Grace for your spirit Feb 9, 2016

Grace for your spirit

Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.  John 17:5

Jesus prayed this in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion and His glory.  This plan was formed before the world was created. Before the prophets, the kings, the Moses, Abraham, even before the Garden of Eden, God had a plan to redeem us all.  There's a word in the dictionary for that fact.  It is supralapsarianism.  When Jesus went to the cross is was a plan that had been in the works forever.  Glorify God by accepting His grace and His glory.

Grace for your spirit Feb 8, 2016

Grace for your spirit

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk to them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.  ...You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and  on your gates  Deuteronomy 6:7+9

The ancient Jews recited a prayer morning and evening expressing their ardent faith in God.  This was done in the home to help pass the faith on to the children.  To remind the of the prayers, they wrote them on the doorposts of their homes.  This was called the "Shema".  Do we need a reminder to help us pass our faith on to the next generation Yes, I think we do.  Let's take whatever measures necessary to help us remember what is really important.

Grace for your spirit Feb 5, 2016

Grace for your spirit

The Lord is my shepherd..........He leads me by the still waters.  Psalm 23:1-2

Sheep will not drink from running water.  They are vulnerable to falling in and being swept away by the current.  Unsure of their footing, they are glad to have a shepherd that brings to quiet water that is not moving.  They are refreshed in peace there.  Jesus, our good shepherd understand our need for nourishment as well.  Desiring for us to be safe and full, He provides the safe path.  Listen for the voice of your shepherd and follow closely

Grace for your spirit Feb 4, 2016

Grace for your spirit

Nicodemus (he who came to Him before, being one of them) said to them, "Our Law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?"  John 7:50-51

Nicodemus first came to Jesus at night to ask Him questions. Many criticized him for coming under the cover of darkness, but wait.  Later he took a stand for Jesus in the middle of the Council.  At last, when all the disciples were hiding in the bushes, Nicodemus showed up to take care of the body of Jesus after He was crucified.  Go Nicodemus! Thanks for standing up for Jesus.  Who will be next to take a stand for Jesus, especially when it will really cost us?

Grace for your spirit Feb 3, 2016

Grace for your spirit

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples."

Imagine the confusing comparison by the disciples.  Listening to Jesus' intimate communication with His Father, and then the Pharisees with their meaningless repetition to a God they really didn't know.  Whose example should they follow?  Maybe we can identify with this too. Going to church and hearing long eloquent public prayers, sometimes we can't imagine how we could pray the "right" way.  A good tip is to let people who really know God be our example and teacher.  Listen closely, and soon we will know how to pray.

Grace for your spirit February 2, 2016

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.  Acts 6:3

The early church grew so fast, the apostles had more opportunities than they could handle.  They told the brethren to look among themselves and find men to take charge of the needed tasks.  Fortunately, they found seven to do the job,  How about our churches?  Do we have people who have been groomed to help with the work?  Even more important, are we striving to be ready to fulfill upcoming needs.  May we all fill our lives with His Spirit and wisdom, and have a reputation of one who is ready to serve others.

Grace for your spirit February 1, 2016

Grace for your spirit

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures;  Psalm 23:1-2

What do sheep, and children have in common?  Both need directions on when and where they need to lie down. What kid ever thought they needed to go to bed?  Sheep are like that too.  Fortunately, they have a shepherd to pick the time and place, and then MAKES them lie down. Christian have a shepherd as well.  When we surrender our will to His, He will MAKE US LIE DOWN when we need to, and we can rest in the Lord.  Let's listen, obey, and enjoy the benefits.