Letting Go Of The Right Stuff

Good Morning!! Some of us spend a lot of time trying not to forget things. Small stuff like where we left our keys; bigger things like friends' names; biggest of all are blessings to remember and promises to keep. But Paul wants us to forget,...anything that would hinder us from reaching our goal, of knowing Jesus.
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,..—Philippians 3:12 (NIV)

We must remember, to forget, passed sins and failures. Learn what you can from your sins, ask God to forgive you, and move on. We dishonor God, belittle his grace, and do ourselves no good by torturing ourselves with memories of mistakes, and undone deeds. It's just as important to forget past successes. It is tempting to say to ourselves, " I've done more than my share, let someone else take over." People will sometimes grow in spiritual maturity and service up to a certain point, and then their success, smothers further progress.

Rear-view mirror drivers are bad drivers, and minds clogged with the stuff of past failures make poor progress.

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Father God, when Satan is badgering and confusing us,remind us that Your Holy Spirit within us,is greater than all the evil around us.

"If you follow in the footsteps of Jesus, it will be anything but boring,

God Speaks

Good Morning, And Welcome To A Fantastic Friday!! I've never heard the voice of the God speaking in the same way I hear people speaking. But, I'm convinced that I have heard Him in many other ways,...more subtle ways. As I've said before, God speaks from the pages of my Bible, from pulpits, in friendly conversations.

Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey Him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go."—Exodus 5:2 (NIV)

Pharaoh could easily be speaking for the world today, in the scriptures above. Pharaoh wouldn't obey the voice of someone he didn't know. How is that really any different than those that claim to know God,...but won't obey Him? He's right,... if you don't know the Lord; it's not likely you'd hear and obey His voice,...until you're made to know Him.

The voice of the Shepherd is like music to His sheep.

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Gracious Lord, you have given us ears to hear and hearts to receive. Now we pray for the will to obey your voice that we know and trust. Amen.

"The storms that threaten to destroy us,...God will use to strengthen us."

In The WORD

Good Morning, Here's Something To Think About This Thoughtful, Thankful Thursday!! Have you ever been reading scripture and suddenly a truth jumps out at you that applies clearly to some issue you're facing. That's what today's scripture is talking about, when it says that the Word of God is "living and active."

The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.—Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)

The Bible is a beautiful gift from God, but only if we read it. If we don't set aside time to read the Bible, we neglect an opportunity for God to speak to us,...to teach us, to guide us,...to comfort us. When we read the Bible, we grow closer and closer to God.

The Bible has one quality that no other book has ever had: It's alive! 

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The Bible is key to a true, and deeper, intimacy with God.

"The storms that threaten to destroy us,...God will use to strengthen us."

How You Living, In The Flesh, Or In The Spirit?

Good Morning!! Paul is talking about directions in Romans 8. One direction is temporal, carnal, earthly. Life in the flesh is pleasure seeking, habit-forming. We never have enough pleasure, money, or fame; and we can become prisoners of lusts. When we live according to the flesh, we cannot serve our neighbors freely because we live in fear,...fear that others will take what we have.

Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.—Romans 8:5 (NRSV)

The other direction is spiritual. Life in the Spirit points away from self-indulgence behavior and is oriented toward serving others and toward serving God. It's not a threat or pleasure to us,...but life in the Spirit leads to service. Paul found that "to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Living in the Spirit sets us free to care for others.

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Look at where you are heading, do you like it? If things, money and property are becoming too important to you,
....you can change direction.

"The storms that threaten to destroy us,...God will use to strengthen us."

Won't You Let Him In?

Good Morning, My Friend!! You've heard about Jesus,...you agree with most of the beliefs about Him...and you like Jesus,...but there still has never been that life-changing moment when you tell Jesus you are opening up your life to Him. And that's the only step that brings Jesus from outside your heart to inside your heart. Through messages like this one,  talking with friends or tapes and cd's, something,...you know Jesus is knocking,...don't you?

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in.—Revelation 3:20 ( NIV )

It's so important that we understand what Jesus is saying here. Jesus says Step 1 is the knocking. That happens in your heart when you start experiencing a spiritual tug inside... a strange stirring inside that starts you looking in God's direction. Then comes Step 2, you realize what you're looking for,...well, really...Who you're looking for. In Jesus'  own words, you " hear My voice." A lot of people come this far, and faint or become fearful of the changes, to follow. But Jesus is still outside. Jesus said, " If anyone opens the door, I will come in." And notice who opens the door.(You)  Jesus doesn't push His way in. He waits for you to open the door.

You can hear His voice,...calling your name. Isn't it time you open the door and say; ..."Jesus, come on into my heart and life! Beginning today, Lord, I'm Yours." ?

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"Sad is the day when a person becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living,

the thoughts he's thinking, the deeds he's doing,

 

...when there forever ceases to beat at the door of his soul,

...a desire to do something greater for God."
(Running with the Giants, John Maxwell, p. 42)

"The storms that threaten to destroy us,...God will use to strengthen us."

No One's Perfect

Good Morning!! It's not just you,...we all fall down. Throughout the Bible, we are told of men and women who engaged in sin and ungodly behavior, yet who, through repentance and the saving grace of Jesus Christ, went on to be witnesses of God's word. Take, for example, the woman described in John 8:3-11, who was caught in the very act of adultery by the scribes and Pharisees. Seeing the woman's deep remorse, Jesus told her, "Then neither do I condemn you." He also added, "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11)  What about David, King of Israel, who was the apple of God's eye? When one reads of David's life, we see a man of complex character

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who had many faults along with numerous virtues. Psalm 51 illustrates David's true repentant attitude toward a very grievous offense, "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions." David's sincere plea to God for his sin was a cry from the depth of his heart. God pardoned him and David humbly accepted the consequences of his transgression as just punishment.

...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,—Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Our Heavenly Father did not send His Son, Jesus Christ, for the perfect, the sinless,...but rather for those who stumble, fall, and are lost. He is there to minister, love, and care for all who call upon Him. We may be able to hide our deepest, darkest secrets from man, but only God knows our true heart and only He has the ability to offer us a second chance at life!  God has wonderful things in store for you if only you'll accept them.

How fortunate we are, that ours is a God of second chances!

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" Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! " (2 Corinthians 5:17)

"The storms that threaten to destroy us,...God will use to strengthen us."

Becoming The Comfort, We Seek

Good Morning!! In this life, we cannot always find the answer to the question "Why?" Why is God allowing this pain in my life? Why did he let this happen to my family? Those kinds of "why" questions are difficult to answer, but in today's scripture we learn part of the answer. God sometimes allows us go through the tough times and experience His comfort, so we will be able to comfort others. We live in a world full of hurting people. God's comfort toward us makes it possible for us to reach out to them. Our own suffering gives us the "credentials" to be heard by those who are suffering.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

As we allow God to comfort us, and to give us peace and hope, we will experience healing, spiritually and emotionally,...and even physically. Then we will be ready to stand beside others in love, and with God's guidance, we will become a blessing.

Nothing God does for us, is for us alone.
God comforts us, in our troubles,..so we can comfort others.

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Father in Heaven, it  help to know at least part of the "why." We believe You bring good from everything, for those that trust and follow You. We are praying for Your comfort and healing. And in Your timing, help us reach out to others with that same love and comfort. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"You are only one decision away from a totally different life,...just remember; wishing is not the same as doing."

Where Our Help And Hope Comes From

Good Morning!! God doesn't promised us days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain,...but he does promise strength to get through each day, comfort for the tears, and light for our way. As you provide care and support for an aging parent, a spouse or friend, turn to God for strength and hope. The Bible has a great deal to say about aging and care-giving concerns. Take time to meditate on God's Word. You will find guidance, strength and hope. Open your Bible and spend quiet time with God every day. No matter how busy you are, be determined to set aside that special time with Him. And remember that He is with you every moment of the day.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."—Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

At times you might find it hard to accept and understand why you and your family are going through these challenging times,...but if you seek God, you will find Him. He promises to hear our prayers and meet our needs. He is our source,...He is the one who will make the impossible, possible. Too often we exhaust ourselves with our own efforts before we ever ask God for His help and provisions, for our needs. God wants us to look to Him for the strength, wisdom and resources needed to accomplish His will.

When we focus on the need,...we run the risk of becoming overwhelmed by it.

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Father God, at times we get so weary,...physically and emotionally. And sometimes we find ourselves turning everywhere for help, before coming to You. Help us to remember to always come to You first,...because You are truly our source of strength. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"You are only one decision away from a totally different life,...just remember; wishing is not the same as doing."

We Really Are Family

Good Morning!! Each of us is born into an earthly family. Within that family we are to love one another and care for one another's needs. But God has also blessed Christians with another family: the family of believers who follow Christ as Savior. Instructions for ways we are to love one another abound in the New Testament. Sometimes we limit our concept of the family of believers to our local church body. But the Bible makes it clear that every Christian believer--everywhere--is a member of the family. All denominations. All cultures. All races. And we are to love one another.

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.—1 Peter 2:17 (NIV)

Loving one another means attempting to living at peace with one another. "Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters,...or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!"(James 5:9 NIV). "Live in harmony with one another" (Romans 12:16 NIV). Within the local church, jealousy, competitiveness, and bitterness often replace the love God wants us to share. And we tend to be suspicious and critical of other Christian denominations, and cultures who do things differently than we do. We are the Father's representatives here on earth. How well are we representing Him? When unbelievers look at our family,...do they see the love of God?

By the love of God,...we are family.

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Lord, help us show more love to our Christian family. Forgive us for any unforgiveness or mistrust. Help us to love our brothers and sisters,...with the love of Christ. Amen.

"You are only one decision away from a totally different life,...just remember; wishing is not the same as doing."

Move Other To Do Good Too

Good Morning!! We can show love for the family of believers, by thinking of ways to motivate one another,...reaching out with acts of love and good works. Notice this scripture doesn't call us just to motivate one another. It says to think of ways to motivate one another. We aren't supposed to motivate others just when the opportunity presents itself (although we should do that). We are supposed to think of ways to motivate one another. To pray for ways to encourage one another. God wants us to be proactive in motivating others to do good.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.—Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Today's scripture tells us that meeting together is an important ingredient to motivating and encouraging one another. We can't motivate people if we don't see them! Meeting together to encourage one another strengthens us as the body of Christ. Today's world brings great challenges. Financial challenges. Family challenges. Ministry challenges.

Now is a time for us to seek God together as never before,...and to continually motivate one another to do what God is calling us to do.

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Sweet Spirit of God, open our eyes to the needs of our brothers and sisters,...and show us how to encourage and motive them, to acts of love and good works. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

"You are only one decision away from a totally different life,...just remember; wishing is not the same as doing."

Be A Do Gooder

Good Morning!! At times, God gives us opportunities to do good to all people,...especially to those in the family of believers. Today's scripture encourages us to use every opportunity that comes. How often do we hear of a friend's need and simply respond with an "I'll pray for you." Sometimes that's all we can do. However, many times we could give some practical assistance as well. But that might be inconvenient. Or costly. "As we have opportunity, let us do good." . And then there is the homeless man on the street corner whom we pretend not to see. Or the lady who lives across town and needs a ride to church. Inconvenient. Or the friend dealing with a crisis who just needs to talk. But I have so much to do today. "As we have opportunity, let us do good."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.—Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
   

Sometimes our lives are not characterized by true caring, and kindness. We can be too busy, too caught up in ourselves and our own troubles, too isolated. Just imagine what would happen in the body of Christ if we each begin to show compassion and brotherly kindness at every opportunity? Let us start each day with a prayer asking God to help us see, and use, every opportunity to do good. Let us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit so we will seize those opportunities,...and not run from them.

You were blessed,...that you might be a blessing, to others.

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Father God, forgive us for sometimes being too selfish, not wanting to help someone because it's inconvenient or uncomfortable. Teach us to seize the opportunities that You present, to do good. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"You are only one decision away from a totally different life,...just remember; wishing is not the same as doing."

What's Love??

Good Morning!! Most people think of love as just an emotion, but the Bible teaches that love is not only an emotion,...it's a command. In fact, in today's scripture, Jesus tells us that loving the Lord is the first and greatest commandment. And that loving your neighbor as yourself is equally important. Since love is a command, that makes it an act of the will,...a choice. And that choice should lead to action. It determines how we respond to God. It determines how we interact with people. So love is an emotion . . . a choice . . . and an action.

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'—Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) 
  
God's love for us led Him to action. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV). And as we follow Jesus, we can sense His love surrounding us, helping us, guiding us, encouraging us every day. "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand" (Isaiah 41:10 NLT). Will His love ever leave us? No. It is unconditional. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

God Is Love!

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Father, we thank You that we can learn what love is by looking at You. Thank You for loving us even when we're unlovable. Thank You for showing Your love to us in countless ways,...each and every day. Thank You for giving Your Son so that we could be forgiven and live. Help us learn to love You,...and others,...with Your kind of love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"The liberating truth of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, takes us as we are,...and loves us too much to leave us there."

Better Living

Good Morning!! I remember several years ago when I was teaching my kids how to drive. Talk about nerve-racking! Sitting in the passenger seat, I felt absolutely helpless. All I could do was give them guidance and allow them to follow it. And when they first began driving on their own, I don’t think I slept for days! Now when it comes to teaching kids how to drive, you can do it one of two ways. You can start by showing them the first aid kit, the map, the insurance card, and where to put their Starbucks while the car is moving. Or (the best way), you can let them start driving,...and show them what to do along the way.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.—Galatians 5:16 -18 (NIV)

 

God wants us to know how to steer through life. One way He could’ve taught us that is by telling us exactly how to respond to any and every situation that might arise. All we’d have to do is memorize His instructions, and we’d be good to go. But like driving, God knows the best way for us to learn is to get out and experience life for ourselves, walking by the Spirit and listening to Him as we go. So if you want to get the most out of life, live teachable.

Start allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps,...and you'll learn how to excel in every aspect of life!

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Sweet Spirit of God, lead us, teach us, help us,...but first, You need to make us lead-able, teach-able, and open to help. In Jesus' name. Amen.

"The liberating truth of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, takes us as we are,...and loves us too much to leave us there."

Be A Better Church

Good Morning!! There are a lot of churches today that, frankly, are very difficult to join. You have to go through a bunch of classes, pass a theology exam, and be interviewed by ten committees before they’ll consider you a member! Now I understand the motive behind much of this is to ensure their congregation has good doctrine. But as I look at the New Testament pattern for being received into fellowship, I find that people were accepted regardless of their spiritual status, even if they scarcely believed!
So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered.  "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." "'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for one who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"—Mark 9:20-24 (NIV)

 

When Jesus encountered the man in today’s passage whose son was demonized, he didn’t require the man to have his theology all worked out. Jesus used that scintilla of faith to heal the boy. A little bit of faith was enough, even when some unbelief was still present! The church of Jesus Christ is to minister to people at the point of their need. It’s not a sacred society for snubbing sinners. It exists to help the hurting and aid the broken.

 

Be the church God intends,...by inviting all people to know Christ, and receiving them into fellowship when they express even the desire for faith!

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Father, it only by Your grace that any of us have come to faith. Let us now not withhold that same grace from others. If we can't find acceptance from the church,...then where? Amen.

"The liberating truth of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, takes us as we are,...and loves us too much to leave us there."

Walking In The Light

Good Morning!! Sudden, or big changes in our life, can often trigger bouts of depression. Avoiding, or climbing out of that depression is a process,...and it requires perseverance. We must persist in believing God's truth instead of listening to our feelings. We may have thoughts like "Woe is me. Nothing ever works out, the way I planned. I never thought I'd be here,...or What's the use?" Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we need to intentionally refocus on truths from the Bible: "I am special to God. God made me for a purpose. God loves me. He will never leave me. With God, there is always hope. I can do all things through Christ. ,...and my favorite; Ever new day is another chance to get it right." Although it takes time, as we persistently choose to believe God's truths instead of our feelings,...those truths will become a part of us. Our thinking about ourselves will begin to change, for the better. Our relationship with God will grow stronger. And we will find it easier to build new healthy relationships.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.—Romans 12:2 (NIV)

 

Just don't give up, even if you slip into depression. You can still climb out of depression. As you persist in trusting God, He will show you the way, step by step. And He will give you strength for the climb,...you can, and will bask in His light again. You will love, and feel love again. With Christ, all things are possible. (Philippians 4:13)

 

God gives us help for fighting depression: the truths of the Bible … the Holy Spirit to remind us of those truths … and the people of God to encourage us. We must persistently open our hearts and minds to all these wellsprings of help.

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Father, it takes time to sink into depression, and I know climbing out of it will take time as well. Help us not to give up. Help us to focus on the truths of Your Holy Word. Please transform us into new people by changing the way we see and think. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

"The liberating truth of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, takes us as we are,...and loves us too much to leave us there."

By His Blood, We Have Moved From The Darkness

Good Morning!! As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, you and I have moved from darkness to light. Jesus has brought us into the light and out of the darkness! That’s how you know that you are saved, because you’ve moved from darkness,...and the consequences of that darkness into the love and into the light of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus is that light! Jesus is that love!...and He came to this earth, perfectly God and perfectly man, in order to redeem us.

...to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’—Acts 26:18 (NIV)

 

That is, He has taken away our sin. By His blood we have been forgiven, and we’ve moved from the darkness to the beautiful light of Christ. Though He faced sin’s temptation, He never sinned. He identified with us, and the Word of God was invested in us. Jesus ultimately died for us, substituting for us on the cross. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

 

God became one with us, in order that we might become one with Him.

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Lord, You came into the darkness, shinning You Light and Love,...that we might fine our way out. And we we thank You, Jesus. Amen.

"The liberating truth of Christianity is that God meets us where we are, takes us as we are,...and loves us too much to leave us there."

Be Not Dismayed, The Father Is There

Good Morning!! Tragedy and violence can happen anywhere, for any of us, at any time. Christians are not some how immune to them. Real security cannot be found behind walls or fences,...real security comes only from having a relationship with God, the source of all life.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow and death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;—Psalm 23:4a,b (KJV)

The psalmist reminds us that we need not fear, or be overwhelmed, because God is present with us at all times,...and in all places and situations. God sees us through. Indeed, the foundation and content of our hope is the promise that nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of our God.

When the ground under our feet, begins to get shaky, remember God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us.

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When you walk with God, you'll never walk alone,...if you didn't know,...now you know!

"Before giving or serving in church, pause to consider why and how you're doing it,...let thanksgiving, true worship, and love be our only motivations."

Thanking God, For The Highs And The Lows

Good Morning, Worship Should Always Include Thanks!! Another one of God's many gifts to us is this: When we look for a reason to give thanks, we find it. We're able to see old things in new ways. Paul reminds us that living under God's love means giving God thanks in all that life brings,...even in what may be viewed as hard times.

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.—Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)

Everything we do, we should be doing as though it was for God,...don't let people or situations change that. Instead of approaching adverse work situations and difficult people as a cross to be endured, We can and should look at them as opportunities to learn patience and compassion.

Old problems and long-held grievances yield to the power of thankful living.

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Thanks be to God!,... Always, in all things!!

"Before giving or serving in church, pause to consider why and how you're doing it,...let thanksgiving, true worship, and love be our only motivations."

You Can't Go Wrong Following Christ

Good Morning My Friend, It's the Making of Another Great Week!! In each of our lives, somebody,...a friend, a family member, a co-work, or someone we may not even know, is being influenced by our actions or words. How we live is an example for others to mirror,...good or bad. By following the example of Jesus, we'll lead those who imitate us, to the light. Think about what your behavior or deeds are teaching others.

Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.—1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
Jesus models for us, how to live life fearlessly and authentically. He trusted in God all the way to the cross. At first, his death seemed like the final failure, and yet this greatest tragedy turned into the ultimate victory. Two thousand years later, and Jesus is still changing lives!

No one was ever lead astray, by following Jesus.

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" We can have an impact on our generation, and an incredible impact on succeeding ones, through our prayers, our walk, and our use of resources,...it all depends on how available we are to God."

"Before giving or serving in church, pause to consider why and how you're doing it,...let thanksgiving, true worship, and love be our only motivations."