Grace for your spirit 5-31-18

Grace for your spirit

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.  Matthew 9:36

Compassion is a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.  Compassion is the heart of Jesus.  Jesus said He desired compassion more than sacrifice.  Without compassion for others, there will be no sacrifice for others.  Do you feel we live in an uncaring world? A world that doesn't see needs, nor care about the needs of others?  Let's take on the heart of Jesus.  Compassion help us to see, and move us to service.

Grace for your spirit 5-30-18

Grace for your spirit

Then it happened when he turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came about on that day.       I Samuel 10:9

When Samuel found Saul to anoint him as the king of Israel, Saul didn't think he was ready for the job.  He was right, he wasn't.  God promised Saul that he would make him a new man when he obeyed and took the step of faith.  With his first step in the right direction, God changed his heart, and all the signs and wonders came true for him before their very eyes.  We may not think we are able to walk the Christian walk, and we probably aren't.  When we turn out backs on the world, and take that first step toward obeying Christ as Lord, God will change us, equip us, save us, and make us His servant.

Grace for your spirit 5-29-18

Grace for your spirit

O Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble, You will strengthen their heart, You will incline Your ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth will not longer cause terror.  Psalm  10:17-18

God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  The words of the proud do not reach Him, but His ears are open the humble.  He promises to hear, strengthen, vindicate, and give victory to the humble. The victory of the humble is the destruction of the proud who cause terror.  Let's stay humble, and close to the Lord.  The journey may be difficult, but the victory is sure.

Grace for your spirit 5-25-18

Grace for your spirit

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about  you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,  surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

Can you think of a day that this thought from the Lord wouldn't make us feel much better ?  There are so many things in life that are out of our control and they often bring fear and anxiety.  We know of His strength,and ability to help us.  May we remind ourselves of that and be sure of it in our darkest hours.

Grace for your spirit 5-24-18

Grace for your spirit

You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.  Psalm 18:36

This Psalm is a song about God's protection, both with a great defense and great offense.  Whether we are retreating or attacking, sure footing is always important. When someone is forced to walk through deep snow, snowshoes are just the thing.  They are huge mesh like boots, that enlarges our steps to give us sure footing in deep snow.  God will supply us with just the right equipment we will need for every circumstance.  Let's go with God and go prepared.

Grace for your spirit 5-23-18

Grace for your spirit

A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul.  Acts 16:14

The Apostle Paul was divinely directed to this person and this place.  Not knowing the opportunities that awaited him, he only knew of his desire to share the good news about Jesus.  While this woman was listening the Lord opened her heart to respond.  As a result, she and her household were baptized and the church was established in Europe. When we allow the Lord to lead us, and to equip us, we never know whose heart might be opened.  We will only find out by sharing the message of Jesus and watching the response.  When we are there, let us continue to share.  It will declare that we care.

Grace for your spirit 5-22-18

Grace for your spirit

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 2:20

Remember those old wanted posters in western movies.  Frequently they were "Wanted Dead Or Alive."  Well, God's wanted poster for us is a little different.  It is "Wanted Dead And Alive."  God wants us to be crucified with Christ, and be dead to the flesh, dead to the Law, and dead to ourselves.  At the same time, we alive to the Spirit, with Christ living in our dead bodies.  He gave Himself up for us.  Now it is our turn to give ourselves up for Him.