Grace for your spirit November 1, 2012

Grace for your spirit

I will set no worthless thing before my eyes  Psalm 101:3

There are so many little things we can do to help ourselves in our spiritual walk.  Our minds and spirits are just like a computer that gathers information, stores it, and then puts it out.  There is a well known phrase in the computer world labeled, GIGO.  That stands for Garbage In - Garbage out.  Some of things that go into our minds are quickly and easily forgotten, but somehow the most provocative things stay with us for a long time.  Our eyes are a gathering point of lots of trash and if we aren't very careful our trash bin can overflow and pour out on others.  When we are aware of things we will see on TV, movies, computers, and magazines, let's make a commitment to set no worthless thing before our eyes.  We may think we can rise above the garbage, but we are probably wrong.

Grace for your spirit October 31, 2012

Grace for your spirit

Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But seeing the wind he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, " Lord save me!"  Matthew 14:29-30

Peter was so focused on Jesus for those few moments, that he forgot that what he was doing was impossible.  He didn't consider the impossible, or what others would think,  He simple focused on Christ and the miracle unfolded.  Then just as quickly, he remembered his circumstances.  He saw the wind and the water, and he quickly sank.  Although he still knew he should call on the Lord for help, his lack of focus ended his water walk.  God has gifted us to accomplish many wonderful things.  If we will focus on Him and His blessings, we can accomplish great things even with very few talents.  Like Peter, when we break our focus, and start thinking what we cannot do, our mission can sink just as fast. Let's focus on Christ and stay afloat.

Grace for your spirit October 29, 2012

Grace for your spirit

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.  Ezra 7:10

Ezra was about to lead a remnant of God's people back from Babylonians captivity to Judah.  The had been in Babylon because they failed to know God's law and practice it.  Poor leadership had also played a part in their punishment.  Ezra had been called upon to change their lives.  How would the people do better this time?  How would they know God's will and be able to do it?  They needed leadership who would set their heart to study, practice and teach them the way.  Every generation needs a spirit of Ezra living among us.  Those who will be touched with love and concern for lost souls, and step up to make a difference,  Someone who will love the Lord, love people, love God's Word, and be willing to practice and teach.  Will it be, if it is up to me ?

Grace for your spirit October 28, 2012

Grace for your spirit

For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same.  Romans 13:3

I spend time around church people every day who are extremely fearful about government intervention in their lives.  They worry constantly that someone is listening to their phone calls, and others are plotting to indict them for some wrong doing.  The solution to those fears is doing what is right.  Trusting in the Lord is designed to take away our fears and worries, and allow us to live in peace.  Many Christians spend all their efforts trying to change the rulers, when we should be working to change the hearts of all men.  The apostle Paul lived under one of the most oppressive governments in history.  Still, his plan to stand against the oppression of Rome was doing what was right.  Let's do that and enjoy the peace and praise.

Grace for your spirit October 26, 2012

Grace for your spirit

As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard in his bed.  Proverbs 26:14

I have eight doors and sixteen hinges in my house.  The all turn several times everyday, but so far they haven't gone anywhere.  If our total effort is turning over in our beds, we are going nowhere as well.  A dad wanted his son to get off the sofa and get a job.  "Why?" asked the son.  Dad replied, "To get a job, make some money,and save for retirement, so someday you can sit and relax, enjoying yourself.". The son replied, "That's what I'm doing now!"  Is that the life we want?  Do we want to live on the work of others all our life?   We were created in Christ Jesus for good works.  It is time for us to get out of bed and be a faithful worker in the vineyard of the Lord.

Grace for your spirit October 25, 2012

Grace for your spirit

For I tell you, none of those who were invited shall taste of My dinner.  Luke 14:24

Do we have a free pass for our excuse?  When Jesus invited his servants to the great feast, all He heard was excuses.  One had to work, another had to look over his land, and a third had a wife who spoke for him.  No where in that parable does it say that they were given a free pass.  Sometimes we convince people we are too busy, too old, too sick, too something. You see, even with a ""free pass", we still just miss it.  Sometimes people love their "free pass", but the long run it kills spiritually.  If we accepted a permanent, "free hall pass" in school, we would still be there.  We would now be the oldest adult in the 3rd grade.  Let's not accept the pass we've been given.  Let's get to Bible class. 

Grace for your spirit October 24, 2012

Grace for your spirit

When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.  Proverbs 10:19

Most every direction about speaking in God's Word can be summed up in four letters.  K.I.S.S.  "Keep it short stupid."  When people just keep on talking, they will usually say too much.  James advises being quick to hear and slow to speak.  It is usually better to keep our mouths shut and let everything think we are stupid, than open them and remove all doubt.  Have you ever noticed that when people choose their words carefully, people seem to pay more attention when they do talk.  Let's be wise.  A K.I.S.S. is always nice.