Grace for your spirit 6-30-16

Grace for your spirit

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  John 10:10

In this passage Jesus is pictured as the Good Shepherd.  He is the sheepfold of protection, He is the door in and out of the fold, and He is the shepherd that leads, and protects the flock.  Thieves will come around and they are the enemies of the sheep.  If we listen to the voice

of our shepherd, Jesus will lead us to an abundant life.  Never trust any other voice.

Grace for your spirit 6-29-16

Grace for your spirit

Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.  Proverbs 21:2

It is easy for us to justify any behavior.  We might say we aren't as bad as lots of other people, or any number of things to make us believe what we are doing is all right.  The Lord knows what is right and wrong, and He knows when we are really violating His principles.  Since God knows, let's confer with Him before we make our life decisions.  He gives us the Bible, prayer, and His Spirit to help us see the right way to go.  May we never exclude Him for what we want to do.

Grace for your spirit 6-28-16

Grace for your spirit

If I should say, "My foot has slipped," Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up.  Psalm 94:18

Ever heard the expression, "Like a hog on ice"?  It's the picture I get of myself every time I have to walk on ice or across a wet floor.  I feel like I'm going to slip and fall.  I step carefully, hold on and pray.  Spiritually our walk can be the same.  It is great to know that the Lord is near and helping when we slip.  Several times in the Old Testament, God is thank\ed for making our feet like deer feet, and setting us up on high places.  Thanks for holding us up Lord when they way is slippery, and for Your loving kindness.

Grace for your spirit 6-27-16

Grace for your spirit

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.  James 1:21

It is impossible for the Word of the Living God to dwell and dominate our lives, while our spirit is involved in wickedness and filthiness.  Just as it is almost impossible to sin and pray at the same time.  When we commit to die to sin, the cleansing power of God can save our souls. Let's make two commitments.  One, to put aside sin, and two, to allow the Word to dwell in us richly.  It is our only path to salvation.

Grace for your spirit 6-24-16

Grace for your spirit

Who among you is wise and understanding?  Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.  James 3:13

Anyone can proclaim themselves to be wise and understanding, but the proof is in our behavior.  If we must proclaim it, we may have completely missed it.  It is far better for others to proclaim our wisdom, understanding and gentleness, because to he way we have touch their lives.  May our acts of kindness reflect Jesus living in us.

Grace for your spirit 6-23-16

Grace for your spirit

Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.  Acts 4:13

The religious status of the day was education and knowledge.  The men Jesus chose came with neither.  They're inspiration came from their walk with Jesus.  Their power and confidence could not be explained without Jesus. Paul expressed his presence in the world as "the aroma of Christ", and the "fragrance of life."  His aroma and fragrance came from Jesus too.  When we walk with people, do they take note that we have been with Jesus too? We can still make it that way.

Grace for your spirit 6-22-16

Grace for your spirit

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think;  Romans 12:3

Paul could not and would not tell all he had seen and heard from God. He was very careful not to boast about his many accomplishments as a servant of Jesus.  His goal in life was to seek and save the lost, just as Jesus did.  Bragging about ourselves and being conceited, is a sure fire way not to connect with people.  Conceit is a weird disease.  It makes everyone sick except the one who has it.  As we talk to people, let's find out about others so we can connect them with Jesus.  Remember the formula for joy.  Jesus first, Others next, and Yourself last.