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.