Grace for your spirit August 11, 2009

Grace for your spirit

And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Mark 4:37

As the apostles were crossing the Sea of Galilee one night, they thought they had their boat in the water, but as it turned out the water was in the boat. Fearing the great storm and threat of sinking, they went to Jesus for help. They cried out to Him, “Don’t you care that we are perishing over here?” One song writer wrote of this incident, “No water can swallow the ship where lies, the Master of ocean and earth, and skies.” Do we know that? When we have more water in our boat than we can stand, may we all remember this one thing; when Jesus is in our boat, we will make it safely to the other side. The storms are coming, so before we cast off, someone needs to go check and see if He is in there.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 10, 2009

Grace for your spirit

If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31-32

When you ask people if they are a Christian, and they will most likely take you down memory lane. Back to a day long ago that they made their confession of faith and experienced their baptism into Christ. Most people can give you the date, time, and circumstances. History lessons are nice, but God is more interested in current events. When someone asks if you are saved, how about giving evidence of continuing in His Word since that day? A testimony of living a life a love and service that is taking place right now. These are the signs of the true disciple. These are the signs of one still living truly free.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 7, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:8-9

As I walk the mall every day, I passed through the Cosmetic Dept. These women are on a mission. They constantly practice putting makeup on each other, and talking about their products. They try to look their best and prepare to help others look their best too. They are on a quest to make the ugly beautiful. What a model for our Christians mission. Focus on Jesus, allow Him to transform us, and spend our lives preparing to share the good news with others. Practice, practice, practice, brings peace, and helps make an ugly world beautiful.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 6, 2009

Grace for your spirit

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

The Old Covenant Jews loved the trip to God’s Holy Hill. The Temple in Jerusalem was the place they could feel good. Unfortunately their lack of faithfulness would not allow them to abide there. Our tent of the Lord, our holy hill, is our life in Christ Jesus. Just going to our church services and going through the motions will not make us the person Christ wants, anymore than sitting in a henhouse will make us a chicken. To abide in Christ, we must be a commitment to integrity, living right and speaking truth. These qualities are only found when we surrender our lives to Christ. That allows us to abide in His tent forever.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 5, 2009

Grace for your spirit

One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17

There is so much instruction in the Bible that directs us to help those in need. The picture of the judgment day features blessings for those who fed, clothed, and visited the least, last, and lonely of this world. Even with all the scripture, there still seems to be a skeptical attitude among many Christians toward helping those who ask. Many think the poor are lying. Others think helping the needy will never do anything for the church in the future, and we will never get paid back. There is a fear that people are taking advantage of us. Fear not, says the Spirit of God. When we help the poor, we are loaning it to the Lord. Who could be a better risk that Him? Lay up those treasures in heaven.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 4, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It shall be with him and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, Deut 17:18-19

Hundreds of years before the first king, God gave them the formula for success. Don’t focus on power, money, and women. Make a public commitment to learn what the Lord wants, and carefully observe His commands. Next, take notes, write it down, and read it every day. What a great idea for everyone. When we make a public commitment to faithfulness, study, take notes, and read it, God will bless us in all we do. The kings never did it and they lost everything. Now it’s our turn to commit.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 3:23

Grace for your spirit August 3, 2009

Grace for your spirit

Even the darkness is not dark to You, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You. Psalm 139:12

This Psalm is answering that eternal question, where can I go to get away from the presence of God? Have we ever thought that since we are in the dark, God won’t be able to see what we are doing? Since God has the quality of being everywhere all the time, it should not be hard to realize that He sees us just as well in the darkness as in the light. So, the next time we think we can cover up our sins from His sight by turning off the lights and running away, let’s save our energy. Our efforts would be better served finding out what pleases Him, and doing those things. Can you remember times when you could have used this information? Yes, me too.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

Philippians 4:23