Grace for your spirit June 30, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. I Corinthians 3:13

When Moses appeared before the Lord, his face would shine. Moses would then wear a veil, so the people could not see that the shine would quickly fade away. It allowed Moses to maintain his authority with the Law even though the old law was quickly fading. It was a symbol that the Law of Moses would fade and come to an end. Christ on the other hand, does not need to hide behind a veil. The glory of Christ is forever and will never fade away. The shine of Christ and that glory will transform all believers, so that we may shine into the darkness of this world. Shine on.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 29, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But the father said to his slaves, 'Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again Luke 15:22-24

Our family is the ultimate care group. When we nurture and love our families they will be there for us to enjoy in good time and in bad. When was the last time you were helped, or visited when you were sick and in need? It was probably either your earthly or your church family. When the runaway son came home, the past time, honor, and nurturing gave him a soft landing. The bad past was forgotten and the celebration began. May we take the time and effort today to nurture our earthly and church families. When we find ourselves over the edge of a cliff, a soft landing is very nice.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 26, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:26-27

Is it possible to be angry and not sin? Is it possible to be angry without giving the devil an opportunity to get the best of us? Yes it is possible. We need to learn God’s will about separating our issues. We cannot be angry with people, but we can express anger about their actions. In Revelation, Jesus said He hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans, but He never hated them. We can be angry at sin, but still love the sinner. We need to slow down and let God’s Word direct us the next time we are led to anger. By loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves, all the commandments can be fulfilled.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 25, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.'" Luke 15:32

These stories in the book of Luke are all about celebrating. Rejoicing and celebrating over the lost being found, and the sinner repenting. There is a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. In each case, when the lost is found, there is rejoicing in heaven and on earth. All of us should be excited and ready to celebrate along with the angels in heaven when one sinner repents, but it is not always that way. Not everybody wants to come to the party. Many times the self righteous are unhappy when the party starts. They want to know why no one is having a party for them. Such was true of the older brother in this story. At the end of the day, the older brother was unhappily on the outside looking in. Where are we when our brother comes to repentance? Rejoicing or unhappily slumping in the corner? Let’s get with it.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 24, 2009

Grace for your spirit

But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites, does not each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to water him? And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?" Luke 13:15-16

Jesus was often challenged helping people on the Sabbath Day. Jesus knew the hearts of His enemies, and He knew they were only trying to find grounds to condemn Him. They didn’t honor the Law with their lives, but only with their lips. They didn’t care about people, they only cared about what directly affected them. We need to care for people. When Jesus’ showed the people such grace and truth, His enemies were humiliated, but the multitudes rejoiced. People will still rejoice today when God’s grace and truth is displayed. The display is best seen living in our actions.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 23, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Only Luke is with me Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. II Timothy 4:11

John Mark and Paul had a troubled past. John Mark has deserted Paul on their first missionary journey, and Paul didn’t want to travel with him anymore. Barnabas sharply disagreed and that caused Paul to leave with Silas. Barnabas took John Mark on a separate missionary trip. Who was right about John Mark? Was he still useful as a worker for the Lord? As Paul’s life winds down, he writes to Timothy about those who are helpful to him, and those who have hindered him. Mark makes the list on the “plus side”. Paul had changed his mind and Mark would be useful to Paul again. Let’s be careful not to mark anyone off our list too soon. We all have bad days and make mistakes. With God’s grace, anyone can rise again and be useful in the ministry of the Lord.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 22, 2009

Grace for your spirit

He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. John 3:30-31

John the Baptist knew his place and his mission. His message and his baptism were for a limited time and a specific purpose. He was pointing others to Jesus Christ. When his followers tried to elevate him above Jesus, John put a stop to that immediately. John declared that Jesus was the bridegroom, Jesus was from heaven, and Jesus must increase. It is a difficult challenge for anyone when we receive the praise of men. It is hard to resist the attempt of others to elevate us as great people. May we remember John the Baptist. We too are earthly, and still hoping for that heavenly status. We will only get there by giving Jesus first place in everything. Let’s know our place.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 19, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Jude 23

As faithful children of God, we need to be into the work of saving souls from the fire. When we get hold of those that are slipping away, we need to hold on tight and not let go. As the mean older brother of five, I found a good way to persecute and hurt my younger brothers. I would pull on them and pull on them, and then just at the worst moment, I would let go. As they fell down, they got hurt, and I got in trouble. As we pull on lost souls, often we let go just at the worst possible moment. As they fall away from the Lord, they get hurt, and believe me, we get into trouble. Hang on to the lost until they have pulled from danger. Don’t be a mean older brother or sister. Be faithful.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 18, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And they got up 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 24:33-34

It had been a long and troublesome day for these two. They were worn out and disappointed as they walked seven miles back home to Emmaus. The events of the death, burial and announcement of Christ’s resurrection had left them puzzled. Just before they settled into their recliners, Jesus revealed Himself to them. Suddenly, all the fear, fretting, and fatigue was gone. They ran those seven miles in the dark to find the apostles and share the good news. Thank God for those “beautiful feet”. What kind of revelation will it take to get us out of our recliners after a hard day? There is still good news to be shared today. Can we find the strength to go, or do we just have enough left for our TV remote?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 17, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58

Christianity is not a sprint race, but rather it is a long distance marathon. We must be in it for the long haul, through good and bad times. Our goal is eternity in heaven with our Savior. We will make it if we don’t quit. If every time we run a race, all we can think about it quitting, we won’t ever win. If every time we speak to our spouse, we are always threatening a divorce, how can we grow old together? If every time we have trials and difficulties in His Kingdom, we always want to run away, how will we endure to receive our crown? Here’s the answer. Let’s be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in His work. Need encouragement? Check the finish line and see the Lord waiting for us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 16, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. II Timothy 2:22

Once there was a young man who picked up a fumble in a big football game. He ran the ball into the end zone, for what he thought was a touchdown. Unfortunately, he ran the wrong way into the wrong end zone. His fans tried to wave and yell at him, but he didn’t pay attention until it was too late. When it is time for us to make our life decisions, which way will we run? Will we pursue the things of the world that kill our spiritual lives, or will we pursue the things of the Spirit and enjoy a sweet victory in Jesus? Take note. When the worldly are cheering for us, we are in trouble. If we aren’t running the way our fans in the church think we should, let’s turn around before we score for the devil.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 15, 2009

Grace for your spirit

O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. Psalm 15:1-2

It was an honor and a privilege to climb the mountains into Jerusalem, ascend to the temple mount, and walk the steps into God’s holy sanctuary. One just didn’t drop by when the mood struck them. When the Old Covenant Jews came to the Holy Hill on the special days of sacrifice, the preparations were carefully considered. Psalms120-134, called the Ascent Psalms, were sang by families as they traveled. They were designed to bind the family together, and bind the family to the Lord. It was part of the preparation of integrity, righteousness, and truth of heart. We should share some of that holiness when we approach His throne of grace, and His worship assembly. It will help our worship to come alive in His presence.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 12, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Your boasting is not good Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? I Corinthians 5:6

The church of Corinth had a poison in their congregation. Gross immorality was among them, and they weren’t doing anything about it. Perhaps they were boasting that they were spiritually mature enough to put up with such sin. Maybe they were rationalizing that things would get better or go away. Just maybe they were proud that they were broad minded enough to accept such sins. The apostle Paul told them the boasting was not good, and reminded them that lack of discipline would bring them all down. He reminded them that Jesus is the leaven for the church, not sin. May we be single minded in our obedience to God, not broadminded. One bad apple really will spoil the whole bunch.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June11, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Life is filled with opportunities for offense and defense. Sometimes we are running toward our challenges, sometimes we are running away from them. When we are approached by evil, we will either overcome it, or we will be overcome by it. God encourages us to put on His armor and run toward our enemy. Like David, the day he faced 9’6” Goliath on the battlefield, David ran toward him with the power of the Lord on his side. At other times, David had forgotten God’s power and found himself running from evil. In those cases evil overtook him every time. May we put on the whole armor of God everyday, clothe ourselves with His power, and God will help us overcome evil. Evil is coming. Let’s get ready.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 10, 2009

Grace for your spirit

So Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan displeased his father Isaac; and Esau went to Ishmael, and married, besides the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham's son, the sister of Nebaioth. Genesis 28:8-9

When anyone has a rebellious heart, sins just keep piling up. The reason for all sin is rebellion against God’s, and no fear of God. Until we decide to please Him, we will continue to find ways to display our rebellion. Such is this example of Esau. When he saw what displeased his father, and he knew the wrong thing to do, he went for the wrong. That wrong action caused more sin and rebellion to enter his life. May we all be warned when we learn what displeases God, and we want to displease Him. That kind of behavior leads us farther from God and closer to the devil. We will live either to please God or please ourselves. May God’s grace reach us and draw us to please Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 9, 2009

Grace for your spirit

By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, Hebrew 11:24

Moses was a Hebrew who had been raised as a Prince of Egypt. God had big plans for him to be the Deliverer of Israel. If Moses could and would be used by God, he would have to make several difficult decisions. Moses chose to suffer as a slave, Then he chose a hard life in Midian as a shepherd near the Mountain of God. God shaped him to be a great shepherd until it came time to be called at the burning bush. Moses chose to listen. Moses chose the staff of God, and led God’s people from bondage to the Promised Land. It all began with that first difficult choice to do what was right. What are God’s plans for us? The right decisions we make today can put us on the path that leads to God’s service. Like Moses, it may not be the easiest path, but it is the path for our ministry. Like Moses, we may lead many souls to their promised land in heaven.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 8, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" John 14:5

Remember when Kmart had their blue light special. You would hear those magic words, “Attention Kmart shoppers. Look up and look around and see the blue light flashing. People dropped everything and raced to the blue light. It was hard to imagine anyone missing it. Thomas had missed the light of Jesus. As he had walked with Jesus, Jesus showed him the Father every day. Jesus talked about the kingdom, and the cross He would have to bear. Yet when the time came for Jesus to go, Thomas had no idea where He was going or how to get there. Jesus reset his “GPS” for Thomas when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one will come to the Father except through Me.” Look up and look around. The light is still flashing. Are we paying attention?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit

A constant dripping on a day of steady rain, and a contentious woman are alike; Prov 27:15

If you’re a preacher and having a hard time getting anyone to give you an “amen”, try this verse at a men’s meeting. It seems we are all ready to applaud any teaching that puts someone else in their place, but what about our part in the matter. If you have a contentious woman driving you nuts like a steady drip, or a rebellious man driving you up the wall, what is your part in the matter? Who helped them get that way? There is usually very little we can do to improve those in our lives, except by first improving ourselves. Want a better wife, be a better husband. Want a better husband, be a better wife. Want a better Christian family, be a better Christian. The constant dripping may stop before you know it. Let’s not move to the corner of the rooftop to avoid them. Rather, may we move closer that we might improve together.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 4, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men. Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying. Mark 2:3-4

Jesus called Himself “The Way”. Paul called the church, “The Way” There is a song called “The Gloryland Way”, where we sing of being in that Way. As much as we should want to be in “The Way”, we shouldn’t find ourselves getting in the way of others. Is our life paving the way for others to get to Jesus, or does our life block the way? Here the religious doubters were actually blocking the way for someone who really wanted to be healed. When our lives tell others that Jesus saves today, then become pavers of the gloryland way.. It is much better to pave the way, than to tear up the roof.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 3, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51

At the moment Jesus died on the cross for our sins, as number of things happened. It was dark at midday, the earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the temple veil was torn in two. Wait a minute! How were temple draperies important at a time like that? That veil in the temple was an important part of the Law of Moses. Only the High Priests were allowed to see the Holy Place, and the Ark of the Covenant behind that veil. It would be instant death for anyone else. The moment Jesus died, He became our High Priest, our Atonement, and our Holy Place. The ordinances of the Law were nailed the cross. Take a look through the ripped veil. God tore it so we all could see the way to Him..

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit June 2, 2009

Grace for your spirit

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations surrounding us saw it, they lost their confidence; for they recognized that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God. Nehemiah 6:15-16

When Nehemiah tackled the job of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, he found people who had a mind to work, and the strength to continue. Through criticism and lack of cooperation, they were able to rebuild the walls in 52 days. At least four things happened as a result of their success. God got the glory, the people received the benefits of the wall, the enemy lost their confidence, and they saw that God was greater than their resistance. The same is true for us today. When we have a mind to work and the strength to complete, God gets the glory, we get the benefit, our enemies lose their confidence, and the power of God is shown to them. Let’s rise up and build again

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

Worship Study and Fellowship Opportunities

Northwest Church of Christ.

US 41 N @ Florida Ave Terre Haute, In
The Church is located on the West Side of U.S 41 North,
One half mile North of the 41-63 interchange in Terre Haute

Services

Sunday 9:30 AM Classes in Ephesians
Sunday 10:30 AM Worship Services

Sunday6:00 PM Classes on The 10 Commandments in time
Wednesday 7:00 P.M. Classes Ministry from Timothy

Sunday evening July 13th

Again on July 13th, Sunday evening, we will feature a split class for men and women. This will include a devotional period, planning, and big brother/sister mentoring. Everyone is welcome

Grace for your spirit June 1, 2009

Grace for your spirit

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

When Jesus walked among the seven churches of Asia, He found one that had a name that said they were alive, but really they were dead. They needed to wake up and get with it. Nothing starts in our day until we wake up. Nothing gets going in our ministry until someone wakes up. How hard is it to get you up in the morning? My mother used to hit me with a cold washrag, and sing off key. Now that I’ve grown up, I get up much easier. The same is true of our spiritual awakening. When we grow up, we should wake up, and strengthen our lives for service. Let’s not be caught sleeping when we should be working. Jesus is still walking among us.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23