Grace for your spirit January 29,2010

Grace for your spirit
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2
This is the verse everyone knows. It is the most memorized and quoted verse by those who have never read the Bible. People use this verse as a defense again the exposure of their ungodly lifestyles. When someone points out sin in their lives, they immediately pull out the "judge not" verse, in the hope that we will go run and hide. God has given us His word and the ability to use His word, so we can lead others out of sin and into the light of Jesus. He does not want us to judge them. He does not want us to judge their motives, but He wants us to call their sins into judgment. Jesus said, "By their fruits, you will know them." We can't be judges, but we are most definitely called to be fruit inspectors. We also need to accept the same standard of judgment that we put out. If we can't take it, don't put it out. Let's hate the sin, but love the sinner. With that, judgment will turn to joy in the morning.


The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 28, 2010

Grace for your spirit

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray."And He took with Him,Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.

Matthew 26:36-37

The night before Jesus went to the cross, after the last supper, He went to the garden to pray. He took three of His closest disciples with him that dark night. Why do you think Jesus took them along? When we are facing difficult times, do we like to have some friends with us to help us? Jesus was grieved, facing extreme punishment and death. He could use a little compassion, a little comfort, and someone to watch out for Him. What did He get? They went to sleep. At His hour of greatest need, they weren't there for Him. What kind of company are we when our family and friends face tough times? Are we there with encouragement, or are we asleep at the switch? Let's start preparing to be better friends to Jesus and better companions for His servants. Can anyone count on us?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 27,2010

Grace for your spirit

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

OK, let me make my check list for success tomorrow. Good night's rest, 30 minutes of exercise, shower, shave, hair, make up, clean clothes, right accessories, shoes shined, cash for the day, pack a healthy lunch, and get my family ready and out the door. Did we forget anything to make this a perfect day? Did we plan a single thing to help us look good to God? Did we plan a moment in His Word for guidance? Did we ask Him for direction and protection through our day? Did we remember to pray for those who are less fortunate than we are, and ask Him to give us an open door of service for the day? We prepared to meet the public, but do we have any plans to meet our God? God looks at our heart, but ultimately everyone will see what is in our heart today. What will they see?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com.

Grace for your spirit January 26, 2010

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:18

Recently in Haiti, the ground shook and most of the buildings in the area collapsed. Immediately, the people that were where not killed sprang into action. Those with strong buildings offered their places as shelters for the needy. Grateful for their blessings, they used their blessings to help others in need. God has given us a kingdom that is earthquake proof. It cannot be shaken. When the world around us rocks, rolls, and shakes, we have been given a shelter built to stand. What will we do to show our gratitude for these blessings? Will we thank Him? Will we spring into service for Him and those in need, or will we polish our pews? We probably will never truly be thankful for our unshakable house, until we venture out into the world that is crumbling. Let's go. We will be the better for it.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

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Grace for your spirit January 25, 2010

Grace for your spirit

If you are slack in the day of distress, Your strength is limited. Proverbs 24:10

All of us will find ourselves in hot water at some time in our lives. If we have not prepared ourselves to respond to that hot water, it will have a negative effect on us. If you put different elements in boiling water, the outcome will differ. Place an egg, a carrot, and two scoops of coffee in hot water and see the difference. The egg will become hard. The carrot will be come soft, but the water with the coffee is different. The coffee beans change the water around it. In our Christians walk, hot water can change us making us hard, or soft. We should be ready to respond to hot water like the coffee, and change the world around us into something better. Hot water is our chance to have a positive witness on our world. Let's be ready and not be slack in our day of distress. Often, slack abiding, leads to back-a-sliding.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 22, 2010

Grace for your spirit

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land? Acts 5:3

It is a dreadful thing to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to blaspheme His Holy name. Here, a couple in the early church wanted people to think they were living the sacrificial life while actually living a lie. It costs them their lives. Today we have people who have so lost touch with the Holy Spirit, that they think they can live the same kind of lie. Many in the church get away with it before men, because they have learned the right things to say. God knows better, and He is the judge we must stand before at the last day. When we sin willfully and live a lie, we trample under foot the Son of God and His blood, and we insult the Spirit of grace. We may feel good about ourselves, the church may accept us, but God will be the judge. When we live a lie, the truth will be ugly on the judgment day.God has granted us the grace and time to change our story. Let's recommit to the truth.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 21, 2010

Grace for your spirit

For in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, 'For we also are His children.' Acts 17:28

Suppose we are in great need and someone comes to our aid. A man gives us a job, provides a place for us to live, gives us a car to drive, and supplies us with a family to support us in lonely times. Then after being supplied everything, he calls us one day, and we tell him we don't have time to come. What kind of relationship can we have with each other? God provides a better life for us than any man can provide. He supplies us with life, breath, and all things we need for life and godliness. When He calls us to honor Him as our Father, do we have the time and the energy? We have time to use His blessings, but no time to pray, study, or worship together? It is a sad life when we have time to love the things we have, and not the one who has provided all things. Let's think that over.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Chris be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 20,2010

Grace for your spirit

Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. I Kings 19:16

Elijah had come close to making the biggest mistake of his life. He wanted to quit and die. He was so focused on his own life that he forgot about continuing his ministry in Israel. He ran from Jezebel and requested death, but God sent him to Mt Horeb for renewal. Part of his renewal was to remind him that there was still important work for him to do. A king needed to be anointed, and he had to anoint his replacement. Just around the corner, there was a young man named Elisha just waiting for the anointing of God. If Elijah had died under the tree like he wanted, it would have been wrong. When he placed his mantle on Elisha, a new prophet was born, and God could take Elijah home to heaven. Let's not get discouraged and waste our prayers asking for death. Let's ask God to help us complete our mission first.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 19, 2010

Grace for your spirit

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; Psalm 31:5

David was the anointed king of Israel. As he ran from one cave to another hiding from King Saul, it sure didn't seem like the life of a king. David called on God to be his rock, his fortress, and his strength in this time of need. He committed his spirit into the hands of God. A thousand years later, we see Jesus dying on a cross. It sure didn't seem like the life for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There are seven things that are recorded that Jesus said while dying on the cross. This was the last thing He uttered just before He died. "Into Your hand I commit my spirit." David trusted in the Lord and was ultimately crowned King of Israel. Jesus trusted in His Father in heaven, and was rewarded with a grand resurrection. In our days of distress, do we have the faith to commit our Spirit to our Eternal Father? God certainly has a victory for us when we do.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 18, 2010

Grace for your spirit

And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come. Psalm 71:18

There was a song we used to sing when we were young about old people. "The old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be....."For those of us who are getting old and gray, sometimes we are tempted to quit and lay down. The other day I picked up one of my Bibles, and inside the front cover, I had written Ps 71:18 There was no other notation, and I didn't know why it was there. Perhaps I was a little worn down the day I wrote it, I perhaps I needed it today more than ever. Let's ask God to renew our spirit each day and give us strength to share our wisdom with this generation. If God is going to take us home, He will. In the meantime, instead of praying for a retirement date, let's pray for strength to do something for Him, and for this generation.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 15, 2010

Grace for your spirit

I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock withone shepherd. John 10:16

What other sheep could Jesus being be referring to now? If Jesus was really the anointed one and the Messiah to the Jews, there would only be one fold. That fold would be all Jews. When they found out that those other sheep would be Gentiles, they were furious. Normally we are critical of the Jews for not being more opened minded. Why couldn't they let down their guard, their prejudices, and their rules, to allow Gentiles to be part of God's family? How often do we think that our church is the only sheep and we are the only fold? When it comes to including others into the fold that are not just like us, how accepting are we? Are we willing to walk with anyone who will follow and obey the voice of Jesus? Partiality toward those not like us is a sin. May we look for ways to include souls into the fold of Jesus, not ways to exclude.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Our Connection In Haiti

We have a special connection with the disaster in Haiti. Our granddaughter was adopted from the Sonlight Children's Home in Port-au-Prince. Roberta Edwards has thirty children at her orphanage. One of the children was killed when a wall of their house fell on him during the quake. There has also been damage to the house. Your thoughts, prayers, and help are appreciated. If you like to get more information or help in some way, here is the information we have from our family.

Kethly Grubb

510 Cottonwood

Nashville, Tn 37214

Estes Church of Christ

3505 U.S. Highway 45 South

Henderson, Tn. 38340

731-989-7990

http://www.estes.tn.org/roberta.htm

http://www.haitiansonlight.org/

Any checks should be made out to the Estes Church of Christ.

Grace for your spirit January 14, 2010

Grace for your spirit

A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. Isaiah 42:3

A bruised reed and a candle that would not burned brightly were considered worthless, Most would say that when you have a job to do, break the old reed, and get a new candle.

The eternal pattern of God is just opposite of the world. He uses the bruised and the dimly burning wick. It has always been his pattern to use the humble and lowly of this world to make a difference. He puts His Spirit on the lowly and brings forth justice for those in need. Some of God's greatest prophets came from obscurity so the power of God could be clearly seen. Let's not be disheartened or crushed by our lack of power. God is faithful, and when we are faithful, the goodness of God rules.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 13, 2010

Grace for your spirit

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR. HE HAS SENT ME TO PROCLAIM RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED TO PROCLAIM THE FAVORABLE YEAR OF THE LORD Luke 4:18-19

Jesus used his appearance to read from Isaiah 61 and let the people know that they were going to see that prophecy fulfilled. They may have assumed that Jesus was referring to their Jubilee. Every fifty years, Israel was supposed to celebrate Jubilee. It was a time appointed to help the poor, the captives, and those oppressed. They were to receive their freedom under the law. Who do you think looked forward to Jubilee? Rich people or poor people? Jesus had a new announcement for them. He was going to be their eternal jubilee. Jesus the anointed one, would be going to the cross to set them free from their sins, and bless them in ways they didn't understand right then. Who do you think was most interested in Jesus? Those who were lost and downtrodden, or the self righteous? The same is still true today. The appeal of Jesus is for those who are lost and in need. Are we happy about our Jubilee?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 12, 2010

Grace for your spirit

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

When we were preparing to have our children, we spent many hours in "prepare childbirth classes." They taught breathing techniques to help endure the pain. My wife was encouraged to find a certain point to focus on during the delivery process. With the focus, the breathing, the encouragement of the coach, and the thought of the coming child, the process would be much better and the pain easier to endure. In preparing us for running the Christian race and the pain we will endure, God gave us the perfect plan. We need to focus on Jesus,the joy set before us, and listen to our coaches. It will help us push through the pain, endure the trials, and He will deliver our souls to His right hand. Proper preparation will make our delivery into His kingdom much more enjoyable.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 11, 2010

Grace for your spirit

The fear of the LORD leads to life, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. Proverbs 19:23

The goal for most people is to experience the good life. To make lots of money, be healthy, wealthy, and wise, untouched by the evil of the world. They educate, train, and sacrifice to reach the goals of the good life, yet never attain it. They do plenty of good living, but never attain a good life. They buy the best mattresses ever made, but never get a good nights sleep, fearing evil all the time. Proverbs revealed that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and the beginning of wisdom. That respect for the Lord leads us to the really good life. A good life where we can rest easy in this world, and have confidence for the world that it to come. What a great life it is when have committed our lives to God, and are walking in the light that He has provided in His Son.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 8, 2010

Grace for your spirit

The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him." Lamentations 3:22-24

The life work of Jeremiah had just went down the drain. He had preached his entire life trying to save Jerusalem and the nation of Judah. Now the Babylonians had conquered them and destroyed the city. The survivors were in bondage. God's people had lost their place, their authority, and their song. As Jeremiah lamented over the loss, his confidence in the Lord never failed. History may have recorded his ministry as a failure, but Jeremiah knew better. His success was in knowing and communicating the lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness of the Lord. The Lord was his portion and his hope. Too often we grade our ministry by the world's standards, and become discouraged. When we have followed the path of our Lord, we will always be winners in His sight.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Chris be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 7,2010

Grace for your spirit

Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married aCushite woman);and they said, "Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?" And the LORD heard it. Numbers 12:1-2

When people see our true colors, our true attitudes, are they the right godly attitudes we should have? Miriam and Aaron were the sister and brother of Moses. When they disagreed with the decision of Moses to marry an Egyptian woman, their hidden bad attitudes came to the surface. Prejudice, envy, jealousy, and hatred were heard in their words. They challenged the anointed one of God, and they were severely punished for it. How often, while serving the Lord, are we just on the edge of rebellion? Are waiting for an opportunity to rebel and take charge when another stumbles. At those times the deeds of the flesh betray our dedication to God, and reveal our dedication to ourselves. Let's guard against that, and seek the Lord in all things.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 6, 2010

Grace for your spirit

Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.

Jesus clearly states that talk is cheap. Entrance into the kingdom of heaven has a specific requirement, not just lip service. How far off can we be and still be safe? If two men are running to catch a plane, one being 30 seconds late, and the other 30 minutes late, who missed the plane. Both missed the plane. It is so important that we search the scriptures to find out the will of the Father, and then do the will of the Father. The will of the Father is centered in obedience to the crucified and risen Savior, Jesus Christ. God wants us to be in Christ, part of His body, His church, and follow the pattern He has left for us. Accept nothing less, and don't be late.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

What To Expect At the Northwest Church of Christ

MEMBERS OF CHRIST'S CHURCH
1)Believing that the church is the called out of Christ; and the fellowship of the saved
2)Believing in one eternal all-knowing, all-powerful Godhead of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

3)Believing that Jesus was made flesh, born of a virgin, and lived with us without sin
4)Believing that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven
5)Believing the Bible is God’s inspired word that provides our standard of right and wrong, and the way of salvation
6)Believing that man is a sinner and lost without the saving blood of Jesus
7)Believing that saving faith includes repentance, and baptism byimmersion for the forgiveness of sins
8)Believing that only baptized believers are members of the church and the kingdom of God
9)Believing that all Christians should worship properly as Scripture directs.
10)Believing that Christians should share the good news of Jesus, and serve others until Jesus returns with our heavenly reward
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Sunday Morning Worship Activities
Enjoy congregational singing without instruments. Prayers will be offered that allows our needs to be brought to Him. Communion service offered every Sunday to remember the Lord’s death until He returns. Lessons from the Bible that will teach us God’s word. You may expect the worship to be warm, friendly, and orderly. No one is ever required to speak or made to feel uncomfortable in any way. We pray you will feel welcome to come and stay

Opportunities At Northwest Church of Christc

The church is on the West Side of U.S. 41 North at Florida Ave. Just 1/2 North of the 41/63 interchange in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Sunday

9:30 AM Bible Classes - Nursery Class Available

10:30 AM Worship Services

6:00 PM Bible Study

Wednesday

7:00 PM Bible Study

Benevolence Successes

We collected $450.00 for the relief efforts in Haiti. The money was sent to an orphanage supported by the Estes Church of Christ in Henderson, Tn.

In December we filled food basket

Ten boxes of gloves, hats, scarves, and socks were delivered to local schools,

shelters and community centers

$100.18 was collected for the needed in our change for change jar

We also filled eight boxes for the Samaritan Shoe Box program oversees

and participated in the commodity program for Shults Lewis Children Home

For more information contact davidwgrubb@hotmail.com

Grace for your spirit January 5, 2010

Grace for your spirit
And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. Luke 8:43-44
This woman, weak from her illness, was desperate to be healed. She was sick, broke and out of options. When the news of Jesus reached her, she hoped she could find healing by touching Him. She crawled through the multitudes around Jesus, and was barely able to reach the hem of His garment. It was enough. The power of Jesus healed her, and brought peace to her life. The multitudes crowding around Jesus almost kept her from reaching Him. As we walk close to Jesus, are we helping others get to Him for His healing power, or are we just in the way. Many souls who are suffering and need the Master's touch, know that often the churches are a barrier to reaching Him, rather than a bridge. As we walk close to Jesus to meet our needs, let's keep an eye out for those who are trying to reach Him. With such a spirit, we become the kind of servant He really wants us to be.


The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23
graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit January 4,, 2010

Grace for your spirit

Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing?
The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed. Psalm 2:1-2

Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the heathens rage? The nations are in a raging uproar because they think they can take a stand against God, and His anointed ones. They have picked a fight they cannot begin to win. In the world of this Psalmist, and in our world today, governments think they have a sovereign power over God. As nations rise and fall, history and faith show us that man cannot win against God. The nations against God is not a "David and Goliath" scenario. Remember God was on David's side. David entered the fight with the counsel of God. The best advice we can give to our nation or any nation is simply this; let's yield to God. Any other choice will put us in an uproar.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com