Friday, October 12, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-12-18

Grace for your spirit
But God said to him, "You fool! This very night your soul is required of you, and now who will own what you have prepared?"  So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."   Luke 12:20-21

Here is a parable about a man who was greatly blessed, but was mistaken about who blessed him.  He mistook his bankbook for his Bible, his body for his soul, and time for eternity.  He measured all his wealth, condition, and time available by the world, instead of by God.  Our blessing are only for us to use for a while.  Then we all must go back, and our possession go on to someone else.  Let's not make the same mistakes as he did.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-11-18

Grace for your spirit
Were there not ten cleansed?  But the nine--where are they?  Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner ?    Luke 17:17-18

Jesus had compassion on 10 lepers one day and healed them.  As the were sent on to show themselves to the priest, only one came back to say "thank you."  Why did all of them know how to say "please", but only one knew "thank you?"  The only one who said thanks, was a foreigner.  We might conclude that the nine Jews thought they deserved the healing, but the foreigner was amazed.  Expectation can be a wonderful humbling experience.  Let's never think God's blessings are "too little, too late."  May our humble spirit rise in rejoicing when His blessings come to us.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-10-18

Grace for your spirit
Simon answered and said, "Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets."  When they had done this, they  enclosed a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to break:  Luke 5:5-6

Two messages for these future apostles that day.  Boys, if you stay in the fishing business without my blessings, you won't catch anything.  If I call you to drop your nets and become fishers of men, you better listen.  If you follow me, you will have great success.  Whatever our pursuits today, these messages apply to us as well.  When we try for success and leave Jesus out, our road will be difficult.  When we respond to His call to be fishers of men, He will give us success in every area of our lives.  Let's say a short prayer to clear our minds, and then arise to action.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-9-18

Grace for your spirit
Then when he arrived and witnesses the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;    Acts 11:23

Barnabas was sent to Antioch to help the church there.  They were growing steadily but were threatened daily with persecution from all sides.  Barnabas, called the son of encouragement, made a big difference.  He came with rejoicing, encouragement, and helped them remain true to the Lord.  The Christians rose up and continued to grow and prosper.  Sometimes, people may think the way to make changes it to divide and destroy.  We need a few more volunteers to be a "Barnabas" among us.  Any volunteers to rejoice, encourage, and help?  We know you can do it.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-8-18

Grace for your spirit
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.  II Timothy 2:4

We all have to live in this world and it is difficult for this world not to control us.  One of the hardships we must face when we decide to follow Jesus is to make Him a priority in our lives.  God wants Jesus to be first place in everything.  When we truly make Jesus first in everything, all our activities, schedules, and priorities will change.  When we enlist in the Lord's army, may be begin to march with the cadence of His drum. 

Friday, October 5, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-5-18

Grace for your spirit
Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.       I John 3:2

The question is often asked, "What will we be like in heaven?"  The Bible lets us know that we will have a new imperishable body whether we are raised or changed.  Here our identity is even clearer.  When we meet Him and see Him, we will be like Him.  If we hope and expect to meet such purity face to face, it is time for us to become pure and be ready to meet Him.  If our life on that path? 

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-4-18

Grace for your spirit
And they got up at that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, "The Lord has really risen and has appeared to Simon."   Luke 24:33

One day Henry met Mary.  Do you wonder why Henry suddenly had energy and enthusiasm to go see Mary all the time ?  That's because you haven't seen Mary yet.  
The night of Jesus' resurrection, He walked to Emmaus with two men.  Once they recognized Him, He faded from their presence.  Immediately, although very late at night and seven miles from Jerusalem, they returned  with their hearts burning.  They had a message that had to be revealed right then.  When we really see Jesus by faith, our hearts will burn with a message that must be declared.  Let's catch fire for Jesus.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-3-18

Grace for your spirit
Now may  the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

Every try blowing up a beach ball?  It's not hard.  Getting the ball sealed up without losing all the air can be very difficult.  It is easier for God's spirit to fill us up than to keep it in us.  Let's all ask God to fill us with His Spirit, then seal us quickly and permanently to do His will.  Success in this pursuit will put a little bounce in our lives.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-2-18

Grace for your spirit
In everything therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.  Matthew 7:12

I hold in my hand a 12" ruler that is painted gold.  Imprinted on it, "Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You."  When I was in grade school, the Coca Cola Bottling Company gave these to the schools and every kid got his golden ruler on the first day of class.  The so-called, "Golden Rule" made a big difference in our world.  It still can and will.  We all need this reminder each day as well.

Monday, October 1, 2018

Grace for your spirit 10-1-18

Grace for your spirit
My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you.  Galatians 4:19

The message of the gospel is totally Christ oriented.  We cannot be saved by keeping rules and regulations.  We will not be saved by joining churches and following worship forms.  The way of salvation is in Christ.  When we obey from the heart, arise to walk in newness of life, open our spirit and allow His Spirit to fill us up, Christ will fill us and be formed in us.  He changes us from the inside out.  The world wants to change from the outside in and take credit for their faithfulness.  The world is wrong.  Being filled with Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-28-18

Grace for your spirit
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour.  I Peter 5:9

There is an old Indian legend about a young man and a rattlesnake.  The snake persuaded the youth to carry him down a mountain to better surroundings.  The youth refused based on his knowledge of rattlesnakes.  The snake finally convinced him that he would not bite him in exchange for the favor.  At the end of the journey, the snake bit him.  The youth exclaimed, "You said you wouldn't bite."  The  snake replied, "Yes, but you knew what I was when you picked me up."  May we never give the devil a ride in our lives.  He may convince us everything will be fine, but remember that we know what he is when we let him in.  Let's not let him devour us.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-27-18

Grace for your spirit
But she said, "Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."  Matthew 15:27

This Canaanites woman was on a mission to get help for daughter.  Jesus ignored her, the apostles wanted to get rid of her, but she kept coming back begging for help.  Jesus brushed her off saying He was sent to house of Israel, it would not be good to give the children's bread to the dogs.  She came again saying she would be glad to have dog crumbs.  She won the day and healing for her daughter.  I was shocked at first.  Now I''m impressed.  I wish we all could have her faith and persistence.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-26-18

Grace for your spirit
Go and report to John what  you hear and see;  the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.  Matthew 11:5-6

John the Baptist was having a bad time.  He was rotting in jail and begin to wonder if Jesus was the Expect One, or should they be looking for someone else.?  Jesus' words assured him that He was the one.  John knew he was destined to decrease, but this was ridiculous.  When we're having a bad day and begin to doubt our way, let's not "throw in the towel."  May we remember His word is truth, and we must stay in His word.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-25-18

Grace for your spirit
But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails; and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.  John 20:25

Thomas earned the name "Doubting Thomas" that day.  The other apostles had seen Jesus and believed.  Thomas did not.  He did not see and therefore did not believe.  It was a week later before Jesus showed him the reality.  Jesus gave a  blessing to those who did not  see, and yet believe.  Are we like doubting Thomas?  If we see will we believe and act?  God wants more from us.  He wants us to walk by faith, and act by faith. .  As the old poem goes,"When If's and But's are candy and nuts, we will have a sweet and happy Christmas."    May we no longer give Him "If's, And's and But's, but give Him action. 

Monday, September 24, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-24-18

Grace for your spirit
Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that is cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull that it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.  Isaiah 59:1-2

An old married couple rode down the road.  He driving and she over by the passenger window.  She commented, "Remember when we dated?  We sat so close together in the car seat that you couldn't put a piece of paper between us?  What happened to us?:  The husband look down at the steering wheel and said, "Well, I'm still in the same place"  "Who moved?"  When we wonder why we are out of contact with God and He seems so far away, remember He didn't move, we did.  Let's come on back,

Friday, September 21, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-21-18

Grace for your spirit
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised..  Hebrews 10:35-36

There is a great reward for running the Christian race.  It is important to remember that our race is not a fifty yard dash,  but a long distance run.  We must cross the line with our heads up in order to receive our reward.  Confidence feeds our endurance, and endurance fuels our faithfulness.  As we do the will of God each day, may we keep our eyes on the road ahead, so we can be there at the finish line with Jesus.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-20-18

Grace for your spirit
I know  your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.  So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.  Revelation 3:16

Jesus had a special message to the church of Asia that in some ways applies to every church and every Christian.  He knows what we are doing and how we feel about it.  Whether we are hot or cold, it will certainly show in the things we say and do.  When we are extremely hot or terribly cold, it may get our attention.  The real danger is in being lukewarm.  As we muddle along, we seldom get any better.  Jesus is not happy with that, and wishes we would make a decision.  Let's do that right away before He spits us out of His mouth.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-19-18

Grace for your spirit
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.    I Timothy 4:15



Paul had just encouraged Timothy to be a good example, exhort and teach with the Scripture and use his spiritual gifts given to him.  Not just a little bit, or once in a while, but with great vigor.  Taking pains and being absorbed are the indicators that something completely controls our lives.   We see it in sports, in education, in business.  Let's make it happen in our discipleship.  Taking pains and being absorbed to do our very best.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-18-18

Grace for your spirit
Like emery harder than flint I have made your forehead.  Do not be afraid of them or be dismayed before them, though they are a rebellious house.  Ezekiel  3:9

God was commissioning Ezekiel to teach his people.  They all spoke the same language, but they were extremely hard headed and would not listen.  God told Ezekiel that they had very hard heads, but his would be harder, like flint rock. Sometimes we may find ourselves butting heads with our adversaries.  Thank God He has made our heads harder.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-17-18

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

Here God is giving us a picture of the devil chasing after believers.  God provided them with what they would need to be victorious.  The blood of Jesus, the Word of Truth, and complete commitment to the cause.  Much like Jesus called us to, "Deny self, take up cross, and follow Him".  Centuries have passed, but some things are the same.  The devil is still after us, and the remedy is still the same.  Be washed in the blood, live by the Word of God, and give ourselves complete to Him. 

Friday, September 14, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-14-18

Grace for your spirit
Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  
II Corinthians 1:4

God reminds us that we can always find good reasons to thank Him. When we are afflicted in any way, we know that our God of all comfort will be there help us.  At the same time, the combination of affliction and comfort gives us the ability to help those  who are troubled but don't know God.  Let's not just complain when we are afflicted, but think of it as a training session for lifting up ourselves and others in the future.  Let's think of God, and think of others.  It will take our mind off ourselves.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-13-18

Grace for your spirit
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Fear not are two words that are repeated over and over again in God's Word.  It is human nature that when trouble comes our way, we become anxious and afraid.  God is constantly trying to push away that human nature and replace it with a new spiritual nature.  Do we really believe that He will surely strengthen, help and uphold us ?   Let's not look anxiously about for another way out, may we trust and fear not

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-12-18

Grace for your spirit
For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of light, (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth.  Ephesians 5:8-9

As Christians we come out of the darkness and into the Light.  We need to hold fast to our new identity and actions, so we will not be enticed back into darkness.  If we find ourselves wandering about, not sure of what we should do, we can be "easy pickins" for darkness to drag us back.  Let's always know who we are and what we are about, in forward motion.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-11-18

Grace for your spirit
But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD,  BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.  James 4:6

We are led by the world to believe that we need things.  We think we need money, think we need more time, think we need more talents and abilities.  The only thing we really need is more of God's grace.  Our sacrifices to God grab His attention, grabs His grace, and we will get what He knows we need.  Jesus said "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you."  And that is how humble sacrificial giving really works.  Yes it works.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-10-18

Dave Grubb graceforyourspirit@gmail.com

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Grace for your spirit
Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair;  and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.  John 12:3

A sweet aroma to match a sweet fellowship around Jesus.  It was a beautiful picture until Judas Iscariot ruined it with his greed, rebellion, and dishonesty.  He insisted that the perfume should have been sold, so he could steal it later.  The church today is intended to be the aroma of Christ and a fragrance of salvation.  Even today, that fragrance can be ruined with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.  Let's work to keep the aroma sweet around us.

Friday, September 7, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-7-18

Grace for your spirit
Harvest is past, summer is ended, and we are not saved.  Jeremiah 8:20

The Bible says there is a season for everything.  We all experience the seasons each year, and all have seasons of our lives.  Spring; a great start.  Summer; we flourish.  Fall; we harvest.  Winter; we die.  Seasons don't run backwards in life or in pursuits.  Jeremiah was trying to save Judah, but their times was slipping away.  The winter for their nation was at hand and Jeremiah wept for what he saw.  Today the faithful church strives to get us ready for the passing seasons that lead to the judgment day.  With our winter on the way, we need to be saved.  We need to get ready because time is moving. 

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Grace for your spirit 9-5-18

Grace for your spirit
Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor.   Ecclesiastes 10:1

No one wants dead flies in the ointment, dead flies in the perfume, or dead flies in our soup.  Dead flies ruin everything.  The analogy is clear.  If you take a whole pot of wisdom and honor, it can be ruined with a drop of foolishness.  Wisdom and honor will always outweigh foolishness, but foolishness can still ruin it all.  Let's not be the dead fly in our fellowship.  May we major in wisdom and honor every day.

Grace for your spirit 9-5-18

Grace for your spirit
Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.  James 3:13

When they ask if we are wise and understanding, anyone can say "Yes."  The proof of our answer is shown in the lives we live.  In life, does our good behavior and gentleness of wisdom show up.  Or do we see bitter jealousy and selfish ambition pollute our hearts ? May we not be arrogant and lie against the truth.  Let's live by the wisdom and understanding we speak.

Friday, August 31, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-31-18

Grace for your spirit
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.  Colossians 4:2

In 1970, 3 astronauts from the USA were in trouble.  In less than a week, the House and Senate passed resolutions urging all Americans to pray for them.  The  Pope held a Mass for 50,000 people in Rome. Hundreds assembled at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem to pray, and many counties offered assistance.  Was our world really like that 48 years ago?  We've come a long way baby, but it has been the wrong way.  The world needs to get back to God, on our knees.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-30-18

Grace for your spirit
But 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

Paul was on a voyage with 275 people on the way to Rome.  Fierce storms had tossed them about until all hope was lost.  Paul had been given a message from God that they would all make it, if they stayed on the ship.  That message gave them hope, and it gave them courage to face each day. When our lives are tossed about with no hope ahead, it is great to find a light from above to give us hope and courage.  His Word, and His disciples hold that light.  May we all find that light to lead us home safely.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-29-18

Grace for your spirit
No longer do I call  you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have call you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.  John 15:15

Jesus said we are His friends when we do what He commands us to do.  Jesus is our friend and was our friend when He laid down His life or us all.  I saw a promotion for a new TV show this fall, called "God friended me."  Apparently, God is supposed to be on facebook now and wants to be our "friend".  It is a show that I plan to miss.  God's message may have been hacked.  He is already our friend.  Read His book, miss the show.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-28-18

Grace for your spirit
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;  from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.  James 3:9-10

Has this every happened to you?  A brother or sister blesses God, and then in another moment curses you?  When this happens, what are we thinking about.  Do we measure our hurt, and seek some sort of revenge?  Or it is possible that we might think about their hurt and what has caused them to speak this way?  If we love as we should, we will not count a wrong suffered, but will reach out through the pain to heal the hurting.  That is the Jesus style.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-27-18

Grace for your spirit
Surely the stone will cry out from the wall, and the rafter will answer it from the framework.  Habakkuk 2:11

God is speaking out against the sins of the people.  They  have ignored the prophets, to the point that even the stone walls and wooden rafters would cry out to them.  I had an old friend who preached dynamic lessons and received a constant Amens from the crowd.  Once in a while a convicting point would leave the audience silent.  He would then lean toward the wall and shout, "Amen Walls".  Let's listen closely and respond to God's directions.  May we never have to wait for the walls to testify against our lives.

Friday, August 24, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-24-18

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

David had experiencedhigh and righteous living as king of Israel.  While still sitting on the throne, his life had become an empty shell of guilt and regret.  His adultery and the death of his son had filled him with despair.  When finally confronted by a prophet, he begged for forgiveness.  He asked God to restore and sustain the joy of God's salvation.  Does that touch us?  Are we sitting in church smiling, but we have become an empty shell of sin and regret?  Let's ask God for restoration, and He will do it.  Will we?

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Grace for your spirit

Grace for your spirit
Suddenly the fingers of a man's hand emerged and began writing opposite the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing.    Daniel 5:5

One night the king of Babylon was partying with the vessels that had been stolen from Judah.  He didn't know it yet but, his kingdom was about to fall, and God was going to lead His people back to Jerusalem.  He literally saw the "handwriting on the wall".  The words were MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.  It has been a phrase used over and over, when people see their end is in sight.  When we look at our lives and then look at the truth of God's Word, do we ever see "the handwriting on the wall ?"  May we learn to find out what it means and make corrections before it is too late.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-22-18

Grace for your spirit
So every good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit......So then, you will know them by their fruits.  Matthew 7:18+20

We are commanded in God's Word not to judge others, for in the same way we judge, we will be judged.  Seldom do we know all the facts, so it is very hard for us to know all the truth.  Even with all that, it is important for us to measure lives by the word of God.  One way we can do that is by being "fruit inspectors" .  Jesus taught that when we abide in Him we will bear much fruit.  By being truthful fruit inspectors we can find the need for improvement in ourselves and others accurately.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Grace for your spirir 8-21-18

Grace for your spirit
Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was also able to perform.  Romans 4:20-21

The righteousness that comes from God was His gift to Abraham. It gave Abraham a new life and a new mission with God's direction.  Throughout the Bible, that example is held before us.  When we trust in God, He also has the gift of righteousness for us too,  A new life and a new mission in Christ Jesus

Monday, August 20, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-20-18

Grace for your spirit
Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.  II Corinthians 5:18

In Christ we are new creatures.  We now longer live for ourselves, but we live for Christ.  In Him we are saved to help save others.  In Him we have been given grace to give grace to others.  In Him we are reconciled to God and giv  en a ministry of reconciling others to God.  As His ambassadors, let's quit wondering what we should say or do, and let Him work through us.  Our mission awaits.

Friday, August 17, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-17-18

Grace for your spirit
And this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.  II Corinthians 8:5

The churches in Macedonia had outdone themselves beyond all expectation in giving and helping the apostle Paul.  How did they manage it without strength and wealth?  The totally gave themselves to the Lord and to His ministry, and the rest took care of itself.  When we find ourselves with no time or money for the Lord's work, we should look at our commitment to Him, instead of finding more excuses for ourselves.  May our lives and actions inspire others.

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-16-18

Grace for your spirit
And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father into your hands I commit My spirit." Have s
aid this, He breathed His last.   Luke 23:46

Jesus said seven things while on the cross.  This was the last thing.  Even in death, He was still teaching us how to live and how to die.   This was His statement of total trust in His Father to take care of Him.  Sacrifice complete, the devil in bound, and Jesus is ready to separate His Spirit from His body.  The 10,000 angels can come now and take me to Paradise.  When we come to our last breath, who better to take care of our spirit than the God who gave it to us.  Thank  you Lord.  Take us to Paradise.  That's the Jesus style.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-15-18

Grace for your spirit
Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!"  And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  
John 19:30



Jesus' mission to be the Lamb of God started before creation.  It continued as He was made flesh.  Along the way God's people sacrificed animals.  Jesus on the cross would be the last sacrifice.  This was not a cry of defeat, but an announcement of a new kingdom and a new covenant, complete redemption for all.  A shout of victory.  That's the Jesus style.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-14-18

Grace for your spirit
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had been accomplished, to fulfill Scripture, said, "I am thirsty.:  John 19:28

Jesus uttered seven things while hanging on the cross. Even in death, He was teaching us how to live and how to die.  The Word had become flesh.  His flesh was tired, hungry, thirsty, and irritated.  Jesus was human and God.  The body dries up hanging on the cross, and he was dry.  Thankfully, they came to His aid, as was prophecied in the Psalms.  While Jesus was dying for us, He reminded us that He understands our thirst too.  That's the Jesus style.

Monday, August 13, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-13-18

Grace for your spirit
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli Lama Sabachthani? that is, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?"   Matthew 27:46

Jesus uttered seven things while hanging on the cross. Even in death, He was teaching us how to live and how to die.  This was Jesus' admission of pain without the presence of God.  It was a cry of loneliness from this eternal scapegoat.  In the Old Testament, a goat bore the sins of the nation, and was led into the wilderness, and was abandoned.  Jesus bore the sins of the world to be abandoned.  This was the cry of our abandoned scapegoat carrying our sins away.  He bore our sins so we would never have to be abandoned.  It was the Jesus style.

Friday, August 10, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-10-18

Grace for your spirit
When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold  your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!"  From that hour that hour the disciple took her into his own household.  John 19:26-27

Jesus uttered seven things while hanging on the cross. Even in death, He was teaching us how to live and how to die.  
As Jesus was dying, He was thinking about those he would leave behind.  He made arrangements for those would miss Him and need Him.  Separation is always painful, but a little better when we prepare.  As we reach the end of our lives, let's remember the needs of those we will leave behind.  That's love. That's the Jesus style.

Thursday, August 9, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-9-18

Grace for your spirit
And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43

Jesus uttered seven things while hanging on the cross. Even in death, He was teaching us how to live and how to die.  The crook on the cross next to Jesus was changed by the Majesty of Christ, and asked to be remembered when He came into His kingdom.  This crook had nothing to offer and no way to repay, yet he had real value.  Jesus was about to die and go to Paradise, and He invited the thief on the cross to come along with Him.  When we truly behold the Majesty of Christ it will change our lives too.  We can then be sure that Jesus has a place in Paradise for us as well.  That's the Jesus style.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Grac8e for your spirit 8-8-18

Grace for your spirit
But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

Jesus uttered seven things while hanging on the cross. Even in death, He was teaching us how to live and how to die.  When we have been insulted and abused, never seek revenge nor demand an apology.  That was the message from Jesus in the face of His accusers.  He could have called 10,000 angels to get Him off the cross and put them on it, but His innocent death would be victory for all.  Forgive.  That is the Jesus style.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-7-18

Grace for  your spirit
There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.  Proverbs 16:25

Today I left the store.  It was hot so I remotely started my car and unlocked the doors.  For some unknown reason, my truck key wouldn't 
work, so I opened the door and popped the truck.  The truck opened and it was full of wine bottles.  A little bit disturbed, I looked around to see what was going on.  It was then I realized that my car was right next to this one.  Exactly same model and color.   Before I was shot for being in someone's car, I quickly moved to the right one and got out of there.  It seemed right until I saw it was not.  Let's be aware of our walk and destination in life.  Just because it seems right, it may not be right.

Monday, August 6, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-6-18

Grace for your spirit
And all the people said, "His blood shall be on us and on our children!"   Matthew  27:25

When the enemies of Jesus were pushing to crucify Jesus, in the heat of the moment they blurted out, "Let His blood be on us."  In other words, they would take responsibility.   Not many days later, after His death, burial, and resurrection, the apostles preached against them.  In Acts 5:28, the Council objected saying, "you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." The Jews were bold to claim responsibility, but not anxious to take it.  Let's think carefully about the words we speak, keeping them soft and sweet.  We never know when we might have to eat them.

Friday, August 3, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-3-18

Grace for your spirit
Then Noah began farming and planted a vineyard.  He drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent.   Genesis 9:20

Noah and his whole family had just been saved by God's grace.  Noah walked off the ark, built an alter, sacrificed to the Lord, planted a vineyard, got drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent.  He was the good guy, but it was a very quick drop from ark to drunkenness.  Too many Christians have made the same trip.  It can be a short trip from the waters of baptism to crawling into a bottle.  Let's learn from our ups and downs, and always choose the spiritual route in life.

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-2-18

Grace for  your spirit
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.  And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.   Hebrews 5:8-9

Although Jesus was sinless and never yielded to temptation, He was not yet perfect to be our sin offering.  Jesus learned obedience in His suffering.  He learned by being tempted as we are.  After He walked in our suffering and temptations, that make Him complete to bear our sins.  Thank you Jesus for what You suffered for us.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

Grace for your spirit 8-1-18

Grace for your spirit
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  
I Peter 5:8

Too many people think themselves to be indestructible.  They don't take warnings seriously, nor stay in the alert again tragedy.  The devil counts on us being naive.  Like the lion, when he is stalking us, he prowls silently.  The roaring starts when the attack take place.  Our worst enemy is the one we don't take seriously.  Let's take the devil and his mission very seriously.  It may save us.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-31-18

Grace for your spirit
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;  Psalm 101:3

This is a really great commitment for us all.  When we feast our eyes on worthless things, the will always draw us away from the things that are worthy.   Now we need to make sound judgments on the things that are worthless.  God invites us into His Word, encourages us to walk with Jesus, and commune with the Holy Spirit.    These actions will train our mind to know what is worthless.  Now let's keep ourselves from them.  No, don't even look that way.  Do we hear an alarm going off?

Monday, July 30, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-30-18

Grace for your spirit
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, Behold you have become well, do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you."   John 5:14

Jesus had just healed a man who was crippled and had been ill for thirty eight years.  What could be worse than being crippled for 38 years?  Jesus warned him not to sin so that nothing worse would happen to him.  Many times we are blessed with healing from God, and show no appreciation, abusing our freedom by living a life of sin.  A state that is far worse than the former.  Sickness is temporary, sinfulness is eternal.  Let's show appreciation with faithfulness.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-27-18

Grace for your spirit
The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord.  He turns it wherever He wishes.  Proverbs 21:20

Have we ever put our hands in a stream?  By turning our hand one way and then another, we can change the course of the waters flow.  God can do that with the hearts of men, even kings.  Nehemiah worked for a tyrant king in a foreign land.  He needed the kings help, but he also knew that was an impossible task.  Nehemiah prayed for four months for God to show him a way.  Finally, God changed the heart of that king and granted Nehemiah all he needed.  Do we have an stubborn, immovable person in our lives?  God can change the heart of that person, and cause the help us.  May we pray and plan for better days ahead.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-26-18

Grace for your spirit
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Matthew 6:12

Are we willing to forgive in the same amount and measure as God forgives us?  When Saul of Tarsus was on his rampage he saw himself as being blameless. He needed no grace and he had no grace to give After his conversion, Paul counted himself as the chief of sinners. Desperately needing God grace and forgiveness, he became generous in his grace to others.  How about us? If we feel we are blameless having no need for grace and forgiveness, we will very little to give to others.  That is a flaw and fatal mistake because it limits God grace that we need.

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-25-18

Grace for your spirit
Set up for yourself roadmarks. Place for yourself guideposts; Direct your mind to the highway, the highway by which you went.  Return, O virgin of Israel, return to your cities.  Jeremiah 31:21

Israel was about to be led away from their home to the bondage of Babylon.  These were God's exhortations to remember the way home.  When I am lost far from home, I try to make special note of landmarks so I can find my way back.  The same is true for our spiritual walk.  When we are wandering far from God, let's make note of the way back, so we can find our way back home too.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-24-18

Grace for your spirit
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  James 1:17

There are so many misconceptions about God.  Many think He is only watching to punish us for wrong.  When we get to know God, we learn that he loves us, cares for us, and that all good things in our life come from Him.  How thankful we can be that He is good all the time and never changes.  In Him we live, and move, and have our being.  Let's never blame God for anything, but rather appeal to Him for the blessing we need.

Monday, July 23, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-23-18

Grace for your spirit
Then some of the children were brought to Him so that he might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.  Jesus said "Let the children alone and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.  Matthew 19:13-14

Apparently the disciples saw no need for children.  They had no value to them and only got in the way of their pursuits.  Could it have been that the disciples felt this way about all kinds of people?  The children were a object lesson for them.  Never pass over people who you don't think bring value to the kingdom and the church.  All souls have value and the gospel is for all. 

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-18-18

Grace for your spirit
And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  II Chronicles 7:14

Right after Solomon's temple was dedicated, God spoke of the promises and warnings that would come their way.  If His people followed His conditions, they would be blessed.  If they didn't they would feel the punishment of the Lord.  The same is true today. IF is the heart of life.  L IF E.  Let's all humble ourselves to obedience and blessings.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-17-18

Grace for your spirit
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  And who may stand in His Holy place?  He who has clean hands and a pure heart.    Psalm 24:3-4

Jerusalem and the temple were on the highest hill in Israel.  There were several cleansing rituals for them to reach the temple with clean hands.  Unfortunately, there were no cleansing stations for the heart.  Too often their relationships with the Father left them without pure hearts.  May we remember as we approach worship, it is not our "Sunday-go-meeting" clothes, but pure hearts that open the doors to the heart of God.  Jesus said it this way, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Monday, July 16, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7=16=18

Grace for your spirit
David was playing the harp with his hand.  Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, so that he stuck the spear into the wall.  And David fled and escaped that night.     I Samuel 19:9-10

David played his harp for King Saul to sooth him and keep him from suffering greatly.  Eventually Saul's anger turned to David, and while David tried to comfort him, Saul tried to kill David.  When an evil spirit gets hold of anyone, it is difficult for it to be controlled.  We can even turn on those who want to help us the most.  Let's fill ourselves with the Spirit of God and make no room for any evil spirit to control us.  Everyone around us will be grateful.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-13-18

Grace for your spirit
For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5:20

Years ago, an elder told our congregation that this was the scariest verse in the Bible to him.  He was frightened about the challenge of surpassing the righteousness of the Pharisees.  In fact, they were not righteous, they only thought they were righteous.  Fact two, when we become Christians, the righteousness of God in Christ clothes us in His righteousness.  Walking with Christ, we exceed their righteousness the first day and every day.  Thank God for the great gift we don't have to earn.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-12-18

Grace for your spirit
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  Matthew 5:9

When the angels came to proclaim the coming of Jesus, they proclaimed glory to God, and peace among men with whom He is pleased.  Our peace with God is based on our relationship with Him.  It came to us through His Son, and now we have the opportunity to spread that peace to our world.  Go and be blessed, O sons of God.

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-11-18

Grace for your spirit
Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,  on those who hope for His lovingkindness.  Psalm  33:18

When we walk with the Lord, we can be assured that His eyes are on us, His ears are open to us, and our good works are pleasing to Him.  Because we have that walking talking relationship, we can continually be confident of His love. We know He will deliver us in troubled times, and our heart rejoices in Him always.  That is the abundant life Jesus promised us. 

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-10-18

Grace for your spirit
A perverse heart shall depart from Me; I will know no evil.  
Psalm 101:4

Would we like to be forgiven and enjoy a refreshing relationship with God?  May I suggest that we try walking with God, and opening our heart to Him and His will.  Many people say they want a closer more satisfying walk with Him, while going another way.  Evil hearts are "refresh-proof".  Our repentance opens that door and the handle is only on the inside. 

Monday, July 9, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-9-18

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

"Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive."
From Genesis to Revelation, God speaks strongly against lying.  People often think they will get ahead with lies, even when God promises that ultimately we will not escape judgment.  We tangle ourselves up with people, lying and lying to cover our lies.  Worse than that, we tangle ourselves up with God.  Let's make a commitment to live by truth, be known for our truthfulness, and never get involved in anything we think we need to cover up.

Friday, July 6, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-6-18

Grace for your spirit
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.    Psalm  33:12

Peter spoke of  Christians being a royal priesthood and a holy nation, created  for God's own possession.  How blessed we will be when the Lord is our God, and we walk with His mission and create an inheritance for Him.  The family of Jesus are the chosen ones to carry out His will.  Let's all be a part of that, never giving up or giving in.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-5-18

Grace for your spirit
In You our fathers trusted; They trusted and You delivered them.  To You they cried out and were delivered;  In you they trusted and were not disappointed,  Psalm 22:4-5

This is a great thought of confidence that we all need every day.  God's record of performance is heart warming.  They trusted, they cried out, they were delivered and never disappointed.  May we never forget to trust, cry out, and thank Him when we have been delivered.  This is what the generations have passed on to us.  Let's get with it, so we can pass it on in our days.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-3-18

Grace for your spirit
A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly.   Proverbs 12:23

A prudent person is known to  be wise, discreet and careful about what they say and do,  The prudent person does not need to tell everything they know about everyone.  The heart of fools loves to talk about things that are not their concern. If spreading gossip is your only talent, may I suggest you bury it.  The disciple of Christ needs to have control of their words and action.  We should pray for a prudent heart.

Monday, July 2, 2018

Grace for your spirit 7-2-18

Grace for your spirit
Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.  For He inflicts pain and gives relief; He wounds, and He hands also heal.  Job 5:17-18

Most of us are more concerned with being happy in the short run, than in the long run.  God knows that in order for us to end up happy, there needs to be some unpleasant reproving, rebuking, and exhorting along the way.  Unfortunately, in order to make it to the "promised land," we will need to spend some time in the valleys.  Let's thank God that although He must wound, He always heals.  Let's learn to rejoice in His reproving.

Friday, June 29, 2018

Grace for your spirit 6-29-18

Grace for your spirit
Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Philippians 2:4

Well, who could do that all the time ?  Jesus could, and when we have the attitude of Jesus, we can too.  It worked for Paul.  He wrote this letter from his prison in Rome.  We would think his letter who be about his problems, but instead it was all about his concern for others.  We can get there too when we empty ourselves and focus on others like them.  

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Grace for your spirit 6-28-18

Grace for your spirit
Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you;  and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.  Ezekiel 36:26-27

Judah had been broken down in the years of bondage.  God was preparing to open the way for their return home.  They weren't going home empty handed.  God was giving them a new heart, a new spirit, and a strong desire to follow God's way.  In Christ, God has opened a door for us and is willing to give us a new heart and new spirit.  Let's look up and look around.  It is time to come home.