Forgiveness, Renewal, and Love

Good Morning!! For my church, the forth Sunday is Communion Sunday. Once everyone has been served, the Pastor says; "let's eat together, and lets drink together." And the entire church body joins in this practice of rememberence. All I can feel during this sacred time is love. It's a feeling of complete acceptance of each person as a child of God,...someone who have come to the table for the forgiveness and renewal. Which we all receive when we celebrate Holy Communion.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.—Matthew 26:26-28 (NIV)

"Jesus' body broken for you,...Jesus' blood, shed for you," Jesus' unconditional love flowing to, and through, the people who were there seeking that love,...by way of Holy Communion. I often wonder why we don't have it every Sunday,...after all, it is said that as often as we do this, it is in rememberence of Him.

At the table of the Lord, we will always find forgiveness, renewal, and love.

Dear Lord, help us to feel unconditional love for others every day, and help me to receive the love that others offer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"You make a living by what we get,...but you make a life by what we give."

God Is Our Guide

Good Morning!! Who guides us,...and to whom do we entrust our safety, in our daily lives? For most, the temptation is to trust the security that we believe money, health, jobs, and family can bring. But faith place in anything other than God, is faith miss-placed.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.—John 16:13 (NRSV)

Each of us wants, and has the right to live with dignity, and seek happiness,...but as we seek these things, money and stuff should not guide our lives or form the basis of our security. If the kingdom of God and its justice guide us, everything else will be added.

Through out the day, we should seek the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain us.
O God, thank you for being our beacon. Guide our lives and those of our loved ones. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"You make a living by what we get,
...but you make a life by what we give."

The Jesus In Us

Good Morning,...Praying That You And Yours, Had A Happy Thanksgiving!! How do we enter into the muck of this world without having it cling to us and drag us down? How do we light up the world without being attracted to the less than holy enticements we may find there? Set apart to be holy, but also sent into fallen creation to be used by God in His process of redeeming others. That’s the plan.

They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. —John 17:16,17 (NIV)

Jesus allows us to go into the world as holy people who can reach into the darkness without being covered by it. Here’s how: His Indwelling. Jesus prayed, “I in them and You in Me” (v.23). Profound words. The Son could do His work because the Father was in Him—loving and leading Him. Jesus indwells us by the Holy Spirit.

Because of Jesus, we now have the ability to walk among sinners, as He did,
...without having to enter into sin.

To go into the world is God’s plan for us.
We are called to a “holy worldliness.” Go in Jesus’ power! —Tom Felten

"Your past, is not your future,...Let It Go"

We Are Un-finished Works

Good Morning!! Viewing everyone through the eyes of God, would change our response, as well as our hearts and attitudes. It's a choice we could make,...to either look at what can be through Christ, or what we see with our human eyes. We are not expected to turn a blind eye to sin, but to seek what is good, and demonstrate love and compassion towards others, as they face the struggles and challenges along the way.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.—Philippians 4:5 (TNIV)

Everyone is a work in progress. Wouldn't it be great, if we could all grasp this simple truth,...and view others as an un-finished work of God's hand. Unfortunately, most of the time we only see the negative, when we should be in seeing the areas, that have been completed. What joy and peace of mind we would experience, if we could let go of our contempt of what someone else should be, or do.

Each and every life is priceless, and the possibilities endless, in the hands of Almighty God.

And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

"Your past, is not your future,...Let It Go"

Two Things

Good Morning, My Friend!! Most prescriptions for change involve doing two things. If we want to lose weight, we must eat less and exercise more. Financial freedom involves cutting what we spend while increasing the amount we save. Good relationships develop when we listen to others, instead of simply talking about ourselves. One essential of change is negative while the other is positive. It takes both to transform us from who we are into the people we hope to be.

The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”—Mark 1:15 (NIV)

In the Gospels, it’s interesting how often the call of Jesus required people to do two things.To repent means to turn away from our self-serving lives in which we, not God, are in charge. But if all we do is repent, then we’ve lost something without gaining anything in exchange. We need to do the second thing,...believe the good news. Negative and positive. Stop and start. Decrease and increase. That’s how we change as we abandon the self-life and embrace the Christ-life. That’s the beauty of following Jesus and learning how much we can change when we’re willing to do the two things.

Through repentance I turn away from sin, and by faith I embrace God’s forgiveness, acknowledging Jesus as Master of my life.

To ask, “Should I repent or should I believe the good news?” is like asking, “Which is more important, the left wing or right wing on an airplane?” We all know it takes both to fly.—Dave McCasland

"Your past, is not your future,...Let It Go"

L.I.G. Let It Go

Good Morning!! Today's Bible reading is about how Joseph forgave his brothers, but it is also clear that Joseph had not forgotten what the brothers had done. Although the command to forgive and forget is not found specifically in the Bible,...I wish we could forget. We can forgive smaller transgressions and even forget most of them,...but the more hurtful memories seem to remain.

God says, "I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more."—Jeremiah 31:34 (NRSV)

We cannot remove hurtful memories,...they are a part of us. Nevertheless, we can continually wrap them in layers of prayer so that though a part of us,...they no longer have the power to harm us.

Even though Joseph did not forget,...he was free from anguish over the past.
God of grace, help us to forgive until we are free to Let It Go, and move on. Amen.

"Your past, is not your future,...Let It Go"

We All Doubt

Good Morning!! Doubts are a normal part of spiritual growth. When we encounter them, we don't have to give up, or give in. We should talking to those who are solid in their faith,...we must keep studying, and praying.

Immediately the father of the [ailing] child cried out, "I believe; help my unbelief!"—Mark 9:24 (NRSV)

As we search, ask more questions, and look for new answers,...God leads us to discover for ourselves more than facts,...but the Truth. As we continue serving the Lord during our spiritual struggles, our answers will come.

First admitting, then facing our doubts, helps us to grow in faith.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your patience with us in our doubting,...and for Your help in finding deeper faith. Amen.

"Grace is the overflowing, immeasurable favor of God."

Strength Comes From Worship

Good Morning!! When we are grieving, worried, or feeling overwhelmed, it may seem easy not to attend worship. However, in times like these we most need to be there. When we are in company with the faithful, God has a way of reaching out to us that we don't often experience, in any other setting,...our fears and worries are calmed, our spirits renewed, and our faith strengthened.

Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.—Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV)

Know the importance of congregational worship,...not only to witness to our faith, but to receive the strength that comes only from worshiping with others. Public worship is important,...seek to make it a rule of life. We need to understand and believe God is always with us, but He touches us through others.

We experience God's presence best, in company with God's people.
Gracious God, help us to be faithful to worship you in company with our brothers and sisters in Christ. You are the source of our strength, which you bring to us in a powerful way when we worship together. Amen.
"Grace is the overflowing, immeasurable faver of God."

Don't Hide Your Weakness

Good Morning, It's Another Wonderful, Worshipful Wednesday!! So many people respond to feelings of inadequacy by throwing up a shield of pride and arrogance,...so others wont see the weak, fearful child that's inside of them. Being strong, independent, and having control is their goal. They live this lie for as long as they can.

[The Lord] said to [Paul], "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."—2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

But It's not until we allowed Jesus into our life and admitted our weaknesses that real peace and contentment can come to us. We as Christians, must learn from Paul that when we humble ourselves and admit we are too weak to handle all of life's difficulties on our own,...when we do, we open the door to Christ's power. Help is just a prayer away.

By God's grace, the power of Christ dwells in all of us.
Dear Lord, when we feel powerless and do not know how to handle life, You provide the strength we need. Help us to see, and truly believe, that our weakness opens the door for Your power to come into, and change our circumstances. Amen.
"Grace is the overflowing, immeasurable favor of God."

Free from Sin

Good Morning, Friend!! When Paul talks about being set free from sin that controls us,...he's telling us that release from sin means; a new life through faith in Jesus. Others may have known us when we were in the clutches of sin,...and still today, refuse to see us any other way.

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.—Romans 6:18 (NIV)

But through prayer, repentance, and trust we have grown, and are still growing into a new way of life,...being transformed into something better. Scars may remain, but our new life in Christ promises continual growth and change.

None of us are perfect, and though our faults are different,
...we all need Grace and Mercy.

Holy Spirit, help us to stay encouraged to walk in the ways that lead to life. Help us to see the beauty in others, and to accept them as we want to be accepted,...as You accept us all. Amen.

"Grace is the overflowing, immeasurable faver of God."

Complaining

Good Morning!! God led Moses and the Israelites away from slavery in Egypt, and into the desert. Almost immediately, the Israelites began to complain. First they complained about food, and God gave them quail and manna. Later they complained about the lack of water, and God gave them water.

Moses prayed to God, "Forgive . . . the sin of these people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt."—Numbers 14:19 (TEV)

We are a lot like the Israelites with our complaining. We don't take our needs and fears to God, right away,...in the faith that He will hear and deliver. Instead we whine, "Why me?" God has saved us for all eternity,...and yet, our thanks is a daily litany of petty complaints.

If we'd stop to express thanks for all the good things in our lives, we wouldn't have so much time to complain.

Father God, in repentance, we thank You for the freedom from a complaining spirit, and for the peace and joy that come with quiet trust and a thankful heart. Amen.

"Grace is the overflowing, immeasurable faver of God."

Restoration

Good Morning!! Think you've hit rock bottom? We can't fall so low that God can not, or will not, restore us. David was full of guilt, remorse, and penitence. The prophet Nathan had reminded David about sending Uriah where he would be killed in the heat of battle so that David could take Bathsheba, Uriah's wife. King David had looked at his life, and acknowledged that he had sinned.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.—Psalm 51:17 (KJV)

But David also had hope,...he realized that if he came to God with a penitent spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, he could receive forgiveness. God does not despise true repentance, which includes sorrow for sin and a desire to forsake sin.

God can restore our broken lives and make us whole, no matter how sinful we are.
Lord, restore us to the joy of Your salvation. Make us whole again. Amen.

"As Christians, we must give our lives to,
...what Jesus gave His life, for."

To Forgive

Good Morning!! If you have ever suffered an injustice at the hands of another, you know how difficult it is to forgive. The first reaction to injustice is shock, followed by anger that can increase in intensity until it encompasses our entire being. Forgiveness is often the farthest thing from our mind when we have been hurt.

Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12 (NRSV)

Being able to forgive our offenders, allows the suffocating burden of hatred to be lifted from our shoulders. Jesus knows the therapeutic value of forgiveness. The importance of forgiveness is reflected in the prayer Jesus taught us: We are to "forgive our debtors," those who have wronged us, in order to fully experience forgiveness ourselves.

Rage and obsessive thoughts of vengeance can and will begin to affect your health.



Dear Lord, give us the strength to forgive without reservation all those who have harmed us,...and all those still to come. Amen.

"As Christians, we must give our lives to,
...what Jesus gave His life, for."

In Christ God

Good Morning!! The Bible teaches that God and Christ are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Christ is everywhere doing the same,...reconciling all living things to God, and each other. This includes us,...our enemies,...and ultimately the whole of creation.

In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.—2 Corinthians 5:19 (NRSV)

The God of all creation, is the same God is in each of us,...for we are created in the image and likeness of God. God reconciles us in an amazing, stunning way,...transforming our lives, so that through the Holy Spirit in us, we are given the freedom to love others and to forgive their trespasses against us.

We are reconciled to Christ,...and today we can be reconcilers for Christ.
Thank you, God, for Jesus, who on the cross took all the blame for all of us. When Your Son sets us free,...we are free indeed. Amen.

"As Christians, we must give our lives to,
...what Jesus gave His life, for."

You Can't Stand Alone

Good Morning, My Friend!! In the Spiritual realm, as in nature, there strength in numbers. Those that stand alone make easy targets,...for even the weakest of predators. Studying by yourself, or praying for yourself is not enough. God means for us to include others. Alone we will grow weary, we will lose our edge,...and we will be picked off.

If one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.—Ecclesiastes 4:12 (KJV)

As we couple together, within the Body of Christ, we share faith and love. We form a wall high and long,...where even the weakest have strength, power and security,...and the enemy can find no way in. In times when powerful forces attack us, we need one another's encouragement.

Where we stand together, there is strength.
Dear God, when adversity comes, help us to take our place on the line of defense, so that we all may find strength and safety,...in fellowship with one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"As Christians, we must give our lives to,
...what Jesus gave His life, for."

Christian Life Challenges

Good Morning!! Can we, as Christians, find life frustrating, aggravating, or discouraging? Yes, but we don't have to be overwhelmed by those feelings. I know it can be easy to beleive the feelings of uselessness, worthlessness, and self-pity. But, instead of becoming frustrated, we can ask for God's help and strength,...knowing we'll receive it.

We take every thought captive and make it obey Christ.—2 Corinthians 10:5 (TEV)

When we remember that God loves us just because we're His children,...not for what we do, the negative feelings go away. I am convinced that it is not the limitations themselves, but the thoughts we entertain about them, that are most likely to cause us trouble.

When we rest in God's love,...we're filled again with hope.
Dear God, when we feel overwhelmed, help us remember that You love us, and are always ready and willing to help. Amen.

"As Christians, we must give our lives to,
...what Jesus gave His life, for."

TGIF

Good Morning,...And T.G.I.F.(Thank God I'm Forgiven)!! While ironing, I slowly became aware that the iron wasn't getting the wrinkles out, as efficiently as it should have been. Then I discovered that the cord had come unplugged from the outlet. Cut off from the source of electrical power, the iron lost its heat and effectiveness.

God's divine power has given us everything we need to live a truly religious life through our knowledge of the one who called us to share in his own glory and goodness.—2 Peter 1:3 (TEV)

We can sometimes become just as ineffective, in living our faith. We don't mean to, but sometimes we cut ourselves off from God's power,...because we lose our focus. We can allow ourselves to get disconnect,...without even noticing, right away.

Ask me how to connect, or re-connect to God's power,
...and I'll tell you that for me, getting and staying connected, comes through praying,
...reading the Bible, and talking with others, who have a love for God.
Sustaining God, thank You for being the source of all life. Remind us to turn to You for power. Allow Your energy and sustenance to recharge our spiritual life, and bring us strength to do Your will. Amen.

"The Spirit of the Lord is here!"

Glorify God

Good Morning!! A friend was complaining that even though she and her husband constantly work at their relationship and seek help from a counselor, they are still plagued with problems. "It feels like we'll be working at this forever," she sighed. I suggested that maybe we glorify God, as much in the struggle, as in the solution. "Your children are learning that you don't give up on a relationship."

We do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.—2 Corinthians 4:16-17 (NIV)

We love quick and neat resolutions, like we love happy endings. But it is often in clinging to God, when we don't see answers, that we witness most convincingly. A watching world is inspired and moved by a faith that just won't quit!

Continuing to fight, is evidence of hope, faith, and trust in God,...Who can.
O God, we pray for faith that never gives up. Amen.

"The Spirit of the Lord is here!"

Affirmation

Good Morning!! Affirmation is a fundamental human need. My grand kids love to hear that they've done a good job,...but more importantly, they love to hear that they are good. I am often reminded of how necessary this affirmation is to all people. God does not love all the things we do, but He never lets what we do, keep Him from loving us.

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.—Genesis 1:31 (NRSV)

When we think of people only as sinners, and not as bearers of God's image, it seems impossible that they will be able to move on to do better,...or be better. However, when we show them respect in spite of their sin, we open the door to allowing them to become all that they or we dare hope for them, and so much more.

Discovering the good in others, which may be like searching for hidden treasure,
...is a needed ministry.
Just remember, people are more than their deeds.
Seeker and Savior of souls, You find us and count us worthy of Your life. Guide us to seek the good in others. Amen.

"The Spirit of the Lord is here!"

Growing Season

Good Morning!! First Corinthians 3 tells us that the Lord assigned tasks to each one. The seeds were planted and watered, but verse seven says, "Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." Farmers sow their seeds in faith that they will grow. Sometimes that seed rots in the ground and there is no yield. Yet the farmer plants again.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Christians are much like farmers, planting seeds of love and truth in the world. Some seeds will sprout and bear fruit, resulting in new Christians. Both farmers and believers experience droughts, times when we plant seeds but see few results. We may become discouraged. But to be successful we must put our trust in God and sow more seed.

God gives the harvest,...it's up to us to be faithful.
Eternal God, our Father, help us to have the faith we need to continue planting seeds of hope and love,...even when we don't see the desired results. Amen.

"The Spirit of the Lord is here!"

Make time to VOTE,
...It a right you have to use, to keep.

Abba Father

Good Morning!! Scripture tells us that we are children of God,...calling to our Abba Father is our right, and our privilege. When our spirit cries out to God, "Abba! Father," our heavenly Father hears us and makes time for us.

When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.—Romans 8:15-16 (NRSV)

God is never to busy for us,...even in the throne room of heaven, God may be conducting important business with the greatest powers in all creation. But when we call out in prayer, God responds and comes to us in love, because we are God's children.

We always have God's attention,
...and help is only a prayer away.
Loving God, help us to understand that you delight in hearing from us, teaching us, correcting us, and giving us what we need. Amen.

"The Spirit of the Lord is here!"