Grace for your spirit September 30, 2008

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I Corinthians 3:1

Do we ever feel our spiritual life is not progressing? Are we not as strong spiritually as we were when we became Christians? Do the things of the flesh have more power over us than the Spirit of Christ? If our best friends are people of the world, if our favorite activities are doing worldly things, if people don’t know we are Christians, we are feeding on the wrong diet. If our favorite activities are beer and baloney with Bubba, instead of Christ and His Church, we are heading for the church obituary list. Let’s get off the milk of infancy and start feeding on the meat of God’s Word. It is time to grow up, and be spiritual people of God.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 29, 2008

While Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." Acts 26:24

On Paul’s way to Rome he had the opportunity to share his faith a number of times. Felix, Festus, and Aprippa were Roman officials that he met along the way. They were tough audiences with rough backgrounds. Paul himself wrote that he was a fool for Christ, and beside himself for the sake of God. Paul was a brand new creation living in an old world. Many people must have thought he was out of his mind and just didn’t say it. When we are transformed in Christ in such a way that changes our lives, our thinking and our speech, some may think we’ve crazy too. Let’s keep on sharing the love of Jesus. When we are ridiculed, we are in good company.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 26, 2008

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15

When "Little Orphan Annie" was plucked out of the orphanage and adopted by "Daddy Warbucks", her life changed drastically and immediately. From poverty to riches, from sadness to happiness, from abuse to pampering, from loneliness to belonging. The joy in her life was evident and her happiness overflowed onto everyone she met. She couldn’t quit laughing, singing and dancing. When we are born again into the kingdom of God, we leave our slavery and fear behind. Our crying in pain, becomes the cry of joy. Our Father in heaven is the ultimate "Daddy Warbucks" As He meets all our needs in Christ, let the celebrating be seen by all.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 24, 2008

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8

Does out spiritual life resemble the surf of the sea? The tide is out and the waves come crashing in. We’re not getting our prayers answered and we aren’t happy. When we pray, "Lord, give me more purity and holiness in my life, but not today. You see, today is Friday and I’ve got a big weekend planned, but if you get me on track Monday, that would be good." "Lord, help me to be faithful in my attendance at church, starting this fall. You see, I've got a fun summer planned." That double minded faith will leave us tossed. Try this pray instead. "Lord, strengthen my faith. change my life, according to Your will, starting right now."

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 24, 2008

But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; John 16:7-8

Churches and church leaders are trained to discuss, counsel, and lead the worship. Books on psychology, philosophy, marketing, and church growth fill the libraries. If we were asked what was the most important issues facing the church, what would our answer be? Jesus said He was going back to heaven to send the Holy Spirit, and He would remind us and teach us what was really important. These are the three things He mentioned: Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment. These are the real issues of mankind, the real issues they don’t understand, and the solutions to eternal problems. Let’s start with those. That’s where the Holy Spirit started.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 23, 2008

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. John 3:19-20

Jesus is the light of the world. He came into the world so everyone could walk in the light as He is in the light. If we want to practice truth, we welcome Jesus’ light in our life. If we want to practice evil, we avoid the light. Criminals do their best work in the cover of darkness. Cockroaches can fill a room in the darkness. Turn on the lights and the crooks and roaches run for cover. The way we feel about being in the light is our best indicator of what we are. Christ’s child or cockroach. Let’s come out of the darkness and into His light.

The grace for the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23

Grace for your spirit September 22, 2008

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

Any time we make a decision to disobey the Lord, the devil will be glad to help us. When Jonah ran from his mission, the devil made a ship available for him. When Cain was aggravated with Abel, the devil put sin at his door, and it mastered him. When the children of Israel waited for Moses to come down with the commandments of God, the devil got Aaron to build a gold calf. The list of times the devil has paved the way to sin and rebellion is endless. We may be promising to be faithful to God this week, if nothing comes up. The devil will help find something for us. We may think we can turn away from God and we are on our own, but we are mistaken. The devil is ready to step right in and help us. Never give the devil a ride. He will always want to drive.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit
Philippians 4:23