Wednesday, July 31, 2013

grace for your spirit August 1,2013

Grace for your spirit
Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  I Corinthians 15:12

There are religions and intellectual groups that deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  They take the most important thing in the Bible and make it nothing.  Let's consider the consequences of unbelief.
Christ has not been raised - Our preaching is in vain - Our faith is in vain - We are false witnesses against God - Our faith is worthless - We are still in our sins - All those who have died in faith have just perished.  For our hope and the hope of everyone, let's never minimize our living Savior

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

grace for your spirit July 31, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.  Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he comes and knocks.  Luke 12:35-36

While it is true that the faithful need to be watchful for the coming of the Lord,  He also instructs us to be busy serving while we watch and wait.  Many religions are "watch only".  That idle lifestyle does not make Him return soonern or help us be ready for Him.  I see people standing in the street watching for the bus all the time.  What does that help?  A watched pot never boils and a watched clock never moves. When are busy in the service of our Master, His return will never sneak up on us. 

Monday, July 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 30, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4::31-32

The one emotion that is the most damaging to our Christian walk in unforgiveness.  It spawns all kinds of hatefulness and ends up damaging us, and the poison can spread to everyone around us.  Some one said, "Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."  While we are waiting for the other person to die, we fail to notice that we are getting weaker and weaker since we have cut ourselves off from the Father's forgiveness.  Let's do ourselves and everyone we love a favor;  Forgive and enjoy the refreshing that comes anew in the presence of the Lord.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Then Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, 'I WILL STRIKE DOWN THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP OF THE FLOCK SHALL BE SCATTERED.'  Matthew 26:31

The night before Jesus went to the cross, this was His message to the apostles.  Instead of preparing themselves for a difficult trial, they all bragged that they would die rather than deny Him that night.  With that false confidence, they all scattered, denied, and failed the test.  When the Lord reveals such a challenge coming to us, what is our choice? When we think we are ten feet tall and bullet proof facing trials without preparation, we will likely fall too.  Let's put our confidence in the word of theLord, not ourselves.  He can bring us through bad times with 
victory.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

grace for your spirit July 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Lord, when you went our from Seir, when you marched from the field of Edom, the earth quaked, the heavens also dripped, even the clouds dripped water.  The mountains quaked at the presence of the Lord.  Judges 5:4-5

Deborah and Barak, judges of Israel had a big big problem.  Their enemies  had 900 iron chariots, and they didn't even have a spear or a sword.  The Canaanites oppressed them for twenty years.  God called them to attack Canaan, and He told them He would help them and give them victory.  History records that when the battle began, earthquakes and storms blew in the faces of the enemy, and the were routed.  Here Israel sang a song of victory and thanksgiving to the Lord.  When God says He will help, He will really help.  When the odds are against us, let's count on the Lord to make a way for us too.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 25, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For there our captors demanded of us songs, and our tormentors mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."  How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?  Psalm 137:3-4

The children of Israel had been captured by the Babylonians.  They taunted God's people and laughed at them, demanded songs about their great kingdom.  Their sarcasm struck deep in their hearts, for indeed, their songs were gone.  As captives in a foreign land, they had nothing to sing about.  The same thing can happen to God's people today. When we allow the devil to capture our hearts, the songs of the kingdom will escape us.  Then the worldly can make fun of us because we have no song in our hearts or on our lips.  Let's be filled with song today.  It will help us stay close to the Lord and away from our enemies. Let's reflect joy and create joy with song.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 24, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Blessed be the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort
those who are in any affiction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God   II Corinthians 1:3b-4

When someone tells us of any disease or ailment they have, what is our response to them?  Is it, "Oh, that's horrible, I had that and almost died?'  Or, "My cousin had that and she died overnight?"  Or, "I feel sorry for you, I'm glad I'm not in your shoes.  You're in trouble?" Or any other of many horrible bedside manner bloopers. If that is our talent, I suggest we bury it..  As Christians, we need to have a message of hope and healing to share with the afflicted. Whatever we've experienced, let's remember God's goodness and share that with the afflicted.  I've heard it both ways. Grace is better.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?  So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken?  For you will be speaking into the air.  I Corinthians 14:8-9

Armies of old were moved by the sound of the bugle.  One tune meant attack, another retreat, and so on.  Chaos  ensured when the bugler couldn't play the tune.  For those who wanted to speak in unknown languages in worship, Paul let them know the same confusion would be the result.  Even in churches where we all speak the same language, sometimes the directions are confusing.  Does the average member of your congregation know the direction of the church?  In this war we are in, perhaps it is time to get back to the basics, and speak in plain words that move us all in unity.

Grace for your spirit July 23, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil. Genesis 3:5

In the garden of Eden, after Eve had told the devil what the Lord had said, the devil presented the first temptation to her.  He said, "Don't you want to be like God?"  The temptation to be like God, and to know what God knows is often a great temptation.  It was to Eve, and as we know it all backfired.  All the destructive religious cults in history were formed and fueled by someone who thought they were God. As the lived in their God role that made up all the rules that led people to them.  God wants us to become like Jesus.  When we set that goal, we will be humble and serving, not lording our rules over others. When our religious mission is about our greatness, we have taken a wrong turn. 

Friday, July 19, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 19, 2013

Grace for your spirit
The twelve told the congregation, "it is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God to serve tables. Therefore brethren, select from among yourselves seven men of good reputation, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task."  Acts 6:2-3

Do you remember the story of the little red hen who lived on a farm with a lazy dog, a sleepy cat, and a noisy duck?  No one wanted to plant the wheat, harvest the wheat, grind the wheat, and bake the wheat into bread.  No one except the little red hen. But at dinner time, everyone was ready to help eat the bread.  Too many churches are just like.  The brethren want the church to grow with new converts, the fallen to be restored, and the downtrodden to be lifted.  Unfortunately people only want to come to the celebration after the work is done. Let's not be lazy, sleepy, nor noisy,   Let' s all get our hands to the plow.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 18, 2013

Grace for your spirit
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthen me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service; even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.  And yet I was shown mercy, because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.  ITimothy 1:12-13

This is part of the testimony of the apostle Paul, when he was formerly Saul.  It was his testimony about how grace and the Holy Spirit works on even 'the chief of sinners." Is His grace sufficient to change the repentant heart ? The Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit, but would you believe that lots of it was written by murderers?  Yes there were at least four.  Moses wrote the first five books.  David more than half the Psalms.  Solomon is credited for most of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon. This Paul wrote more than half the New Testament. Can God's grace equip us for service and ministry?  Yes, yes He can

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 17, 2013

Grace for your spirit
So they went out from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.  Acts 5:41-42

Let's give these disciples a standing ovation. Through great persecution, they not only rose above it, they excelled.  They prayed, they preached Jesus, they wrote letters to convert and encourage, and when persecution came, they were thankful that they could suffer shame for His name.  What is there on that list that we could also do, if we had the faith and set our mind to it.  It doesn't take miracles to have this kind of faith.  Some are starting to think it would be a miracle if anyone did have it.  Let's not just endure our walk with Him, let's excel.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 16, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Suppose you came own early one night and accidentally heard your kids talking saying, "We don't think we can count on our parents to be there for us, and to care for us, When we really need them, they will leave us and we will be on our own."  How would that make you feel? Would we be hurt?  Well it hurts God too when we talk about Him that way.  With God's record taking care of His children, we should have a lot more confidence in His ability to help us. He has the ability to clear a path for our success and He has promised He will do that.  Let's not second guess Him.  Let's thank Him.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Woe to those at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria.  Amos 6:1

Someone said a Christian has two majors jobs in this world.  Comfort the afflicted, and Afflict the comfortable.  Most people think the ministry of Jesus was peace love, and joy, bringing comfort to the downtrodden.  Jesus also had a ministry of confronting sin and bringing people to obedience.  Over 100 times in the Bible we read the words, "Woe to you".  Eight times in one chapter when Jesus confronted the religious leaders, He began with "Woe to you".  Shepherds feed sheep, lead sheep, and sometimes, they must shear sheep.
Remember, many who are at ease, are also in trouble.  Let's fulfill our ministry,

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 12, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself  is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand.  Matthew 12:25

When Jesus was on earth, He cast out many demons.  Those who wanted to accuse Him, blasphemed His name by calling Him a demon.  If they could make people believe that He was part demon and part God, He could be discredited and fail.  What they said about Jesus was not true and He did stand.  If this truth is applied to our lives, we are headed for trouble.  If our lives are divided between the devil and the Christ, if our devotion is divided, we will not stand either.  As the kingdoms move apart, we cannot keep our feet on both of them, and we will fall.  Let's keep both feet on the solid rock of Jesus.

Grace for your spirit July 11, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Therefore if you are persenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.  Matthew 5:23-24

When we have had an intimate relationship with someone and a conflict arises, often the result is withdrawal.  If we go to attempt reconciliation, why do we go?  Do we go to fulfill the law and feel better?  Do we go to discipline the other person and straighten them out?  Or do we go to effect change and be reconciled?  If we go to effect change we will need to pass through the conflict and make it right.  That will take humility and repentance on our part.  It can be done and it is for the best, or Jesus would never ask us to do it.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 10, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Who are you to judge the servant of another?  To his own master  he stands or falls, and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.   Romans 14:4

In every gymnastic event there are many jumps, flips, and spins.  It is a wonder that they don't just fall down when the finally hit the ground.  However, the exercise in not over, nor the victory won until they "stick the landing."  Every winning exercise ends with standing firm.  How do they do it?  Practice and balance !  How much that is like the Christian walk. Our lives are filled with spins, flips and stumbles, but we must stick the landing and stand firm.  Yes we can do it because the Lord is there to make us stand firm.  Let's take His hand

Monday, July 8, 2013

grace for your spirit Julyn 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.  Revelation 12:11

Here in Revelation, God gives us His G.P.S (God's Plan for Salvation).  With Jesus back in heaven and the devil running loose on the earth, how did the Christians find victory over the evil one ?  First, they relied on the blood of Jesus.  Next, they reinforced their status in Christ with their strong testimony.  Finally, they totally lost their lives in the mission of Jesus.  They didn't quit when they were threatened,  These centuries later, the plan still works.  Let's be washed in the blood, proclaim our faith, and be willing to give our all to Him.  Victory can still be ours even with the devil everywhere.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 8, 2013

Grace for your spirit
(by grace you have been saved), and raised up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2:5-6
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord,  implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.  Ephesians 4:1
Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  Ephesians 6:11

These are three positions Jesus calls us to at different times of our lives.  Sitting, Walking and Standing.  Sitting with Christ for our salvation.  Walking worthy of our calling in His service.  Standing against sin and persecution that can take us down.  Study, prayer, and dedication will let us know what position we need right now.  Let's determine what is needed today, and as they say, "Assume the position."

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:12

When we are carried away by the things of the world, we all could use a little encouragement on the way back to where we belong.  Encouragement will help restore us, and sustain us.  Recently some health issues have kept me away from the YMCA.  When we get off our regular exercise routine, it is hard to get back.  The other day I came to the church building and found a large piece of poster board with a sign taped to the door.  In large red letters basically the sign carried the message, "Come back. We miss you."
I knew immediately that the message was from my friend Kevin, who is on the custodial staff, and it moved me.  I can't wait to get well and get back now.  Applying this to our spiritual outreach, imagine the impact we can have those who need restored and sustained in the church. Let's go the extra mile to encourage and sustain those who need it.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.  I Peter 3:15

This admonition is sandwiched between verses about suffering, intimidation, and having a good conscience and behavior.  In troubled times, we need to sanctify Christ as Lord and be ready to talk of our hope.  Sometimes when we are troubled by things and people, we don't have a good answer or defense.  Those are the times we need to have it the most.  Displaying our hope in dark times, makes that hope seem so much brighter.  Let's practice and and be ready

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit July 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison,so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  Revelation 2:10

The revelation of Jesus Christ is meant to be a letter of encouragement. It is a message that lets us all know that Jesus knows where we are, what we are going through, and how He will help us.  In a careful study of the life of Jesus, we learn that Jesus suffered, was tested, tempted in all ways, had tribulations, and was faithful all the way to death.  He overcame death with a victorious resurrection.  We come to realize that Jesus will never ask us to do anything that He Himself did not already endure.  In that way He really understands, and can come to our aid at all times.  

Grace for your spirit July 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.  I Peter 3:15

This admonition is sandwiched between verses about suffering, intimidation, and having a good conscience and behavior.  In troubled times, we need to sanctify Christ as Lord and be ready to talk of our hope.  Sometimes when we are troubled by things and people, we don't have a good answer or defense.  Those are the times we need to have it the most.  Displaying our hope in dark times, makes that hope seem so much brighter.  Let's practice and and be ready.