Grace for your spirit December 9, 2015

Grace for your spirit

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  I Timothy 6:9

Life can often be a trade off.  When we make a decision to go in a new direction, we must sacrifice the way we were going.  Many people have set their goals in riches, only to find out they gave up everything else along the way.  Their lives were plunged into troubles, and when  they arrive at their money goals, they aren't worth it.  Can the desire for riches tempt, snare, ruin and destroy us.  Yes. Let's count the costs before we have to pay the price.

Grace for your spirit December 8, 2015

Grace for your spirit

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  John 15:2

In this picture, Jesus is pictured at the vine, we are the branches, and God is the gardener.  When we are securely connected to Jesus, we will bear much fruit.  When we yield ourselves to God allowing Him to prune our branch, we will bear even more fruit.  The production of our branch declares to all that we are firmly connected to Jesus and yielding to God. If we do not bear fruit, we are unnecessary and will be removed. Let's yield our branch to God's way and enjoy the fruit of our labors.

Grace for your spirit December 7, 2015

Grace for your spirit

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.  Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  Romans 12:17

Try to be at peace with all men. Don't take revenge, let God take the revenge. A little boy had built a snow fort and fortified it with hundreds of snowballs to defeat all attackers.  Unfortunately, no enemies were attacking.  He told his mother that he wished he had more enemies. She told him not to worry.  The way he was going he would have lots of enemies some day.  How about us.  Are our lives fostering good relationships and making enemies?  May Jesus be seen in us.

Grace for your spirit December 4, 2015

Grace for your spirit

Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him,   Isaiah  55:6

Let us seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near.  All of us need to make a commitment at some point to change our lives and thoughts, turning to the Lord.  Whenever we decide to make that change, the Lord will have compassion.  The farther we go in the wrong direction, the harder it is to return.  Let's turn now.

Grace for your spirit December 3, 2015

Grace for your spirit

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.  Jn 14:21

There are several important elements in arriving at a close and personal relationship with Jesus. We show our love for God by learning His commands and committing to keep them.  That commitment to obedience will bring us love from God and a closer walk with Jesus.  Our love for God and commitment to obedience is the door that leads us to that intimate spiritual relationship.

Grace for your spirit December 2, 2015

Grace for your spirit

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.               I Thessalonians 5:15

God always wants us to return a blessing when we are mistreated.  He wishes for us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and change our enemies for the good. He wants us to be peacemakers and mediators for others to help them as well. Much like a referee in a boxing match steps in to keep the peace and the rules, God calls us to seek after the good for others in conflict.  Let's get in there and not be timid. See to it

Grace for your spirit December 1, 2015

Grace for your spirit

Do not quench the spirit  I Thessalonians 5:19

We can quench our thirst, quench a fire, temper steel by quenching the heat, or quench an uprising,  All of those are beneficial and will make us feel better, but quenching the Spirit is never good for us.  Many things are better when they are dampened, doused, moistened, or stuffed out, but we should never do any of those to the Spirit of God living in us. God knows that when we fan the flame He has given us, His guidance will always help us.  Let's keep it burning.