Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 30, 2015

Grace for your spirit
But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.  Matthew 23:11-12

It seems like everyone is scraping, clawing, and stepping on others climbing the ladder of success.  The goal is to reach the top and find success, prosperity, and happiness.  Most never make it and others are disappointed with the rewards.  Jesus gives us the real insight for success, prosperity, and happiness.  We've been climbing the wrong direction.  The joy is at the bottom of the ladder.  We should be climbing down to the point He can lift us up.  Let's all have a glad reunion at the bottom of the ladder with Jesus.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Grac for your spirit June 29, 2015

Grace for your spirit 
Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of My God.  Revelation 3:2

When Jesus addressed the seven churches of Asia in Revelation, 5 of the 7 were told to repent to regain their rewards.  They represent in many ways, all the churches and Christians today.  This church had fallen asleep, lost their strength, and failed to complete their tasks. They may have been sleepwalking, stumbling along with their arms extended before them.  Whether we are sleepwalking or have found a comfy pew, we need to wake up, strengthen up, and get back in the work of God. Let make sure the "judgment day", doesn't wake us.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 26, 2015

Grace for your spirit
And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.  Acts 9:8-9

Sometimes our empirical senses can be our worse enemy. We are led by seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling.  Can our God given senses lead us in the wrong way?  Saul was charging to Damascus to do what he had perceived as God's work.  When his senses were altered for three days, his thinking really changed.  Saul saw things differently, and in three days he was ready to listen, change, and forge a complete different mission.  Let's all push the world away for a little while, and in silence perhaps we will see and hear more from God than ever.  Ready, set, stop.  Now go.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 25, 2015

Grace for your spirit
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  II Timothy 1:7

When we are afraid, timid, and lack self-discipline, it is usually because we have turned our back on God.  We have trusted in something else to provide for us, and that something else has failed.  When we fan the flames of His spirit, He will always supply us with power, love, and a sound mind, because that's all He has to give.  May we never be ashamed to tell others about life in Christ.  He always has the best reserved for everyone and will never fail us.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 24, 2015

Grace for your spirit
Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.  Luke 12:15

Many had come to hear Jesus speak that day.  While Jesus was speaking about great spiritual truths, one person only had his inheritance on his mind.  It is certainly true that we can become so focused on material gain that we can miss everything that is really important. You've heard the phrase; "he who dies with the most toys, wins."  The truth is, if we only die with toys, we lose.  If we live for Christ, die in Christ, we are the complete winners.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 23, 2015

Grace for your spirit
For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than  any two edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow,  and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart  Hebrews 4:12

The Word of God, also called the sword of the spirit, is a marvelous weapon against the devil and the devil in us.  Because it is alive, powerful, and sharp, it can meet our changing needs without changing itself. Most of us will never know how to divide our joints and marrow, our soul and spirit, or even our thoughts, but God does.  Let's open ourselves to His Sword, and allow it to cut away the sin our lives, and allow us to be healthy again.  Let's all learn to use His sword in an effective way every day.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 22, 2015

Grace for your spirit
When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them; for Job said, "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did continually.  Job 1:5

Among all the good things we can think to say about Job, he was a good father.  His first thoughts and action was to pray and offer burnt offering for his family just in case.  How wonderful it is to know that we have someone praying for us every morning, just in case we really need it today.  Most of us need it every day. We do not offer burnt offerings these days, but may we all start our day praying for our loved ones. Perhaps today will be the day they really need it.  Don't leave home without it.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 19, 2015

Grace for your spirit
Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise). That is may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.  Ephesian 6:2-3

Everyone wants a nice long life full of happiness.  Many people scrape and claw all their lives and don't end up with either.  Here we have a big first step toward that satisfaction, yet so many avoid it and reject it.   Of the Ten commandments, it is the only one that comes connected to a promise.  There is no if's, and's or but's connected to this command, which implies it is a "no matter what," command.  If we would care to accept it, it would make our ride a lot longer and much more enjoyable.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 18, 2015

Grace for your spirit
Truly, I say to you, among those born of woman there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.  Matthew 11:11

Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest because his focus on his mission to prepare that way for Jesus, and his unwavering humility in serving others.  Can we really be greater than he?  The way is not climbing up the ladder of success, but climbing down the ladder.  When we humble ourselves to accept Jesus, and humble ourselves to be servants of all, we find our victory at the bottom of the ladder.  The greatest title in His Kingdom, is servant.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 17, 2015

Grace for your spirit
But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  Matthew 5:39

The teachings of an eye for eye and tooth for a tooth, only gives you a lot of blind toothless people, and revenge belongs to God anyway. Besides, God knows when we choose to hit back, we become like the people who hit us.  David would never hit back again Saul, because he didn't want to become like Saul. As we  follow the directions of Jesus and becoming like Him, we will always be the real winners. 

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 16, 2015

Grace for your spirit
The Queen of the South shall rise up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold something greater than Solomon is here.  Matthew 12:42

This queen had heard of the riches and wisdom of Solomon, and she came to see for herself, doubtful of the stories.  She was impressed by Solomon and proclaimed, "the half had not been told to me."  She was impressed by Solomon, and these people wouldn't give Jesus a second look. Jesus is greater than Solomon, greater than King David, greater than Abraham, Moses, the temple, and the Law.  He is the greatest High Priest, and greater than anything in the world. We should be changed by Him.  When we aren't, it is condemnation for us.  Let's give the great one another look, and let Him transform us.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 15, 2015

Grace for your spirit
And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly/.   Romans 12:6

Do we exercise our gifts to build up and tear down.  Our aerobics could be; beating around the bush, jumping to conclusions, dragging our feet, making mountains out of molehills, running in circles, tooting our own horn, adding fuel to the fire, opening a can of worms, or putting our foot in our mouth. A better use of our exercise would be; kneeling in prayer, uplifting our hands in praise and prayer, hugs of encouragement, picking up the pieces, and keeping the ball rolling.  Let choose the exercise program that makes us and everyone else feel better

Friday, June 12, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 12, 2015

Grace for your spirit
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

We would all be glad if God would cause all things to work together for good for  us.  There are conditions we need to fulfill to bring us those blessings.  When we fulfill the greatest command to love God with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves, we are answering His call to live in His purpose.  His love, our love, His purpose, our purpose, will bring about all things working for good in us.  Watch and see.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 11, 2015

Grace for your spirit
He said to  him, "I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to him by the word of the Lord, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your  house, that he may eat break and drink water." But he lied to him.  I Kings 13:18

A prophet of Judah had been instructed by God to not associate with the false prophets of Israel.  A false prophet told him an angel spoke to him and said it was O.K. anyway.  The false prophet was lying for his own benefits.  The result of those actions brought death to the true prophet of Judah.  It was a sign to warn against the false prophets of Israel.  When we have been instructed by God in His word, let's not be led astray by anyone who says they have a different, more up to date message from an angel or a spirit.   There are many false prophets today as well who lie for their own benefit.  Trust God

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 10, 2015

Grace for your spirit
In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;   Romans 8:26

Whether we have been taught how to pray or not, there can be times when we are so overwhelmed that we cannot find the words to meet our needs.  That is a time when the Spirit comes to our rescue.  The Spirit can search our hearts and minds and intercede for us and communicate with God.  When we look to our Father in name of Jesus, our groan is enough.  He can fill in the blanks for us, until the words form in us

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 9, 2015

Grace for your spirit
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard.  Hebrews 2:3

God has great gifts for us through the righteousness that comes in Christ Jesus.  What are our options if we ignore and neglect Him?  Well, there really aren't any options.  If it is great, and it is, and it's the only solution for our problems, we should never lose sight of it.  Yet, we do.  We drift away, we don't pay attention, we forget the consequences, and end up in trouble.  Let's pray we will never get so preoccupied, drifting, not paying attention, and forgetting.  Let's keep His great gift in sight all the time.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 8, 2015

Grace for your spirit
Light is sown like seed for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.  Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones; And give thanks for His holy name.  Psalm 97:11-12

The Lord has made today for our enjoyment.  With our standing in Him, it should be a day of celebration, rejoicing, and joy.  Let's be thankful for the light he shines on us.  Let commit to be glad and thankful.  Most of the time in our prayers, we focus on our troubles and cares for Him to solve.  Let's thank Him for results of the seed He sows in our lives too.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 5, 2015

Grace for your spirit
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.  Great is Thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.  Lamentations 3:22-24

Jeremiah's lament is over Jerusalem and his people. He is often called the weeping prophet for the tears he shed in his ministry. May his efforts, tears, and teachings help us more than it helped them.  Even at the end of great disappoint, the love, mercy, and hope in God encouraged him every day.  He knew that the portion he received from God would be plenty.  May it be plenty for us too, in good times and in bad.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Grace for your spirit JUNE 4, 2015

Grace for your spirit
We exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulation, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope.   Romans 5:2-4

When we are made right, or justified by Jesus, we are introduced to a path of spiritual maturity.  We find peace with God, and are introduced to faith and grace.  The proof of grace and faith working in us should be obvious.  We can now exult both in hope and troubles, bringing about patience, character and more hope.  Then we will find a hope that never disappoints in good times and in bad.  Let's ask God to continue supplying us with His grace to reach that maturity.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 3, 2015

Grace for your spirit
Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you." so that we can confidently say, "the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  
Hebrews 13:5-6

It is the nature of man to love money, sacrifice for it, and accumulate all we can for that "rainy day."  As Christians we trust in the Lord for our eternal salvation, but do we find ourselves being afraid about tomorrow?  Can we confidently say we believe the Lord will take care of our tomorrows?  Let's lay up our treasures with God, and confidently spread our testimony to a world in constant fear.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 2, 2015

Grace for your spirit
How I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house. Acts 20:20

As the Apostle Paul left Ephesus for the last time, he reviewed the work he had done among them.  Indeed, Paul had been busy and bold.  He told them what they needed publicly and from house to house.  You never saw him shrinking back from what needed to be said.  How about our testimony?  Would we describe it as declaring or shrinking?  If we seek opportunities to instruct, then take those opportunities, we would be declarers.  If we never see an opportunity or don't speak when we should, we are shrinking back.  Let's pray for "Acts 20/20 vision" to see and speak.  May our day be bold and busy in the service of the Lord.

Monday, June 1, 2015

Grace for your spirit June 1, 2015

Grace for your spirit
For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.  Psalm 30:5

David's life was often like a wild roller coaster ride.  Great highs, horrible lows, upside down, and fast.  The heavy hand of the Lord was often pressing on him, but David never forgot his way of deliverance.  He also never forgot to be thankful for that deliverance.  Maybe we feel like David sometimes.  High, low, upside down, fast, and scary.  May we never forget when we shout for joy at our deliverance to remember to thank the One who made it possible.  God our deliverer.