Grace for your spirit
And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very moment. Matthew 8:13
A Roman soldier came to Jesus asking for Jesus to heal his servant. The soldier's faith was so strong, he believed Jesus could heal by just saying the word. Jesus had not seen faith like that anywhere in Israel and He was amazed. Jesus told him it would be done as he had believed. How our lives would be better if we walked in a light like that. What if we walked by faith believing that Jesus could bless us in every way? If we walked as we believed, we could become "self fulfilling prophecies". We believe therefore we are, and therefore we will be. That's the faith that brings the healing of Jesus to others and to ourselves.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 30, 2012
Grace for your spirit
forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. II Peter 2:15
What could lure us away from serving God as we should, and cause us to go astray? The lusts of the flesh, the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, can make us forsake the right way. Balaam, first mentioned in Numbers 22, is the prime example of where we can go wrong. Balaam was a prophet of God, but for money he came to curse the children of Israel. The wages of sin in this world can look pretty nice, but the end of that road is death. Let's not follow people like Balaam, let's follow Jesus.
forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. II Peter 2:15
What could lure us away from serving God as we should, and cause us to go astray? The lusts of the flesh, the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, can make us forsake the right way. Balaam, first mentioned in Numbers 22, is the prime example of where we can go wrong. Balaam was a prophet of God, but for money he came to curse the children of Israel. The wages of sin in this world can look pretty nice, but the end of that road is death. Let's not follow people like Balaam, let's follow Jesus.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 29, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
The righteousness that comes from God in Jesus Christ is designed to save us and transform us. We are all children of the flesh and have the potential to be angry and do many bad things. When God changes our heart, we have a new potential of achieving the righteousness of God. When we make our spiritual decisions based on anger, we really miss the mark. If we have chosen our spiritual path based our anger, what kind of walk can we have? Let's listen carefully and be careful what we say. An angry disciple is not a transformed disciple of Jesus
Quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
The righteousness that comes from God in Jesus Christ is designed to save us and transform us. We are all children of the flesh and have the potential to be angry and do many bad things. When God changes our heart, we have a new potential of achieving the righteousness of God. When we make our spiritual decisions based on anger, we really miss the mark. If we have chosen our spiritual path based our anger, what kind of walk can we have? Let's listen carefully and be careful what we say. An angry disciple is not a transformed disciple of Jesus
Monday, August 27, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 28, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31-32
Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest apostles, seemed to be in trouble most of the time. He thought he was invincible, and the devil was often able to get the best of him. He also failed to remember that the prayer and support of Jesus was always better than anything the devil could throw at him. Finally, he failed to realize that every time he stumbled, he had a negative effect on his brethren. We can have the same troubles today, and they can seriously hamper our effectiveness. May we all make a new commitment to be aware of our adversary, trust in the help from the Lord, and be more attentive to how we can strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31-32
Simon Peter, one of Jesus' closest apostles, seemed to be in trouble most of the time. He thought he was invincible, and the devil was often able to get the best of him. He also failed to remember that the prayer and support of Jesus was always better than anything the devil could throw at him. Finally, he failed to realize that every time he stumbled, he had a negative effect on his brethren. We can have the same troubles today, and they can seriously hamper our effectiveness. May we all make a new commitment to be aware of our adversary, trust in the help from the Lord, and be more attentive to how we can strengthen our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 27, 2012
Grace for your spirit
When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what is was, And Moses said to them, "It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. Exodus 16:15
For years I called the bread that came down from heaven, manna. I assumed it was the name God gave it to describe the substance of the blessing. In fact, the word manna means, "what is it?" The first morning , they got up and saw the bread like substance, they said what any of us would say; "What is it? I'm not getting near it until I know what it is, where it came from, and what it is for." Once they found out the truth, you would have thought they wouldn't have to keep calling it, "what is it." However the blessing continued to be a mystery. When Jesus became our manna that came down from heaven, they didn't recognize Him either. With Jesus, it's not "what is it"?, but rather "what it is." He IS the way, they truth, and the life.
When the sons of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what is was, And Moses said to them, "It is the bread which the LORD has given you to eat. Exodus 16:15
For years I called the bread that came down from heaven, manna. I assumed it was the name God gave it to describe the substance of the blessing. In fact, the word manna means, "what is it?" The first morning , they got up and saw the bread like substance, they said what any of us would say; "What is it? I'm not getting near it until I know what it is, where it came from, and what it is for." Once they found out the truth, you would have thought they wouldn't have to keep calling it, "what is it." However the blessing continued to be a mystery. When Jesus became our manna that came down from heaven, they didn't recognize Him either. With Jesus, it's not "what is it"?, but rather "what it is." He IS the way, they truth, and the life.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Grace for your spirit. July 24, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our afflication which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. II Corinthians 1:9
The Apostle Paul suffered greatly for his mission. Fortunately, he learned from his sufferings, and they fueled his ministry. He learned not to trust in himself. He learned that whenever he was weak, God made him strong. He learned to help others in their suffering, and comfort them. With these qualities, he turned the negative into positives. It opened the door to share the good news with all he met. Are we being strengthened by our troubles or crushed? May we all have the strength to start learning like Paul.
For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our afflication which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. II Corinthians 1:9
The Apostle Paul suffered greatly for his mission. Fortunately, he learned from his sufferings, and they fueled his ministry. He learned not to trust in himself. He learned that whenever he was weak, God made him strong. He learned to help others in their suffering, and comfort them. With these qualities, he turned the negative into positives. It opened the door to share the good news with all he met. Are we being strengthened by our troubles or crushed? May we all have the strength to start learning like Paul.
Grace for your spirit. August 23 , 2012
Grace for your spirit
Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14
An 80 year old couple left the country to drive into the big city on the interstate. As they drove along slowly partially on the shoulder, they greatly feared being killed by the speeding trucks that blew them off the road. This verse came to mind. The broad way really does lead to destruction. Life in the fast lane is seldom the lane that leads us to peace and safety. When we make our life choices, may we not choose the fastest way, but the way that allows us to make the choices God wants us to make. The narrow way is not the easiest way, but it is certainly the best because God directs our path.
Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. Matthew 7:13-14
An 80 year old couple left the country to drive into the big city on the interstate. As they drove along slowly partially on the shoulder, they greatly feared being killed by the speeding trucks that blew them off the road. This verse came to mind. The broad way really does lead to destruction. Life in the fast lane is seldom the lane that leads us to peace and safety. When we make our life choices, may we not choose the fastest way, but the way that allows us to make the choices God wants us to make. The narrow way is not the easiest way, but it is certainly the best because God directs our path.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 22, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For what does the scripture say? "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Roman 4:3
Explain the major difference between Adam and Eve, and Abraham. Adam and Eve believed in God, but failed to believe Him. As a result they ignored Him, lost their righhteousness and were cast away . Abraham believed in God, and he also believed Him. Because of that strong faith, God gave Him righteousness as a free gift. Many believe that God exists, but fail to believe what He says. As a result some are in and others are left on the outside looking in. Let's believe in God, believe what He says, believe in His promises, and believe in His directions. That's the right combination.
For what does the scripture say? "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Roman 4:3
Explain the major difference between Adam and Eve, and Abraham. Adam and Eve believed in God, but failed to believe Him. As a result they ignored Him, lost their righhteousness and were cast away . Abraham believed in God, and he also believed Him. Because of that strong faith, God gave Him righteousness as a free gift. Many believe that God exists, but fail to believe what He says. As a result some are in and others are left on the outside looking in. Let's believe in God, believe what He says, believe in His promises, and believe in His directions. That's the right combination.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 21, 2012
Grace for your spirit
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with tax collectors and sinners?" Matthew 9:11
The religious professionals caught Jesus red handed, eating with sinners. To Jesus, sinners with an open door was a great opportunity. To the self righteous Pharisees, sinners were an irritation to be avoided. Jesus asked them to consider how a doctor feels about sick people. To a dedicated doctor, illnesses are an opportunity not an irritation. Jesus was the Great Physician with the insight to diagnose our troubles and create a cure for our sin sickness. This dinner was the chance for Him to reach the sin sick with compassion. How about us? Are sinners an opportunity or an irritation to us? The lost world needs us to have the compassion that Jesus had.
When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with tax collectors and sinners?" Matthew 9:11
The religious professionals caught Jesus red handed, eating with sinners. To Jesus, sinners with an open door was a great opportunity. To the self righteous Pharisees, sinners were an irritation to be avoided. Jesus asked them to consider how a doctor feels about sick people. To a dedicated doctor, illnesses are an opportunity not an irritation. Jesus was the Great Physician with the insight to diagnose our troubles and create a cure for our sin sickness. This dinner was the chance for Him to reach the sin sick with compassion. How about us? Are sinners an opportunity or an irritation to us? The lost world needs us to have the compassion that Jesus had.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 19, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. I Corinthians 11:26
Jesus directed all His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel at everyone. There are many ways for us to reach the lost with the message of Jesus, but did you ever think that we could do it by participating in the Lord's supper? God's word reminds us that when we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine to remember the Lord's death and until He comes, it is a word picture of His mission to save the world. Let's be sure to tell lost souls about our sacred communion every Sunday. It opens the door to proclaim the gospel to a lost and dying world.
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. I Corinthians 11:26
Jesus directed all His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel at everyone. There are many ways for us to reach the lost with the message of Jesus, but did you ever think that we could do it by participating in the Lord's supper? God's word reminds us that when we eat the bread and drink the fruit of the vine to remember the Lord's death and until He comes, it is a word picture of His mission to save the world. Let's be sure to tell lost souls about our sacred communion every Sunday. It opens the door to proclaim the gospel to a lost and dying world.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 17, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2
Have you ever got caught on a "round-about"? That is a big circle drive on the road with several roads intersecting at the circle. It can be a little confusing and frightening. Cars are whizzing around the circle and shooting off in several directions. Our spiritual choices can be much the same. One road is the choice of sin and death. Another is the selection of choosing a law to keep that will get us home. That can lead to many religions. The only right choice in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. If you miss that road the first time around, take another lap and make the right exit this time. You won't be sorry when you get home.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2
Have you ever got caught on a "round-about"? That is a big circle drive on the road with several roads intersecting at the circle. It can be a little confusing and frightening. Cars are whizzing around the circle and shooting off in several directions. Our spiritual choices can be much the same. One road is the choice of sin and death. Another is the selection of choosing a law to keep that will get us home. That can lead to many religions. The only right choice in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. If you miss that road the first time around, take another lap and make the right exit this time. You won't be sorry when you get home.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 16, 2012
Grace for your spirit
For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men. instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
The grace of God is not a smorgasbord of choicdx where we choose what we think we need. When we choose only what we think we need, we certainly will not achieve God's will in our lives. Many would choose the grace of God that brings salvation, but not the grace that instructs us to deny ungodliness. We might not choose grace that teaches us how to live righteously. Pick and choose grace, is our concept of Christian living. With God, salvation, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, and living righteously is a package deal. That is the path to pleasing our Master.
For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men. instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age. Titus 2:11-12
The grace of God is not a smorgasbord of choicdx where we choose what we think we need. When we choose only what we think we need, we certainly will not achieve God's will in our lives. Many would choose the grace of God that brings salvation, but not the grace that instructs us to deny ungodliness. We might not choose grace that teaches us how to live righteously. Pick and choose grace, is our concept of Christian living. With God, salvation, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, and living righteously is a package deal. That is the path to pleasing our Master.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 15, 2012
Grace for your spirit
In these last days he has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things through whom He also made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory, and the exact representation of His nature,and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:2-3
There was once a show called, "Quantum Leap". In this science fiction show, a scientist would leap into the body of another and help their situation. When he looked into a mirror, he saw the person he was representing. Jesus made the greatest leap when he leaped into the flesh and lived among us. He not only leaped into the flesh to die for our sins, but also to show us the nature of an unseen God. Who did Jesus see when he looked in a mirror? He was the exact image of God. Jesus made a way for us to make that leap as well, as we are transformed into His image.
In these last days he has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things through whom He also made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory, and the exact representation of His nature,and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:2-3
There was once a show called, "Quantum Leap". In this science fiction show, a scientist would leap into the body of another and help their situation. When he looked into a mirror, he saw the person he was representing. Jesus made the greatest leap when he leaped into the flesh and lived among us. He not only leaped into the flesh to die for our sins, but also to show us the nature of an unseen God. Who did Jesus see when he looked in a mirror? He was the exact image of God. Jesus made a way for us to make that leap as well, as we are transformed into His image.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 14, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears we will be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure. I John 3:2-3
Christianity was never meant to be a single premium fire insurance policy. It is not something we do once to keep us from going to hell. Holiness is a process that begins with becoming a child of God. The hope of eternal life, and the goal to be with God eternally, there needs to be a process of growth, purification, and holy living. A disciple should be a learner and follower of Christ that catches up with Him in the end. Are we on that road? How are we progressing ?
Beloved, now we are the children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that when He appears we will be like Him because we shall see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him, purifies himself, just as He is pure. I John 3:2-3
Christianity was never meant to be a single premium fire insurance policy. It is not something we do once to keep us from going to hell. Holiness is a process that begins with becoming a child of God. The hope of eternal life, and the goal to be with God eternally, there needs to be a process of growth, purification, and holy living. A disciple should be a learner and follower of Christ that catches up with Him in the end. Are we on that road? How are we progressing ?
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 13, 2012
Grace for your spirit
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2
The Old Testament talks about a Highway of Holiness. It is the path that God gave His people to follow and serve Him. In the New Testament it is called the Narrow Way that leads to eternal life, and few there will be who will find it. The ultimate goal of every wanderer is to climb God's holy hill and dwell with Him. For the Old Testament wanderer, that hill was Mt Zion, the temple, and the dwelling place of God. For us the our Mt. Zion is in Heaven, the dwelling place of God. If we are to climb that holy hill, we will need the righteousness that come from Christ that works integrity in us. In Christ we can attain it, and find a home in God's holy hill for eternity.
O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2
The Old Testament talks about a Highway of Holiness. It is the path that God gave His people to follow and serve Him. In the New Testament it is called the Narrow Way that leads to eternal life, and few there will be who will find it. The ultimate goal of every wanderer is to climb God's holy hill and dwell with Him. For the Old Testament wanderer, that hill was Mt Zion, the temple, and the dwelling place of God. For us the our Mt. Zion is in Heaven, the dwelling place of God. If we are to climb that holy hill, we will need the righteousness that come from Christ that works integrity in us. In Christ we can attain it, and find a home in God's holy hill for eternity.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 10, 2012
Grace for your spirit
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. I Corinthians 6:12
When it is time for us to make decisions about what is right and wrong, what is the basis for our decision? If our only guide is what is permitted by law, we may end up in lots of trouble. The laws don't always consider what is good for all of us. Also laws seldom consider what might be extremely bad for us and take control of us. In matters of morality and overall healthy behavior, our government seldom has the vision to make laws that will benefit us. This is exactly the reason that we all need the perspective of God. While He gives us rules, we can be sure they will be profitable for us too.
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. I Corinthians 6:12
When it is time for us to make decisions about what is right and wrong, what is the basis for our decision? If our only guide is what is permitted by law, we may end up in lots of trouble. The laws don't always consider what is good for all of us. Also laws seldom consider what might be extremely bad for us and take control of us. In matters of morality and overall healthy behavior, our government seldom has the vision to make laws that will benefit us. This is exactly the reason that we all need the perspective of God. While He gives us rules, we can be sure they will be profitable for us too.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 9 , 2012
Grace for your spirit
So Israel set out with all he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night. and said "Jacob, Jacob". And he said, "Here am I." Genesis 46:1-2
Israel knew that God wanted him to move his family to Egypt. With trust he set out immediately. Along the way he remembered to worship and offered sacrifices to God. It was then that he received directions and promises from God for his life, and he went on in the will of God. This is an excellent guide for all of us in doing God's will. We know God wants us to go forward, so let's go. As we go, let's continue to worship that we His will may be revealed in our lives. With his directions and promises, we will find the true will of God for our journey. Let's not sit and wait for inspiration. Rather, let's go forward and get it on the way.
So Israel set out with all he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father, Isaac. God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night. and said "Jacob, Jacob". And he said, "Here am I." Genesis 46:1-2
Israel knew that God wanted him to move his family to Egypt. With trust he set out immediately. Along the way he remembered to worship and offered sacrifices to God. It was then that he received directions and promises from God for his life, and he went on in the will of God. This is an excellent guide for all of us in doing God's will. We know God wants us to go forward, so let's go. As we go, let's continue to worship that we His will may be revealed in our lives. With his directions and promises, we will find the true will of God for our journey. Let's not sit and wait for inspiration. Rather, let's go forward and get it on the way.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 8,, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me here before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5
Joseph was sold into bondage by his angry and jealous brothers when he was just 17. All the time he was in Egypt, God was with him and blessed him richly. Because of his faithfulness, God put him into a position to interpret dreams for Pharoah. Those dreams helped Egypt prepare for a great famine, and put them in a position to feed the world, including all of Joseph's family. Joseph came to realize that all his misfortune was in the plan of God to save the world from starvation. Joseph is a living picture that God really does cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him. Whatever is happening to us today may seem bad, but God can make it work out for good. Let's stay in His purpose so we can enjoy the blessings.
Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me here before you to preserve life. Genesis 45:5
Joseph was sold into bondage by his angry and jealous brothers when he was just 17. All the time he was in Egypt, God was with him and blessed him richly. Because of his faithfulness, God put him into a position to interpret dreams for Pharoah. Those dreams helped Egypt prepare for a great famine, and put them in a position to feed the world, including all of Joseph's family. Joseph came to realize that all his misfortune was in the plan of God to save the world from starvation. Joseph is a living picture that God really does cause all things to work together for good for those who love Him. Whatever is happening to us today may seem bad, but God can make it work out for good. Let's stay in His purpose so we can enjoy the blessings.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 7, 2012
Grace for your spirit
The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate. Genesis 3:12
Adam and Eve had a wonderful life together in the Garden of Eden. They had a great fellowship with God and each other because of the purity of their relationship. When the devil entered into the picture, sin entered into their lives. Instantly sin broke their fellowship with God and each other. Suddenly Adam's decision was the fault of Eve and God, not his fault. Sin separated them from God, each other, and ultimately their lives. It happens over and over again in the church and our families. Sin breaks our fellowship with God, and each other. Then, fellowship,hospitality and all useful activity grinds to a halt. We know it, but we see it happen all too often. Let's be on guard against such destruction in our lives.
The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate. Genesis 3:12
Adam and Eve had a wonderful life together in the Garden of Eden. They had a great fellowship with God and each other because of the purity of their relationship. When the devil entered into the picture, sin entered into their lives. Instantly sin broke their fellowship with God and each other. Suddenly Adam's decision was the fault of Eve and God, not his fault. Sin separated them from God, each other, and ultimately their lives. It happens over and over again in the church and our families. Sin breaks our fellowship with God, and each other. Then, fellowship,hospitality and all useful activity grinds to a halt. We know it, but we see it happen all too often. Let's be on guard against such destruction in our lives.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 6, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and come to know that You are the Holy One of God. John 6:68-69
When the teachings of Jesus would get a little hard to follow, sometimes people want to quit. The question is, quit for what? If we are interesting in spiritual things and want to be with God eternally, our options are extremely limited. Peter knew that Jesus was the way, and the only way. When we truly come to know Jesus as the Holy One of God, we will know that if we quit, the devil is our only other option. The devil has the words of eternal damnation. Let's stop and think carefully before we make the wrong decision.
Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed and come to know that You are the Holy One of God. John 6:68-69
When the teachings of Jesus would get a little hard to follow, sometimes people want to quit. The question is, quit for what? If we are interesting in spiritual things and want to be with God eternally, our options are extremely limited. Peter knew that Jesus was the way, and the only way. When we truly come to know Jesus as the Holy One of God, we will know that if we quit, the devil is our only other option. The devil has the words of eternal damnation. Let's stop and think carefully before we make the wrong decision.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 3, 2012
Grace for your spirit
Do not be unequally yoke together with unbelivers; for what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? II Corinthians 6:14
The choices we make for our relationships will determine our future, especially our spiritual future. It's not just marrying someone we found at church, but rather someone who shares our spiritual hopes and vision. From my perspective, if we choose to serve the Lord with all our heart, we must make a commitment to make our fellowship with believers. Many people think they can do anything they want, but that is extremely naive. If it doesn't work for everyone else, the odds are against us. Let's seek the fellowship of righteousness and light, so we can hold hands with each other without letting go of God.
Do not be unequally yoke together with unbelivers; for what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? II Corinthians 6:14
The choices we make for our relationships will determine our future, especially our spiritual future. It's not just marrying someone we found at church, but rather someone who shares our spiritual hopes and vision. From my perspective, if we choose to serve the Lord with all our heart, we must make a commitment to make our fellowship with believers. Many people think they can do anything they want, but that is extremely naive. If it doesn't work for everyone else, the odds are against us. Let's seek the fellowship of righteousness and light, so we can hold hands with each other without letting go of God.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Grace for your spirit. August 2, 2012
Grace for your spirit
But of your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. Therefore if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness. Matthew 6:23
It is a sad thing when we begin to lose our eyesight. As our sight fails our world grows dimmer and darker. It is wonderful that changes can be made in our eyesight to bring the light back. It can be even more disastrous when we think we have enough light to see, but we actually don't. The same is true spiritually. If we walk away from light of Jesus, our way grows dim. Even worse is when we start walking in the light supplied by the devil. The devil's light actually blinds us in a different way. When we walk with with the devil's light, how great a darkness covers and leads us. Quick, let's get back to the great physician for help.
But of your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. Therefore if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness. Matthew 6:23
It is a sad thing when we begin to lose our eyesight. As our sight fails our world grows dimmer and darker. It is wonderful that changes can be made in our eyesight to bring the light back. It can be even more disastrous when we think we have enough light to see, but we actually don't. The same is true spiritually. If we walk away from light of Jesus, our way grows dim. Even worse is when we start walking in the light supplied by the devil. The devil's light actually blinds us in a different way. When we walk with with the devil's light, how great a darkness covers and leads us. Quick, let's get back to the great physician for help.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
