Grace for your spirit 12-23-16

Grace for your spirit

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign;  Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14

This was the sign to Israel, to Joseph, and Mary, and the whole world.  Immanuel literally means God with us.  John says of it, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."  Can we read the sign?  The force of God's will is unstoppable.  Like Mary, let's treasure all these things in our heart.  Wishing  you all a very Merry Christmas.

Grace for your spirit 12-22-16

Grace for your spirit

There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.  Isaiah 9:7

Isaiah was called the Messianic prophet.  He told the story of the coming Messiah over 700 years before He appeared. They mistook the government and the kingdom for an earthly event.  The justice and righteousness forevermore would come from Jesus on His throne in heaven, after he achieved it in Jerusalem.  His kingdom really will endure forever.  Let's make sure we are a part of it.

Grace for your spirit 12-21-16

Grace for your spirit

A voice is calling.  Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.  Isaiah 40:3

John the Baptist became that voice the prophets talked about, calling in the wilderness.  His mission was to knock down the obstacles that were in the way of Jesus.  To condition those who were searching for Jesus to get ready.  John the Baptist never told people to look at him, but to look to the one who would follow him.  Jesus, the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world.

Grace for your spirir 12-20-16

Grace for your spirit

Thus says the Lord, A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping.  Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.  Jeremiah 31:15

When Herod could not find the location of the child Jesus, fearing this child would grow up to replace Him, he decided to kill all the male children, age 2 and younger, near Bethlehem.  The prophecy of this grief was spoken by Jeremiah 600 years before.  Rachel refers to the mother of all Israel.  Herod was unsuccessful in his attempt to kill Jesus, since God had already led them out of the area.  Jesus would live on to fulfill His life mission at the cross.

Grace for your spirit 12-19-16

Grace for your spirit

But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel.  His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.  Micah 5:2

What was the prophet Micah talking about in 700 B.C.?  Who was this person who would go forth for God and be ruler in Israel?  Whoever He was talking about was coming from the days of eternity.  Why would little Bethlehem be in the center of the event?  Who knew?  God knew. He was talking about the birth of Jesus, time, place, and person, 700 years before the fact,  Who could know that?  Only God !

Grace for your spirit 12-16-16

Grace for your spirit

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Jesus came to earth to teach us about grace.  Grace to look upwards worshiping our Father,  Grace to look outward to seek and save the lost, and Grace to bend down and lift the fallen.  He showed us His shepherd side, so we might become shepherds to a world distressed and dispirited.  Let's' reach up, reach out, and reach down to be like Jesus.

Grace for your spirit 12-15-16

Grace for your spirit

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.  Luke 2:10

When the angel and glory of the Lord appeared to these shepherds, they were afraid, but they did listen. The message of the Lord really was good tidings of great joy, as it was about Jesus.  If our phone rang today and someone said, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, we might be skeptical and hang up.  Many are skeptical when we come with the message of Jesus, but if we can help them get to know Him, the news will bring good news to them too.  Let's keep trying.

Grace for your spirit 12-14-16

Grace for your spirit

Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but your were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.   I Corinthians 6:11

The Apostle  Paul was confronted with moral chaos in the church at Corinth.  Their sins were not trivial, but in most cases flagrant abominations.  Did he have a solution and a remedy for this chaos? Yes He did.  It was Jesus.  The power of Jesus could wash the clean, make them holy, forgive them as if they have never sinned.  With their new lives, they were equipped to live the new life and spread the good news of Jesus.  if He could do it for them, He can do it for us. 

Grace for your spirit 12-13-16

Grace for your spirit

I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die;  Revelation 3:1-2

This message from Jesus is addressed to one of the churches in Revelation, but may apply directly to us.  Are we "Standing on the Promises", or "Sleeping on the Premises"?  The name on our building may say we are alive, but are they like tombs with dead men's bones inside?  Is there still time to put us on life support, wake us up, and bring us back to life?  Yes, there is!  Let's Jesus, our spiritual EMT, go to work right now.

Grace for your spirit 12-12-16

Grace for your spirit

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.  Now the names of the apostles are these:

The list of the 12 apostles are listed later in these verses.  Before this time they were referred to as disciples. Now He beings to call them apostles. Why?  A disciple is a follower and a learner.  An apostle is one who is sent.  This commission they received change their identity.  We all began as disciples, followers, and learners.  When we run with the Great Commission, we fulfill the role of apostles.  First we come, take, and learn.  Then we go, disciple others, baptize and teach.  Let's fulfill our commission to come and go.

Grace for your spirit 12-9-16

Grace for your spirit

But  by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more that all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.  I Corinthians 15:10

If anyone criticizes us for what we used to be, or what we are accomplishing now,  remind the critics of grace.  Grace has erased what we used to be, and is guiding and directing our steps every day.  When our lives are filled with grace, never let anyone criticize our walk.   Let's continue our labor as God directs our steps, and give Him the glory.

Grace for your spirit 12-8-16

Grace for your spirit

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

A major theme of God's Word is remembering.  Remembering God's guidance, remembering what happened when we followed Him, and remembering what happened when we didn't.  It has been said that "If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it."  God pardons, heals, redeems loves, and satisfies.  Monuments and special days remind us to be thankful.  Our most enduring monument is the cross of Christ, and His empty grave.  He is risen and He reigns.  Don't forget.

Grace for your spirit 12-7-16

Grace for your spirit

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins James 5:19-20

When we get involved in the lives of others with a view to help them spiritually, many great things can happen.  Souls are saved from death, and sins are forgiven.  Sins that might have happened are avoided, and even the sins of those helping the lost are reduced.  When anyone is involved in spiritual restoration, everybody benefits, as both the giver and receiver are more aware of God's will.  Let's get in the battle.

Grace for your spirit 12-6-16

Grace for your spirit

You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law, you have fallen from grace.  Galatians 5:4

Our connection to saving grace, and the Holy Spirit of the living God, is directly connected to our relationship with Jesus Christ.  When we ignore the cross, stop walking by faith, and seek to be made right by our own works, we are severed from Christ, disconnected from the Holy Spirit, and indeed fall from grace.  Let's not lean on a vague doctrine that you cannot fall from grace, while we live in rebellion against the risen Lord.  Walk with Jesus, walk with grace.

Grace for your spirit 12-5-16

Grace for your spirit

Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep.  But at midnight there was a shout, "Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him.  Matthew 25:5-6

This is one of many stories about being ready to meet Jesus when He returns.  Jesus is the bridegroom, and we are to be His bride.  In this story, half of the virgins were ready to meet Him, and the other half were not. They all went to sleep, but at the awakening the ones who were ready went in and enjoyed the marriage.  The others came back when the doors were closed and ended up missing it all.  Let's be ready to meet Him every day, and not end up on the outside looking in

Grace for your spirit 12-2-16

Grace for your spirit

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;  II Corinthians 4:7

The light of the knowledge of Jesus Christ has shown in our hearts.  He has filled us with His light, and that treasure can potentially light up our whole world.  We are weak cracked pots, but we are designed to share His light, and give Him the glory.  As we remember, we are weak and He is strong, the message of Jesus will touch the hearts of many. Shine on.

Grace for your spirit 12-1-16

Grace for your spirit

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

The steadfast of mind is fixed in direction, firm in purpose, unwavering, and established.  When we direct that resolve toward God, the benefits are great, and perfect peace will abide with us.  Let's trust in Him always and enjoy the steady blessings. Communication with Him in prayer and with study, will help insure proper direction

Grace for your spirit 11-30-16

Grace for your spirit

Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.  Mark 11:25

When you pray, forgive.  It opens the flow of forgiveness to us from God.  In our physical makeup, whenever there is a blockage, the result is pain.  In our spiritual makeup, this can be a blockage that causes even more pain.  The healthy flow of grace is not up to God, it is not up to our adversaries, it is up to us.  Forgiveness makes it all work.

Grace for your spirit 11-29-16

Grace for your spirit

Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.  I Samuel 17:36

The day David volunteered to fight Goliath, he was at peace while the storm of fear raged all around him.  David drew on his faith and his experiences with God's help, and ran toward the battle.  Although Goliath was 9' 6" tall, David knew his God was bigger. This same attitude can pay dividends for us too.  When we face the giants in our lives, let's draw on our faith and experience with God, and move ahead with confidence.  We can leave everyone shaking on their boots too

Grace for your spirit 11-28-16

Grace for your spirit

For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard it.   Hebrews 4:2

What did you have for thanksgiving that was delicious?  Someone took the right ingredients, put the together just right, and you were blessed. The same is true with our Christian life.  We take the right ingredients from His Word, mix them with faith, and God will produce a wonderful blessing for us.  It doesn't make anything unless we put all the ingredients together with God's hand in it.  Israel missed the Promised Land because of no faith.  Let's learn, and do it right.

Grace for your spirit 11-23-16

Grace for  your spirit

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.  Philippians 4:6

When praying to God, we are called to pray with thanksgiving.  That is being thankful before we pray, and before we receive.   This attitude will give us peace before, during, and after our trials.  Give your anxiety to God.  It is much easier to be thankful after we have what we want, but it is much better to be thankful beforehand.  That is faith

Grace for your spirit 11-22-16

Grace for your spirit

Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back,  glorifying God with a loud voice, and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him.  And he was a Samaritan            Luke 17:15-16

One day Jesus healed 10 men of  the horrible deadly disease of leprosy.  Nine of the men apparently forgot to be thankful.  Perhaps they thought it was due them.  The only one that came back to say thanks was a foreigner.  This Samaritan, who was an outcast in so many ways, was grateful.  Which are we like?  Do we think everything we receive is "too little, too late?'  Let's give thanks with a grateful heart.  Our thankfulness should always surpass those who don't know God.

Grace for your spirit 11-21-16

Grace for your spirit

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  I Thessalonians 5:18

We need to learn to find thankfulness in everything and every situation. In retailing these days, Christmas music and decor starts in August. What happened to thanksgiving decor and thanksgiving songs? Thanksgiving acknowledges God, so it often gets lost.  Let's bring God back into every day, and everything.  That is God's will for our lives.

Grace for your spirit 11-18-16

Grace for your spirit

And He was saying to them, "Take care what you listen to.  By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.    Mark 4:24

Do we take care about what we listen to?  Have we ever asked anyone to stop telling us something that is totally inappropriate for our lives?  We will ultimately become what we listen to, as it changes our thinking and our talking.  Let's learn to measure carefully what we listen to, so we can control the things that clog our thinking.  Then we will find ourselves speaking only the things the build up ourselves and others.

Grace for your spirit 11-17-16

Grace for your spirit

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  John 12:24

This one short thought from Jesus can teach us so much.  We get the secret of farming, the way of salvation, and our path to victory.  When a grain of wheat is planted, it dies and germinates, bringing a crop a hundredfold for each grain.  The success of Jesus' mission came with His death and spread salvation to millions.  For us, when we choose to die to sin, we can be born again, and bless many.  Without His death, He remains alone, and without our death, we remain the same.  The gospel call is for us to come and die.

Grace for your spirit 11-16-16

Grace for your spirit

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son.  Romans 8:2-3

We all have three choices, but only one good one.  Jesus Christ sets us free from the law of sin and death, and breaks us free from commandments we could not keep that condemned us.  If we choose to do nothing, or try to earn our salvation, we will surely fail.  There is truly no condemnation, but only In Christ.  Let's make the right choice.

Grace for your spirit 11-15-16

Grace for your spirit

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.  II Corinthians 3:18

Our transformation from the flesh to the Spirit is a combination of active and passive changes.  Presenting ourselves to God and living for Him is part of our active change.  The passive changes that take place in us are even greater.  As we continue to behold the image of His glory, His glory will gradually change us to be like Him.  Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, and do our best to renew our minds.  That combination will complete the total change we all need. 

Grace for your spirit 11-14-16

Grace for your spirit

And she called the boy Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel," because the ark of God was taken and because of her father-in-law and her husband.   I Samuel 4:21

In one day, Israel lost the ark of the covenant to the Philistines, they lost their Judge, and his two sons died  in battle.  Actually, the glory had departed long before this day.  When the leadership of Israel turned their back on God and decided to misuse God's blessings, that was the day the glory departed.  The loss in the battle was the day in became evident to all.  When tragedy hits our lives we think that is day God departed us, when in fact, He has already been gone quite a while. Let's keep our eyes on the Glory.

Grace for your spirit 11-11-16

Grace for your spirit

From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty.  II Samuel 1:22

This is David's "Song of the bow"  His funeral dirge over  the death of Saul and Jonathan in battle.  "Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen!"  David reminded the people of the blessings they enjoyed because of their sacrifices.  Today on this Veteran's Day, may we all pause to remember that blessings come our way on the sacrifices of those who serve and have served. 

Grace for your spirit 11-10-16

Grace for your spirit

David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?"  And He said to me, "Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all."  I Samuel 30:8

While David was away, his camp was raided by the Amalekites.  All their families and possession were taken, bringing great grief to all his men.  As his men turned on him, he did just the right thing. He asked the Lord what he should do.  God told him to pursue them and he would sure rescue all. Along the way, God provided him with directions leading him to ultimate complete victory. When we're in trouble, do we ask God first or last.  When He gives us directions, are we ready and willing to follow?  Are we asking?   Are we listening?

Grace for your spirit 11-9-16

Grace for your spirit

Every  person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. Romans 13:1

God calls us to be submissive to everyone without drawing lines. Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king     Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.   The election that has divided families and friends is now behind us.  It is time for God's children to line up and pray for those who will lead us.  Whether our candidate won or not, let's see our Christianity rising above our politics.

Grace for your spirit 11-8-16

Grace for your spirit

May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.  II Thessalonians 3:5

When the word of God is planted into the hearts of people, it will spread rapidly, and will rescue all of us from the evil of one.  When we have doubts and fears that lead us away from His word, may we be led to ask God to turn us back to Him.  Let's pray that the Lord will direct our hearts into His love and the steadfastness of Christ.  As we walk in the steps of Christ,  our eternal outcome will be guaranteed.  We will be blessed.

Grace for your spirit 11-7-16

Grace for your spirit

Then they would say to him, "Say now, Shibboleth."  But he said "Sibboleth" for he could not pronounce it correctly.  Judges 12:6

The armies of Gilead were at war with the armies of Ephraim.  Ephraimites looked the same, but their speech would betray them,  They could not properly pronounce the word, "Shibboleth", and their false identity was revealed.   Paul proclaimed in Philippians 3:30 that our conversation would reveal our Christian citizenship.  Some translations use the word citizenship, others use conversation.  As it turns out they both come from the same word.  Our conversation should reflect our true citizenship in Christ.  Does it, or does it betray us?

Grace for your spirit 11-4-16

Grace for your spirit

Then when he arrived and witnessed 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 a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.  The Apostles gave him the name that means "Son of Encouragement. Throughout his life, he lived up to that name building up others.  He was just what the church in Antioch needed and he came at the right time. We can all use a "Barnabas."  Let's keep that chain of encouragement alive by finding a Barnabas, and being a Barnabas to someone else.

Grace for your spirit 11-3-16

Grace for your spirit

Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given to you besides.  Mark 4:24

As the kid's song goes, "Oh be careful little ears what you hear."  That's good advice no matter how big our ears get.  What gets in our ears, gets into our mind.  When we seek the righteousness of God and tune our ears to those things, God will bless us with more and more.  The devil will curse us the same  when we turn his way.  Which do we want more of in our minds?  Let's tune in to God and enjoy His bounty of blessings.

Grace for your spirit 11-2-16

Grace for your spirit

He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  Revelation 3:21

Jesus never asked us to do anything He didn't do first.  He emptied himself, overcame, died, buried, arose, ascended, and sat on His Father's throne.  He led the way for us.  Now He calls us to empty ourselves, overcome the world, die to sin, be buried in baptism, arise to new life, and meet Him at the throne in Heaven.The trip is not easy, but we have His example and GPS to guide us there.  Come on.  Let's go together.

Grace for your spirit 11-1-16

Grace for your spirit

In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain; For, behold, the wicked bend the bow. They make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in darkness at the upright of heart.  Psalm 11:1-2

There is no greater or better refuge than the Lord.  If we leave the Lord to find what we think is a better place, we are vulnerable.   The wicked are ready willing and able to take us down when we leave the Lord.  Let's remember where our real help is at all times.  Stay with the Lord.

Grace for your spirit 10-31-16

Grace for your spirit

Here I am; bear witness against me before the Lord and His anointed.  Whose ox have I taken, or whose donkey have I taken, or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed, or from whose hand  have I taken a bribe to blind the eyes with it?  I will restore it to you.  I Samuel 12:3

Samuel was a righteous judge of Israel, but the people wanted a king. He was willing to stand before Israel and ask if anyone had a bad word to say about him.  No one could and no one did.  Their rebellion was against God, not Samuel. As I witness the current "mudslinging" in our elections, wouldn't it be great if any one of them could really stand before us with "clean hands?"  This is where our rebellion against God has led us.  Lord help us to a revival.

Grace for your spirit 10-28-16

Grace for your spirit

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest"--Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man.  Proverbs 6:10-11

Our physical, mental, economic, and spiritual health, are greatly affected by our activity level.  Inactivity opens the door for the devil to work in us.  Even Jesus didn't come to be served, but to serve.  Let's adopt a service attitude and we will always have something to do that is good for us.  That's much better than waking up in trouble.

Grace for your spirit 10-27-16

Grace for your spirit

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

After David was confronted by Nathan the prophet, he finally came to grips with his pitiful condition.  His sin with Bathsheba and all the sins that followed had left him an empty shell.  He realized that he no longer had the ability to lead, judge, and instruct.  He came to God for forgiveness, to be cleaned up and renewed.  Is it time for us to confront our reality and ask God to create in us a new heart?  Renewing a steadfast spirit within us is the first step in our regeneration.  Let's take it.

Grace for your spirit 10-26-16

Grace for your spirit

Stir up yourself, and awake to my right, and to my cause, my God and my Lord.   Psalm 35:23

We all certainly need to be stirred up and put into action.  It is equally important that we be stirred by the right motives and direction.  Let's use our energy to be on God's right side and promoters of His cause.  We all have been blessed with some resources, time, and talent.  When we are blessed and stirred by Him, let's make His cause, our cause.

Grace for your spirit 10-25-16

Grace for your spirit

But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.  II Corinthians 2:14

For some reason Stetson Cologne is recognized quite a bit.  Often people say to me, "Is that Stetson?"  I like it and others like it too. Wouldn't it be great for the aroma of Christ to be noticed on us in a favorable way?  When we love our triumph in Christ, let's wear it proudly everywhere we go.  When it draws others to us to hear more about Christ, it will be our best day.

Grace for your spirit 10-24-16

Grace for your spirit

Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,  children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Phil 2:14-15 

We sing a kid's song about our gospel light, singing, don't hide it under a bushel or let Satan blow it out.  It seems the most common way of letting Satan hide our light is grumbling, and disputing.  It's easy to start and hard to stop.  If we want to be a light, Stop it.

Grace for your spirit 10-21-16

Grace for your spirit

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether they things were so.  Acts 17:11

As a standard bearer for the Lord, we need to be noble minded, thinking on higher things.  If we will receive the word with great eagerness, and examine Scripture daily to find the truth, we are on our way.  Let’s get our Bibles out and make study our priority.  That would include Bible class participation on Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday.  Come on. Be noble minded.

Grace for your spirit 10-20-16

Grace for your spirit

In no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.  Philippians 1:28

Often in our Christian walk, we find ourselves persecuted, criticized, and oppressed.  How we respond to these attacks is very important. When we stand firm in confidence, it not only reaffirms our faith, but it is a sign for our enemies that we have victory in Jesus.  Don't' be alarmed, be victorious.

Grace for your spirit 10-19-16

Grace for your spirit

But Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose how we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.  Hebrews 3:6

Jesus Christ was faithful as a Son in His mission to serve His Father.  His sacrifice opened the door of that house for all of us.  If we walk with confidence in Him and hold fast until the end, we can live in the house of the the Father and Jesus forever.  Being faithful was  His mission and goal, and it needs to be ours as well.

Grace for your spirit 10-18-16

Grace for your spirit

This day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's conduct will speak the same way to all the king's princes, and there will be plenty of contempt and anger.  Esther 1:18

When Queen Vashti refused to come when the king demanded her presence, the shock waves were felt throughout the kingdom.  She was a center of great influence and her rebellion changed everything.  When we become the bride of Christ, what we do affects more than just ourselves.  People look to us for guidance, and when we rebel, people may think it gives them permission to rebel as well.  Let's be more careful about our influence.

Grace for your spirit 10-17-16

Grace for your spirit

When He arose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, and said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation. Luke 22:45-46

While Jesus was praying in the garden the night before He was crucified, His disciples were sleeping instead of praying.  If they had been aware of the challenges they would face in the coming days, their prayers would have kept them awake.  Those prayers would also help them to be faithful.   What is with us when we faint instead of praying? Could it be we are unaware of the challenges that are coming?  Let's be aware, and aware that praying will help us meet our challenges.  Let us pray.

Grace for your spirit 10-14-16

Grace for your spirit

The night is almost gone, and the day is near.  Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  Romans 13:12

In Christ we are called to a new life, new thoughts, new mouths, and a new walk.  That walk should lead us out of the darkness and into the light.  In the Bible, darkness is associated with evil, and light connected with good.  God is light, Jesus is light, and we should desire to be light as well.

Grace for your spirit 10-13-16

Grace for your spirit

She said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from  his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free."  But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.  Judges 16:20

Only Samson and God knew the secret of Samson's strength.  Samson played with Delilah until he finally told her that secret.  She cut his hair while he slept and he awoke without his strength. Our spiritual strength comes from our relationship with God.  If we let sin hang around in our lives long enough, it will bring us down too.  We may not know our strength is gone until it is put to the test in troubled times.  Let's stay strong in the Lord.

Grace for your spirit 10-12-16

Grace for your spirit

Will You not Yourself revive us again,
That Your people may rejoice in You?  Psalm 85:6

In 1964 Terre Haute received the "Religion in American Life" Award, as the most outstanding community in the nation advocating attendance and religious activities.  In February of 1961, the city once again made the nation media when the Saturday Evening Post labeled it "Sin City." Do you suppose there is a connection between these two events?  Perhaps the "sin reputation" motivated civic and church leaders to action.  Often a slap by the devil, leads a revival among the Lord's people.  What will it take to reignite our revival ? Could we do it because of love and not wait for a calamity?

Grace for your spirit 10-11-16

Grace for your spirit

I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"  Luke 18:8

Jesus wants us to pray at all times and not lose heart.  Here He make a comparison between Himself and a worthless judge.  The worthless judge had to be badgered to give help, but Jesus is ready, willing, and able to bring about justice for us quickly.  The only unknown variables are; Will we ask?  Will we be faithful?  Will Jesus fine faith on the earth when he returns?  Our Judge will always be with us, but will we be with Him?  Let's pray and never lose heart.

Grace for your spirit 10-10-16

Grace for your spirit

Behold, I am coming like a thief.  Blessed is the one who stays awake and keep his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.  Revelation 16:15

When I was a small child, our family was at a church picnic in a city park that was hit by a horrible tornado.  It was devastating and my dad never got over it.  Whenever there were tornado warnings, the basement was open, the lights were on, and we slept in out clothes.   We should heed the warnings of God.  Jesus is coming and we don't know when.  Let's resolve to stay alert, clothed and in our right minds, ready to meet Him when He comes.  How horrible is would be to go to church all our lives, and then be naked and ashamed at His return.

Grace for your spirit 10-7-16

Grace for your spirit

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.  Revelation 22:14

When Adam & Eve sinned, they were naked and afraid. They lost their access to the tree of life, and were sent out of their home in the Garden of Eden.  All Bad News.  Jesus came to clothe us with His righteousness, and give us a home in heaven where the tree of life reappeared.  With the blood of Jesus our robes are washed clean and we can be ready to meet Him in the city.  All Good News.

Grace for your spirit 10-6-16

Grace for your spirit

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  I Timothy 1:5

Most of the time we think of our teaching goals on the short term changes. We're trying to get people to come to church, be baptized, and involve others in the work of the church.  Paul's goals went deeper than that.  He was interested in the heart, conscience, and faith.  Those goals would bring about change, and it would be a long lasting change.

Grace for your spirit 10-5-16

Grace for your spirit

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a days portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.  Exodus 16:4

On the journey to the promised land, God provided manna each day to feed them.  God knew if they had too much, they would forget Him.  So, God gave them just one day's supply to keep their faith sharp.  People tend to look to God more often when they still have needs.  Sometimes, when they have too much, they wander off.  Let's ask God for the right amount to meet our needs and keep us faithful in our journey.

Grace for your spirit 10-4-16

Grace for your spirit

Write, "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from now on! "Yes", says the Spirit, "so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them."  Revelation 14:13

It is of great comfort when we witness the death of anyone, to know that they died in the Lord.  One day the gospel was revealed to them and they obeyed God's plan of salvation, arising from the waters of baptism  never to be separated from God.  It is the hope that takes away the sting of death and gives us victory in Jesus. Without Jesus, there are no words to comfort.    We still have time to make this happen.  Make it happen and rejoice

Grace for your spirit 10-3-16

Grace for your spirit

Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap  Lk 21:34

We all need to be on guard all the time.  We need to constantly be preparing ourselves to stand before God some day.  Until then, the lusts and the worries of life can be a drag that will take us away from faithfulness.  We sure don't want to meet the Lord on our worst day.  If we continue to build our spiritual strength, we can lift those weights off and walk on.  Let's work out what He has worked in us.  Never miss a day.

Grace for your spirit 9-30-16

Grace for your spirit

He leads me beside quiet waters.    Psalm 23:2

The good shepherd knows that sheep will not drink from swiftly running water.  The are clumsy and fear tripping and falling in.  He finds still, quiet waters for refreshing.  Jesus is our good shepherd.  He knows our needs and our fears and leads us in the paths to nurture and fulfill us. When we make the Lord our shepherd, we shall not want.

Grace for your spirit 9-29-16

Grace for your spirit

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god who will go before us;   Exodus  32:1

Moses was on the Mountain getting the 10 commandments.  He was gone awhile and the people got impatient and tired of waiting.  It didn't take long for them to rebel and build a gold calf to lead them.  Are we impatient like that ?  When God doesn't meet out needs right away, do we give up on Him and search for an idol?  It was a gigantic mistake for them, and it is for us too.  Let's wait on the Lord,, and take courage.  He is coming to meet our needs. 

Grace for your spirit 9-28-16

Grace for your spirit

Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.  Proverbs  10:23

Some people go wild over sports.  They are extreme fans, in fact they are fanatics.  They not only identify with their teams, they think they are part of it.  Solomon said for a fool wickedness is like a sport to them. For the man of understanding, they are fans of wisdom.  Whether we are fools or wise, one of the indicators is our sport; wickedness or wisdom.  Let's choose wisdom and become the man of understanding.

Grace for your spirit 9-27-16

Grace for your spirit

When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.  Proverbs 10:25

When tornadoes, and hurricanes pass, some structures are gone while others stand firm.  The difference is often preparation and foundation. Jesus said the wise man builds his house on a rock so it will stand in the storms.  Our lives are the same.  When we access the righteousness of Christ, His foundation will be strong enough to stand the worst storms.  We all know they are coming, but not everyone gets ready.  Get ready!

Grace for your spirit 9-26-16

Grace for your spirit

When there are many words, transgression is  unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.  Proverbs 10:19

You've heard the saying, "Give a person enough rope and they will hang themselves."  Words can be like that too.  Many people talk and talk themselves into trouble.  Let's choose our words carefully, and keep them soft and sweet.  We never know when we might have to eat them

Grace for your spirit 9-23-16

Grace for your spirit

And the Lord said, "Do you have good reason to be angry?  

Jonah 4:4

Jonah defied God's call.  He ran from His presence.  He took a three day ride in a whale.  He preached repentance to his enemies and was wildly successful.  His success made him angry.  Later a plant that he was using for shade died.  This made him angry too.  We might say today that Jonah had "anger issues." The Lord had given him success in his mission and provided for him. He had no good reason for being angry.  How about us?  Does anger issues control our lives, even when we are successful.   If anyone has the right to be angry, it is God.  So, cut it out.

Grace for your spirit 9-22-16

Grace for your spirit

So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp saying, "Let neither man nor woman any longer perform work for the contribution of the sanctuary.  Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more.  Exodus 36:6

Do we know the difference between law giving and grace giving? Basically, law giving is "got to", and grace giving is "get to".  These people had previously thought that all of God's blessing belonged to them.  After a great ordeal of God's wrath and God's grace, their minds were changed.  Under God's grace, when the call went out for the building of the Ark of the Covenant, they abounded in giving, and had to be restrained.  Let's no longer think what we "have to do", and start praising God for what we "get to do".

Grace for your spirit 9-21-16

Grace for your spirit

And Nathaniel said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"  Philip said to him, "Come and see."  John 1:46

When Philip was trying to get Nathaniel to Jesus, Nathaniel objected. Philip could have argued with him about the prophecies of Moses and the Prophets, and what he had experienced personally.  Instead, he simply said to Nathaniel, "Come and see."  Our world today is very skeptical about churches, religions, and Jesus.  No one will ever be won over until they really see Jesus.  Just ask them to "Come and see."

Grace for your spirit 9-20-16

Grace for your spirit

And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house,, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him.  Mark 2:15

When Jesus called Levi the tax collector to follow Him, He opened new doors of opportunity immediately.  Levi immediately invited Jesus to eat with his friends, his fellow tax collectors.  These were people that the religious people of the day would not and could not reach.  Jesus, the Great Physician, was eager to touch them with the love of God.  Even today, each and every person that has been touched by Jesus, has a unique circle of friends and influences.  Let’s open some new doors for Jesus today.  It will lift our day like nothing else can.

Grace for your spirit 9-19-16

Grace for your spirit

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel.  Numbers 14:5

When Israel received the report of the 12 spies in Canaan, they cried all night, they grumbled, and wished they had died in Egypt.  They sought to appoint new leaders to take them back to Egypt.  Their leaders were so crushed by this, they fell on their faces in a demonstration of sorrow, fear, and humility.  In our current rebellion and apostasy, we need some church leaders to fall on their faces in sorrow, fear, and humility.  We desperately need to let God and the church know we are serious about the challenges before us.  What will it take to get on our faces before the Lord?

Grace for your spirit 9-16-16

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 set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2

Jesus was able to endure the sacrifice because He kept His eyes on the prize.  "For the joy set before Him" is the key.  As we travel life's road of trials on our journey to the throne of God, may we never dwell on our troubles but the glory to come. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus for all things, and He will bring us through troubles and guide us home.

Grace for your spirit 9-15-16

Grace for your spirit

Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.  Philemon 20

Paul wrote to Philemon asking him to forgive his former slave Onesimus, who had stolen from him, and later met Paul.  After Onesimus became a Christian, Paul sent him back that they might be reconciled.  Paul hoped for the best in this meeting, and expected great things to come from it.  It would also refresh and benefit Paul's heart as well. When we do God's will, we not only refresh ourselves, we also send refreshments to all those around us.  Refreshments for everyone.

Grace for your spirit 9-14-16

Grace for your spirit

They said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning with us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"  Luke 24:32

The men on the road to Emmaus were walking with Jesus, but didn't know it.  Like Isaiah who felt the burning coals on his lips, and Jeremiah who had a burning in his bones, they felt the fire of the Spirit within them and they were compelled to leap into action.  May His Word burn within us until we are launched into action and service for our Master.

Grace for your spirit 9-13-16

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 12:28

It seems everything changes.  The kingdoms of earth rise and then fall. The things we have counted on go away, and even the solid ground we stand on experiences quakes.  May we never take God's blessings for granted. Let's show our gratitude by honoring God with respect and service.

Grace for your spirit 9-12-16

Grace for your spirit

"Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."  Revelation 19:9

In the Bible, Jesus is pictured a bridegroom, and Christians are called the Bride of Christ.  One of the focal points in the future is the time when the bride and groom can be joined for eternity.  What a blessing to receive an invitation to that event.  Our R.S.V.P. is our faithfulness and purity.  The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.  Where else would we want to be?

Grace for your spirit 9-

Grace for your spirit

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

Have you ever seen a dangerous stunt performed on television that was accompanied by this warning? "Don’t try this at home". Too many Christians are performing a dangerous stunt each week. They are trying to grow and prosper as Christians at home alone.  

Grace for your spirit 9-8-16

Grace for your spirit

But let your statement be, Yes, yes, or No, no; anything beyond these is of evil.  Matthew 5:37 / James 5:12

Do we have to swear on a stack of Bibles that we are telling the truth? Cross your heart,  hope to die, stick a needle in your eye?  As Christians, we should never have to swear by anything that we are telling the truth.  Our word should be our bond.  For us, Yes should mean Yes and No, no.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Our Christian character and our word should be our bond.

Grace for your spirit 9-7-16

Grace for your spirit

For they disciplined us for a short time, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.  Hebrews 12:10

God calls for us to be holy as He is holy.  He calls for our sanctification, and separation from the world.  The discipline that he leads us to is definitely for our good. It is the threshold to holy living.  Without discipline we cannot reach those goals.  Discipline doesn't feel good in the short run, but it is always best for the long run.

Grace for your spirit 9-6-16

Grace for your spirit

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

If we would slip in and out of church pews asking people how they can show they are true disciples, we would get lots of answers.  Some might say, "church attendance, baptism, and generous giving.  Others might say, a bumper sticker, a cross pin, or by carrying a big Bible.  All those are easy compared to the Jesus proposed.  He has asked us to love our enemies, love the unlovable, and love our brethren.  Love.  That's our sign.  Wear it.

Grace for your spirit 9-2-16

Grace for your spirit

A certain man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to those who had been invited, 'Come for everything is ready now.'  But they all alike begin to make excuses...Luke 14:16-18

This parable given by Jesus was a picture of His invitation to His kingdom, and His supper in heaven.  All the excuse makers missed it and their invitation were cancelled.  Jesus is still calling, What is our answer?  Remember the old song, "Excuses, Excuses"

Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day.

And the Devil he'll supply them, if the church you stay away.

When people come to know the Lord, the Devil always loses

So to keep them folks away from church, he offers them excuses.

Let's respond to Jesus, not the devil.

Grace for your spirit 9-1-16

Grace for your spirit

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another a more important than yourselves; Philippians 2:3

Almost every sin we commit can be directly traced to selfishness, conceit, and only thinking only of ourselves.  If we would put ourselves last, and have the attitude of Jesus, most of our sins would go away. When our purposes are like Christ's purposes, we will walk after the Spirit as we should.

Grace for your spirit 8-31-16

 Grace for your spirit

Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you mightily and you shall prophecy with them and be changed into another man.  I Samuel 10:6

Saul was the first king of Israel.  On the day Samuel gave him the news, he was hardly qualified to be king.  He was assured that God would equip him to rule, in fact, God would change him into another man. Verse 9 states that when he took his first step forward that God change his heart.  None of us are qualified or equipped to  be saints and priests in His kingdom.  By faith, when we take our first step of faith, He will change us too.

Grace for your spirit 8-30-16

Grace for your spirit

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.  For I was very glad when brethren came and bore witness to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth.  III John 2-3

"Here's to your good your prosperity, your good health, and your prospering soul."  Somehow our money and our health concerns seem to consume us.  If we put all the effort we spend on those things into our spiritual lives, we would be prospering and walking in truth.  Funny isn't it.  The eternal things get the least attention.  If we would turn that around with our soul prospering first, the others things would prosper as well, even better.

Grace for your spirit 8-29-16

Grace for your spirit

Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.        I Peter 2:17

Have we drawn our circle of acceptance so small that it is impossible for us to do any of these things?  In the strife of life and the challenges we face, sometimes we feel we can only honor, love, and, fear those who love us.  Does that leave us standing in our circle all alone?  It is time for us to erase our lines, and redraw them where God wants them to be.

Grace for your spirit 8-26-16

Grace for your spirit

Now to Him who is able to do abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

As the song goes, "He is able, more than able, to accomplish what concerns me today.  He is able more than able, to handle anything that comes my way."  Let's give Him the glory and enjoy the benefits.  He is able!!  "Nuff said."

Grace for your spirit 8-25-16

Grace for your spirit

Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.  Daniel 12:

All true insight comes from the Lord.  All true righteousness comes from Jesus.  When we combine His sight and His righteousness, we will be a shining light that cannot be hidden from others.  Then they will be able to follow the light to eternal insight and righteousness too.

Grace for your spirit 8-24-16

Grace for your spirit

Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that give thanks to His name.  Hebrews 13:15

Under the old covenant, God's priests were continually offering animal sacrifices in thanksgiving.  In Christ's kingdom,  our sacrifices are the fruit of our lips in praise, worship, and thanksgiving.  Continually you say?  Remember, we are never too busy and too tired to receive His blessings.  Let's use that same energy to say thank you.  All Christians are priests in His kingdom, so let's lead the way in thanking God.

Grace for your spirit 8-23-16

Grace for your spirit

O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy. Psalm 47:1

We teach little kids the song, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." "If you're happy and you know it, shout Amen.'"  At what point during our transition to adulthood, does that not apply?  It is hard to communicate that we are happy and we know it with that frown on our face.  Let's not let the joy in our spirits to be muffled until it goes away.  If people know we are blessed and filled with joy, perhaps they will want to know the reason.

Grace for your spirit 8-22-16

Grace for your spirit

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.  John 14:3

The night before Jesus went to the cross, He met with His apostles to prepare and comfort them.  He said He was going, but none of them knew where He was going.  Do we?  Many have speculated that He was going to build heaven for their eternity.  Since He spoke the universe into existence, I hardly think He was in the construction business.  Jesus was most certainly going to the cross.  He would die for our sins, and be raised for our justification.  The place He was going to prepare was salvation in His kingdom for us all.  We can now be transferred there and find redemption and salvation. 

Grace for your spirit 8-19-16

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned.  Romans 5:12

We are all subject to the law of sin and death.  Christ set us free from that law, because He paid our debt for us at the cross.  We can freely admit we are sinners, because we can confidently proclaim our forgiveness.

Grace for your spirit 8-18-16

Grace for your spirit

The Lord favors those who fear Him, those who wait for His lovingkindness.  Psalm 147:11

Do we want to make our Father in heaven happy?  Do we wish to enjoy His favor ?  Fear Him, respect Him, and  put your every hope in Him.  Any father loves that, especially God our Father.  Now that we know how to get His favor, let's commit to do it.

Grace for your spirit 8-17-16

Grace for your spirit

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.  John 1:12

Jesus came to the Jews to bring them salvation.  The Jews felt they were the children of God and they were due for a Messiah. Mostly they rejected Jesus.  Anyone who did receive Him, Jesus gave the right to be born into His kingdom.  Not because there were Jews or Gentiles, but because the will of God in Christ.  Never think that Jesus didn't come for you.

Grace for your spirit 8-16-16

Grace for your spirit

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

Jesus is knocking on our door.  We heard His voice, and saw Him through the peephole. We're afraid to face Him.  We have turned down the TV and hid all our disgusting things.  Now we are remaining quiet hoping He will go away.  Trouble is, He knows we're home, He knows we're hiding, and He knows about our disgusting things anyway.  He is really there with good news on how to overcome and be saved.  Let's open up and be filled with joy.  Will we ?

Grace for your spirit 8-15-16

Grace for your spirit

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28

Many people have learned to hide their weariness.  They keep their burdened lives secret until one day they just explode.  Maybe we are like that.  We might be at the end of our rope, but no one knows it.  We can't know everything, but we can know the rest that is available in Christ.  Let's spread the good news about the gentle and humble yoke of Jesus.  If people don't access that rest today, maybe they can use it tomorrow.  Save a soul, save a life.

Grace for your spirit 8-12-15

Grace for your spirit

By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous.  God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.  Hebrews 11:4

Abel was killed by his brother early in Genesis.  Although he was killed thousands of years ago, his righteousness, his faith and his memory still speaks to us.  When we have a testimony of righteousness and wisdom that comes from God, even though we pass on, our lives can still speak. Our words and our actions can live on indefinitely as long as they are still spoken of by anyone.  People often talk of "losing a loved one." When we still speak of them, we didn't lose them.

Grace for your spirit 8-11-15

Grace for your spirit

Begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 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 8:4-5

Paul hadn't expected many contributions from the churches in Macedonia, but he was pleasantly surprised.  They begged him to let them be a part of his support. How did that happen?  Easy, First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to Paul by the will of God.  We have no idea what we can do with our time, talent, and resources, until we wholly give ourselves to the Lord.  When we test ourselves in the will of God, everyone wins.

Grace for your spirit 8-10-16

Grace for your spirit

A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.  Proverbs18:16

Solomon was one of the riches men in history, yet everyone who came to see him brought him a valuable gift. He didn't need it, but it was a way to obtain his favor. People of wealth and influence today experience the same thing.  People know that gifts open doors to great favors.  The same is true with God and  all people.  Our generous heart brings us before people in a pleasant way.  A humble gift is a great way to open doors in our life.  Give a little and get a lot.

Grace for your spirit 8-9-16

Grace for your spirit

Keep deception and lies far from me.  Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, lest I be full and deny Thee and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be in want and steal, and profane the name of my God.  Proverbs 30:8-9

There is always a danger when we have too much.  We can think we don't need God or anyone.  There is also a problem when we have too little.  We may blame God other resent others for our lack.  What a great prayer.  Lord, don't give me too little or too much.  Bless me with the whatever amount that will cause me to give You all the glory

Grace for your spirit 8-8-16

Grace for your spirit

I have been young and now I am old.  Yet, I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread. Psalm 37:25

How often do we look at those around us who are evil yet rich?  We are trying to keep up the the Jones' and thinking the grass is always greener over there.  Have we got to the point where we are tempted to turn away from God for worldly security?  David faced these challenges and saw it in others often.  His experiences and the wisdom of God taught him that in the long run, those who stick with God are never forsaken.  Stick with God. He will never forsake us.

Grace for your spirit 8-5-16

Grace for your spirit

The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.  Matthew 13:45

Serendipity is a great word with a great meaning.  It is an accidental happy discovery.   Many an antique collector has experienced serendipity.  They had something plain, but an appraisal proved it was very valuable.  The good news of salvation in Christ is just like that, and we can continue that discovery every day.  When we realize the value that we have found, we will do whatever we must do to receive it. Serendipity makes our day great, and makes our lives happy.