Working Out

Many people wonder what this verse means about “working out” your salvation from Philippians 2:12. Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. First we know we can’t earn salvation – it is a gift of God through Christ. I believe it is referring about working and strengthening our “relationship” with Him! We need to live according to the Spirit.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:12-18

 Living according to the Spirit, Gods way not our way (unless it is His way) should be our goal! Our life should always reflect Christ - conduct, words, deeds, actions, finances, planning, and heart. Amen?

Embrace

Everyone must individually embrace your faith as your own. You have to take that step of faith to receive Christ. It’s not in accepting a bunch of religious rules but entering in to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

 Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus tells us; “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

The path to God through Christ is clear. Romans 10:8-13 guides us; “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,  that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Call on Jesus. Amen?

Know

Knowing is half the battle, but still many ask in seeking knowledge, What is truth?

Hosea 4:6 warns us; my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

Gods truth is found in knowing and believing the Word of God. Knowing the Gospel as your foundation determines your salvation! We are mandated to proclaim the one and only true Gospel.

  I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—  which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!  As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! - Galatians 1:6-9

Know and share the one true Gospel of Christ. Amen?

Life Application

I was looking through my papers the other day and came across the notes I kept at the Youth M-FUGE trip from three years ago. It was a wonderful experience for all who went. The theme this was Unashamed. I have used the phrase, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel and will apply it to my life" for years. This is the equation that was shared:

Knowing the Gospel + Embracing the Gospel + Living the Gospel = Unashamed   Sharing of the Gospel

Romans 1:16-17 states:  "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.  For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Live according to the Gospel and you'll put a smile on God's face.

Amen?

Big Steps

God opens doors of opportunity for us all the time. It usually requires faith to step through them. Paul had that chance, and he wrote the church about it. “For the present, I'm staying right here in Ephesus. A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here.” (There is also mushrooming opposition.) - 1 Corinthians 16:8-9 (The Message)

I find it interesting that in the same breath he spoke of opportunity he mentions the opposition. Just because god opens the door doesn’t mean we shouldn’t expect trouble from the world. (Remember they are against Him.) Even though the Adversary is against God’s work – His people should be more the willing to step up and through these God moments.

God is already there and wants us to be there working with Him! It will be a chance to use our spiritual gifts and show our obedience.

Be wise and step through any door God opens. Amen?

The Mirror

How highly do you think of yourself?

Paul instructs us in Romans 12:3,  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

We cannot serve Christ properly if we take the lead, and not follow Him. A humble spirit goes a long away in pleasing God. When we are not full of self, then we can be open to be full of the Holy Spirit. 

Strive to be full of faith, so God can fill you with His wisdom and power. Amen?

Model Prayer

In response to Luke 11:1 “Lord teach us to pray” comes Matthew 6:9-13; 

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,  as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." 

This is a model and guide for our own prayer life. It is a prayer for:

God’s Glory – “hallowed” “your kingdom come” “will”

Our Good – Provision (11), Pardon (12), Protection (13)

The foundation for all true prayer comes from the first two words: “Our Father” without Him you cannot have an effective prayer life. You must be born again!

No wonder His children are invited to come before Him with confidence – Hebrews 4:16, Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

In this manner pray.. – Matthew 6:5... Amen?

Majestic

Consider the song of David today. May it inspire you to have open eyes and heart to see God's creation and presence all around you.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet:

all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Worship the Lord with all you have...

Amen?

Friends

Many people like their churches just the way they are. Why would someone want to invite another to church? In order to be obedient to the Great Commission we must. We are told that we should share the love of God even with our enemies and those in sin.

Let’s look at John 1:12–13, Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— ¹³ children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

 People who have been touched by God are so moved by him that they want to introduce everyone to him, including their enemies. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. Let's remember that when we are considering who to ask to church - not just today but every Sunday.

Amen?

Disciple Making

Three Things to Remember About Disciple Making:

1. Witnessing (Go): Teaching someone about personal relationships

1 Peter 4:10: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

1 Corinthians 9:22 (LB): “Whatever a person is like, I try to find common ground with him so that he will let me tell him about Christ, and let Christ save him.”

2. Mentoring (Make): Teaching someone to do what you do.

When Jesus called the disciples, He said, “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

3. Investing (Teaching obedience): Teaching someone to be what you are, and that is a continual process. It’s not about a small circle of people – it’s about everyone.

1 Timothy 1:15a: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners …

John 3:16a: “For God so loved the world …”

1 John 2:2: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 Timothy 2:5–6: … the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men …

Go and make disciples. Amen?

A Glorious Future

I love this verse, “Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 Thank you God for grace!

I also love the book of Micah’s whose name means – Who is like the Lord. In Ephesians 5:1-2 we are called to - “Be imitators of God”, so I guess we should pay attention to what he has to say!

Chapters 6 and 7 of Micah it shows us a Sanctifying Savior.

Here Are Four Points to Consider:

1. God’s Case against Israel – 6:1-2 God is looking for an ethical response with Conviction!

2. God’s Compassion for Israel – 6:3-9…even in the midst of trials, troubles, chaos, hard times, and confusion He is compassionate – Each person makes their own decision.

Jesus quotes Micah 7:6 in teaching Matthew 10:32--39

3. God’s Conversion of Israel – 7:11-20 – A new Day! Our conversion experience is found in Romans 10:9, If you confess Jesus as Lord!

4. God’s Care for all Humanity – Confession leads to Confidence 7:7-10 It’s all about God’s glory – His way not ours…  Do you follow the King of Glory? …The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob. Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Psalm 24:1-8

Always give God the glory…

Attention

God is trying to get our attention. Do we know His Word?

In Matthew 22:29: Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. The cutting edge is lost when we do not know the Bible and It’s power. God is trying to get our attention. Have we submitted to His righteousness?


Paul wrote in Romans 10:2-3: For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Many have allowed Christianity and Ministry to become a hobby, an interest… But God is trying to get our attention – we are to be people of passion! We must have growth, enthusiasm, be committed, cheerful givers, and have JOY! 

May God give us our passion and commitment back. 


Pray today, “Lord, You have my attention – I may have fallen, but I can get back up – with passion.” Amen.

True Religion

In yesterday’s story of the Good Samaritan we saw that there are three people who have the opportunity to rescue the man beaten in the ditch. The first two looked but didn’t stop to help, but the Samaritan saved the man.

What happened here?

Priest -There are chores about the house but the work is in the fields.

Levite - Time to look but not concerned, caring, or moved to act

The Samaritan was busy but had compassion He was concerned, and acted. This represents God’s love in action.

Who are you?

It’s good to be religious, but are you just acting, practicing or applying it? Remember that Religion that costs you nothing is worth nothing –dead faith (James1:17)

Jesus said to, “Live a life for Jesus, go in faith, and do God’s will always.

Amen?

Half-dead People

Jesus had a teacher of the Law who was trying to trick Him with a question about eternal life. Jesus got him to answer according to Scripture. We are to love God with all we have and our neighbors as ourselves. Then came the eternal question: Who is your neighbor?

The answer is everyone, but sometimes we just can’t get involved. Some of us are too busy, don’t want to get involved, or just don’t care. People in distress need us to get involved even if they could be described as “half-dead” in their current circumstances. We see them around us every day – if we are willing to look.

Let’s pick up the story in Luke 10:29-37 – But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”  In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.  But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’  “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

The truth is half-dead people still have possibilities – they can be nursed back to health. We need to show compassion and love for our neighbors. Amen?

Fatherhood

This my fourth Father's Day without my Dad... I am sad about not being able to see him today, but his legacy and training run deep through our family. I believe he would agree with the following, and modeled it during his lifetime.

7 Aspects of Fatherhood

1. Provider – in order to prepare for your children’s future

2. Protector – our children are priceless – We  must be their defense

3. Leader – loving them by giving direction and communication

4. Authority - teach to honor and respect

5. Teacher - truthful lessons about God and life

6. Example - living it out every day. It is what you do consistently.

7. Friend - You like to be around them and them you - a trusting relationship.

Our relationship with God stems off our relationship with our Father or Father figure. Work on these aspects of fatherhood - even if you are not a Dad you'll be a better role model!

Happy Father's Day!

Loving Jesus

I preached a sermon once titled A Good Neighbor in a Bad Neighborhood. In question form it could be; How can you be a good friend in today's ungodly culture? Let's start by taking a look at, The Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-29

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

Jesus said the greatest thing you could do was love God and then love your neighbor as yourself. This was the key to inheriting eternal life; Love Jesus (make Him Lord) and be faithful (live in obedience) to His teaching. Do this and you will live. Amen?

Love Revolution

In the story of Rip Van Winkle, he walked past a portrait of King George III before his 20-year nap.  The next time he walked by the tavern there was a one of Washington. He had slept through a revolution! Jesus demonstrated his love on the cross and started a Revolution of Love – don’t miss it!

He is not merely a way but the Way! The Great news is Jesus is available to everyone – no matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been, or how you’ve lived your life so far. 

The Bible promises that if you “Call on the Name of the Lord – you will be saved”.

God says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

What do you need to call upon the Lord about today?

He is faithful and will walk you through life’s valleys. Amen?

Jesus Watching

We give grace because we’ve received grace. Jesus shared a great illustration of this principle.

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’” (Matthew 18:23–33)

Don't miss God's grace and mercy. Give as you have received.

Amen?

Free Grace

I received a great lesson on grace recently from Max Lucado's book, GRACE. Jesus' life was an act of humbleness and grace. We can learn so much by studying it.

 May we be reminded of the following 3 truths:
1. Grace once received is meant to be given.
2. Holding on to hurts only further wounds the injured party.
3. We each control only our response to the pain.

“But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love.” (Nehemiah 9:17 NLT)

Christian literally means "Little Christ". Show God's forgiveness, grace, mercy, and love to the world around you.

Accept the gift of God's grace and mercy. Give it freely.

Change Happens

A number of years ago my wife and I were walking past our local YMCA and their sign in the front yard caught our attention. It said, “Change happens here”. I understand everyone wants to get in shape and feel better. But I thought real change happens somewhere else. Something inside me wanted to pull the sign up and plant it in front of the church!

Real change happens when we accept Jesus’ gift of grace – His salvation. We need to make it personal. It feels good to say Jesus died for the world, but let’s make it more personal and say, Jesus died for me. He died for my sins. He bore my cross and pain.

Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. (Romans 5:6-8 The Message)

Praise the Lord!

Maybe we need to make our own sign to wear; Real change happened here – Really!

Don’t miss God’s grace – allow it to change you forever.

Rest in Grace

Trying to be “good enough” to achieve salvation  never works, because we are not perfect. “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 esv)

“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’ But the law is not of faith, rather ‘The one who does them shall live by them.’ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:10–14 esv)

Grace has to be one God’s best ideas for sinful people. We contribute nothing. He contributes everything. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 nkjv)

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” (2 Timothy 1:9) The certainty of God's promised grace replaces endless effort—we can rest. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Accept and rest in God's grace today. Amen?

God-Shaped Heart

There are so many modern-day medical miracles. I am amazed by what they can replace and fix in our bodies. They can give you a heart transplant but cannot change your "heart". Surgeons cannot remove lust, hatred, envy, or any kind of sin. Praise God He can!

Ezekiel 36:26, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” –

 Do you need a change of heart?

God's grace is the key to this change for a God-shaped heart.

⁴ Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. ¹⁵ Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:14-15

Receive God's grace not the world's troubles. Amen?

Don't Miss It

God's Word is so deep that you will never get to the bottom of it! It sure is fun to "dig in to it" though. Hebrew 12:15 tells us, "Don't miss God's grace". This is a key passage to begin "grace" learning. Today let's look at the New King James version of verses 14-16.

¹⁴ Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: ¹⁵ looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; ¹⁶ lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.

God's peace and holiness is available to all people. Christ followers are to share His grace in a world filled with bitterness and trouble. We are warned not to trade the eternal gift of God for the temporary things of this world.

 Receive God's eternal grace not the world's temporary pleasures. Amen?

Higher Ground

Spiritual battles take place all around us. Let's take a page from our American history books to learn a lesson about making decisions. On the battlefield discernment is critical. An officer leading his men into battle must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately. Decisiveness can spell the difference between victory and defeat. During the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee, one of the greatest military strategists to ever wear an American uniform, knew this well. He was fond of saying that “battles neither turn on a division or a brigade let alone a company or a squad. Rather, battles turn on the will of a man holding a rifle who takes aim or takes to heel.” Battles turn on individual decisions. Such was the case of the battle of Gettysburg on July 2, 1863. Lee, with a force of over a hundred thousand Confederate troops, had marched through Maryland and into the lush Pennsylvania countryside. With surprise and speed on his side, Lee took to the offensive and pushed into the city. He knew that the Union army was to his rear and that by the next day he would be facing them. Nonetheless, there was high ground just outside of the city, a hill called Culp’s Hill. With the city under occupation and his artillery on that hill, Lee could command the approach of the Union army and put them on the defensive. However, everything hinged on taking that hill.

The hill was on Lee’s left flank directly in the path of General Richard Ewell’s corps. Lee sent a message to General Ewell directing him to “take that hill if feasible.” As Ewell’s corps advance through Gettysburg and over the field leading to Culp’s Hill, the Union Army began to pour into the Gettysburg countryside. Elements that had been routed earlier in the day were streaming eastward toward General Meade’s Union army encampment on Cemetery Ridge just to the east of Culp’s Hill. If Ewell could take that hill, his guns would be trained right down upon them. Ewell paused his forces. What should he do? Should he attack with full force and push them off the hill? Should he take a small detachment and engage the enemy for strength? Should he stop his advance and wait until the next day’s light? Ultimately, Ewell decided to do nothing. Two days later the Confederate Army, defeated, straggled back toward the Potomac River and the safety of Virginia. The moment had been lost. The day had been lost. The battle had been lost. And, ultimately, the war had been lost. For the sake of a moment’s indecision, all had been lost.

Ewell risked failure because he couldn’t make a timely decision. Only one decision, but so much depended upon that moment’s value. When you think about it, our lives are like that terrible battle. Satan’s army lies before us waiting to destroy us. God is behind us, though. He tells us to take the high ground and put the foe on the defensive. We can either advance or retreat. But, remember, this battle hinges on your ability to be discerning. Delay can be costly when you are fighting the good fight. Every moment has its value. We should live life in a spirit of knowing this and accepting our responsibility to understand that our decisions, good and bad, are critical to the path we walk in this life. Obedience to God's plan and ways are always best.

Remember to always choose to be on God's high ground. Amen?

Listening and Looking Up

Every time I do a funeral of a person whose life is cut short because of bad decisions I wonder what went wrong. It's a real tragedy with many questions that might never get answered. Answers and hope at a time like this can only come from God. We need to look (up) and listen (obediently) to the Lord.

 In Psalms 88 the psalmist begins with his eyes looking up...

“Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.

May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.”

Then he looks at the world and starts his lament.

^“ I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead,  like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. You have taken from me my closest friends  and have made me repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot escape;  my eyes are dim with grief.  Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me?”

Then he looks back up from where our help really comes from.

“I call to you, Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you. 

I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.”

How's your life – are you looking up for your help or looking out? 

Are you listening?

It Matters

Do you know you matter to God? The world says your identity is “in your possessions, talents, tattoos, kudos, or accomplishments.” And that you are defined by “your divorce, deformity, debt, or dumb choices.” —Max Lucado  

The Word says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“If God loves you, you must be worth loving. If he wants you in his kingdom, then you must be worth having. God’s grace requires you to change your attitude about yourself and take sides with God against your feelings of rejection.” —Max Lucado

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13–14)

Don't miss God's grace. Amen?

Honest Grace

What are  the results of confession? - Receiving, Restoring, and Recognizing!

Receiving God’s mercy and kindness.

“If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ncv)

“God, be merciful to me because you are loving. Because you are always ready to be merciful, wipe out all my wrongs. Wash away all my guilt and make me clean again.” (Psalm 51:1–2 ncv)

Restored relationships.

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Romans 5:10–11 esv)

Recognizing God’s power on display.

“Many of the believers began to confess openly and tell all the evil things     they had done . . . So in a powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing.” (Acts 19:18, 20 ncv)

Will you confess and risk honesty with God this week?

Allow God's grace to change you and your life. Amen?

Good Answer

If God is willing to forgive His enemies then do we have the right not forgive ours? Christ told us to love our enemies. Who are you angry at or hold a grudge? Let’s take a look at a man who was angry at God in Jonah 4:1-4  But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.  He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.  Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”  But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

 Four attributes of God that we need to follow are:

1. God is gracious and compassionate.

2. God is slow to anger.

3. God is abounding in love.

4. God relents from sending calamity.

Jesus tells us to follow His example. We have the right to question God but, He also has the right to question us! What is He asking you to get over and move on from?

 With God's strength every set-back can be a come-back!

 Don’t miss giving the grace that you have received. Amen?

What Time Is It?

God is calling us to be about His agenda, purpose, timing, and perfect will. It is time that we truly seek revival and renewal to be God’s children. We need to love and worship Him alone with all our heart, mind, body, and soul. Are we ready to get off the slippery slopes and sinking sand to stand on the only firm and sure foundation, the Rock of our salvation Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God? Shall we set about trying to recover that “first love” and joy of knowing Christ? Will we be willing to listen and obey God’s increased demand call on our lives, time, finances, heart, and actions? Will we help our neighbors and country to hear the truth, that we do trust in, want to bless, and will strive to be “One nation under God”?  I believe it’s time!

In 1963 the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before God and the country in front of the Lincoln Memorial and said these words: I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together and, to stand up together.

The Word of God says in Numbers 12:6, he said, "Listen to my words: "When a prophet of the LORD is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. Today we find our situation like the one found in 1 Samuel 3:1, the boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.  The Bible prophesies in Acts 2:17, “‘in the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

It is time “even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow” to have a dream. Realize that God is in charge, and he can do all things. By His strength and in His will He can use us as part of His purpose and plan. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together and, to stand up together. By God’s Word He will reveal Himself and give the vision for our church and country, but we must turn to Him in faithfulness, obedience, and love. Amen?

Instructions

A few years ago I was using the ATM at my local bank. It’s set up like a lot of banks with a set of glass doors to the machine and then another set in to the bank. I always watch the people coming in while I’m making a withdrawal. I saw this man coming in the door at a pretty good clip. He comes in the first set of doors and turns right behind me and runs right in to the glass wall!

He falls to the ground hard, and his file and papers going flying. I turned and helped him to his feet. As I picked up his papers I asked if he was okay. He replied, “What happened?” I told him he ran in to a wall. He said, “That’s impossible! The man from this bank told me to come through the doors and turn right and I’d be at his desk.” 

Well, he was okay and went on through the second set of doors (and turned right) to his appointment. I thought now there is someone who takes instruction literally!

Even though it was kind of funny I can appreciate someone taking and following directions to the letter. Jesus said, “If you love me then obey my commands”. Makes you think. If God spoke literally to us and told us to go and do this or that would we?

Wait a minute, I think He did. Amen?