Grace for your spirit 1-31-17

Grace for your spirit

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.  I Corinthian 2:14

When we walk in tune with God's will, when His Spirit fills our spirit, when we have the mind of God, His word makes sense.  We shouldn't be surprised when those outside the body of Christ just don't understand. When the Bible is just words on a page, they may seem like foolishness.  Let's ask God to fill us with His Spirit every day then see His word and His will come alive.

Grace for your spirit 1-30-17

Grace for your spirit

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this:  "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.  Revelation 3:1

A preacher served a church that had a name, "The Church That's Alive." In fact, after evaluating the membership, he realized they were dead on arrival.  In an effort to bring the church to life, he announce there would be a funeral service on Sunday for one of the most prominent members.  He brought an empty casket and placed a large mirror inside.  All the members were eager to see who was dead, until they passed by the coffin only to see their own reflection.  When we call ourselves Christians, let make sure we are alive in Christ.  Jesus knows.  Do we?

Grace for your spirit 1-27-17

Grace for your spirit

There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah.....and yet Elijah was sent to none of them, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.  Luke 4:25-26

During the 3 1/2 year drought and famine in Israel, everyone was hurting, but God provided for His prophet.  The faith in Israel was low, and people were mad a Elijah.  They turned from God and worshiped idols.  God chose a Gentile widow to serve Elijah.  Why her?  She had faith and was willing to put it to work.  Because of her faith she prospered and so did Elijah.  Maybe we should quit complaining how God helps everyone except us, and increase our trust in Him instead.

Grace for your spirit 1-26-17

Grace for your spirit

"But go, tell His disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see HIm as He told you."  Mark 16:7

Ray Riegels, playing in the 1929 Rose Bowl, picked up a fumble and ran the wrong way.  Totally embarrassed, he didn't wish to return to the field.  The coach reminded him that the game wasn't over yet.  Peter had denied Jesus three times and deserted Him.  Peter fumbled and ran the wrong way.  This message was a reminder to him that they game was not over.  It's not over for us yet either.  Let's get back into the game.

Grace for your spirit 1-25-17

Grace for your spirit

For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.  James 1:23-24

What good is it to look in our mirror, see changes we need to make, and then walk away without any improvements?  It is the same principle of hearing God's word, and then going on without any changes.  Positive changes and improvements will bring us back to the mirror regularly. Without positive changes we will avoid the mirror.  Let's all take a good long look today and straighten up.

Grace for your spirit 1-24-17

Grace for your spirit

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.  Proverbs 27:17

There are at least three ways to stay spiritually sharp.  When we study His Word, it sharpens us.  When we connect with our Father in prayer, that also sharpens us.  But the ultimate sharpening comes when we take His Word, and His insights, and share it with others.  Let's resolve to be like Jesus, spending time with those who need God.  Whether in His assembly, or on the street, let's sharpen our lives Jesus style.

Grace for your spirit 1-23-17

Grace for your spirit

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.               II Corinthians  4:16

As we get older it becomes evident that our bodies are decaying.  Some faster than others.  A man confessed he has furniture moved recently. He said, "his chest was in his drawers."  The joy we have as Christians is the eternal fountain of youth.  Our spirit never has to get old, because Jesus can make us new every morning.  When our spirit meets our new eternal bodies, we will never grow old.  We all may get old, but with the gift of God, we never have to be old.