Grace for your spirit
Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. And the slave does not remain in the house forever, the son does remain forever. Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:34-36
Sitting in the church house will make us a Christian, as quick as sitting around the hen house will make us a chicken. How many times have we watched church members sitting around with a blank look on their faces? On the surface they may be members of the church, but deep down they are still slaves to sin. I John 2:19 says many go out from us because they are not of us. How true. If we are not true sons of Christ still living in the slavery of sin, the fellowship will not hold us. We need to look at ourselves and look around. Will we all be remaining in His house forever? Let The Son make us His sons so we can remain forever.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 31, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I Corinthians 5:7-8
A house that is filled with trash and garbage will soon be filled with bugs too. The key to living a happy productive Christian life is to clean up and take out the trash. If we allow sin to reign in our body, it will draw more sin. Jesus Christ has the power and the means to cleanse our spirit. When we fill our lives with His
Spirit, sincerity and truth, the trash leaves and so do the bugs.
Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
I Corinthians 5:7-8
A house that is filled with trash and garbage will soon be filled with bugs too. The key to living a happy productive Christian life is to clean up and take out the trash. If we allow sin to reign in our body, it will draw more sin. Jesus Christ has the power and the means to cleanse our spirit. When we fill our lives with His
Spirit, sincerity and truth, the trash leaves and so do the bugs.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 30, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Elders are gone from the gate, young men from their music. The joy of our hearts have ceased; Our dancing has been turned into mourning. Lamentations 5:14-15
A woman once had a singing bird named Chirpie. One day while cleaning the cage, she accidentally sucked Chirpie into the vacuum hose. Quickly she rescued him, cleaned him, and put him back in the cage. Chirpie lived, but he didn't sing much anymore. The people of Jerusalem had been sucked through much persecution, They had lost their music, their joy, their dancing, and their happiness. Many Christians today are like them and Chirpie. Their Christian walk has not been the same since they were sucked through the hose of life. Barely alive, they have little to sing about. May we shake off our past, and let Christ restore our spirit and the joy of our hearts before it is too late.
Elders are gone from the gate, young men from their music. The joy of our hearts have ceased; Our dancing has been turned into mourning. Lamentations 5:14-15
A woman once had a singing bird named Chirpie. One day while cleaning the cage, she accidentally sucked Chirpie into the vacuum hose. Quickly she rescued him, cleaned him, and put him back in the cage. Chirpie lived, but he didn't sing much anymore. The people of Jerusalem had been sucked through much persecution, They had lost their music, their joy, their dancing, and their happiness. Many Christians today are like them and Chirpie. Their Christian walk has not been the same since they were sucked through the hose of life. Barely alive, they have little to sing about. May we shake off our past, and let Christ restore our spirit and the joy of our hearts before it is too late.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 27, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh; for the willing is present with me, but the doing of the good is not. Romans 7:18
A study of Romans shows us the effects of the "Two Adams" in our lives. The Adam from the Garden of Eden sinned and brought sin into the world. The 2nd Adam is Jesus Christ. He lived without sin and brought righteousness into the world. If we choose to submit to the 2nd Adam, Jesus Christ, His righteousness can make us righteous, and the power and the penalty of sin can be broken in our body. However as long as we live, we will always have the sinful nature present with us. That is the nothing good that still dwells in us, and can drag us down. With Christ, we can conquer it, and live victorious lives. He is the deliverance from the "nothing good" dwelling in us.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh; for the willing is present with me, but the doing of the good is not. Romans 7:18
A study of Romans shows us the effects of the "Two Adams" in our lives. The Adam from the Garden of Eden sinned and brought sin into the world. The 2nd Adam is Jesus Christ. He lived without sin and brought righteousness into the world. If we choose to submit to the 2nd Adam, Jesus Christ, His righteousness can make us righteous, and the power and the penalty of sin can be broken in our body. However as long as we live, we will always have the sinful nature present with us. That is the nothing good that still dwells in us, and can drag us down. With Christ, we can conquer it, and live victorious lives. He is the deliverance from the "nothing good" dwelling in us.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 26, 2012
Grace for your spirit
No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also so you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
God promises to cause all things to work together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. In this case God will provide a way of escape when we need it, and help us endure whatever temptation comes our way. With His promises, we can be sure He will be there for us. The question remains; will we be there for Him. If we commit to love Him, and live in His purpose, we can surely answer that He will provide
No temptation has overtaken you but such is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also so you will be able to endure it. I Corinthians 10:13
God promises to cause all things to work together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. In this case God will provide a way of escape when we need it, and help us endure whatever temptation comes our way. With His promises, we can be sure He will be there for us. The question remains; will we be there for Him. If we commit to love Him, and live in His purpose, we can surely answer that He will provide
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 25, 2012
Grace for your spirit
From the same mouth comes both blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not to be this way. James 3:10
We would never expect to get pure and bitter water from the save fountain. When we claim we are pure of heart, there should be no source of bitterness to produce bitter talk. If we bless and then curse with the same mouth, our lives will also be inconsistent. Jesus said that whatever is in the heart will surely come out of our mouths. If we feel bitterness coming out of our mouths, Psalm 39 has a good suggestion. Put a muzzle on it until the feeling passes, and let's starting working on our hearts. Everyone is listening to see how we do with that challenge.
From the same mouth comes both blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not to be this way. James 3:10
We would never expect to get pure and bitter water from the save fountain. When we claim we are pure of heart, there should be no source of bitterness to produce bitter talk. If we bless and then curse with the same mouth, our lives will also be inconsistent. Jesus said that whatever is in the heart will surely come out of our mouths. If we feel bitterness coming out of our mouths, Psalm 39 has a good suggestion. Put a muzzle on it until the feeling passes, and let's starting working on our hearts. Everyone is listening to see how we do with that challenge.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 24, 2012
Grace for your spirit
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. I Corinthians 2:14
Does spiritual talk make us a little uncomfortable? Are the sermons a little long and boring? Does the things that are done in worship seem like foolishness to us? Perhaps we are not spiritually appraised in our thinking and our living. Like in our car, our gauges may show we are all right, but maybe it is time to check under the hood. When we are spiritually appraised we should love to talk of spiritual things and the things of God. If we are bored, let that be are warning to tune up our spiritual lives.
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. I Corinthians 2:14
Does spiritual talk make us a little uncomfortable? Are the sermons a little long and boring? Does the things that are done in worship seem like foolishness to us? Perhaps we are not spiritually appraised in our thinking and our living. Like in our car, our gauges may show we are all right, but maybe it is time to check under the hood. When we are spiritually appraised we should love to talk of spiritual things and the things of God. If we are bored, let that be are warning to tune up our spiritual lives.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 23, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. James 2:26
By faith, God has done a great work in us, and He wants us to work out what He has worked in us. Faith is not meant to be alone. The faith and trust that we have in Him needs to produce good works in us. Many a believer has wanted to be productive, but have become discouraged because they can't seem find any work in His kingdom. They have gifts, they have faith, they have the opportunity, but these are never activated. Maybe like a person who prays everyday for a college education. For years they pray for that diploma, but still nothing. They ask God what they can possibly do. This time God answers them saying, "Enroll in school and study." We need to see that God will help us in our works, but we need to put our faith into action. He can work with that. Working with nothing is harder.
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead. James 2:26
By faith, God has done a great work in us, and He wants us to work out what He has worked in us. Faith is not meant to be alone. The faith and trust that we have in Him needs to produce good works in us. Many a believer has wanted to be productive, but have become discouraged because they can't seem find any work in His kingdom. They have gifts, they have faith, they have the opportunity, but these are never activated. Maybe like a person who prays everyday for a college education. For years they pray for that diploma, but still nothing. They ask God what they can possibly do. This time God answers them saying, "Enroll in school and study." We need to see that God will help us in our works, but we need to put our faith into action. He can work with that. Working with nothing is harder.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 20, 2012
Grace for your spirit
And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
Jesus is encouraging all of us to be careful how, what, and when we make judgment on others. We all sin, but lots of times it is easier to see a little sin in someone else, than it is to see the big sins in us. When we have that kind of log in our own eye it seriously affects our vision. We lose our peripheral sight, losing half our field of vision. We lose our depth perception and cannot tell when something approaches us. It all happens so gradually that we can't really tell how bad it has become. The log hurts if we will admit it, but often we won't. Let's visit our spiritual eye doctor, and then we will really have the vision to help someone with a speck
And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Matthew 7:3
Jesus is encouraging all of us to be careful how, what, and when we make judgment on others. We all sin, but lots of times it is easier to see a little sin in someone else, than it is to see the big sins in us. When we have that kind of log in our own eye it seriously affects our vision. We lose our peripheral sight, losing half our field of vision. We lose our depth perception and cannot tell when something approaches us. It all happens so gradually that we can't really tell how bad it has become. The log hurts if we will admit it, but often we won't. Let's visit our spiritual eye doctor, and then we will really have the vision to help someone with a speck
Grace for your spirit. July 19, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Jesus told His disciples that when they were not received into a house, that they should shake the dust off their feet and move on. Today may not be the day we can reach them, but leaving in peace may mean there will be another day when the dogs and pigs are in a more receptive mood. Let's have an attitude that shows people we really care about them, and not just talking to get another notch on our Bible. There could be any number of reasons why people would want to tear us into pieces today. Maybe next time will be better.
Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Jesus told His disciples that when they were not received into a house, that they should shake the dust off their feet and move on. Today may not be the day we can reach them, but leaving in peace may mean there will be another day when the dogs and pigs are in a more receptive mood. Let's have an attitude that shows people we really care about them, and not just talking to get another notch on our Bible. There could be any number of reasons why people would want to tear us into pieces today. Maybe next time will be better.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 18, 2012
Grace for your spirit
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and have all knowledge; And if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possession to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. I Corinthians 13:1-3
It all must begin and endure with love. When we love the people we hope to serve, and when love the people we want to lead in serving, our efforts will bring forth much fruit. Talking about our spirit, our gifts, our knowledge, our faith, our sacrifice, and our ability to lead and organize, sounds like blah, blah, blah, when our lives our not filled with love. Let's talk about our love and caring for others, and our gifts will really be profitable.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and have all knowledge; And if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possession to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. I Corinthians 13:1-3
It all must begin and endure with love. When we love the people we hope to serve, and when love the people we want to lead in serving, our efforts will bring forth much fruit. Talking about our spirit, our gifts, our knowledge, our faith, our sacrifice, and our ability to lead and organize, sounds like blah, blah, blah, when our lives our not filled with love. Let's talk about our love and caring for others, and our gifts will really be profitable.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 17, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word that is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
This is not just about foul obscene language, but about all our thoughts that speak There is a great difference between language that is seasoned with salt, and language that is salt in a wound. Do we have a buffer system at all ? A buffer system that intercedes between what we think and what actually comes out of our mouth. If we don't have one, we all need one. The next time we think we want to say something, send it through our buffer. Will it be good to build the listener up for their present need? Will it be grace for the ones who hear? Is it seasoned with salt so it will taste good? Failing those tests, let's keep it to ourselves
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word that is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
This is not just about foul obscene language, but about all our thoughts that speak There is a great difference between language that is seasoned with salt, and language that is salt in a wound. Do we have a buffer system at all ? A buffer system that intercedes between what we think and what actually comes out of our mouth. If we don't have one, we all need one. The next time we think we want to say something, send it through our buffer. Will it be good to build the listener up for their present need? Will it be grace for the ones who hear? Is it seasoned with salt so it will taste good? Failing those tests, let's keep it to ourselves
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 16, 2012
Grace for your spirit
And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers, or your relatives or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment comes to you. Luke 14:12
Jesus had b
een invited to a feast of the "Who's Who" in the area. When He began to teach, it wasn't the after dinner speech they would have expected. Jesus instructed them in the difference between fellowship and true hospitality. True hospitality is giving to someone who has no way of repaying us. Since we get no reward from the them, we will have a reward waiting from God. Sort of pay me now, or pay me later. When Jesus spoke of giving, prayer, and fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, the preference was always, Pay Me Later. That gives the glory to God and blessings from God. Isn't that what we really want?
And He also went on to say to the one who had invited Him, "When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers, or your relatives or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and repayment comes to you. Luke 14:12
Jesus had b
een invited to a feast of the "Who's Who" in the area. When He began to teach, it wasn't the after dinner speech they would have expected. Jesus instructed them in the difference between fellowship and true hospitality. True hospitality is giving to someone who has no way of repaying us. Since we get no reward from the them, we will have a reward waiting from God. Sort of pay me now, or pay me later. When Jesus spoke of giving, prayer, and fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, the preference was always, Pay Me Later. That gives the glory to God and blessings from God. Isn't that what we really want?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 13,, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ. I Corinthians 11:1
The Christian walk in an exercise in imitating the right things and the right people. When we become serious students of the Word and get to know Jesus, we should find a role model to followe. A disciple literally is a follower and a learner of Jesus. The Word also gives us countless role models who have mastered the art of imitating the Lord. When we follow their example as they follow Christ's example, we are going to be on the right track. The WWJD campaign (What Would Jesus Do?) is a good one when we really know what Jesus would do. Too many Christians are on a reverse DJWW campaign (Do Just What I Want). That is the error of focusing on us instead of Him. Which campaign are we on?
Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ. I Corinthians 11:1
The Christian walk in an exercise in imitating the right things and the right people. When we become serious students of the Word and get to know Jesus, we should find a role model to followe. A disciple literally is a follower and a learner of Jesus. The Word also gives us countless role models who have mastered the art of imitating the Lord. When we follow their example as they follow Christ's example, we are going to be on the right track. The WWJD campaign (What Would Jesus Do?) is a good one when we really know what Jesus would do. Too many Christians are on a reverse DJWW campaign (Do Just What I Want). That is the error of focusing on us instead of Him. Which campaign are we on?
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 12, 2012
Grace for your spirit
This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit the orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
Is it possible to live in the world, to live with the worldly, and be constantly exposed to the evil elements of the world, and still be God's person? Yes, yes, it is possible. We can be in the world, but not of the world. We can not love the world, but rather love the Father. When we make our relationship with God as our primary focus, keeping busy doing His will towards those in need, we can be victorious over the world. It is the path to being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let's make the commitment.
This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit the orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:27
Is it possible to live in the world, to live with the worldly, and be constantly exposed to the evil elements of the world, and still be God's person? Yes, yes, it is possible. We can be in the world, but not of the world. We can not love the world, but rather love the Father. When we make our relationship with God as our primary focus, keeping busy doing His will towards those in need, we can be victorious over the world. It is the path to being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let's make the commitment.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 11, 2012
Grace for your spirit
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come, take your ease, eat drink and be merry. Luke 12:19
The sky was the limit for this guy, literally. His only perception was the life he was living right then. He mistook his bankbook for his Bible, his body for his soul, and time for eternity. He was not rich toward God, and his clock was about to run out. God said to him, "Fool, tonight your soul will be required of you, then who will have all your stuff?" We shouldn't want the sky to be our limit. The dwelling place of God is the 3rd heaven. If this world is our goal, then our next move may be down not up.
And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come, take your ease, eat drink and be merry. Luke 12:19
The sky was the limit for this guy, literally. His only perception was the life he was living right then. He mistook his bankbook for his Bible, his body for his soul, and time for eternity. He was not rich toward God, and his clock was about to run out. God said to him, "Fool, tonight your soul will be required of you, then who will have all your stuff?" We shouldn't want the sky to be our limit. The dwelling place of God is the 3rd heaven. If this world is our goal, then our next move may be down not up.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 10, 2012
Grace for your spirit
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. I Thessalonians 5:21-22
This is an excellent formula to avoid much pain and suffering in the world today. Unfortunately, it takes several things to make it work for us. First of all we need to be students of His word, and have the training to know right from wrong. Then we will have to allow time to examine everything carefully and not just jump into anything that comes along. Finally there must be a willingness to hold fast to the things that are good. Wisdom encourages us to look before we leap, and think before we commit. The naive and complacent. often think they are ten feet tall and bullet proof. Don't let that be our mistake
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. I Thessalonians 5:21-22
This is an excellent formula to avoid much pain and suffering in the world today. Unfortunately, it takes several things to make it work for us. First of all we need to be students of His word, and have the training to know right from wrong. Then we will have to allow time to examine everything carefully and not just jump into anything that comes along. Finally there must be a willingness to hold fast to the things that are good. Wisdom encourages us to look before we leap, and think before we commit. The naive and complacent. often think they are ten feet tall and bullet proof. Don't let that be our mistake
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 9, , 2012
Grace for your spirit
That each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who don't know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter Thessalonians 4:4-6
God's ultimate desire for us is to be holy like He is holy. There is more about holy living in the Bible that any other subject. All God's direction is for us to live a sanctified and honorable life before God as His child. It is despicable that anyone could come out of the darkness and into the light, only to find themselves violated by someone in the fellowship of the church. Unfortunately, there will always be wolves in sheep clothing that come in among us, not sparing the flock, so we need to be aware. As for our part, let us all make a commitment to a holy fellowship, and never use the fellowship of Jesus as our own breeding grounds for lust and passion.
That each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who don't know God; and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter Thessalonians 4:4-6
God's ultimate desire for us is to be holy like He is holy. There is more about holy living in the Bible that any other subject. All God's direction is for us to live a sanctified and honorable life before God as His child. It is despicable that anyone could come out of the darkness and into the light, only to find themselves violated by someone in the fellowship of the church. Unfortunately, there will always be wolves in sheep clothing that come in among us, not sparing the flock, so we need to be aware. As for our part, let us all make a commitment to a holy fellowship, and never use the fellowship of Jesus as our own breeding grounds for lust and passion.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 6, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For I tell you, none of those who were invited shall taste of My dinner. Luke 14:24
In this parable Jesus is showing us the invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb. He is the Lamb and we are all invited to eat with Him for eternity. Unfortunately, things get in the way of our responding to His kind invitation. Some had land to see, others oxen to test, and still others were married and could not come. Now there is nothing wrong with lands, oxen, and being married, but when we let them crowd out the spiritual eternal things in our lives, they can become bad..very bad. Let's be careful to keep our priorities right as we choose our possession, pursuits, and personal relationship., Right priorities will help us avoid the things that might cause us to miss heaven.
For I tell you, none of those who were invited shall taste of My dinner. Luke 14:24
In this parable Jesus is showing us the invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb. He is the Lamb and we are all invited to eat with Him for eternity. Unfortunately, things get in the way of our responding to His kind invitation. Some had land to see, others oxen to test, and still others were married and could not come. Now there is nothing wrong with lands, oxen, and being married, but when we let them crowd out the spiritual eternal things in our lives, they can become bad..very bad. Let's be careful to keep our priorities right as we choose our possession, pursuits, and personal relationship., Right priorities will help us avoid the things that might cause us to miss heaven.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 5, 2012
Grace for your spirit
But I am a worm and not a man. A reproach of men, and despised by the people. Psalm 22:6
David had a lot of problems and sin in his life. How did he always find his way back to God ? He had the ability to completely humble himself before God, and allow the greatness of God to heal him. He certainly was not a worm, but his image of himself couldn't be much lower. When we have a high opinion of ourselves, it pushes us away from God and His forgiveness. We used to sing a song with this line, "Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I ?" People so objected to that phrase that it was changed to , "Such a one as I.". We all have problems and sin that separate us from God. What will be our best move?, To boldly march before Him, or squiggle in like a worm. The worm works better
But I am a worm and not a man. A reproach of men, and despised by the people. Psalm 22:6
David had a lot of problems and sin in his life. How did he always find his way back to God ? He had the ability to completely humble himself before God, and allow the greatness of God to heal him. He certainly was not a worm, but his image of himself couldn't be much lower. When we have a high opinion of ourselves, it pushes us away from God and His forgiveness. We used to sing a song with this line, "Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I ?" People so objected to that phrase that it was changed to , "Such a one as I.". We all have problems and sin that separate us from God. What will be our best move?, To boldly march before Him, or squiggle in like a worm. The worm works better
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 4, 2012
Grace for your spirit
If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John8:31-32
The Pharisees that were listening to Jesus didn't understand any path to freedom. They felt there were free because the were Abraham's children, descendants of Moses, and God was their father. They felt because the were the strict teachers of the Law, that they had found victory over sin. In fact, they were not free in any way. They had rejected God and their heritage, and were living in a dreamworld. If they had fireworks, they would have had party. That party was premature. They needed the true freedom only found in Jesus. On the 4th of July, as we set off our fireworks and speak of freedom, may use this as time to remember; The true freedom we have only comes from Christ. Free from the power and penalty of sin, and free from eternal separation from Him. When the Lord sets us free, we are free indeed. Let's celebrate that and all the benefits that come from Him.
If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John8:31-32
The Pharisees that were listening to Jesus didn't understand any path to freedom. They felt there were free because the were Abraham's children, descendants of Moses, and God was their father. They felt because the were the strict teachers of the Law, that they had found victory over sin. In fact, they were not free in any way. They had rejected God and their heritage, and were living in a dreamworld. If they had fireworks, they would have had party. That party was premature. They needed the true freedom only found in Jesus. On the 4th of July, as we set off our fireworks and speak of freedom, may use this as time to remember; The true freedom we have only comes from Christ. Free from the power and penalty of sin, and free from eternal separation from Him. When the Lord sets us free, we are free indeed. Let's celebrate that and all the benefits that come from Him.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 3, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion. That I not be full and deny You and say "Who is the Lord?" Or that I not be in want and steal and profane the name of my God.Proverbs 30:8-9
Have ever wondered how much to pray for every day? How much will be too much and how little will be too small. Here in Proverbs, wisdom gives us the parameters. Lord, give me my portion. Not so much that I will be self confident and deny you, and bot so little that I will embarrass you with dishonesty. The principle is to give it all to the Lord, and let Him supply us with what is best and be satisfied. Can we do it? of course we can, now will we?
Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion. That I not be full and deny You and say "Who is the Lord?" Or that I not be in want and steal and profane the name of my God.Proverbs 30:8-9
Have ever wondered how much to pray for every day? How much will be too much and how little will be too small. Here in Proverbs, wisdom gives us the parameters. Lord, give me my portion. Not so much that I will be self confident and deny you, and bot so little that I will embarrass you with dishonesty. The principle is to give it all to the Lord, and let Him supply us with what is best and be satisfied. Can we do it? of course we can, now will we?
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 2, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
The is one of the "Ascent Psalms" As God's children traveled from every corner of Israel to the temple for worship, they sang these songs. The gathering at the temple would be a beautiful picture of unity. Jesus' desire is for all of us to be one, as He and the Father are one, and to preserve the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace. Jesus came to His world divided by religion, gender and slavery to make us all one in Him. Jesus went to the cross to tear down all the barriers, that we might all be found in Him. May we never be tearing down what God wants, and the reason Jesus died. Lets all sing the Psalms of unity
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity. Psalm 133:1
The is one of the "Ascent Psalms" As God's children traveled from every corner of Israel to the temple for worship, they sang these songs. The gathering at the temple would be a beautiful picture of unity. Jesus' desire is for all of us to be one, as He and the Father are one, and to preserve the unity of the Spirit and bond of peace. Jesus came to His world divided by religion, gender and slavery to make us all one in Him. Jesus went to the cross to tear down all the barriers, that we might all be found in Him. May we never be tearing down what God wants, and the reason Jesus died. Lets all sing the Psalms of unity
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