Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 30, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, Or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, The daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. II Samuel 1:20

David is delivering the Song of the Bow. It is a funeral dirge for King Saul and Jonathan. They had just been killed in battle by the Philistines. David is praising their lives, and giving a strict warning to the people in Judah. He told the people to keep this news away from the enemy, so they wouldn't be happy about the death of the king. Bad news travels fast, and bad news about God's kingdom travels like lightning. The same is true today. When there is trouble in our churches, some can't wait to spread the news to our enemies. If spreading bad news about God's kingdom is our only talent, let's bury it.

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

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 29, 2010

Grace for your spirit
But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23

As Israel traveled through the wilderness they repeatedly disobeyed the Lord, and suffered for it. They did not follow God's commands, and they continued to suffer because of their sins. The truth of this verse applies to all generations. When we sin against the Lord, we can be sure our sins will find us out. We carry the guilt of our sin personally, infect those around us, and will someday stand before God in judgment. People today are trying to convince us that "everything that happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas." Don't believe it. Our sins will find us out.

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

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 24,, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Ps 37:3-5

The Psalms are often an antidote for a troubled life. When we are fretting over our troubles and obstacles, there are any number of passages that will give us victory. This is great remedy for troubles. Trust in the Lord, cultivate faithfulness, delight in the Lord, and commit your way to the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. This is a good first step in our journey to victory and fulfillment. Try it and see how your trip changes.

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

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 23, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. Jn 4:34

The people around Jesus were usually thinking about food. While they were off looking for food, Jesus was working, teaching, and helping. When Jesus talked about His food, they were hoping for lunch, but Jesus was talking about the work that He had to do. The basic thing Jesus had on His mind was the works of God, and accomplishing God's will in this world. What do we have a taste for? Our favorite meal, or pleasing the one who redeemed us?

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

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 22, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." Mt 17:4

When Peter found himself on the mountain with Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, he knew he was in a great place for a great event. It caused him to testify that it was good for them to be there, and he followed that statement with a desire to work and worship. At the end of the day, he knew that Jesus was the only way, and he left a changed man. When we come to worship with the Lord, I wish we could feel the same way. Feeling that we are in a great place for a great event. May that feeling motivate to say that it is good for us to be here, and may we be ready to work and worship, leaving a changed person.

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

Monday, June 21, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 21, 2010

Grace for your spirit
It shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above will stand in one heap. Joshua 3:13

The children of Israel had finally made it to the promised land. Their last obstacle was the Jordan River. How would so many cross the river, so deep and wide? God told the priests to take the ark of the covenant, and put their feet into the water. God would take care of the rest. The all crossed on dry land. When we face our many obstacles, how can we find victory? God tells us to put Him first, then put our feet in the water, and He will take care of the rest. And He will.

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

Friday, June 18, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 18, 2010

Grace for your spirit
They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul, While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Acts 7:58-59

On that fateful day, Saul watched his fellow Jews kill a Christian witness. Saul also witnessed this man talking to Jesus somewhere up in the sky. Saul became a persecutor of Christians, but later, he too would have a conversation with Jesus on the road to Damascus. As Saul, waited in darkness for three day for the truth to come to him, I wonder how these two events played out in his mind. Jesus would be victorious over the persecutor, and he would become the apostle Paul. Jesus will always give us victory when we yield to Him. Our Christian testimony may have a far reaching effect on someone, and help give them a victory too. Keep those lights shining.

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

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 17, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. I John 1:5-6

Sometimes the church seems to specialize in stomping out error like a duck in a forest fire. The church often becomes the sheriff of right and wrong, inclusion and exclusion, and becomes like the people of the Old Testament. We seem to think if we keep error out of the church, our job is done. What is our record on helpfulness? Helping those who are struggling, saving the lost, and lending aid to brethren who need help? When people talk of us, will they talk about our love and help? What is our reputation among the brethren and the world? Let's take another look in the mirror.

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

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 16, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. Acts 6:3

When we have a problem or a complaint in the church, what should we do? Let our leaders take care of it? In the early church, the apostles changed problems into opportunities. When the problem arose, they told those who saw the problem to look among themselves for the solution. We all have different gifts, talents, and desires. They were directed to find those who knew the problem, and could help the problem, to solved the problem. The same is true today. Let's not expect the leaders to take care of everything. Let's find those with wisdom and spirit to get the job done. May we all be in training for the job to come.

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

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 15, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, Ephesians 6:14

If we were going to list the most important part of armor of God, what would we choose? While the helmet of salvation, the sword of God's Word, and shield of faith would seem to be the most useful, may we never forget what holds it all together. The belt of truth. The belt ties up the clothing, holds the breastplate, and connects the sheath for the sword. In our spiritual armor the belt of truth is the life we live. Without truth all the armor is useless. Truthfulness, faithfulness, and righteousness was the belt of Christ. It is to be our belt too. Don't leave home without it.

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

Monday, June 14, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 11, 2010

Grace for your spirit

What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? I Corinthians 14:15-16

The direction here is to pray and sing in such a way that everyone will be uplifted by the giving of praise and thanks. If we are communicating to God in a language that fills all of us with praise and understanding, we can agree with it, and give a hearty "Amen". An "Amen" at the end of our songs, and prayers, assures me that we are really connecting with the spirit and mind. It gives me a good feeling that others are connecting with the praise and prayer. Silence does little to edify me. If fact, I wonder if we are really on on the same page. To singers, prayers, and preachers, an "Amen" is like saying "sic em" to a dog. May we have a revival of mind and spirit in our gatherings.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com

Grace for your spirit June 14, 2010

Grace for your spirit
So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,but will accomplish what I desire, and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

How many preachers and teachers have completed their lessons with a sigh, thinking they accomplished nothing that day? The prophets and apostles of the Bible while preaching and teaching all their lives, sometimes it seemed like no one was listening. If we wait for the applause of men, we may wait for a long time. Let this passage be a comfort to us all. We need to teach it and let God direct it to its purpose and goal. Paul said it this way, "I planted, Apollos water, and God gave the increase."

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

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 10, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

This is very good advice from our Father in heaven. He must have instilled this wisdom in my parents. It sounds just exactly like them when we went to church services. Watch your steps, listen, and don't do or say anything foolish. You are going to worship God, and you need to hear what He has to say. Often it was summarized in the words, "Be still". As a child of God, we need to listen to our Father's advice. Let's not allow our worship be the sacrifice of fools, but rather the sacrifice that honors God in all things. Words of wisdom that will always apply.

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

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 9, 2010

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

All people who live in a hostile environment, need a watchman. In Bible times they placed them on the walls of the cities to warn of impending danger. God commissioned His watchmen too. Ezekiel received his commission to watch and warn Judah of their impending danger. If he did not watch and warn, he too would be held accountable for the losses. Christians have been given special insights through the Word of God to be the watchmen against the schemes of the devil. If we do not watch and warn, souls will perish. Colonel Custer had his scouts but ignored their warnings. Are we watching and taking action?

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

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 8, 2010

Grace for your spirit
But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD'S people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!" Numbers 11:29

As Moses led Israel to the promised land, he seemed to be in control of everything. Most people thought Moses should do everything. It was a burden. Moses sought help, and the Lord gave it to him. Some were worried that others were prophecying, but Moses wasn't one of them. He was glad for guys like Edad and Medad, and encouraged them. The apostles tried to stop someone who didn't walk with them, casting out demons in the name of Jesus. Jesus told them not to hinder him. Jesus desires us all to wear His Spirit, and be busy in His work. Encourage

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

Monday, June 7, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 7, 2010

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

Have you ever been taken someplace and didn't pay any attention to road signs, landmarks, or directions? If you are asked to drive back, you may have a real problem. Without GPS, Mapquests, and roadsigns, you might never get home. Judah would soon be taken to captivity. Would they make note on how to get home later? God needed them to make those plans. When we get taken into our captivity by the devil and he drags us away from what we know and love, do we make provision for our return to God. Someday we will want to come home from our wandering, and we will need to have our bearings. Take careful notes. God needs us to come home.

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

Friday, June 4, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 4, 2010

Grace for your spirit
To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: 'I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Revelation 3:1

Jesus addressed His revelation to seven churches in Asia. Of the seven churches, five were given commands to repent. Jesus told this one that He knew their deeds, and they were actually dead. They had a name that said they were the church, but in fact the name was a lie. The truth was in their deeds. We build church buildings, put up big signs, print brochures, and spread the word that we are the church. Like Sardis, it is time for many of us to wake up and strengthen our lives. When we are dead on the inside, we are just dead. Of the seven churches in Revelation, which one are we?

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

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 3, 2010

Grace for your spirit
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15

Some people in college believe they can learn all they need to know without going to class. They miss the classes and then end up cramming at the end of the semester for finals. It is horrifying how much trouble we can be in with that plan, and how ashamed we are when the grades come out. Bible study is somewhat like that. When we think we know all we need to know without study, or without going to Bible classes, and then we find out that there really is a final exam coming. It is then that we realize, we may be ashamed to stand before God and give account of our lives. What are we doing to get ready? If Bible study is not our tradition, it is time to make a new tradition. Let's study, both alone and with others starting now before it is too late.

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

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Grace for your spirit June 2, 2010

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. IPeter 5:8

Remember the kid's VBS song? 123-the devils after me. 456-he's always throwing bricks. 789-he misses every time. 987-I'm on my way to heaven. 654-there's always room for more. 321-the devils on the run. Hallelujah, Hallelujah Amen. As we review God's Word about the pursuit by the devil, what about this song is not true? He is always after us, and always trying to hurt us, but he certainly doesn't miss every time. As Christians, we are on our way to heaven, and yes, there is always for more, but seldom do we have the devil on the run. He is still prowling about to get us. The devil will always be seeking to devour the children of the Lamb, until he is ultimately defeated. We must always be on the run, washed in the blood of the Lamb.

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

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Opportunities At Northwest Church of Christ

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 on the book of Romans
10:30 AM Worship Services
6:00 PM Bible Study studies in John and Acts

Wednesday
7:00 PM Bible Study Studies in John and Acts

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

What To Expect At the Northwest Church of Christ

MEMBERS OF CHRIST'SCHURCH
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

Grace for your spirit June 1, 2010

Grace for your spirit

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council,rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:41-42

The apostles and the Christians experienced many highs and lows during their walk for Christ. One day they would be in jail, the next day they would be free and preaching. One day they would be beaten, and the next day they would be rejoicing that they could suffer shame for Christ's name. They experienced despair and joy. but kept on preaching Jesus Christ every day. Many people follow Christ, but never experience any such emotions. They wonder when they will feel the joy of service the word talks about. Without clouds, we cannot appreciate the sunshine. Too many Christians settle for the "flat line" experience. Not too sad, not too wonderful. On the heart monitor, a flat line means we are dead. Are we alive for Christ, or the walking dead?

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23

graceforyourspirit.blogspot.com