Grace for your spirit 12-29-17

Grace for your spirit

O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago with perfect faithfulness.  Isaiah 25:1

How lonely and confusing it must be to not believe in the God of Heaven.  It is wonderful to not only believe, but be confident that we are walking in His will.  When we conformed to His will, and think like He thinks, we can enjoy transformation.  He has seen His plans for us long ago, and is joyful when we walk in that path.  Let's praise Him for the path He has prepared for us in this wilderness.  May this be our top priority in the new year. 

Grace for your spirit 12-28-17

Grace for your spirit

For if  you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish  And who know whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this ?  Esther 4:14

Queen Esther had, by the providence of God, arisen as Queen.  She was in a position to save her family and all the Jews.  It was risky, but would she do it?  She was reminded that perhaps God had moved her into such a position, and she got it done.  Did we ever think that we have been supplied the word of truth, plus the time ,resources and spiritual strength to serve in a special way?   It may be risky, but we all need to bloom where we are planted. Can we be good stewards of God's provision ?  Yes we can.

Grace for your spirit 12-27-17

Grace for your spirit

And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry."  Luke 12:19

Here is a picture of a man doing pretty well by earthy standards.  Like many who are doing well, they often think that their time is their own, and their money belongs to them.  Looking at our bankbook instead of our Bible can bring many surprises.  This man found out in an instant that his time was up, and his money was going somewhere else.  Let's remember.  All our time, talents, and resources belong to God.  We just need to thank Him for letting us use them. 

Grace for your spirit 12-26-17

Grace for your spirit

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:32

Today begins "national return week".  When people crowd the stores returning gifts.  There are gifts we can give that we love to have returned.  Those gifts are kindness and forgiveness.  We love it when people return our gifts, and we build love when we return theirs.  Kindness and forgiveness are the free gifts we can give to everyone and love having them returned.  Let's start of new trend.

Grace for your spirit 12--15-17

Grace for your spirit

Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?" "Tend My lambs."   John 21:15

As Jesus ate breakfast on the seashore among with the Peter, the fishermen, fishing nets, and boats, Jesus needed him to aim higher.  To look above and beyond to the disciples of Jesus. To aim higher and once again become a fisher of men.  Two caterpillars were buzzed by some butterflies one day.  One caterpillar said to the other, "Boy, you'll never get me up in one of those."  "Oh", said the other, "Some day we will become one of those."    Aim higher caterpillar, aim higher Peter, aim higher everyone who follows Jesus.  We all have "these" around us.  Will we love Jesus more that "these ?"  Aim higher.

Grace for your spirit 12-14-17

Grace for your spirit

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.  Psalm 5:3

Many times in the Bible, when there was a job to be done for God, it says, "and he rose up early in the morning."  As saying, "let's get started, I'm eager to serve and complete, I don't want something else to distract me."  Still today we all have important jobs to be done for God.  Let's be eager to start, complete and not be distracted.  May the Lord hear our voice early in the morning, and recognize it.  Let's not wait until the distractions of the day overwhelm us and then start praying. Start early, start now and eagerly watch.

Grace for your spirit 12-13-17

Grace for your spirit

All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.  Nehemiah 8:12

When the remnant returned to Jerusalem and heard the word preached, they were very sad. They didn't think they had a right to be happy and celebrate due to their sins. God's prophets told them to stop it, and celebrate because  "The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Often today Christians focus on their past and live in guilt and disappointment.  Stop it.  The joy of the Lord is our strength too. Let's celebrate God's provision and share them with others.

Grace for your spirit 12-12-17

Grace for your spirit

You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.     I John 4:4

As Christians, we have many enemies in the world.  The devil is at work all the time to weaken us, and urge us to leave the faith.  What can we possibly do to find victory?  How can we win over the false prophets and those who deny Christ?  God gives us the path of victory, with the Spirit of Jesus living in us.  Always remember, when we are in Christ and He is living in us, together we are always greater than anything the devil can throw at us.  Let's walk in victory and joy.

Grace for your spirit 12-11-17

Grace for your spirit

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities,,,,,As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.   Psalm 103:10+12

The true wages of sin is death.  That is just and fair.  Because of God's lovingkindness, He gave us the free gift of salvation.  As far as east is from the west is continual separation.  If you go east, you will never go west. If you go west, you will never go east.  Our transgressions are paid for by the blood of Jesus, never to be seen again.  Do we need something to be thankful for?  Be thankful we don't get what we deserve.

Grace for your spirit 12-8-17

Grace for your spirit

The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.  Proverbs 26:16

Why is it that those who are too lazy to do anything, learn anything, or go anywhere, seem to think they know everything ?  This is a frequent dreamworld created by those won't get out of their chair.   We need to seek the Lord, good projects, search for knowledge and spend time with people.  These are the sources of wisdom.  Let's go after it and find the answers to life.

Grace for your spirit 12-7-17

Grace for your spirit

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

Would you like to spend your time in a cold, dark, place all alone?  Tell everything you know about everyone and repeat anything you hear.  Soon every relationship you had will be gone.  I have been married for almost 47 years and have preached for over 40.  At the same time, I wish to be loved and spend time with people.  Let's keep what does not need to be said to ourselves.  Now enjoy the loving fellowship with family and friends.

Grace for your spirit 12-6-17

Grace for your spirit

A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds his back.  Proverbs 29:11

The difference between the temperament of someone who loses their temper and one who does not is often taking time to think.  The fool may lose their temper and then think, while the wise will think first and wait.  When we think about what we accomplish with an explosion, and what harm we will do, that thought should slow us down.  Ask the Lord for help,  then slow down and think.  Think and slow down.

Grace for your spirit 12-5-17

Grace for your spirit

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.  Proverbs 16:18

If we choose to walk by sight and not by faith, we will surely stumble and fall.  When God revealed the future to the prophet Habakkuk, he rejected it completely.  God told him his soul was not right within him, and he would surely be conquered.  God encouraged him to walk by faith.  The same is still true and always will be.  When are filled with pride and have a haughty spirit, our fall is on the way.  Let's wake up.

Grace for your a\spirit 12-4-17

Grace for your spirit

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind..  For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord.  James 1:6-7

If anyone prays without faith, they shouldn't be disappointed when they get nothing.  Except they always are, because their lives are full of doubt and trouble.  The double minded individual has a little faith and a lot of worry.  Those are opposite emotions that will lead us to despair.  Let's turn over a "new leaf".  Praying with faith and expecting God to bless.  Our lives will be much better.

Grace for your spirit 12-1-17

Grace for your spirit

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.    Matthew 6:6

Jesus is using this illustration in contrast to the hypocrites of the day who liked to pray to be seen and praised.  Our prayer is between us and our Father, not a show for others to praise.  Although He tells us to go into our closet, there is no hint that He wants us to stay in our closet.  We go in to pray, and come out to serve.  Jesus fuels us with prayer so we can go teach and serve with His strength.  Too many are still in the closet.  It's time to get up and go.

Grace for your spirit 11-30-17

Grace for your spirit

And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power, when He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.    Hebrews 1:3

This is the description of Jesus.  Who He is, what He did, and what He is doing now.   He was the word that became flesh and dwelt among us,  to redeem us, and intercede for us.  The bonus is that we can also see the nature of the unseen God, because Jesus was God in the flesh.  Cling to no other.  Jesus is the Alpha and Omega.  The beginning and the end.

Grace for your spirit 11-29-17

Grace for your spirit

Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.  Romans 13:11

Many years ago, a bishop was staying over night at the minister's house. It was the son's honor to awaken the bishop with these exact words;  "It's the boy, my Lord. It is time to get up."  Unfortunately, the next morning he stumbled on his words and said, "It's the Lord, my boy, You're time is up."  It is certainly time for us to wake up and be faithful before our time is up.

Grace for your spirit 11-28-17

Grace for your spirit

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress.  My God in whom I trust!"  Psalm 91:1-2

Many expend much effort to build storm and bomb shelters to protect themselves against the unknown.  While that may be wise, it is even wiser to seek the shelter of God for every day.  The fortress of the Almighty God is greater than any human effort.  When we make the decisions to trust in God's protection, may we also say, "He is my refuge and I will trust in Him.

Grace for your spirit 11-27-17

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

We are God's children.  The sheep of His pasture.  He loves us the same on our best day and our worst day.  As angry as He might become because of our rebellion, His grace always outlives His wrath. Things always look worse in the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.  In the light of day when we return to Him, we will shout with joy.

Grace for your spirit 11-22-17

Grace for your spirit

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. And whatever you do in word and deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to Him through God the Father. Colossians 3:15+17

As we gather together to give thanks, may we be leaders in showing hearts of thankfulness. This may be the best time for us to display our Christians heart to the world. Don't leave home without it.  

Three keys to a happy thanksgiving

1) Be happy

2) Be thankful

3) Be giving

Grace for your spirit 11-21-17

Grace for your spirit

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself as example of those who believe.  I Timothy 4:12

We sing a song about letting our light shine.  We sing of letting our light shine on the street, at work, and in the church  We do need to show ourselves an example of a believer wherever we go.  People are watching us all the time to see how we live, and how we respond in many different settings.  What a great testimony it is that someone would say the we are an example of a Christian. 

Grace for your spirit 11-20-17

Grace for your spirit

For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.  I Peter 4:3

What we did in the past is not important.  What we are doing now because Jesus is in our lives is the key.  The times that we loved to run with the world needs to be over.  Along with our conversion to Christ, the things we do needs to change as well.  When the world sees we are not running the same as we used to, they will malign us.  Let's be glad they can see we have changed and glorify God.

Grace for your spirit 11-17-17

Grace for your spirit

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.   I Timothy 4:16

The Scriptures are constantly attempting to groom us to be an outstanding disciple of Christ.  All the principles and examples we see won't do any of us any good, if they go "in one ear and out the other".  Paul  here encourages us to be so absorbed in Christ, that our progress will be evident to everyone.  With that example, and the inspired word, we will have a great opportunity to share Christ with the lost.

Grace for your spirit 11-16-17

Grace for your spirit

Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  Let all that you do be done in love.  I Corinthians 16:13:14

In our Christian walk, we need to stay alert on so many levels  Alert to keep our faith strong, alert to be men and women of strength, and just as important, look on all our challenges in love.  Faith, strength, love.  Key words to complete our Christian service, giving glory to God.

Grace for your spirit 11-15-17

Grace for  your spirit

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.  Romans 13:10

Do we have trouble remembering all the laws God has for us?  Which ones are the most important?  They asked Jesus, and He answered with one law.  Love God and love your neighbor.  For all the ten commandments and the thousands of other laws in the Bible, they all can be fulfilled with true love. When we honor God and people with love, the rest of the details take care of themselves.  Try it.  You' ll like it.

Grace for your spirit 11-14-17

Grace for your spirit

The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and save those who are crushed in spirit.   Psalm 34:17-18

When we are troubled, brokenhearted, and cry out for help, does anyone hear us ?  Is there anyone who cares, and can help in our time of need?  The righteous can say, "YES".  Let's have confidence that the Lord is always near enough to hear and to help.  This will help us all live with faith and confidence.  Keep Him close.

Grace for your spirit 11-13-17

Grace for your spirit

Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.  Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.  Nehemiah 8:10

God's people had returned to Jerusalem and the wall was built.  The word of the Lord was read for them  and they realized their sins caused them all their griefs.  They were reminded not to grieve because the good things were yet to come.  Their repentance put them back in the light of the Lord.  Celebrate.  The joy of the Lord is and will be your strength.  When we've been restored from our sins, celebrate. The joy of the Lord is our strength too.

Grace for your spirit 11-10-17

Grace for your spirit

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.  Psalm 4:8

Most of us take care when we prepare for bed.  We depend on our earthly comforts to help us be comfortable.  Good mattress, right temperature, and doors locked give us a sense of peace.  Let's not forget our most important benefit.  While we sleep, God is awake.  Our first prayer may have been, "Now I lay me down to sleep..."  Let's resurrect our bedtime prayers, and in peace we will lie down and sleep.

Grace for your spirit 11-9-17

Grace for your spirit

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

He who shouts the loudest does not win the argument, nor make his point.  Loud angry speech elevates until one looses control.  The soft gentle answer displays confidence.  Try this the next time someone is  tempting us into a shouting match.  Every time they raise their voice, let's lower ours.  Let's not let the harsh word stir us to anger.  That's the way, "the gentle shall inherit the earth."

Grace for your spirit 11-8-17

Grace for your spirit

Jacob said, "No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.  Genesis 33:10

Jacob stole Esau's birthright and all his blessings.  From that time on, Jacob was very afraid of Esau, fearing revenge.  This was a new day for Jacob.  Esau told Jacob that he needed no gift because he was blessed.  Jacob saw forgiveness, reconciliation, and love in the face of Esau, just as one sees in the presence of God.  Wouldn't it be great if people saw God in our faces ?  May we develop the compassion of God, and it will be reflected in our faces.

Grace for your spirit 11-7-17

Grace for your spirit

How can  you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye", and behold the log is in our own eye?   Matthew 7:3

Let's be careful they way we judge others.  Most of the time when we judge others, it is obvious to everyone else that our sins are larger.  We see the speck in others, but missed the log in our own eye.  God certainly wants us help others get the speck out of their eyes, but first He wants us to take the log out of our own eyes.  In other words, let's not be hypocrites.  Let's repent and get rid of our sins and that will help us help others.

Grace for your spirit 11-6-17

Grace for your spirit

Then Samson called to the Lord and said, "O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes,"  Judges 16:28

Samson was supposed to be Israel's great liberator, and bring them victory over the Philistines.  Unfortunately, most of his life he focused on himself, and made his mission a disgrace.  Now his strength had returned and he had a plan to push down their temple.  His final prayer reflects his life.  There is no praise of God nor repentance for his wasted life.  It was ME. ME, I, MY, for revenge against his enemies.  When we're in trouble, is this our prayer too?  Me, Me, I, My?  Lord teach us how to pray, and teach us how to live to complete our mission.

Grace for your spirit 11-3-17

Grace for your spirit

However, the hair of his head began to grow again after it was shaved off.  Judges 16:22

Have we been snatched bald headed by the devil?  Are we powerless, blind, and chained in the dungeon like Samson?  Look in the mirror.  Is our hair  beginning to grow? Do we feel strength coming back?  Let's be in prayer, quieting our spirit, and making our plans.  God still has work for us to do, and He will equip us with the power we need.  Let's break out our brushes and shampoo and go, go, go. 

Grace for your spirit 11-2-17

Grace for your spirit

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.  Proverbs 11:13

Who gets helped and who gets hurt by what I am about to tell you?  This is something important to remember before we tell all we know.  As Christians we should be involved in the mission of reconciliation.  Oftentimes, things don't need to be told.  If telling all we know is our talent, maybe we should bury it.  Let's make a commitment to be a trustworthy servant for all.

Grace for your spirit 11-1-17

Grace for your spirit

"Peace be with you".  John 20:19

The evening Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples were drowning in their circumstances.  They felt guilty, they were afraid, and they were confused.  Their peace was gone.  What words did Jesus have for them?  "Peace be with you."  Sometimes we will find ourselves confronted by such guilt, fear, and confusion.  People need a word of comfort and we're not sure what to say.  May the peace of Jesus be with you is pretty effective.  It will give us peace too.

Grace for your spirit 10-31-17

Grace for your spirit

A false witness will not go  unpunished, and he who tells lies will not escape.  Proverbs 19:5

From "thou shalt not bear false witness" in 10 commandments, to the punishment for liars in the lake of fire in Revelations, liars are universally condemned.  The web we weave when we first start to deceive just gets worse and worse.

Grace for your spirit 10-30-17

Grace for your spirit

Your boasting is not good.  Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?  Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump.  I Corinthians 5:6-7

Good and bad leaven can both work the same.  They take over the whole lump for better or worse.  Here the church was letting evil take over the whole body.  Christ was supposed to be good leaven to change the people, but first the old had to be removed.  We may want God to "bless our mess", but His plan is repentance first.  When we die to sin, He will wash it away and fill us with His Spirit 

Grace for your spirit 10-27-17

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 stench of sin sticks with us like smoke and fire.  Many people "kid" themselves thinking they can play with sin without any consequences or anyone knowing about it.  When we covet things we should not have, the smell of that sin lingers.  The Devil makes us think we can do anything and no one will ever know.  Like everything else, the Devil lies. 

Grace for your spirit 10-26-17

Grace for your spirit

Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.  Psalm 57:1

It is great to have a bomb shelter and a fall out shelter if war comes our way.  A storm shelter is a great place to ride out a tornado, but the ultimate shelter is the refuge God offers.  Our lives will be subject to destructive attacks at times.  When we choose to take refuge in God, He knows how to bless us and keeps us.  It is great to have that access until trouble passes.  He is gracious.  We just need to be receptive.

Grace for your spirit 10-25-17

Grace for your spirit

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.  Genesis 50:20

Life is not easy, certain, or fair, but don't give up the ship.  God is in it all.  Noah, Abraham, Esau, Job, and all those who lived by faith learned that.  Joseph lived in captivity without his family most of his life. It was not easy, certain, or fair.  Everyone eventually discovered that God hand and purpose was in it to save their lives.  Let's not be like a child who stomps their foot and says "Not Fair".  Stick with God.  Ultimately we will see God's truth when we trust in Him.

Grace for your spirit 10-24-17

Grace for  your spirit

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.  II Cor 1:21-22

The Spirit that God left with us and in us, is His pledge that He will return to redeem us.  One translation renders this "the earnest of the Spirit" in our hearts.  When we buy some property and leave a down payment, it is called "earnest money".  Our guarantee that we will return to pay the rest.  The Holy Spirit is a down payment.  A pledge that Jesus will return to redeem us. Established with Christ, anointed by God, and sealed with the Holy Spirit.  Let's wait with confidence.

Grace for your spirit 10-23-17

Grace for your spirit

Ah Lord God! Behold You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm!  Nothing is too difficult for You.   Jeremiah 32:17

Jeremiah is warning up for prayer during a very difficult time.  Jerusalem is falling apart while Babylon is knocking on the door.  People are making preparation,  while Jeremiah approaches God.  When we are going to make an appeal to God, it is profitable for us to praise the Lord and proclaim that we believe He can help.  God is big enough to handle our biggest need.  Nothing is too difficult for Him.  Really !

Grace for your spirit 10-20-17

Grace for your spirit

He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.  Proverbs 18:13

Most of us are horrible listeners.  Instead of listening, we wait to talk.  Often we have an answer ready before there is any question.  This not only makes us look silly, but it confirms that suspicion that we are not even thinking about the one who is talking.  Let's start taking more of an interest in others.  Listen with interest and respond with compassion.  It will help us bond to people.

Grace for your spirit 10-19-17

Grace for your spirit

He who mocks the poor taunts his Maker;  He who rejoiced at calamity will not go  unpunished.  Proverbs 17:5

Do we make fun of those we think are beneath us, or have great difficulties in life?  Jesus instructs us to learn compassion and care for those in need.  Helping the poor gives honor to God.  Helping people out of their troubles honors Him as well.  May we not only wear the Christian name, but also reach out to others with His name.  There is no room for mocking in that lifestyle.

Grace for your spirit 10-18-17

Grace for your spirit

Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.  Proverbs 20:3

As we travel through life and deal with others, it is often difficult to avoid strife and ignorance.  It is easy to be drawn into quarrels and try to make our point.  If we must have the "last word" in every discussion, it is likely that the fight will never end.  I have found two things that will keep us from strife and restore honor to us.  They are simple.  "Let it go", and "Get over it".  That is always the way to win.

Grace for your spirit 10-17-17

Grace for your spirit

He who separates himself seeks his own desire. He quarrels against all sound wisdom.    Proverbs 18:1

God has designed us to be enriched with fellowship.  The body of Christ, the church, is all about growing in Christ with the help of others.  As part of the body, it is healthy to be connected and share wisdom with others.  If we found a severed hand in our refrigerator, it would likely make us sick.  It is just wrong because it is suppose to be connected to an arm.  Let's get together and grow together in Christ.  We're supposed to be connected.

Grace for your spirit 10-16-17

Grace for your spirit

How long, O Lord?  Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?   Psalm 13:1

Perhaps we have all went through some suffering at some time.  As we search for God in study and prayer, we hope for relief.  It never seems to get to us fast enough does it?  Maybe we have cried out, "How long, Lord?"  God told the prophet Habakkuk, "The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him."   Let's learn to wait patiently.  Help is on the way.  Trust, rejoice, and sing it out

Grace for your spirit 10-11-17

Grace for your spirit

Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.  Proverbs 16:3

If we are starting a business or building something, our plans must be submitted and approved by the authorities. If our plans don't line up with theirs, nothing happens,  How about our life decisions?  Are we willing to submit our plans to the Lord for approval ?  As we look down the road of life, do we see any place or any time that our plans intersect with the plans of God ?  We need to make it so, then our plans will be successful.

Grace for your spirit 10-10-17

Grace for your spirit

To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.   Acts 26:18

When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, He was there to appoint Saul a minister and a witness to those who did not know God.  To preach the good news and turn the people from darkness, Satan, and sin.   We may not see Jesus on a road with a bright light, but our commission and direction is still exactly the same.  We all have an appointment to spread the good news of Jesus.

Grace for your spirit 10-9-17

Grace for your spirit

Jesus said, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.  John 14:23

What greater promise than the promise of the Godhead moving in with us.  When we love Jesus, and keep His word, what happens?  God loves us, and Our Father, Son, and Holy Spirit come home with us.  Then what happens?  We walk securely with them.  God has decided. What have we decided ?

Grace for your spirit 10-6-17

Grace for your spirit

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  

I Corinthians 1:18

When we know Jesus died for our sins, rose for our justification, ascended to heaven to be our mediator, and will come again to take us home, the word of the cross is victory over everything.   It is not surprising that those who walk in darkness without hope will think that the word of the cross can't change everything, but it can.  The cross of Christ is the central point of all the past and future.  If we think it is foolishness, beware.

Grace for your spirit 10-5-17

Grace for your spirit

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:11

When rain comes down from heaven, it does not return without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout.  It the same way, when we spread the word of God, it always accomplishing what God desires.  We may not see immediate results, but they will come in due time.  Let's continue to spread His word, and expect great results.

Grace for your spirit 10-4-17

Grace for your spirit

For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.  I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.  Psalm 84:10

What a great testimony this is for being close to God.  Just give me one day with God, and it surpasses a thousand days elsewhere.  Just a place in God's doorway is greater than a big tent in the world.  People long for riches, power, and love, but this one yearned for the presence of God.  Imagine how our lives would change for the better if we  yearned to be close to God, and in His presence.

Grace for your spirit 10-3-17

Grace for your spirit

Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.  Deuteronomy 4:9

This message from Moses to the children of Israel is as relevant today as it was then.  We need grow spiritually, and put into practice the things that we have learned, seen, and heard.  Keep them close so they never go away.  Then pass all of it on to our family, friends, and those we meet.  This is God's plan for us today.  Have we fallen down and failed in our mission to please God?  Let's backtrack, get it right, and pass it on. 

Grace for your spirit 9-29-17

Grace for your spirit

Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine, where are they? Was no one found what returned to give glory to God, except for this foreigner ?  Luke 17:17-18

One day Jesus healed ten men of dreaded leprosy.  Nine were of Judah and one foreigner.  Only one who returned to say thanks and give glory to God.  Which one?  Apparently the foreigner didn't think he deserved the blessing and it led him back to Jesus. Do we think we deserve all of God's blessings and does that lead us away from Jesus?    I hope we will never be like ungrateful children who think, everything is "too little and too late."  May we always feel grateful, undeserving, and give glory to God.

Grace for your spirit 9-28-17

Grace for your spirit

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name    

Ephesians 3:14-15

The apostle Paul prayed for the strength of all Christ's disciples, that they might be seated with Christ, walk worthy of their calling, and stand firm against the attacks of the devil.  Successful sitting, walking, and standing, begins with successful kneeling.  Let's all take a knee for Jesus.  It is good practice for when we must bow before Him in the last  day.

Grace for your spirit 9-27-17

Grace for your spirit

Every word of God is tested; He us a shield to those who take refuge in Him.  Proverbs 30:5

We enjoy the confidence that we can have when purchasing anything that has been tried and tested.  We read reviews and ask around for good measure.  Nothing has been tried, tested, and proven to help us like the Word of God.  The inspired word of God has passed all the tests of time and experiences.  The law of the Lord really is perfect for our every need.  Keep it close.

Grace for your spirit 9-26-17

Grace for your spirit

All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass.  The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.  I Peter 1:24-25

We see the transition of the seasons every year.  Grass and flowers come and go.  We also see the transition of life.  The bloom of life is soon gone, and the days of life pass.  What we need is something that does not change with the seasons, that gives us stability.  That stable force is the word of God. How can we meet out all the changes in life, and be prepared for anything?  The Lord's unchanging word is the only answer.

Grace for your spirit 9-25-17

Grace for your spirit

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest  Matthew 9:37-38

As Jesus walked about, there was no end to the troubles and problems.  Wherever He walked He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom, healing every kind of disease.  He saw that they were distressed and was filled with compassion.  Jesus desired to plant that heart of compassion into His disciples.  Matching the gospel with compassion would fill the field with workers for the harvest.  When we know the good news, let's catch His compassion and go into the field.

Grace for your spirit 9-22-17

Grace for your spirit

Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. Acts 27:22

For many days and nights, this ship carrying the apostle Paul was driven by a great storm. 276 lives were thrown together in a desperate situation with one promise and one hope. Don’t give up the ship. Many decisions were made, some right, some wrong. Some complained, some almost gave up, some doubted, but the ship still went on as promised. When we become Christians, God places us His Ship of Hope. Sometimes, our ship hits the storms of life, and it may seem hopeless. God’s message is the same for us. Don’t give up the ship. It is the only way to salvation. We may make mistakes, have doubts, fight, complain, and almost give up. But remember this one thing. Don’t give up the ship. Victory will soon be seen.

Grace for your spirit 9-21-17

Grace for your spirit

But as for Israel He says, "All the day long I have stretched out My hand to a disobedient and obstinate people."  Romans 10:21

Romans chapters 9-11 are verses dedicated to the restoration of Israel.  Paul's heart's desire was for their salvation, and that they would be grafted back into the olive tree of God.  Did they not hear?  Did they not know?  Scripture says that God stretched out his hand to a disobedient and obstinate people, and they refused.  May we never be so disobedient and obstinate that can cannot and will not hear the truth.  Let's hear God's Word and follow it.

Grace for your spirit 9-20-17

Grace for your spirit

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.    James 4:4

As Christians, we take on the identity of being the bride of Christ.  We take His name, and give Him all our love and devotion.  If our eye wanders and we become friends of the world, that makes us a hostile enemy of God.  That unfaithfulness will cause us to commit spiritual adultery with Jesus.  May our devotion be unwavering.

Grace for your spirit 9-19-17

Grace for your spirit

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.  Psalm 139:23-24

The key to the peaceful life is being completely transparent before God.   The willingness to invite God into our thoughts, and accept His direction to the right and everlasting way.  It is great when someone can "see right through us", and they love what they see. It's even greater when God loves what He sees.  When we accept His leadership, we can be there.

Grace for your spirit 9-18-17

Grace for your spirit

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify  your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

When we find ourselves with dirty hands, in sin with evil hearts, thinking one way and then another, we are living far from God.  God has a plan to cleanse us, redeem us, purify us, and get us to be stable in our thinking.  When we desire to draw near to God, He will draw near to us and accomplish what we need.  The way to God is through Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life.  God's will in God's way.  Come on.

Grace for your spirit 9-15-17

Grace for your spirit

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good. 

 I Peter 3:13

All of the apostle Paul's Spirit inspired letter are designed to warn and encourage each of us.  They also remind of us the great salvation we have in Christ.  Then they show us what could happen if we forsake our Master.  These reminders are crucial in our Christian walk.  We really are more than conquerors through Him.   There really is no one to harm us when we walk in His light.

Grace for your spirit 9-14-17

Grace for your spirit

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.  Isaiah 26:3

The book of Romans talks about our mindset.  There is a mindset on the Spirit, and also a mindset on the flesh.  When our mindset is on the flesh, we will be "all over the place."  When we choose a mindset on the Spirit, we will never waver because He never wavers.  That steadfast unwavering mind, God will keep in perfect peace.  Let's put our trust in Him and enjoy the ride of perfect peace.

Grace for your spirit 9-13-17

Grace for your spirit

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me.  Revelation 3:20

Jesus promised us that if we knocked, He would opened for us.  Will we be neighborly and open for Him?  Or do sit behind our door silently with the lights off, hoping He will quit knocking and go away?  He already knows what we are like, and how the house looks, so open up.  He can help us if we will trust and obey.

Grace for your spirit 9-12-17

Grace for your spirit

But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall.  Ephesians 2:13-14

In the Old Covenant with God, the good news was for the Jews.  There was a rule of law that set a wall between them and everyone else. Jesus came to tear down that wall and make God's blessings available to everyone.  The segregation between Jews and Gentiles is dissolved by the blood of Jesus.  As the song says, "there is room at the cross for you."  Enjoy the peace.

Grace for your spirit 9-11-17

Grace for your spirit

By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.  John 13:35

Where were you on 9/11?  Most people remember where they were 16 years ago today when they first heard news of the attack on America.  It plunged us into war that continues to this day.  Many still have hatred and revenge in their hearts because of who they lost on that day. Hatred and revenge usually changes no one but us.  Only the love of Jesus can really turn the world. Words from a song say, "If coal can turn to diamonds, if sand can turn to pearls, if a worm can turn to butterflies, then love can turn the world."  Where will we be when we start loving our enemies, and will we remember it as well? 

Grace for your spirit 9-8-17

Grace for your spirit

What we have seen and heard we proclaim to  you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.   I John 1:3

The apostles heard and saw the majesty of Christ. They wrote it down so that by faith, we also can behold His majesty.  We share that joint fellowship with them, and in turn the fellowship they had with our Father and Jesus.  Now we have a fellowship to proclaim to our world.  That fellowship is certainly a message of good news.

Grace for your spirit 9-7-17

Grace for your spirit

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy. Jude 24

The older we get, the more concerned we will get about stumbling and falling.  We start to realize our next fall could be our last fall.  For that reason, we need to be careful how we walk and where we step.  The same is true in our spiritual walk.  Falling is so easy, but God is able to keep us from stumbling, plus strengthen us to stand firm against the things that might knock us over.  Thank you Lord for being able.

Grace for your spirit 9--6-17

Grace for your spirit

Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of God will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.  John 6:27

Everyone needs to do something to "make a living."  All of those rewards we receive will be used up or perish.  Jesus is challenging us to work for the things that endure to eternal life.  God has promised us that the blessings we receive in His service will endure forever.  Our work for the Lord makes an "eternal living" for us all.

Grace for your spirit 9-5-17

Grace for your spirit

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Ephesians 4:30

The Spirit of God He left for us is a down payment on all the blessings that will come.  Jesus not only gave us His blood to redeem us, but He gave us a spark of Deity to seal us.  It is His pledge and our assurance that he is coming back again.  When we walk in disobedience it grieves God and the Spirit that should be guiding us.  Let's take care not to do that.

Grace for your spirit 9-1-17

Grace for your spirit

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything,  you may have an abundance of every good deed.  II Corinthians 9:8

God is able.  Yes, God is able.  In all our challenges in life these are three words we need to keep first in our mind.  When we sin and fall short, His grace is able.  When we are down to our last nickel, His grace is able to supply.  When we are filled with despair, His grace can lift us out of the deepest pit.  As the song goes, He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today. 

Grace for your spirit 8-31-17

Grace for  your spirit

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.   Romans 6:22

God grace in Christ Jesus can and will change us completely.  It will free us from the snare of the devil and sin, and make us slaves of God. From that point we derive many benefits;  His grace sanctifies us or makes us holy. which leads us directly to eternal life with Jesus.  Let's surrender to Him, and enjoy the ride.

Grace for your spirit 8-30-17

Grace for  your spirit

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  John 14:18

In the world of slavery Jesus lived in, you were either a son, or a slave. A son could be natural born or adopted by the head of the house.  Once adopted, they had all the rights and inheritance of a son.  Jesus came to establish His kingdom and allow us to be sons in His kingdom.  With the son ship we have a full inheritance in the kingdom of Jesus.  He will be back to reward us all.

Grace for your spirit 8-29-17

Grace for your spirit

Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  John 14:13

What great news this was for His apostles that night.  They had built a personal relationship with Jesus over three years, and now they had the promise that He would do whatever they asked for in His name.  Jesus was about to go to the cross.  He arose and ascended back to heaven, and became our mediator with God.  We have the same promise today. When we have our personal relationship with Jesus, He will hear our prayers and complete His will in our lives.  Now we all can abide, believe, ask, and receive.  What great news this is for us.

Grace for your spirit 8-28-17

Grace for your spirit

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits.  Psalm 103:2

When we forget all our benefits, we are likely to become become unhappy and wander away.  That can happen on our  jobs, in our relationships, and certainly with the Lord.  This Psalm reminds us that God has pardoned us, healed us, redeemed us, crowned us, and satisfied  us in so many ways.  We need to remember all His benefits every day so we won't wander away.  Remember the devil is always recruiting. 

Grace for your spirit 8-25-17

Grace for your spirit

These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;  Acts 17:6

How did they turn the world upside down?  Paul and Silas had accepted the challenge that others could not understand.  As followers of Jesus Christ, they went to preach the good news of Jesus including His death, burial, and resurrection.  Many people responded to their message, but others were upset.  Some would say they had turned the world right side up.  Our world still needs to be turned right side up, and it needs our help.  Help !

Grace for your spirit 8-24-17

Grace for your spirit

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.  Psalm 19:1

Mark your calendars, hold your breath, in another 7  years, we will have another solar eclipse.  Or, we could use each one of  those days to declare the glory of God.  From sunrise, to moonrise, and the air we breathe everyday, we can give glory to God all along the way. Thank you Lord for the blessings of another day.

Grace for your spirit 8-23-17

Grace for your spirit

When I  consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars which You have ordained:  What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?  Psalm 8:3-4

On Dec 23, 1968, when Apollo 8 orbited the moon for the first time, the Astronauts, Lovell, Borman, and Andes, read from the Bible.  The world was impressed. This week, 49 years later, we all witnessed the show in the sky called a Solar Eclipse.  Everyone marveled at the science and math that calculated it all, but no mention of God. While we have the world looking up, this would be a good time to remind them about the one who made the earth, sun, and moon

Grace for your spirit 8-22-17

Grace for your spirit

For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.  I Peter 3:12

When we think about God watching over us all the time, does it make us glad or sad?  When we walk in the path of the righteous it should make us glad to have His audience and His readiness to answer our prayers. When we are in the path of evil, we will probably feel His look as judgment against us.  If we feel judged by His eyes, may that be the motivation to get back to the light of God and walk in it.  He is waiting to hear our voice again.

Grace for your spirit 8-21-17

Grace for your spirit

But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.   I John 1:7

Today the moon will pass directly between the Sun and the Earth, and we will experience a Solar Eclipse.  There is a lot of hoopla expected over the event.  Many people experience an eclipse every day of their lives.  When we allow the sin in our lives to get directly between us and God, we walk in darkness, and lose our contact with the Son.  God wants us to keep active and growing so we never find ourselves in such a position.  Love the Son, and love the Light.  How about a little hoopla over that?

Grace for your spirit 8-18-17

Grace for your spirit

When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through the waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.     Luke 11:24

When we are blessed to fill ourselves with the Spirit of Jesus and the Grace of God, He will push out the unclean spirits in our lives.  It is important that we keep our spiritual house filled with His presence and keep the door closed.  If we aren't careful to do so, those evil spirits will return sometimes seven times worse than it was before.  Yes, we all need to be on guard and keep our house full of God.

Grace for your spirit 8-17-17

Grace for your spirit

Son of Man, I have appointed you a watchman to the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from My mouth, warn them from Me.  Ezekiel 3:17

Ezekiel was a man who could not afford to avoid controversy.  He had a message from God, and he clearly knew the consequences of not delivering that message.  He was appointed to warn people, and if He didn't warn them he would be help accountable.  Their blood would be on his hands. With the mission we have from Jesus, we can hardly afford to avoid controversy.  The message we have from Jesus is certainly urgent to lost souls, and for our souls as well.  Go ye, means go me.

Grace for your spirit 8-16-17

Grace for your spirit

She said to her mistress, "I wish that my master were with the prophet in Samaria !  Then he would cure him of his leprosy.  II Kings 5:3

Your're going to love this little girl.  She was taken captive in Israel by an invading army, and then made a slave in the house of the captain of that army.  When her master got leprosy, what was her wish for him?  She wished for a cure from this deadly disease, and let it be known that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure him.  She wasn't bitter, not angry, did not seek revenge, but rather she wished the best for him. That prophet did bring healing to Naaman.  Don't you just love this little girl?  I hope we would all want to be like her.

Grace for your spirit 8-15-17

Grace for your spirit

Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in the right circumstances.  Proverbs 25:11

I have a picture on the wall of my office of a gold apple in a silver bowl. It is very pretty.  Now all of us can paint a pretty picture every time we open our mouth.  When we have a good word, an uplifting word, an encouraging word, be ready to give it.  Let's be life lifters by speaking the right words at the right time.

Grace for your spirit 8-14-17

Grace for your spirit

Behold as for the proud one, his soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith.   Habakkuk 2:4

The only time our soul is ever right within us is when we humble ourselves enough to let God control our lives.  When we are proud and think we can handle everything ourselves, we push God, and righteousness by faith out the door.  This prophet was too proud to accept God's word, but he needed to change.  We need to walk by faith and not by self assurance.  Let's accept the promises and judgments from God whether we like them are not.

Grace for your spirit 8-11-17

Grace for your spirit

I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before for the land, so they would not destroy it; but I found no one.  Ezekiel 22:30

Those in the city behind the wall should feel secure unless there is a gap in the wall.  God recognized that there were vulnerable points in the defense system of His people, and He need the strongest, the boldest, and most faithful to fill those gaps.  Because He could find not one to stand in the gap, or be a watchman on the wall, the enemy came and destroyed them.  Today in the body of Christ, there are gaps that must be filled, and watchmen who need to be alert too.  Will we be the ones who are faithful, bold, and strong, so others can be at ease?  Let's be that one, and inspire others to do the same.

Grace for your spirit 8-10-17

Grace for your spirit

But the water that I give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.  The woman said to Him, "Sir give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw."  John 4:14-15

Jesus did not lead this woman to the water, nor did He make her drink. He made her thirsty for the water. Once He created thirst, He couldn't keep her away from this water of life.   As we try to dispense the water of life, often we might find ourselves dragging people to the water and forcing it down their throats.  That is a mistake.  When we can make them thirsty for Jesus, they will take it from us, they will drink and continue to drink.    That's a long lasting disciple.

Grace for your spirit 8-9-17

Grace for your spirit

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you;; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.  Hebrews 13:7

There used to be a grocery store in town with a giant poster on the side of the building that stated, "Nose your meat, or nose your butcher."  In other words, if you don't know meat, know someone who does.  This has a relevant application to Christians living.  If we don't know the Word, know someone who does know the Word.  Consider the lives of the ones who know the Word, follow the Word, and imitate their faith.  Hopefully, someday, someone will want to know us.

Grace for your spirit 8-8-17

Grace for your spirit

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to abstain from wickedness."  II Timothy 2:19

What a great foundation.  The Lord knows our name, and it has been written down in the Book of Life.  He knows our name because we have named His name.  By His name we are washed in the blood of the Lamb and living a life away from wickedness.  That strength is the strength of His church that cannot and will not be destroyed.  Let's be part of that foundation now and forever.

Grace for your spirit 8-7-17

Grace for your spirit

You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him, and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.  Deuteronomy 13:4

God knew there would be dreamers and false prophets who would bring amazing stories to the people.  The proof was in the directions of their teachings.  If there visions and prophecies were to lead us to other gods, they were not true and should be complete rejected.  He promised those false prophets would perish and so would those who followed them.  We must listen and give heed only to those who line up with the Word of God, and lead us to Him.  Listen, serve, and cling to Him. Reject all others.

Grace for your spirit 8-4-17

Grace for your spirit

Then He said to me, "Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go speak to the house Israel."  Ezekiel 3:1

Ezekiel had many colorful illustrations with deep meanings.  The goal was for Ezekiel to hear the word of the Lord and proclaim His message to His people. "Eat it and go".   Our commission from Jesus is about the same.  He called us to "Come, Take, and Learn" feeding on His Word. Then Go, disciple, baptize, proclaiming Him to the world.  The scroll Ezekiel ate was sweet as honey.  The message of Jesus is even sweeter.  Let's go.

Grace for your spirit 8-3-17

Grace for  your spirit

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate;  Genesis 3:6

Second look is the look of lust.  The second look and beyond are the ones that kill us.  Eve had seen the tree of knowledge of good and evil, along with the command of God to stay away.  Now the devil told her to look at it again his his eyes.  We can notice people and things each day without incident, but when we look again and linger, the wrong thoughts begin.  We will all see things and people today.  Just keep moving. That second look may kill us