Thursday, May 29, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 30, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Delight  yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4

Delight definition:  a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment, joy, satisfaction, please highly.  Does that definition describe our walk with the Lord?  Is that the emotion we feel when we are in service for Him?When we learn to "delight" in the Lord, in worship, in service, our whole attitude will change, and the results will change.  Check out the number of times the word "delight" is used just in Psalm and Proverbs.  Then may we let "delight" open the doors for the desires of our heart.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 29, 2014

Grace for your spirit
On the following day he entered Caesarea.  Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends.  Acts 10:24

Most of us have some relatives and friends, but we all need more like Cornelius.  As a Roman soldier living in the land of the Jews,  it was unusual for him to be a strong and devout believer in God.  When he was told there was good news coming, he was selfless not selfish. Cornelius used his time gathering his friends and relatives.  By the time Peter got there, they were all present and ready to hear what God had to tell them.  Before it was over, they were all baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.  Every revival beings with ground work.  The gospel will do the work, when we do our work first.  Let's fill our house with our friends and relatives.  Our harvest will be great now too.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 28, 2014

Grace for your spirit
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.  Luke 4:18

Every fifty years was assigned as the year of the Jubilee, according to Leviticus 25.  After seven sabbatical years, all debts were to be forgiven, all in bondage released, and everything set right.  Isaiah wrote about it in reference to the coming Messiah.  When Jesus read this to them that day in the synagogue,  He informed them that they were seeing their Jubilee finally fulfilled.  Jesus is our Jubilee.  Praise the Lord.  Jesus did for all mankind what men would and could never do for themselves. 

Friday, May 23, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 27, 2014

Grace for your spirit
There is none righteous, not even one;  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Romans 3:10 & 23

There is a myth circulating about life.  We are being led to believe that we are not sinners, and our own self-righteousness will make us right. That lie is circulated by the devil and he started it in the Garden of Eden.  Many religions are built on the self-righteousness to draw others to them.  The truth of God's Word tells us that there is only one righteous, that is Jesus Christ.  As believers we know that only His righteousness can make us righteous.  Someday we will all stand before the Judge.  Let's not get ready our way, but rather God's way. Let's be found in Christ, walking after the Spirit.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 23, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?'  Joshua 4:6

Joshua instructed the children of Israel to stack twelve stones to mark the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River that led them into the promised land.  Like all memorials, looking back helps us to us to look forward.  In the days that followed, their lives became a daze, forgetting God provisions.  We have a great responsibility to pass on the values of God, and the values of our country on to the next generation.  On this Memorial Day weekend, let's make sure we pass on what our heritage means to us.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 22, 2014

Grace for your spirit
I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.   John 10:9

We can have the strength of body and mind to "go out and come in" just like Caleb in Joshua 14:11.  We even have an advantage over Caleb because Jesus opens the door for us, and He is our door.
We go in for salvation
We go out to save others
We do in to gain comfort
We go out to give comfort
We go in to commune
We go out to communicate
We go in to wait on God
We go out to walk with God
We go in for spiritual bread
We go out to break the bread of life to others
We go in for strength
We go out to serve
WHY WAIT.  LET'S GO

Grace for your spirit May 21, 2014

Grace for your spirit
I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.   Joshua 14:11

Caleb had been playing second fiddle to Joshua for 45 years.  Now at age 85, the Lord had blessed him greatly, and he was ready to claim the land of his heritage; Judah.  When he said "going out and coming in", it showed a strong body for going out to war, and a strong mind to come in for counsel.  Caleb spent 40 years in the wilderness and five years in the conquest of Canaan, and he was still going.  Many of us are looking for a rest home at age 85, when perhaps the Lord still has a great work for us to do.  Let's exercise our "going out and coming in" everyday.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 20. 2014

Grace for your spirit
Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake.  Acts 9:15-16

When Ananias went to visit Saul restore his sight and convert him to be a disciple, he certainly didn't "soft soap" the message. When Saul went into the water of baptism, he knew his mission and the difficulties coming from it.  It made him the greatest missionary ever.  Too often, in our efforts to see someone become a Christian, we will minimize the mission and hardships that might follow.  That causes many a disciple to never know their mission and drop out at the first sign of trouble. We can't wash away sins, or make disciples, with "soft soap."

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 19, 2014

Grace for your spirit
For when Gentiles  who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts. Romans 2:14-15

God gives everyone a moral sense of right and wrong.  Before we ever see a rule of conduct, we have that sense within us.  Laws help guide our moral conduct, but some principles of conduct are so obvious we should really never need a law in front of us. Heard an old song called "Smoking in the boy's room."  The chorus says, "Teacher, don't you fill me up with your rules.  Everyone knows smokin' ain't allowed in school."  Let's look to our moral compass to help us make the right choices always: rules or no rules

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 16, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from you Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered.  So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.  Matthew 10:29-31

There is a poem by Elizabeth Cheney.  Said the robin to the sparrow, "I should really like to know, why these anxious human beings rush about and worry so?"  Said the sparrow to the robin, "Friend, I think that it must be.  They have no heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me."  As we rush about and worry, it is good for us to remember that old hymn. "When Jesus is my portion. My constant friend is He. His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me."  When we start believing it, then we can start living it. 

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 15, 2014

Grace for your spirit
It came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.  Job 42:7

Perhaps the three friends of Job thought they were on a mission from God.  Their mission to straighten out Job did more harm than good.  At the end of the story, God rebuked them, told them to repent, sacrifice, and have Job pray for them.  When we put ourselves in a mission to straighten out someone else, we need to start with ourselves.  As we represent God, are our words right?  Let's be very careful that we are judging rightly, and not using our own scripture to make a point. Without care, we can do more harm than good.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 14, 2014

Grace for your spirit
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.  I Thessalonians 5:15

The verses around this passage urges disciples to admonish, encourage, help, be patient, rejoice, pray, and give thanks.  In order to accomplish these things, we must learn to repay blessings for evil and seek after good.  A list of things to do only will not get the job done.  It must come from the heart.  When we make it a priority to look for good to do, the requests from God will be accomplished.  Let's spread that around with our example.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 13, 2014

Grace for your spirit
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

This verse is often used in weddings to proclaim commitment, but for Ruth it was much, much, more than that.  Ruth was a foreign Moabite widow, being led into a strange land.  It was her proclamation of faith in God, and her mother in law.  Every decision she made from that point forward, reflected this profession of faith.  Her life was blessed, and led her to her new husband, and a glorious future.  This verse needs to be in our hearts, long before we make major decisions.  Let's commit to put our Master and our mission first, and let Him work out the details.

Grace for your spirit May 12, 2014

Grace for your spirit
He who restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.  Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;  When he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.  Proverbs 17:27-28

There used to be a popular phrase, "Loose lips sink ships".It meant you should be careful what you say and to whom you say it, not giving aid to the enemy.  Loose lips also destroy relationships.  Sometimes, we can become irritated with someone and say things that are hurtful and destructive. The person of wisdom and understanding keeps a cool spirit and does not carry on destructive comments. Let's be thoughtful about the words that come out of our mouth.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

What to expect at the Northwest Church of Christ

The church building is located on U.S 41 North at Florida Avenue. Just 1/2 mile north of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana

Sunday Bible Classes: 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AM:
Sunday Evening 6:00 PM:
Wednesday Study 7:00 PM:

Radio Programs
93.7 FM the Sunday morning sermon is aired on Wednesday at 7:00 AM & 3.:00 P.M.
Also, hear our Christ through the Bible series on Tuesday at the same times.

MOTHER'S DAY COOK OUT
Join us at noon on Sunday, May 11th for our annual honor to all our mothers and women.  All are welcome.

Shults-Lewis Children's Home
We are collecting vinegar and ziploc bags this year.  The pick up date is May 18t
BELIEF STATEMENT
We are a fellowship of believers in Christ who believe in one all powerful, all knowing, ever present God. We believe the Bible is God's inspired word, and provides our only standard of right and wrong.

We believe that Jesus Christ, God's Son, died for our sins all the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead for our justification. We believe that mankind is lost without the saving blood of Jesus and that He is the only way to the Father

We believe that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. We believe the baptized believer is a member of the Lord's church and the kingdom of God.

We believe that the Christians should worship properly and share the good news of Jesus until He returns with out heavenly reward

At worship you may expect joyous acappella singing,prayers,communion services, and a lesson from the Bible every Sunday Expect our worship to be warm, uplifting, and orderly, praising the Lord.

Everyone is always welcome. We hope you will be spiritually enriched by your worship visit

Grace for your spirit May 9, 2014

Grace for your spirit
But Simon answered and said, "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."  Acts 8:24

This Simon, a magician and sorcerer, heard the message of Jesus Christ, believed the message and was baptized.  Soon after that, his heart was in the wrong place, and he wanted to buy the Holy Spirit. The apostles told him his heart was not right with God, and he should repent and pray for forgiveness.  He listened and chose the right way.  He requested prayer for forgiveness.  When someone tells us that our heart is not right with God, we must listen and chose the right way too.  Will our hearts be hardened, or humbled by the news.  Humbled, I hope.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 8, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-20

A disciple is a follower. When we become disciples of Jesus Christ through our obedience, an inseparable part of that obedience is making those we meet disciples too. Simply, to be a disciple is to make disciples. Somewhere, sometime, we have put a different spin on this direction from Jesus.  Making disciples has become a branch of ministry that is conducted by someone else.  When we delegate this, and make it optional, we feel better not doing it.  We should not help ourselves feel that way.  Let's all go make disciples all the time, as Jesus directed.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 7, 2014

Grace for your spirit
He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.   Proverbs 17:9

Is spreading gossip our talent?  If so, I suggest we bury it.  When we hear a story that could be damaging to someone, we have the option of concealing it or spreading it around to others.  Damaging stories are seldom completely true, with shades of half-truths.  Love can cover a multitude of sins, but spreading gossip can separate many friends. When someone comes to us with a story about another, let's refuse to keep the story going.  The gossip, the listener, and the injured party, may all be salvaged with love and compassion.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 6, 2014

Grace for your spirit
And those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads and saying, "Ha! You were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross". Mark 15:29-30

Ever since Jesus made that statement in John 2:19, He was talking about the temple of His death burial, and resurrection in three days. He was never referring to their holy place, the temple.  That false rumor got out of hand, and it was used to fire up Jesus' enemies.  The same thing happens today.  A verse is pulled out of context, a preacher misapplies scripture, and suddenly people are whipped up into a frenzy condemning people without basis.  Before we wag our heads and hurl abuse, let's check our scripture again, and make sure our actions are on solid ground.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Grace for your spirit Mayn 5, 2014

Grace for your spirit
Hear O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.  Israel 6:4-5

In the Jewish prayer book today, this is the central prayer.  It is called the Shema, and this verse of Deuteronomy is the beginning of that statement.  It was and is the cornerstone of all the commands of the Old Law.  When Jesus walked the earth  He was asked what was the greatest commandment in the Law. His answer was the "Shema". Matthew 22:37 "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind."  If the Old Law Jews would have kept it, they wouldn't have needed so many other commands. The same is true for us.  Love the Lord, and love our neighbors, we will fulfill all of His commands too.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Grace for your spirit May 2, 2014

Grace for your spirit
They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.  Mark 15:21

We don't know if this Simon was a disciple of Jesus, or just a curious observer that day.  Either way, this was a traumatic turn of events for him.  Carrying a cross in those days was a sign that you would be on that cross later.  Also, you would become a target for ridicule and punishment.  When Jesus calls us to be his follower, we must take up His cross.  It is our commitment to come and die to ourselves and to sin.  Without making that commitment to come and die, we can never find the path to life .