time God told them to listen, look, pay attention, lift up their eyes, and wake up.  How would God get their attention on the day of His birth?  A heavenly host filled the night sky with light and rejoicing in the face of lowly shepherds. The joy had finally arrived and the shepherd couldn't keep it to themselves.  They spread the glad tidings wherever they went.  God would love it if the message of His Son would grip us as well.  May the glory of the heavenly host fill our hearts this Christmas season, and remain there every day all year long.  "Joy to the World".

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 21, 2012

Grace for your spirit
She shall bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.  Matthew 1:21

As the song goes, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name". The apostle's proclaimed that there is salvation in no other name.  There are many names and titles applied to the Son of God made flesh.  All of them describe a different aspect of His nature, destiny, and duty. When the angel spoke to Joseph, he told him the name to call Him.  It is Jesus. It is by the authority of His name that we come to God, and find cleansing for our sins.  Joy to the World. The Lord has come.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 20, 2012

Grace for your spirit
One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike.  Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.  Each person must be convinced in his own mind.  He who observes the day,observes it to the Lord...Romans 14:5-6

The debate about days and events is never ending.  One day we are debating about when He was born, another day we are predicting when He will come again.  The reality is that we don't and won't know either.  Was Jesus born on December 25th?  It is doubtful, but if we want to pick that day, it is OK.  If we reject that day and choose to celebrate everyday, even better.  Jesus is the reason for the season, and it fact, the reason for every season.  If we choose to observe a day for the Lord's birth and observe it to the Lord, that is our choice.  If we choose another or every day, and observe it to the Lord, that's fine too.  Let's determine to bring Joy to the World, instead of judgment.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 19, 2012


Grace for your spirit
For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus, and Timothy-was not yes and no, but yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  II Corinthians 1:19-20

Sometimes we all make promises we cannot keep. We say we will be somewhere and we can't, or we will do something and we don't.  This happened to Paul, but he wanted to make sure we understood the difference between God's promises and ours.  When we preach the Word of God, the promises we preach or not yes one day and no another.  They are always yes in Him.  This is the confidence we have with God.  He is faithful, and when we bring His promises to others, they can count on them too.  The answer is always Yes

Monday, December 17, 2012

What to expect at the Northwest Church of Christ


The church building is located on U.S 41 North at Florida Avenue. Just 1/2 mile north of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana

Sunday Bible Classes: 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AM:
Sunday Evening 6:00 PM:
Wednesday Study 7:00 PM:

DECEMBER ACTIVITIES

Warm for the Kids
Right after Christmas break, we will take gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to shelters and elementary schools.  You may start bring those items at any time.  The more the merrier. 



BELIEF STATEMENT

We are a fellowship of believers in Christ who believe in one all powerful, all knowing, ever present God. We believe the Bible is God's inspired word, and provides our only standard of right and wrong.

We believe that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins all the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for our justification. We believe that mankind is lost without the saving blood of Jesus and that He is the only way to the Father

We believe that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe the baptized believer is a member of the Lord's church and the kingdom of God.

We believe that the Christians should worship properly and share the good news of Jesus until He returns with out heavenly reward

At worship you may expect joyous acappella singing,prayers,communion services, and a lesson from the Bible every Sunday Expect our worship to be warm, uplifting, and orderly, praising the Lord.

Everyone is always welcome. We hope you will be spiritually enriched by your worship visit

Grace for your spirit December 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?  Clean out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  I Corinthians 5:6-7

With something is leavened, it is mixed with an altering or transforming substance.  With bread, the substance is yeast.  Unleavened bread is unmixed.  When the Passover feast began in Egypt, the direction to unleavened bread was a reminder that they would no longer be mixed with sin and bondage.  In our communion service the bread is the same reminder for us.  Our command is to unmix the leaven of sin, and be leavened with the righteousness of Christ.  It makes us a new lump, and a godly lump. May we let the influence of Christ completely overtake us.  When we are completely leavened by Christ, there is no room for the evil influence.  Let's keep it that way.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 17, 2012

Grace for your spirit
So also it is written, "The first man Adam became a living soul.  The last Adam, became a life-giving Spirit.  I Corinthians 15:45

Have you ever noticed the interesting contrast between Adam and Jesus Christ?  Adam was the first man, and he had it all.  God provided everything he needed for life and godliness, yet he wanted more.  He listened to his wife and the devil to get more.  He had it all, he wanted more, and he lost it all.  Jesus Christ had it all, and was willing to take less.  He humbled himself to be born in this world and suffered death on a cross all for us.  As a result, He was exalted by God and given a name above every name.  Adam wanted more and brought judgment to all men.  Christ wanted less, and brought righteousness to all men.  Who will be our role model?  Every Christian has a little of both Adam's in us.  Let's choose to be more like Christ.  

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 14, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.  Psalm 119:88

Sometimes we are on a roller coaster of faithfulness to God.  He loves us and continues to send us directions to walk in His light, but we ignore Him.  We should be thankful that God loves us and continues to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with great patience.  We need to pray for revival.  As the song goes,  "Hallelujah, Thine the glory.  Revive us again."  In our human shortcomings, if we don't seek and pray for revival, we are probably in trouble.  Indeed, revive us again and again,so we may keep Your testimony.  

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit
But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in everyplace.  II Corinthians 2:14

Pizza Hut has just developed a new spray perfume that smells like Pizza.  I mentioned it to a friend of mine who manages a Pizza Hut, and she laughed.  She said she is up to our neck in Pizza, and smells that way all the time.  As I thought about the aroma of Pizza, which is nice, I remembered the aroma of Christ which is even nicer.  When we immerse ourselves completely in Christ, we will carry around an aroma of Him in every place.  I wonder if we could bottle of the aroma of Christ, if it would be popular.  After all, we could have His aroma without commitment and dedication.  We need the aroma to do His will, and right now we still have to get it from Him.  Let's immerse ourselves in the knowledge and triumph of Him.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Now it is God that makes both you and us stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on  us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come.  II Corinthians 1:21-22

God has promised to redeem us and take us home with Him for eternity.  In Christ Jesus we belong to Him, even though we still live in this world.  So God left part of His Spirit in us, as a down payment assuring us that He will return for us.  Some translations call this "the earnest of the spirit". It was an old term used in the purchase of something large like real estate.  When we make the deal we leave a deposit or earnest money, to guarantee we will return to complete the transaction.  His Spirit in us is His pledge to complete our deal, and God always keeps His promises.  Let's wear His seal proudly.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 10, 2012

Grace for your spirit
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords, and King of kings,and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.  Revelation 17:14

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world, and King and Lord of His kingdom.  In His position, He attracts many enemies.  The book of Revelation is literally a book about Jesus and His enemies.  Satan wants His kingdom sending, sin, false prophets, and false governments, to name a few.  Which side will we choose?  Jesus is King over all kings, and Lord over all lords,  May we be with Him, called, chosen and faithful,  When the war is over, only those on His side will taste victory

Grace for your spirit December 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Jesus answered, "Don't you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time?  Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father.  How can you say show us the Father?  
John 14:9

The night before Jesus went to the cross, some of His disciples revealed that they didn't really know Him.  Jesus wondered how He could be around them so long and yet they had missed the point that Jesus was God in the flesh. When we come to truly know Him, we will love Him, serve Him, share Him.  Our opportunity to effectively love, serve, and share, fail when we don't ever truly know Him.  How long do we have to be around Him before we come to truly know Him?  That will directly depend on how much we are really paying attention.  Let's get into the Word, find Him, and know Him.  Then the serving and sharing will follow.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 7, 2012

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

These people were in trouble, but they didn't know it.  The knowledge and wisdom from God was available to them, but they didn't know it.  Hunger, thirst, poverty, and captivity was in their future, but they didn't know it.  When they got hunger, thirsty, poor, and captured, they cried out for the Lord.  Too bad they weren't concerned earlier and most of their troubles could have been avoided.  In Matthew's beatitudes, he pronounced a blessing on those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness".  When are restaurants are full, but our Bible classes are empty, we need to take heed.  We need the vision of God to prepare for tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Grace; for your spirit December 6, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.  Romans 12:6

Perhaps you've heard the expression, "use it or lose it".  It is certainly true.  If we don't use the skills we have been blessed with, we will certainly lose the ability to use them.  Here, God informs us that all Christians have been given gifts of grace, and we are encouraged to exercise them.  The one talent man, who didn't use his talent, lost it when the master came to see how he was doing.  Every Christian begins with a bag full of gifts to aid their ministry.  There are gifts of grace, gifts of the spirit, and the practical God given talents we possess.  If we keep that bag closed, someday we will open it and find it completely empty.  We will have to stand before God someday and explain how we used His gifts.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.  Revelation 1:3


We may be familiar with the Beatitudes in Matthew.  Those pronouncement of blessings can guide us through difficult times as we enter His kingdom.  Did you know there are seven such beatitudes in Revelation that will give us victory in Jesus?  1:3 Blessed-read, hear, and heed.  14:13 Blessed-Die in the Lord.  16:15 Blessed-Stays awake and keeps his garments.  19:9 Blessed-Invited to the wedding supper of Lamb.  20:6 Blessed-Part of the 1st resurrection.  22:7 Blessed-Keep the words of the book.  22:14 Blessed-Wash robes, and have right to the tree of life.  The tree of life is found in heaven.  This is the clear path to get us there.  These are pronouncements of blessing to all who follow that path.  May we all be Blessed and meet at the Tree of Life.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Acts 2:42

This is a description of the church in its very first days.  The gospel of Jesus had been preached and 3,000 were baptized that very first day.  They were believers, and their faith moved them to obey the teachings of the apostles.  Believing was their first step, but belonging would be just as important for them to remain faithful.  The continual fellowship, breaking of bread and prayer gave them a community to grow in.  We strive to preach the gospel today that will produce the same response, leading lost souls to Christ.  Let's never forget that giving everyone a sense of belonging will be just as important today as the first day.  We may not be a great teacher, but everyone can participate in the belonging process.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor. "Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised;  perhaps the Lord will work for us, for the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few."  I Samuel 14:6

As usual, King Saul of Israel found himself out manned and out gunned by his arch rivals, the Philistines.  Saul was frozen in fear and indecisiveness, so his son Jonathan decided to give the leading to the Lord.  Jonathan and the young man gave the battle to the Lord.  Two against thousands.  The Lord turned the battle for Israel, and gave them a great victory that day.  God is always happy to rise up and give those who trust in Him a victory.  God truly enjoys fighting many with a few, because then He will get the glory for the victory.  Let's not be dismayed when we are outnumbered.  God does His best work when we are down and almost out.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 29,2012

Grace for your spirit
And it came about when He went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching Him closely.  Luke 14:1

Recently I was driving down the highway when I car passed me with a big JESUS bumper sticker on the back.  There was fine print above it and below it that I couldn't read. Out of curiosity, I worked to catch up with them and get behind them. At a stoplight, I got really close to them and it read, "Are you following JESUS this close?"  Well, are we?  How much effort do expend to follow Jesus closely?  Some watch closely to condemn, others follow closely to be faithful disciples.  What do people notice about us?  Do they notice by our lives that we follow closely to be His faithful followers.  That's the reputation I want, don't you?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit
For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may, become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.  Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, add moral excellence.  II Peter 1:4-5

We live in a very immoral world with an increasing acceptance of godless living.  Does God have a  solution for this destructive behavior?. In Christ we have promises that will make us partakers and participants with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  With them, we can escape this corruption in the world if we apply it.  Seriously applying our faith, we add moral excellence, and we can be victorious. Just talking about our faith won't do.  Let's make a commitment to apply all diligence in finding God's will and doing His will.  Sin is crouching at our door.  With God, we can master it.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit
When Israel saw the great power that the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and believed in the Lord, and in His servant Moses.  Exodus  14:31

The children of God spent most of their time on a roller coaster ride between panic and praise.  Panic in bondage, praise in the passover deliverance.  Panic standing at the edge of the Red Sea being chased by the Egyptians, praise when the sea opened for them and closed on the army of Pharoah. What a miserable life.  God wanted to them to trust in Him continually in good times and in bad ones.  As His children, let's make a commitment to level out our experience with God.  Instead of panic to praise day in and day out, let's allow Him to make our paths straight and level every day.  The Christian experience should be joyful.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Things which eye has not seen and ear not heard, and have not entered into the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.  I Corinthians 2:9

God communicates His love, His providence, His blessings, and His salvation through the Spirit and the Word.  Those who are led by the Spirit, and walk after the Spirit, find great revelation from God.  If the world could see, hear, and know in their hearts how much God really loves us all, and what He has planned for us,  most of the opposition against God would cease.  Unfortunately, the god of this world, the devil, blinds eyes, plugs ears, and closes hearts to God.  We need to get in the eye, ear, and heart improvement business, so the lost world can know the magnificent Lord we all know.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 20, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines.  Though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food.  Though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls,  Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.  Habakkuk 3:17-18

Hard times were approaching and God's people refused to accept His decision. They claimed they were right and God was wrong and demanded justice.  After debating with God they realized that justice would bring them bondage due to their rebellious living.  After a while, futility turned to faith and finally acceptance that they could do anything with God.  They finally realized that with God they could rise above any adversity with rejoicing and praise, because mercy would be greater than justice.  God's grace can give us victory no matter what happens.  Have we realized that yet?  Let's communicate with him a little more. It will give us a happier thanksgiving no matter what our circumstances.  Let's trust in the Lord and His grace for our future.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

What to expect at Northwest Church of Christ


The church building is located on U.S 41 North at Florida Avenue. Just 1/2 mile north of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana

Sunday Bible Classes: 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AM:
Sunday Evening 6:00 PM:
Wednesday Study 7:00 PM:

DECEMBER ACTIVITIES


Holiday Dinner
Mark your calendars now, and plan to be together for our Christmas party.  It will be Monday night, December 17th at 6:30 P.M.  at MCL Cafeteria in the Meadows.  We will have a “white elephant” grab bag.  If you wish to play, wrap something useful from around the house or buy an inexpensive gift to trade.  Debbie will do the decorating. If you would like to help with games, please let me know

Food Baskets
We helped three families with food at Thanksgiving time.  We always fill baskets during December for Christmas.  If you would like to bring Christmas dinner items or contribute to the purchase of the meat, it will be appreciated.  If you know of a family that could use such a basket, please give the name to David.

Warm for the Kids
Right after Christmas break, we will take gloves, hats, scarves, and socks to shelters and elementary schools.  You may start bring those items at any time.  The more the merrier.



BELIEF STATEMENT

We are a fellowship of believers in Christ who believe in one all powerful, all knowing, ever present God. We believe the Bible is God's inspired word, and provides our only standard of right and wrong.

We believe that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins all the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for our justification. We believe that mankind is lost without the saving blood of Jesus and that He is the only way to the Father

We believe that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe the baptized believer is a member of the Lord's church and the kingdom of God.

We believe that the Christians should worship properly and share the good news of Jesus until He returns with out heavenly reward

At worship you may expect joyous acappella singing,prayers,communion services, and a lesson from the Bible every Sunday Expect our worship to be warm, uplifting, and orderly, praising the Lord.

Everyone is always welcome. We hope you will be spiritually enriched by your worship visit

Grace for your spirit November 19,2012

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

Many people misread this verse and dismiss it.  They think it reads that we need to be thankful for everything, and object.  They wonder how they can be thankful for all the evil that comes our way.  God's will is for us to be thankful in every situation.  In whatever state we find ourselves, God wants us to be thankful.  It is a key part of holy living, prayer, and helping others in bad times.  It is God's will for us, so he expects performance instead of complaints.  Let's start practicing right now.  In every circumstance we find ourselves today, let's find something for which we can be thankful. It's God's will becoming our will. It will help us all have a happy thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 16, 2012

Grace for your spirit
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all  your soul and with all your might.  And these words, which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart.  
Deuteronomy 6:5-6

Which words do you notice?  Love, God, heart, soul, mind?  How about the little word, "ALL"?  We have some capacity to love God.  His presence can sink into our hearts and souls, and capture our attention, once in a while, for a little while.  That is hardly the description of a true disciple; once in a while for a little while.  As we read a couple of more verses, we also see His call to remember this ALL the time, and teach it to others ALL the time. This was the focus of the Old Law, and called the greatest commandment in the New Testament.  We can scarcely keep any of His commands without giving Him our ALL. Y'all in?

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 15, 2012

Grace for your spirit
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad.  Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.  II Corinthians 5:10-11

Hundreds of years ago, people started writing stories for kids, often called nursery rhymes.  No matter when the content, the story usually started with, "Once upon of time", and then concluded with the words, "And they all lived happily ever after."  Life is not a nursery rhyme, and we need to be aware of that.  We all have our time to obey the Lord, and someday our time on earth will be over.  There most certainly will be a judgment day to determine our eternal destiny.  Will it be joy with the Lord, or misery out of His presence?  Often we hear of the departed, that they did their best, and they are in a better place. The Lord will be the final judge of whether that is true or not.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 14, 2012

Grace for your spirit
And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending on Him...and immediately the Spirit impelled Him to go into the wilderness. 
Mark 1:10+12

The gospel of Mark is a booster shot to anyone needing their faith strengthened.  It displays the good works of Jesus quickly to draw us in and keep us interested.  The word immediately is used forty times in this short book, to show us the intensity of Jesus' life.  Jesus completed His ministry that took Him to the cross in three short years. Mark is like a parade with one great float after another to hold our attention from His baptism to His resurrection.  If we are a little bored with our Christian life, may we recommend to immediate shot of Jesus.  We can get that immediately from Mark.  Let's get to it...immediately

Monday, November 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 13, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show  yourself an example of those who believe.  I Timothy 4:12

It is so easy to be intimidated by others.  When we are trying to be good examples of a disciple who follows Christ each day, someone can be right there to discourage and discredit us.  We might be called too dumb, too smart, too beautiful, too ugly, too aloof, too humble, or any number of things to diminish our light in a dark world.  For Timothy, Paul's son in the faith, his age did not match his wisdom and knowledge.  God's answer for that was to walk the walk, and talk the talk.  Be an example of those who believe, for those who are struggling.  Leave them saying, "Man, he may be young, but wow, what a disciple."  For us in may be, "Wow, they may be ________, but wow, what a disciple. " Let's go and not look back.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 12, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Your lamb shall be a unblemished male a year old. you may take it from the sheep or from the goats.  You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel. is to kill it at midnight.  Exodus  12:5-6

On the very first Passover celebration in Egypt, the blood on the doorposts came from a special sacrificed sheep or goat. The sacrifice was brought into the house for five days and then killed.  Just as soon as the family got to love this cute animal they had to watch it die. It was sad, but the blood saved their lives.  This became a type of Christ who was to come.  When we come to know Christ and love Him, then we must see Him as our crucified Savior.  Although it is sad to see such a loved one die, the blood saves us from our sins as God's wrath passes over us.   Before we celebrate our Passover, the Lord's Supper next Sunday, let's bring Christ in our houses and hearts as first.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 9, 2012

Grace for your spirit
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Joshua 1:8

Most everyone wants to be prosperous and successful.  It would be nice if we could just set back and let the blessing flow over us, but it doesn't work that way.  Joshua advised the people that the wisdom and knowledge paving the road to success was found in God's book.  We can chart the success and failures of God's people by their attention to the book of law.  In the reign of King Josiah, they found the lost book of law, and no one could figure out what it was.  When it was identified, it led them to repentance. Is righteousness and success escaping us?  Let's find our map to victory in God's word, and put it to good use day and night.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 8, 2012

Grace for your spirit
To me, the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ.  Ephesians 3:8

Paul had been standing on the riches of God's blessings all along, but he didn't know it until he knew Jesus.  Then those unfathomable riches were his to use and proclaim.  Something like Jed Clampitt of the Beverly Hillbillies.  "And then one day he was shootin' at some food and up through the ground came some bubblin' crude." Jed had been a millionaire all along, but he couldn't use it until he knew it and found it.  Whether are standing on the promises or sleeping on the premises, God's grace is sufficient to make those riches useful to all of us.  When we get to know Jesus, we will get to know His riches.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 7, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge. But he who hates reproof is stupid.  Proverbs 12:1

This is not a difficult concept to understand.  In order to learn most things, one must discipline their thoughts and make time to focus on the challenge.  We also must be willing to take correction or we won't learn anything.  With no discipline and the inability to take correction all knowledge will escape us.  Somebody was asked. "Did you go to school, stupid?"  He responded, "Yes and I came out the same way."  As Christians, it is time for us to grow up and wake up.  We need discipline, knowledge and reproof to do our Father's will.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 6, 2012

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

We all face big challenges that come with lots of discouragement and very little help.  It is easy to become discouraged, and that is why we need to be reminded of the weapons we have to stay in the battle.  We all have many gifts from God that are extremely powerful if we will activate them in our lives.  At the times when we "hit the wall", and are tempted to quit, let's remember that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and discipline, and greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. May those gifts of faith, spirit, and grace, rekindle the fire within us.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 5, 2012

Grace for your spirit
As a gold ring in a swine's snout, so is a beautiful woman without discretion.  Proverbs 11:22

We would wonder about someone telling us that they loved the gold ring, but didn't notice the pig.  Gold can be like that.  Lots of beautiful people can be that way too.  We notice the beauty but fail to notice the person cannot make decisions about what is right and wrong.  The discretion will be needed in life long after the beauty fades.  May we have the wisdom to look past the "bling", and see the qualities of inner beauty.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 2, 2012


Grace for your spirit
The seed that fell among the thorns, these are the ones that have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.  Luke 8:14

Put a potato in a cars exhaust pipe, the engine dies.  Take in food, put none out, the constipated body will die.Take in worries fears, and anger and, don't let it go, the spirit will die.  Many a spiritual life has been choked to death with worries about the things in this world and have never brought forth fruit nor come to maturity.  We cannot avoid some worry, some fear, or some anger, but we must find the solution before it chokes us off.  May I suggest the antidote might be faith, hope, and love.  For worry, faith.  for fear, hope.  for anger, love.  As the old song went, "You gotta have faith, hope, and charity. That's the way to live successfully.  How do I know?  The Bible tells me so."

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit November 1, 2012

Grace for your spirit
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes  Psalm 101:3

There are so many little things we can do to help ourselves in our spiritual walk.  Our minds and spirits are just like a computer that gathers information, stores it, and then puts it out.  There is a well known phrase in the computer world labeled, GIGO.  That stands for Garbage In - Garbage out.  Some of things that go into our minds are quickly and easily forgotten, but somehow the most provocative things stay with us for a long time.  Our eyes are a gathering point of lots of trash and if we aren't very careful our trash bin can overflow and pour out on others.  When we are aware of things we will see on TV, movies, computers, and magazines, let's make a commitment to set no worthless thing before our eyes.  We may think we can rise above the garbage, but we are probably wrong.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, " Lord save me!"  Matthew 14:29-30

Peter was so focused on Jesus for those few moments, that he forgot that what he was doing was impossible.  He didn't consider the impossible, or what others would think,  He simple focused on Christ and the miracle unfolded.  Then just as quickly, he remembered his circumstances.  He saw the wind and the water, and he quickly sank.  Although he still knew he should call on the Lord for help, his lack of focus ended his water walk.  God has gifted us to accomplish many wonderful things.  If we will focus on Him and His blessings, we can accomplish great things even with very few talents.  Like Peter, when we break our focus, and start thinking what we cannot do, our mission can sink just as fast. Let's focus on Christ and stay afloat.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 29, 2012

Grace for your spirit
For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.  Ezra 7:10

Ezra was about to lead a remnant of God's people back from Babylonians captivity to Judah.  The had been in Babylon because they failed to know God's law and practice it.  Poor leadership had also played a part in their punishment.  Ezra had been called upon to change their lives.  How would the people do better this time?  How would they know God's will and be able to do it?  They needed leadership who would set their heart to study, practice and teach them the way.  Every generation needs a spirit of Ezra living among us.  Those who will be touched with love and concern for lost souls, and step up to make a difference,  Someone who will love the Lord, love people, love God's Word, and be willing to practice and teach.  Will it be, if it is up to me ?

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit
For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same.  Romans 13:3

I spend time around church people every day who are extremely fearful about government intervention in their lives.  They worry constantly that someone is listening to their phone calls, and others are plotting to indict them for some wrong doing.  The solution to those fears is doing what is right.  Trusting in the Lord is designed to take away our fears and worries, and allow us to live in peace.  Many Christians spend all their efforts trying to change the rulers, when we should be working to change the hearts of all men.  The apostle Paul lived under one of the most oppressive governments in history.  Still, his plan to stand against the oppression of Rome was doing what was right.  Let's do that and enjoy the peace and praise.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit
As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard in his bed.  Proverbs 26:14

I have eight doors and sixteen hinges in my house.  The all turn several times everyday, but so far they haven't gone anywhere.  If our total effort is turning over in our beds, we are going nowhere as well.  A dad wanted his son to get off the sofa and get a job.  "Why?" asked the son.  Dad replied, "To get a job, make some money,and save for retirement, so someday you can sit and relax, enjoying yourself.". The son replied, "That's what I'm doing now!"  Is that the life we want?  Do we want to live on the work of others all our life?   We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.  It is time for us to get out of bed and be a faithful worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 25, 2012

Grace for your spirit
For I tell you, none of those who were invited shall taste of My dinner.  Luke 14:24

Do we have a free pass for our excuse?  When Jesus invited his servants to the great feast, all He heard was excuses.  One had to work, another had to look over his land, and a third had a wife who spoke for him.  No where in that parable does it say that they were given a free pass.  Sometimes we convince people we are too busy, too old, too sick, too something. You see, even with a ""free pass", we still just miss it.  Sometimes people love their "free pass", but the long run it kills spiritually.  If we accepted a permanent, "free hall pass" in school, we would still be there.  We would now be the oldest adult in the 3rd grade.  Let's not accept the pass we've been given.  Let's get to Bible class. 

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 24, 2012


Grace for your spirit
When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.  Proverbs 10:19

Most every direction about speaking in God's Word can be summed up in four letters.  K.I.S.S.  "Keep it short stupid."  When people just keep on talking, they will usually say too much.  James advises being quick to hear and slow to speak.  It is usually better to keep our mouths shut and let everything think we are stupid, than open them and remove all doubt.  Have you ever noticed that when people choose their words carefully, people seem to pay more attention when they do talk.  Let's be wise.  A K.I.S.S. is always nice.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 23, 2012

Grace for your spirit
The sluggard says, " There's a lion outside. I will be killed in the streets."  Proverbs 22:13

A little boy was known for lying, and when he was told to take out the trash, he said he couldn't because there was a lion in the yard.  His mom looked and saw a yellow collie dog.  His mom told him to go to his room and ask God to forgive him for lying to avoid work.  In just a moment the boy was back.  He told his mom that God understood because the first time He saw that collie dog, He thought it was a lion too.  Are we so lazy that we will make up a story to avoid working for the Lord ?  May we channel the energy we use to avoid work, and put that strength to good use in His vineyard.  God knows the truth and He also knows when we lie.  Let quit it.  There's no lion out there.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 22, 2012

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

Every day, we all stand at a crossroad in life.  Will we choose to follow the narrow path that leads to eternal life, or the broad way that leads to destruction?  Many times we are influenced by the encouragement we receive from those around us.  The right encouragement at the right time in the right way will help us choose the right path.  The other day I tried a sample of  some Stetson after shave at a store.  I was undecided about the purchase until a young girl working in the produce dept. said to me, "I don't know what you have on, but it sure smells good."  I bought the Stetson immediately.  Let's have a good word ready to encourage while it is still "Today". and encourage the undecided to be the aroma of Christ.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 19, 2012

Grace for your spirit
I would have despaired unless I  had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage;  Yes, wait on the Lord.  Psalm 27:13-14

This Psalm of David reveals how he kept his optimism in very difficult circumstances.  He sincerely believed that he would see the goodness of the Lord in his life before he died.  He knew God had an eternal city prepared for him, but his desire was to see the goodness of the Lord here and there.  It helped him to be strong and wait.  Too many people who live in despair give up on this life, and then that causes them to give up on God completely.  David was strong, took courage and waited for God.  It worked for him, and it will work for us too.  Let's live every day in hope, and spread the good news to everyone. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 18, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Do not fret because of evildoers, and do not be envious toward wrongdoers.  For they will wither quickly like the green grass and fade like the green herb.  Trust in the Lord and do good. 
 Psalm 37:1-3

It is so easy for us to be twisted up by all we see in the news everyday.  There are evildoers everywhere and it seems that most of them never have to pay for the misdeeds.  It is easy for us to fret and fume because we are honest, faithful, and unsuccessful.  The world tells us to do whatever it takes.  The Lord directs us to take a step back and get a new perspective.  Those people we envy today are swept away tomorrow.  The path to real joy is trusting in the Lord and doing good.  When we do right, love mercy, and walk humbly, He will cause our lives to flourish now and forever.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 17, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Come unto Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Matthew 11:28-29

Let me tell you a flawed plan of too many people in the world and in the church.  When they have had a hard week and need rest and recuperation, they reach to the world for their remedy.  On the Lord's day, they sleep in, go fishing, or take a trip instead of worshiping the Lord.   The real long term source of rest and regeneration is found in the abiding presence of the Lord Jesus.  When we decide to come, take, and learn, we will get the rest we need to enjoy our rest, our recreation, and even our work.  It is called seeking first the kingdom, and all the others things will be abundantly supplied. 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 16, 2012


Grace for your spirit
I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed.  But every woman shall ask of her neighbor and the woman who lives in her house, articles of silver and articles of gold, and clothing;  and you will put them on your sons and daughters.  Thus you will plunder the Egyptians.  Exodus 3:21-23

These are the words that God spoke to Moses before he accepted the challenge to be the deliverer.  Moses had questions about how he could accomplish this great task and provide for the people.  God told him in advance how it was going to be, if he would just believe and go.  Every obstacle and challenge they faced would have been so much easier if they just remembered God could do it through him.  How about us?  When we really believe God's promises, our obstacles will seem so much easier with Him.  It will help us enjoy the trip as well as the destination.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 15, 2012


Grace for your spirit
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord;  He turns it wherever He wishes.  Proverbs 21:1

When we put our hand into a running creek of water, we can play with the flow by the way we put our hand in the water.  God has the power to do that in the lives of people, especially those who have authority over us.  Do we believe God can put His hand into our flow  of life, and make changes?  Nehemiah prayed for four months that can would melt the heart of his king, so he could go rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.  God changed that hard king into a cheerful helper for Nehemiah's mission.  He can do it for us too.  Let's give our obstacles to the Lord.  He can make a way for us.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 12, 2012


Grace for your spirit
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

Every time we enter into a conversation, there is a potential to start a fire.  Politics, religion, and personal pet peeves, seem to top the fire building list, but almost any topic can start a fire.  We have the opportunity to take a bottle of water, or a bottle of gasoline to every fire.  Water settles down a fire, and gasoline causes an explosion.  We all have bottles of harsh and gentle words with us each day.  When we realize that wrath and anger does not accomplish the will of God, let's reach for the bottle of gentle.  The bottle of gentle will ultimately prove that we don't have to be the loudest when Jesus is living in us.  This may be a good "life verse" to note in the front of our Bibles. 

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Grace for your spirit Octobeer 11, 2012


Grace for your spirit
But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it."   John 11:4

In this story about Lazarus' sickness and death, we often miss the most important part of the story.  We see sickness, worry of relatives, anxiety of disciples, doubt of Pharisees, and the delay of Jesus responding.  We observe Lazarus' death, funeral, and burial, and all the mourning.  Jesus already told them how it would end.  Death would not be the end, and at the end the Son of God would be glorified.  The next time we are in the shadow of despair, may we remember that when we trust in Christ, the ultimate end of every event will be glory.  Let's write that down.  We may need to remember that.

Grace for your spirit Octobeer 11, 2012


Grace for your spirit
But when Jesus heard this, He said, "This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it."   John 11:4

In this story about Lazarus' sickness and death, we often miss the most important part of the story.  We see sickness, worry of relatives, anxiety of disciples, doubt of Pharisees, and the delay of Jesus responding.  We observe Lazarus' death, funeral, and burial, and all the mourning.  Jesus already told them how it would end.  Death would not be the end, and at the end the Son of God would be glorified.  The next time we are in the shadow of despair, may we remember that when we trust in Christ, the ultimate end of every event will be glory.  Let's write that down.  We may need to remember that.

Grace for your spirit October 10, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Got up from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself.  Then He poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.  John 13:4-5

At this Passover supper just before Jesus went to the cross, the apostles were about to get a lesson they didn't see coming, and didn't think they needed. Foot washing at dinner was a regular necessary task completed by the lowest servant available.  The apostle's certainly didn't put themselves in that category.  When Jesus began to fill that need, they were certainly shocked, but Jesus did it for a reason.  If Jesus could wash feet, who else in the room could refuse to be a servant.  All disciples of Christ are called to be servants.  They were not greater than their Master and neither are we.  We are slaves of Christ. As slaves we have no rights, only privileges.  Let's be privileged to serve

Monday, October 8, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 9, 2012

 Grace for your spirit
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.  Proverbs 12:25

Of all the people we meet in a day, would you say most are anxious or glad?  If we just the look at their faces and hear the worry in their conversations, we know that many are very troubled.  It is often difficult to get a good word out of anybody. When we find anyone weighed down by such anxiety, the last thing they need to hear from us is that our troubles are even worse.  Let's make a new commitment to give our troubles and anxieties to God, and have a good word ready for those who are drowning in fear.  At the end of the day it is great to say that we "made a heart glad" today.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 5, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day.  I Samuel 10:9

Samuel told Saul that he was going to be king of Israel.  Saul had never thought of it, nor desired it, and he didn't think he could do it.  Samuel promised him that God would change his heart and give him the spirit to succeed.  When Saul took that first step away from Samuel and toward the Lord, God did just what He promised.  There are hundreds of great promises for us in God's word, and we may doubt how it can be done.  In obedience, when we take that first step of faith towards Him, He will show us how He can change our hearts and lives too

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Grqce for your spirit October 4, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!  You have relieved me in my distress;  Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.   Psalm 4:1

Did you every quit calling someone because they didn't seem to want to hear from you?  It always seemed like you were an unwelcome interruption, and they tried to get off the phone?  It is never that way with God.  He is always glad we called, and is ready to hear of our distress, and be gracious in meeting our needs.  He would never ignore us when our name comes up on His caller ID.  Keep His number handy.  It is the best call we can make. 

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 3, 2012


Grace for your spirit
If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us--a land which flows with milk and honey.  Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey.  Leviticus 14:8-9


Israel had grown up in Egypt and then wandered in the desert for forty years.  Milk and honey was the ultimate description of happiness and joy in the promised land.  What could spoil the milk and ruin the honey?  Forgetting God and rebelling against Him would ruin the whole experience. God told them to separate themselves from the people of the land so they wouldn't be carried away in idolatry.   They did not follow His directions and spiritually left the refrigerator door open.  Their spiritual milk and honey had to be dumped, and they suffered greatly.  We are on a journey to our promised land with Jesus.  There are many decisions that must be made as we are directed by His Word.  Let's not let wrong decisions ruin our experience.  May the Lord be pleased with us, and give us victory by His grace.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 2, 2012


Grace for your spirit
The king said, "Get me a sword."  So they brought a sword before the king.  The king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other."  I Kings 3:24-25

Solomon's early reputation for being wise was set with the judgment of the two mothers.  Both claimed the baby was theirs.  The decision to divide the child between them quickly revealed the real mother, who wanted the child to live.   His wise reputation did not prove to be with him very long.  In a short period of time, Solomon accumulated 700 wives, and 300 concubines. Most of his wives were foreigners who brought their idols with them.  In just a few short chapters, Solomon was building idols like Molech, to which people offered their children as sacrifices to him.  Solomon's reputation of wisdom didn't carry him long.  Let's be careful about what gets between us and God, and may we have a reputation of wisdom and godliness, that we live by each day.  

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Grace for your spirit October 1, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints.  And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord andto us by the will of God.  II Corinthians 8:4-5

The Christians in the church at Philippi had a great distinction.   It was not because the were big, rich, or powerful, but because of their faithful generosity. In Paul's collection for the needy in the world, he didn't expect too much out of them, but they surprised him greatly.  They begged to give more and surpassed anything expected of them.  What was their secret?  They had first given themselves to the Lord and to the mission in the world.  What is our goals?  Wouldn't it be great if we were noted for surpassing all expectation because of our faithfulness and generosity?  Yes it would

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Grace for your spirit September 28, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.   I Corinthians 11:1

We are commissioned as Christians to disciple, baptize, and then teaching them all things that has been commanded of us.  When we lead a soul to Christ, there is often a feeling by that new convert, to follow our example and imitate the things we say and do.  This is where we need to be careful, because a new Christian will seldom rise above the commitment and service that we show to them. Until they get grounded in the scripture, and established in the fellowship, we are their scripture and fellowship.  How will they do walking in our steps?  Let's tune up our walk in the truth, so souls can follow us to find their way to fulfillment in Christ.  What a shame it is that people would fall away from Jesus while following us.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit September 27, 2012


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

God's people were on a long slippery slide of unfaithfulness that was going to land them in Babylonian captivity.  Where had they gone wrong?  They were drinking in the wrong information.  They were nourished by the evil world instead of the living God.  This word picture analogy is perfect.  Fountains of living stream water is good, pure, and tasty.  Water from a cistern is stale, contaminated and nasty.  Also cisterns leak and are often dry when we need them.  God's people had become addicted to cistern nourishment and were dying of thirst.  How about us?  Are we drinking the living water of Jesus, or from the polluted water of the world.  Those two evils will cause our death as well.   There is still time for us to refresh. Let's do it together.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Grace for your spirit September 26, 2012


Grace for your spirit
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.  I John 4:4

With the Spirit of God living in us, we are always a majority over whatever the devil can throw at us.  We can overcome the false prophet, the anti-Christ, and every temptation, when we remember who we are and what we have in Christ.  When Eljjah stood on Mt Carmel against Baal and the 450 prophets representing Baal, he did not stand alone. Elijah knew that with God, he was the majority.  Shortly after that he forgot that and ran in fear proclaiming that he was all alone.  We can have a lapse like that too.  Let's stay in scripture, prayer, and fellowship, so we don't have those times when we think the evil of the world is greater.  With God's grace, we can avoid those times

Grace for your spirit September 25, 2012


Grace for your spirit
In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes,  Judges 21:25

When Israel moved into the promise land, they were governed by Judges.  Most of the Judges were corrupt and evil, leaving the people to live as they pleased.  There really was a king in Israel in those days, but He was ignored.  That King was God.  Because they refused to acknowledge God as King, they made themselves king of their lives.  As Christians today, we have been transferred into the kingdom of Jesus.  When we walk after the Spirit of Christ, we are aware that we cannot be king of our own lives.  When we make ourselves king, we cannot be part of His kingdom.  As subjects of His kingdom, let's make a commitment to do His will, and enjoy the path to success.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Grace for your spirit September 24, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.  Luke 14:23

When the Master sent forth the great invitation to the great feast, mostly all He received was excuses.  He instructed  His servants to go quickly, seeking and searching with great enthusiasm and working hard to get them to come in until His  house was filled.  This is a great picture of our reality today as well.  Most people won't come to Jesus, they must be brought,  Most will not study, they must be taught.  Finally, most people will not just accept Christ, they must be won.   Brought, taught, and won;  Is there any time for that kind of activity in our schedule?  If we quit polishing our gold calves, and get off our brains, we might have a lot more time and energy for the lost.  Let's go quickly and compel.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Grace for your spirit September 21, 2012

Grace for your spirit
Consider your ways!  You have sown much, but harvest little;  you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there in not enough to become drunk;  you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes.  Haggai 1:5-6

God's people had been provided with everything they needed to rebuild the temple following its destruction.  Instead, they decided to use the materials, time, and motivation to build their own houses and let the temple lie in waste. Difficult times came their way just before the prophet came to remind them that their priorities were all wrong.  Whenever our harvest is little, and we feel like our purse has a hole in it, we want to blame somebody.  Usually we choose the economy, the government, or even God.  We can't imagine that we have brought our troubles on ourselves.  Perhaps these times should used to give us a new perspective about our priorities.  Are we using His blessings for ourselves or our will?  Let's make a new commitment to putting Him first.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Grace for your spirit September20, 2012


Grace for your spirit
Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith;  examine yourselves!  Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test?  II Corinthians 13:5

When we were students in school, did you ever notice the different responses to the announcement of an upcoming test?  The good students in the class seemed to be happy about the test.  They knew it was a tool to help them know how well they were learning the material.  The rest of us joined in a group moaning for the tragedy that was on the horizon.  How we are responding to the testing of our faith, may be an important indicator of our strength in Christ.  A test now and then is good preparation for that final exam when we stand in front of God at the judgment day.  Let's keep up day by day to avoid the "cramming session" when the trumpet sounds.