Monday, December 30, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 31. 2014

Grace for your spirit
Consecrate  yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.  Joshua 3:5

After 40  years in the wilderness, it was time to cross over Jordan and into the promised land.  Some were worried, some fearful, perhaps some angry.  What they needed was a combination of trust and dedication to the Lord's leading.  That pretty much describes many of us as well.  We sing a hymn about such trust and dedication, called, "I know who holds tomorrow".  The chorus ends with the words, "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand."  As we look at this near year coming, may we consecrate ourselves, and praise the Lord for the wonders He will do among us.   Happy New Year to you all.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 30, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Now as for you son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.  Ezekiel 33:7

A young lady almost had a head on collision with a man who was completely out of control coming out of a curve.  As he passed her, he screamed, "PIG".  It really made her mad, and she screamed back at him, "OX". She then turned around just it time to hit the biggest pig she had ever seen stand in the road.  You see, the man wasn't insulting her, he was warning her.  Ezekiel was sent to warn Israel, but most of them took his words as an insult. Today, Christians have the commission to warn the wicked, and the same thing happens. When we are warned about troubles ahead, let's take them seriously.  God may be in that warning.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 27, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord,  plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

This is the time of  year that many start thinking about their plans for the new year.  As we plan, do we ever stop and think about what plans God has for us?  Do we ever consider if our plans match up with the plans God might have for us?  God had good plans for the people of Jeremiah's time, but their plans were different.  As a result of their plans, calamity was in their future.  Before we set our plans for tomorrow, may we study, meditate, and pray for God's guidance. When we walk the same path with God, our future will be bright an filled with hope.

Grace for your spirit December 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But Ruth said, "Do not  urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge.  Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.  Ruth 1:16

Things had not always been well for Naomi.  She was forced from her homeland by famine, her husband and two sons died, and left her two foreign daughter-in-laws.  As she prepared to go home to Judah, we discover what she did retain.  Her respect for God was implanted in her daughter-in-law Ruth.  Ruth's respect for Naomi and Naomi's God, made her determined to follow and not turn back.  Their sadness turned to joy when Ruth had a child that would begin the family of King David.  Respect was the bridge to joy.  Let's respect God and those around us.  It will be repaid with joy.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 24, 2013

Grace for your spirit 
"Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?  For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him"

God used the light of fire to lead His people to the promised land. God used the light of the angels to bring the shepherds to the manger. He used a star light to lead the wise men to worship Jesus.  Lights in the sky to bring worshipers to the true light of Jesus. Today, God needs that star of Bethlehem to shine on.  It does shine on in the disciples of Jesus Christ.  Christians are the light of the world.  Our light is meant to shine to bring people to Jesus.  Let's make sure our light is not hidden under a bushel or by a cloud of sin in our lives.  At this season, and every season, may our light appear and lead wandering souls to our Savior.  That way we can all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  


Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Grubbs

Friday, December 20, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 23, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?"

A man was going to climb a mountain with everything he owned strapped on his back.  His guide told him that he couldn't make it to the summit, carrying everything.  At some point he would have to make a decision to give up his stuff or give up the summit.  Jesus promised them that if they gave up their stuff, they we reach the summit in the kingdom, and then they would be rewarded with many times as much and eternal life.  The same is true for us.  Whatever we sacrifice to reach the summit with Jesus will be worth it.  At the summit we too will be rewarded with everything, plus eternal life.  Let's make the right decision now.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 20, 2013

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

Jesus invited everyone to a big dinner in His kingdom.  Instead of coming, all He heard was excuses.  Something about possessions, pursuits, and priorities. As a result they missed the dinner.  It didn't matter how good their excuses or reasons, they missed it.  My mother cooked and cleaned for a big family that knew what time dinner was served.  If we came in late, we got the same story every time.  "You can save the excuses, the kitchen is closed."  Whatever our excuse for unfaithfulness, we still miss it.  Dinner is still being served right now.  I hope we run out of excuses before we run out of time.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 19, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, "I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord."  And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan who read it.   II Kings 22:8

Josiah became king of Israel at age 8.  He directed his people to clean out the temple and they found a book that no one recognized.  The book was God's law.  It had not been followed for so long, it got lost. When the priests read to it the king, he called for repentance.  How could this happen to God's people?  Josiah started a great change, but it was too late to avoid the coming punishment.  Can you envision sometime in the future, seeing this same scene among us?  Someone cleaning out a church building and finding an old Bible,  and no one knows what it is?  If we don't see a revival soon, that disaster may not be that far away for us too

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 18, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Learn to do good; Seek justice, reprove the ruthless, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.  Isaiah 1:17

Isaiah One is a sorry description of God's people who had completely lost their way.  God was sick of their hypocrisy and Isaiah called for repentance and change.  This verse is their marching orders.  Learn to do good, seek what is right and just, correct the ruthless, and help the orphans and widows.  Centuries later James reaches out to rebellious people, who were hearers of the word and not doers.  James 1:27, "visit orphans and widows in their distress, and keep oneself unstained from the world."  The admonition to clean up and do good is certainly applicable to every generation including ours.

Grace for your spirit December 17 2013

Grace for your spirit
So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge.  Genesis 39:4

Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt by his angry brothers.  He was a teen, living in a foreign land, among foreign gods, and seemingly forgotten by his family.  He could have lived in rebellion, but instead he chose to live by his faith in his God.  God blessed him in his horrible circumstances and Joseph gained the respect of his captors.  That respect lifted him to great success, and he was put in a place to save the world from starvation.  Let's not complain about our circumstances, rather gain the respect of others as we are faithful to God.  Who knows what joys God has for us in the future?

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 16, 2013

Grace for your spirit
An appalling and horrible thing has happened in the land.  The prophets prophecy falsely, and the priest rule on their own authority, and My people love it so!  But what will you do at the end of it?  Jeremiah 5:30-31

The children of God were in deep trouble.  They were soon headed to captivity and refused to hear the truth from God's true prophets.  They loved the prophets and priests who told them what they wanted to hear, but Jeremiah was totally rejected.  The Apostle Paul experienced the same thing describing people who wanted their ears tickled and only had teachers that preached what they liked. This is a pitfall for every generation.  Pray that our teachers will tell us what we need, not just what we want.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 13, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Or can a man walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? Proverbs 6:27-28

The answer to these questions are obvious.  Of course not.  The results of the fire and the burns are apparent and painful.  In the context of these verses God is referring to adultery, but it certainly applies to all rebellion against God that burns us.  We know fire burns, but for some reason we think the burns of sin can be a secret from everyone.  Wrong!  David thought his adultery and murder was hidden, but he knew it, God knew it, the prophet knew it, and everyone around him knew it.  None of us are burn proof.  Let's stay away from the fire.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 12, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.   I John  2:20

In Old Testament times there was a practice of anointing special servants of God with oil.  When a prophet, priest, or king was selected, the blessing and ordination of God was expressed to all by an anointing.  It was to set them apart for a holy work.  Christians in His kingdom are set apart to be saints, prophets, and priests.  For that holy calling, we are sanctified by the anointing of His Holy Spirit.  We know what are challenges and solutions are by that anointing.  Let's walk with confidence through this dark world.  We are the anointed ones, and greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 11, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you. with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.  Colossians 3:16

Our psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, are designed to comfort and inspire us, and help others around us.  May they carry us and others through many troubles times with thankfulness. 

Suggested hymns for riding with a reckless, speeding driver.
55 mph - God will take care of you
65 mph - Be with me Lord
75 mph - Nearer my God to Thee
85 mph - This world is not my home
95 mph - Precious memories

May your day be a safe and happy ride.

Monday, December 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 10, 2013

Grace for your spirit
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Ephesians 4:2-3

Six men were stranded on an island. The soon found out they had differences in their religious preferences.  Two were Jews, two were Catholics, and two were Protestants.  They decided to divide to preserve peace among them.  The Jews went North and built a synagogue.  The Catholics went South and built their church.  One Protestant built the Westside Church and the other the Eastside Church.  Jesus prayed that all His followers would be One, as He and His Father are One.  Let's pray we can find common ground in His Word for a sweet change.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 9, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Repent therefore and be converted,that your sins may be wiped away, in order that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.  Acts 3:19

There are two seas in Israel.  There is the Sea of Galilee in the north. Its waters are regularly renewed and refreshed by fresh water from mountain streams.  It feeds the Jordan River and is full of fish, and life. Many miles to the south, there is The Dead Sea. It is filled with salt and sediment picked up by the Jordan.  It has no fresh supply no life and no outlet.  The ministry of Jesus was around the fresh water, not the dead ones, and they are metaphors of the lives we select.  Will we choose to be Galilee Christians, or Dead Sea Christians?  The Galilee choice offers constant renewal and help for others, full of life and refreshment. May Jesus find us there.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 6, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts  11:26

I have been intrigued by the possible double meaning these words. "They were first called Christians in Antioch".  This is the first time the Bible refers to what the followers of Jesus were called. But I wonder if it could be also referring to their primary identity?  Could it also mean that the people of Antioch saw them first of all as Christians, and then by their occupation and family?  How our churches would catch fire if our communities saw us first of all as Christians, and then by the work we do.  Let's make Christ number one in our lives, and we will bear His image.

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts  11:26

I have been intrigued by the possible double meaning these words. "They were first called Christians in Antioch".  This is the first time the Bible refers to what the followers of Jesus were called. But I wonder if it could be also referring to their primary identity?  Could it also mean that the people of Antioch saw them first of all as Christians, and then by their occupation and family?  How our churches would catch fire if our communities saw us first of all as Christians, and then by the work we do.  Let's make Christ number one in our lives, and we will bear His image.

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts  11:26

I have been intrigued by the possible double meaning these words. "They were first called Christians in Antioch".  This is the first time the Bible refers to what the followers of Jesus were called. But I wonder if it could be also referring to their primary identity?  Could it also mean that the people of Antioch saw them first of all as Christians, and then by their occupation and family?  How our churches would catch fire if our communities saw us first of all as Christians, and then by the work we do.  Let's make Christ number one in our lives, and we will bear His image.

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch, and for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts  11:26

I have been intrigued by the possible double meaning these words. "They were first called Christians in Antioch".  This is the first time the Bible refers to what the followers of Jesus were called. But I wonder if it could be also referring to their primary identity?  Could it also mean that the people of Antioch saw them first of all as Christians, and then by their occupation and family?  How our churches would catch fire if our communities saw us first of all as Christians, and then by the work we do.  Let's make Christ number one in our lives, and we will bear His image.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  II Timothy4:5

Once upon a time there was a "duck church".  They waddled in and out every week, and allowed others to do all the work.   They hadn't flapped their wings in so long, they forgot they could fly.  As a result they became "sitting ducks", for every trouble and trial that came their way.  The encouragement to every disciples is to go, disciple, baptize, and teach others; the work of an evangelist.  When we start believing that call is for others, our wings fail to work, and we are sitting ducks until we all waddle home. Let's not be ducks.  Let's be eagles.G

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Grace for your spiritr December 4, 2013

Grace for your spirit
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.  I John 5:3

What commandments of God have become a burden to us?  Is attending worship and Bible studies a burden?  Has regular Bible reading and prayer become a burden?  Has helping others and keep ourselves away from worldliness too much for us?  Most of all, has loving others become too hard for us?  How can we remove these burdens?  The answer is loving God more.  When we love Him as we should, those burdens fall aside.  When we meet Him at the judgment, what excuse will be good enough for all we've missed.  The only reason will be, we didn't love Him enough.  We can make those changes right now, and everything else will follow.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit
The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector.  I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.  Luke 18:11-12

Often we look at this prayer and this man with some contempt.  He is praying to himself, and thankful for his own goodness. He praises himself and runs down everyone else.  Let's be careful.  When we look critically at this man running down others, are we placing ourselves above him?  Are we thankful we aren't like him?  When we pray, let's pray to God about what His will is for our lives, and how we can help others.  That humility will be rewarded.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Grace for your spirit December 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  Colossians  3:17

During this celebration of thanksgiving, I  hope we made a special effort to be a light in dark world.  Whatever our circumstances, wherever we find ourselves, in word and deed, let's give glory and thanks to God.   My wish for you all is that your thanksgiving may be everyday all year long.  Let's be a light of peace, joy, and love.