Grace for your spirit December 5, 2013

Grace for your spirit

But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.  II Timothy4:5

Once upon a time there was a "duck church".  They waddled in and out every week, and allowed others to do all the work.   They hadn't flapped their wings in so long, they forgot they could fly.  As a result they became "sitting ducks", for every trouble and trial that came their way.  The encouragement to every disciples is to go, disciple, baptize, and teach others; the work of an evangelist.  When we start believing that call is for others, our wings fail to work, and we are sitting ducks until we all waddle home. Let's not be ducks.  Let's be eagles.G

Grace for your spiritr December 4, 2013

Grace for your spirit

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.  I John 5:3

What commandments of God have become a burden to us?  Is attending worship and Bible studies a burden?  Has regular Bible reading and prayer become a burden?  Has helping others and keep ourselves away from worldliness too much for us?  Most of all, has loving others become too hard for us?  How can we remove these burdens?  The answer is loving God more.  When we love Him as we should, those burdens fall aside.  When we meet Him at the judgment, what excuse will be good enough for all we've missed.  The only reason will be, we didn't love Him enough.  We can make those changes right now, and everything else will follow.

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2013

Grace for your spirit

The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself, God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector.  I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.  Luke 18:11-12

Often we look at this prayer and this man with some contempt.  He is praying to himself, and thankful for his own goodness. He praises himself and runs down everyone else.  Let's be careful.  When we look critically at this man running down others, are we placing ourselves above him?  Are we thankful we aren't like him?  When we pray, let's pray to God about what His will is for our lives, and how we can help others.  That humility will be rewarded.

Grace for your spirit December 2, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.  Colossians  3:17

During this celebration of thanksgiving, I  hope we made a special effort to be a light in dark world.  Whatever our circumstances, wherever we find ourselves, in word and deed, let's give glory and thanks to God.   My wish for you all is that your thanksgiving may be everyday all year long.  Let's be a light of peace, joy, and love.

Grace for your spirit November 26, 2013

Grace for your spirit

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it and be displeased, and He turn His anger away from him.  

Proverbs 24:17-18

We live in a world where people are filled with anger, unforgiveness, and the need for revenge.  A world that hopes bad things will happen to their enemies. It should never be this way for the people of God, but sometimes it is that way.  Revenge belongs only to the Lord.  When we take it, we are stealing it from Him.  We can never know what the Lord is doing in their lives, so let's be careful about our emotions. Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies, and pray for blessings, not curses.

Grace for your spirit November 25, 2013

Grace for your spirit

For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.   Romans 1:21

People see God in different ways, even making up their own gods to fit their lifestyles..The Bible says God has revealed His true nature, and power through the things that have been made.  People often ignore God's word and disguise His presence.  Will wrong perceptions about God, or dullness be a good excuse at the judgment?  God has planted within us the sense to know Him and obey Him.  If we choose to ignore all of that, He says we will be without excuses.  When our life choices are against God's word, which path will we choose?  Choose God, honor Him, and be thankful.

Grace for your spirit November 22, 2013

Grace for your spirit 

And the master said to the slave, 'Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.  Luke 14:23

Jesus let us know in this parable that getting people to enjoy the riches of His kingdom is often very difficult.  We put up a nice sign on our building that says, "Lost sheep welcome", yet most people won't learn, they must be taught.  Most people won't come alone, they must be brought. What is next step after we have extended the invitation?  Jesus said to go back and compel them to come in.  Compelling requires enthusiasm and persistence.  Is the extra effort worth it?  Let's dig a little deeper and find a compelling reason to keep going.