Grace for your spirit 1-31-17

Grace for your spirit

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.  I Corinthian 2:14

When we walk in tune with God's will, when His Spirit fills our spirit, when we have the mind of God, His word makes sense.  We shouldn't be surprised when those outside the body of Christ just don't understand. When the Bible is just words on a page, they may seem like foolishness.  Let's ask God to fill us with His Spirit every day then see His word and His will come alive.

Grace for your spirit 1-30-17

Grace for your spirit

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

A preacher served a church that had a name, "The Church That's Alive." In fact, after evaluating the membership, he realized they were dead on arrival.  In an effort to bring the church to life, he announce there would be a funeral service on Sunday for one of the most prominent members.  He brought an empty casket and placed a large mirror inside.  All the members were eager to see who was dead, until they passed by the coffin only to see their own reflection.  When we call ourselves Christians, let make sure we are alive in Christ.  Jesus knows.  Do we?

Grace for your spirit 1-27-17

Grace for your spirit

There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah.....and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.  Luke 4:25-26

During the 3 1/2 year drought and famine in Israel, everyone was hurting, but God provided for His prophet.  The faith in Israel was low, and people were mad a Elijah.  They turned from God and worshiped idols.  God chose a Gentile widow to serve Elijah.  Why her?  She had faith and was willing to put it to work.  Because of her faith she prospered and so did Elijah.  Maybe we should quit complaining how God helps everyone except us, and increase our trust in Him instead.

Grace for your spirit 1-26-17

Grace for your spirit

"But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see HIm as He told you."  Mark 16:7

Ray Riegels, playing in the 1929 Rose Bowl, picked up a fumble and ran the wrong way.  Totally embarrassed, he didn't wish to return to the field.  The coach reminded him that the game wasn't over yet.  Peter had denied Jesus three times and deserted Him.  Peter fumbled and ran the wrong way.  This message was a reminder to him that they game was not over.  It's not over for us yet either.  Let's get back into the game.

Grace for your spirit 1-25-17

Grace for your spirit

For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.  James 1:23-24

What good is it to look in our mirror, see changes we need to make, and then walk away without any improvements?  It is the same principle of hearing God's word, and then going on without any changes.  Positive changes and improvements will bring us back to the mirror regularly. Without positive changes we will avoid the mirror.  Let's all take a good long look today and straighten up.

Grace for your spirit 1-24-17

Grace for your spirit

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

There are at least three ways to stay spiritually sharp.  When we study His Word, it sharpens us.  When we connect with our Father in prayer, that also sharpens us.  But the ultimate sharpening comes when we take His Word, and His insights, and share it with others.  Let's resolve to be like Jesus, spending time with those who need God.  Whether in His assembly, or on the street, let's sharpen our lives Jesus style.

Grace for your spirit 1-23-17

Grace for your spirit

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.               II Corinthians  4:16

As we get older it becomes evident that our bodies are decaying.  Some faster than others.  A man confessed he has furniture moved recently. He said, "his chest was in his drawers."  The joy we have as Christians is the eternal fountain of youth.  Our spirit never has to get old, because Jesus can make us new every morning.  When our spirit meets our new eternal bodies, we will never grow old.  We all may get old, but with the gift of God, we never have to be old.

Grace for your spirit 1-20-17

Grace for your spirit

Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?"  Mark 4:38

Obviously they did not really know Jesus yet.  There is a great difference between know who someone is and really knowing them. They did not know He could calm both the sea and the sailor.  Of course He cared about them, and of course He could take care of the situation.  Let's all get to know Jesus, know what He can do, and confidently trust in Him.

Grace for your spirit 1-18-17

Grace for your spirit

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you, and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.   Hebrews 13:7

One of the most important functions of Christ's church is the close opportunity for mentoring.  God blesses us with mature teachers, elders, pastors, and leaders to show us the way.  When their lives are a testament of faithfulness, let's imitate it.  Some of our mentors may have gone on before, but we can still be inspired by them.  Take every advantage.

Grace for your spirit 1-18-17

Grace for your spirit

And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.  Ephesians 4:24

Sometimes we hear the expression,"I feel like a new man today!" Maybe a good night's rest, better health, overcoming a bad habit, or losing weight made us feel that way.  In Christ, we can have much more than a feeling, we can be recreated into the likeness of God.  Let's resolve to live the righteous and holy life He has for us, like a new man.

Grace for your spirit 1-17-17

Grace for your spirit

As for me, I know that my Redeemer llves, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.  Job 19:25

Job seemed to have everything against him.  He suffered loss and everyone said it was his fault.  The main thing that helped him endure was his trust in his Lord.  When everything seems to fall in on us at once, we can all take courage that we know our Redeemer lives.  We can also know we will all have ultimate victory with Him.  Let's hang in there.

Grace for your spirit 1-16-17

Grace for your spirit

But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today: Exodus 14:13

The people were just out of Egypt, now blocked by the Red Sea and Pharoah's army.  Moses told them to "fear not".  He was sure the Lord had a plan. The Sea opened and a cloud blocked the army until all of Israel had safely escaped.  When we find ourselves between the devil and the deep red sea remember, God can help.  The term "fear not" appears 365 times in the Bible, and He has a "fear not" for us every day as well.  Let's watch the Lord make our obstacles disappear.

Grace for your spirit 1-13-17

Grace for your spirit

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come.  II Corinthians 5:17

True Bible repentance is dying to sin.  After that death, we are buried, in waters of baptism, then arising to a whole new life.  This new creature is dead to the old life, and alive a new one.  A new creature will not yearn for the old life, for it is gone.  When we taste the new life in Christ, and then wish to return to the old life, something is very wrong.  May all our wishes be a better life in Christ.

Grace for your spirit 1-12-17

Grace for your spirit

Moreover, I will give you a new heart and a put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  Ezekiel 36:26

Israel's exiles in Babylon were there because of their sins.  In 70 years a remnant would return.  Those who accepted the cleansing, God removed their hearts of stone, and put on a new heart and a new spirit. When we find ourselves exiled from God with hearts of stone, take courage.  God has a new heart, a new spirit, and a new way home for us in Jesus.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Grace for your spirit 1-11-17

Grace for your spirit

But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.  I Thessalonians 5:8

Children of the day are a reference to effective workers.  They rise up and are serious about completing their tasks.  Children of the night are often thought of as people up to no good.  They hide in the darkness to serve themselves and take advantage of others.  Let's make our lives be recognized as those who work to spread the good news of light, faith, love, hope, and salvation to a dark world.

Grace for your spirit 1-10-17

Grace for your spirit

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord. m Psalm 40:3

Music breaks down many walls.  We can teach and encourage others with psalms, hymns, and spiritual song outside the church assembly. When there is a song in out heart and in our mouths, let's spread the joy to the world.  It may pave a road to trusting in the Lord that is better than preaching. 

Grace for your spirit 1-9-17

Grace for your spirit

Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of the godly ones.  Psalm 149:1

When we are transformed by the Spirit of Jesus, He gives us a new heart, a new mind, a new spirit, and a new song.  That should first be seen by the congregation in our worship.  Our praise will be raised to a new level.  Don't tell me you don't like music.  Let's open our mouths and praise the Lord.  Make a difference.

Grace for your spirit 1-6-17

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh.  Hebrews 10:19-20

With Old covenant of Law, the Holy Place was completely off limits. What happened behind the veil with the High Priest and the blood was a mystery.  When Jesus died on the cross the veil was split, and access to the blood, the lamb, and the High Priest was available.  Let's enter with confidence.  Our High Priest is Jesus, and He loves us.  Come on in.

Grace for your spirit 1-5-17

Grace for your spirit

Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among  you."  Joshua 3:5

Joshua spoke these words to a nation who had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  As they approached the Jordan River, the prize was in sight.  They were encouraged to put some bounce in their steps and have a new outlook for tomorrow.  That's our challenge at the new year and each day.  Jesus has prepared a reward for us and has paved the way to get there.  Let's quit dragging our feet and get ready for another great day.

Grace for your spirit 1-4-17

Grace for your spirit

And I will bless those who bless you; and the one who curses you I will curse; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.  Genesis 12:3

This was God's message to Abraham.  Abraham's family would become the great Hebrew nation with God's blessing.  It was a great promise, but how could his family cause a blessing to all the families of the earth?.  Through his family Jesus came to the earth.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendant, heirs according to the promise.  Galatians 3:29.  Let's all be in His family and enjoy it.  It's the key to a really happy new year,

Grace for your spirit 1-3-17

Grace for your spirit

Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.  I Corinthians 5:7

Paul recognized that in order to have a true revival, two things had to happen.  First, the old influences had to be completely cleaned out in order to make space for the new leaven of Christ.  He called it, putting the old man to death, so the new man could live.  Just piling new on to the old, will make a crowded mess.  It is always best to clean out the closet before the new stuff goes in.  Do we ever do it?   Let's not neglect it here.

Grace for your spirit 1-2-17

Grace for your spirit

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end.  They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.   Lamentations 2:22-23

Often when the new year comes along, we make lists and resolutions for the things we want and need.  Sometimes before the first month is over, they are all gone.  This year, let's move the Lord to the top of our resolution list.  When the Lord is our portion, and the Lord is our hope, it never ceases.  We want new?  His mercies are new every morning and never stop.  Now there is the ideal New Year's resolution.