“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
In 1945, a young associate pastor named Cliff married his fiancee, Billie. They had very little money but scraped up enough to take a honeymoon. When they arrived at the hotel they were told it was now a rehabilitation center and not available to overnight guests. They hitchhiked to a grocery store several miles down the rode. The owner was sympathetic to their situation and let them stay in a room over the store. The owner quickly caught on that they were Christians and referred them to a friend with a nicer place to spend the rest of their honeymoon.
During the week their host invited them to attend a youth rally at a nearby Christian conference center. The regular song leader was ill that night so Cliff was asked if he might take charge of the music service. He consented and led the music before a young evangelist named Billy stepped up to preach. Cliff Barrows met Billy Graham that night and formed a ministry team that has preached the gospel throughout the world for 60 years. When your plans don’t seem to work out, maybe God has something better in mind. He sure did for Cliff and Billie Barrows!
God really does have a wonderful plan for your life!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
God’s Recipe
“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
Lehman Strauss has known the heartache of suffering and loss. In the midst of his wife’s stroke, he wrote and excellent book, In God’s Waiting Room: Learning Through Suffering. As he attempted to better understand the events of pain which moved into their lives, he likened their experiences to childhood memories of his mother making a cake. Dr. Strauss recalled the various ingredients that went into the cake. Flour, baking powder, shortening, and raw eggs were all part of the cake, but by themselves they aren’t very enjoyable snacks. When they are properly mixed together with all of the other ingredients and baked for the correct length of time, they collectively produce a delicious dessert.
In our lives we experience ingredients that seem unpalatable and our temptation is to tell God He’s ruining everything. At those times we will find greater strength and peace when we acknowledge God’s perfection and trust Him for the finished product.
We don’t get to choose over trials, only how we will respond to them. Remember - God is faithful.
Lehman Strauss has known the heartache of suffering and loss. In the midst of his wife’s stroke, he wrote and excellent book, In God’s Waiting Room: Learning Through Suffering. As he attempted to better understand the events of pain which moved into their lives, he likened their experiences to childhood memories of his mother making a cake. Dr. Strauss recalled the various ingredients that went into the cake. Flour, baking powder, shortening, and raw eggs were all part of the cake, but by themselves they aren’t very enjoyable snacks. When they are properly mixed together with all of the other ingredients and baked for the correct length of time, they collectively produce a delicious dessert.
In our lives we experience ingredients that seem unpalatable and our temptation is to tell God He’s ruining everything. At those times we will find greater strength and peace when we acknowledge God’s perfection and trust Him for the finished product.
We don’t get to choose over trials, only how we will respond to them. Remember - God is faithful.
Friday, January 28, 2011
God’s Faithfulness
“This I recall to my mind,
therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
Hudson Taylor had complete confidence in God. He once wrote in his journal: “Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China, but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
therefore I have hope.
The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
Hudson Taylor had complete confidence in God. He once wrote in his journal: “Our heavenly Father is a very experienced One. He knows very well that His children wake up with a good appetite every morning. He sustained 3 million Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years. We do not expect He will send 3 million missionaries to China, but if He did, He would have ample means to sustain them all. Depend on it, God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
God’s Provision
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
When you hear the names Rodgers and Hart, what comes to mind? What about Rodgers and Hammerstein? Richard Rodgers’ first partner was Lorenz Hart. These two men enjoyed tremendous popularity while writing songs for 23 musicals on Broadway and 18 films in Hollywood. Lorenz Hart died prematurely in 1943, and Rodgers was left without a partner. The future seemed less promising than the past, but a partnership with Oscar Hammerstein eventually proved to be much more successful than that of Rodgers and Hart. Rodgers and Hammerstein became inseparable friends and created unforgettable classics like Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and Cinderella. When the past seems to offer more than the future, remember God can cause all things to work together for good.
Remember - you can’t see the stars until it gets dark.
When you hear the names Rodgers and Hart, what comes to mind? What about Rodgers and Hammerstein? Richard Rodgers’ first partner was Lorenz Hart. These two men enjoyed tremendous popularity while writing songs for 23 musicals on Broadway and 18 films in Hollywood. Lorenz Hart died prematurely in 1943, and Rodgers was left without a partner. The future seemed less promising than the past, but a partnership with Oscar Hammerstein eventually proved to be much more successful than that of Rodgers and Hart. Rodgers and Hammerstein became inseparable friends and created unforgettable classics like Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and Cinderella. When the past seems to offer more than the future, remember God can cause all things to work together for good.
Remember - you can’t see the stars until it gets dark.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
You Can’t Go Wrong Doing Right!
“Do not fret because of evildoers,
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.”
Psalm 37:1-9
In the movies, the good guy always seems to ride up on his white horse and save the train from the outlaws. He gets there just in time, the bandits get the justice they deserve, and the hero is rewarded for his selfless bravery.
As you know, this isn’t often a picture of real life. Many times when you do the right thing, your obedience or honesty isn’t noticed, and perhaps it is even criticized. And the other friends or co-workers who are selfish or lie or ignore their families seem to prosper. Have you ever envied them just a little?
David wrestled with similar feelings, and he knew the solution. He understood that focusing on wrongdoing can lead to resentment and anger. Centering on the Lord and gaining His long-term perceptive is the answer. God says that success for the wicked is the only temporary. You don’t need to worry about their apparent abundance and acclaim today; in the light of eternity, their joy is fleeting.
With Jesus as your Savior, you have lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. The key is committing your life to His direction and trusting Him. He will not disappoint you. In the Lord, you have real victory and genuine success that no one can take away. That’s not Hollywood; that’s reality.
Nothing the world has to offer can match the good gifts of God.
Be not envious toward wrongdoers.
For they will wither quickly like the grass
And fade like the green herb.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.”
Psalm 37:1-9
In the movies, the good guy always seems to ride up on his white horse and save the train from the outlaws. He gets there just in time, the bandits get the justice they deserve, and the hero is rewarded for his selfless bravery.
As you know, this isn’t often a picture of real life. Many times when you do the right thing, your obedience or honesty isn’t noticed, and perhaps it is even criticized. And the other friends or co-workers who are selfish or lie or ignore their families seem to prosper. Have you ever envied them just a little?
David wrestled with similar feelings, and he knew the solution. He understood that focusing on wrongdoing can lead to resentment and anger. Centering on the Lord and gaining His long-term perceptive is the answer. God says that success for the wicked is the only temporary. You don’t need to worry about their apparent abundance and acclaim today; in the light of eternity, their joy is fleeting.
With Jesus as your Savior, you have lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. The key is committing your life to His direction and trusting Him. He will not disappoint you. In the Lord, you have real victory and genuine success that no one can take away. That’s not Hollywood; that’s reality.
Nothing the world has to offer can match the good gifts of God.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What Are You Living For?
“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
You volunteer to help a family who recently joined your church to move into their new home. You’re willing to do anything - unload boxes, move furniture, clean floors. You want to make sure they feel loved and welcomed. You also know that they work for a company that you would like to work for, and making friends with them wouldn’t hurt your chances for a job. Are you sure of your motives?
In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul is very concerned about their heart attitude. He reminds them the sole purpose they should have in every deed and thought is to give glory to Christ. “He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (verse 15). Your life should be Christ-centered, not self-centered.
Self-centeredness can be subtle and difficult to detect and true intentions hard to determine. Before you make a decision or take on a task, ask yourself if the action brings honor to Christ. Will you further His name or advance your own? Are you pointing someone to the Savior? Ask the Lord to reveal your true purposes and make every word and deed a reflection of His unselfish love. This sifting cultivates a genuine heart for God, and isn’t that what you want?
“...man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
You volunteer to help a family who recently joined your church to move into their new home. You’re willing to do anything - unload boxes, move furniture, clean floors. You want to make sure they feel loved and welcomed. You also know that they work for a company that you would like to work for, and making friends with them wouldn’t hurt your chances for a job. Are you sure of your motives?
In writing to the church at Corinth, Paul is very concerned about their heart attitude. He reminds them the sole purpose they should have in every deed and thought is to give glory to Christ. “He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (verse 15). Your life should be Christ-centered, not self-centered.
Self-centeredness can be subtle and difficult to detect and true intentions hard to determine. Before you make a decision or take on a task, ask yourself if the action brings honor to Christ. Will you further His name or advance your own? Are you pointing someone to the Savior? Ask the Lord to reveal your true purposes and make every word and deed a reflection of His unselfish love. This sifting cultivates a genuine heart for God, and isn’t that what you want?
“...man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Monday, January 24, 2011
Joint Heirs with Jesus
“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:1-10
The word inheritance evokes thoughts of money or property handed down from generation to generation, with some special person receiving a legacy from a parent or relative. The heir is granted full benefits and ownership privileges and has the gratifying knowledge that he is unique, blessed, chosen for honor in some way.
Not many of us will inherit a vast estate or get a surprise phone call from a wealthy relation. But with Jesus as your Savior, you are already an heir with Him of all God’s immeasurable riches. God the Father gave everything to Jesus, “whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world” (Heb. 1:2). He is your fullness and abundant supply for every part of your being.
Do you need strength? God has all power and gives energy for every task. Do you lack wisdom? He provides discernment and insight that cuts through even the densest fog of confusion. Are you searching for contentment? Jesus gives you peace beyond human understanding. A bank account can be depleted; a fortune can dwindle away; houses and property can be taken. But the inheritance you have in Christ is untouchable, unchanging, and inexhaustible.
“...for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him.” Romans 10:12
The word inheritance evokes thoughts of money or property handed down from generation to generation, with some special person receiving a legacy from a parent or relative. The heir is granted full benefits and ownership privileges and has the gratifying knowledge that he is unique, blessed, chosen for honor in some way.
Not many of us will inherit a vast estate or get a surprise phone call from a wealthy relation. But with Jesus as your Savior, you are already an heir with Him of all God’s immeasurable riches. God the Father gave everything to Jesus, “whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world” (Heb. 1:2). He is your fullness and abundant supply for every part of your being.
Do you need strength? God has all power and gives energy for every task. Do you lack wisdom? He provides discernment and insight that cuts through even the densest fog of confusion. Are you searching for contentment? Jesus gives you peace beyond human understanding. A bank account can be depleted; a fortune can dwindle away; houses and property can be taken. But the inheritance you have in Christ is untouchable, unchanging, and inexhaustible.
“...for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him.” Romans 10:12
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Riches of His Grace
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:18-23
The elderly couple had lived modestly for years on their small farm. The land was not the best, but they always had raised enough to survive. They eventually sold the farm to a developer. Working on a hunch, the new owner drilled for and discovered oil - a well worth millions of dollars. For years, this couple had lived on top of an untold wealth and never knew what they had been missing.
Many believers do not understand the vast riches they already possess in Jesus Christ, an infinite treasury of wisdom and knowledge and all good things (Col. 2:3). The moment you accept Him as your Savior you receive everything God is, everything God does, and everything God provides. You lack nothing; God’s immeasurable, overflowing love and power are available to you by His grace for every trial, every decision, every challenge.
The apostle Paul explains how God gives you these astounding resources: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness...” (2 Peter 1:2-3). Today, you can embrace the fullness of His grace and live the abundant life He has planned.
“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16
The elderly couple had lived modestly for years on their small farm. The land was not the best, but they always had raised enough to survive. They eventually sold the farm to a developer. Working on a hunch, the new owner drilled for and discovered oil - a well worth millions of dollars. For years, this couple had lived on top of an untold wealth and never knew what they had been missing.
Many believers do not understand the vast riches they already possess in Jesus Christ, an infinite treasury of wisdom and knowledge and all good things (Col. 2:3). The moment you accept Him as your Savior you receive everything God is, everything God does, and everything God provides. You lack nothing; God’s immeasurable, overflowing love and power are available to you by His grace for every trial, every decision, every challenge.
The apostle Paul explains how God gives you these astounding resources: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness...” (2 Peter 1:2-3). Today, you can embrace the fullness of His grace and live the abundant life He has planned.
“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.” John 1:16
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Cross: Grace Displayed
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, ‘I am thirsty.’ A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth. Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.” John 19:28-30
Jesus’ death was not an accident, an unfortunate ending to a powerful ministry. In fact, His death was the ultimate success. As He hung on the cross in agonizing pain, His final words were, “It is finished.” He had completed what He came to earth to accomplish - our redemption from sin.
Many times Jesus had told His disciples what He planned to do. He wanted them to understand why He had to die, why He could not stay with them forever. Jesus said that He came to “give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). A ransom is the payment demanded for the release of a person from some form of bondage. Jesus was the price that satisfied the requirements of a holy and righteous God and released us from captivity to sin.
When you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you agree with God that the death of His Son is adequate and sufficient payment for your sin. Sin no longer has a hold on you; the punishment of death is rendered null and void forever. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...” (Eph. 1:7). You find eternal freedom when you place your faith in Christ’s finished work. His victory is yours.
“Marvelous, infinite, matchless, grace, freely bestowed on all who believe...” -Julia H. Johnston
Jesus’ death was not an accident, an unfortunate ending to a powerful ministry. In fact, His death was the ultimate success. As He hung on the cross in agonizing pain, His final words were, “It is finished.” He had completed what He came to earth to accomplish - our redemption from sin.
Many times Jesus had told His disciples what He planned to do. He wanted them to understand why He had to die, why He could not stay with them forever. Jesus said that He came to “give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). A ransom is the payment demanded for the release of a person from some form of bondage. Jesus was the price that satisfied the requirements of a holy and righteous God and released us from captivity to sin.
When you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you agree with God that the death of His Son is adequate and sufficient payment for your sin. Sin no longer has a hold on you; the punishment of death is rendered null and void forever. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses...” (Eph. 1:7). You find eternal freedom when you place your faith in Christ’s finished work. His victory is yours.
“Marvelous, infinite, matchless, grace, freely bestowed on all who believe...” -Julia H. Johnston
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Learning the Hard Way
“Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘I have sinned this time; the LORD is the righteous one, and I and my people are the wicked ones. Make supplication to the LORD, for there has been enough of God's thunder and hail; and I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.’ Moses said to him, ‘As soon as I go out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD; the thunder will cease and there will be hail no longer, that you may know that the earth is the LORD'S. But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the LORD God.’ (Now the flax and the barley were ruined, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in bud. But the wheat and the spelt were not ruined, for they ripen late.) So Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread out his hands to the LORD; and the thunder and the hail ceased, and rain no longer poured on the earth. But when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned again and hardened his heart, he and his servants. Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.” Exodus 9:27-35
He had attended church since he was a small child. As an adult, he took careful notes on every sermon. When the pastor would talk about specific sins, he would recognize some of the problems in his own heart and say to himself, “That’s me. I need to deal with these things.” But like many, by the time he returned from church, he would forget about his plans to ask God to change his life.
This man has a hard heart. “How is that possible?” you may ask. “He’s hearing what God says.” When you hear God’s Word and refuse to put it into practice, your heart is “hardened” against His truth. Eventually, if you continue to ignore His leading, He lets you follow your own slippery course.
God allowed Pharaoh to tell Moses no again and again. Pharaoh knew what he was supposed to do - release God’s chosen people, the Israelites, from slavery and oppression. Because Pharaoh persisted in his disobedience, he learned some painful lessons he could have avoided.
Ask God to sensitize your heart and make you aware of any tough spots of resistence. He will soften your spirit, renew your understanding, and set you on a course of true submission.
“...But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.” Exodus 8:19
He had attended church since he was a small child. As an adult, he took careful notes on every sermon. When the pastor would talk about specific sins, he would recognize some of the problems in his own heart and say to himself, “That’s me. I need to deal with these things.” But like many, by the time he returned from church, he would forget about his plans to ask God to change his life.
This man has a hard heart. “How is that possible?” you may ask. “He’s hearing what God says.” When you hear God’s Word and refuse to put it into practice, your heart is “hardened” against His truth. Eventually, if you continue to ignore His leading, He lets you follow your own slippery course.
God allowed Pharaoh to tell Moses no again and again. Pharaoh knew what he was supposed to do - release God’s chosen people, the Israelites, from slavery and oppression. Because Pharaoh persisted in his disobedience, he learned some painful lessons he could have avoided.
Ask God to sensitize your heart and make you aware of any tough spots of resistence. He will soften your spirit, renew your understanding, and set you on a course of true submission.
“...But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the LORD had said.” Exodus 8:19
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Cross is the Gateway
“But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where then is boasting? It is excluded By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” Romans 3:21-28
Here’s the conflict: God is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin and cannot violate His own character. At the same time, He loves us and has compassion for us, desiring to reach out and restore us to a right relationship with Him.
How did God take care of this problem? His loving solution was the Cross. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God once and for all.
You may be thinking, “I haven’t murdered anyone or broken one of the ‘big’ laws. How can I be a sinner?” Sin is any failure to live up to all of God’s standards and commands that He reveals in His Word. And we have all sinned and separated ourselves from Him (Rom. 3:23). In fact, our hearts are so darkened by sin that we do not naturally desire the things of God (Rom. 3:11). We sin because we’re born in sin, alienated from the life and presence of God.
When you trust Christ as your Savior, believing He died in your place and paid the price of sin for you, you are washed of your guilt. God sees you as righteous, cleansed completely of all sin. Through the blood of Jesus, you are holy and blameless. The Cross is the gateway to God.
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
Here’s the conflict: God is a holy and just God who cannot tolerate sin and cannot violate His own character. At the same time, He loves us and has compassion for us, desiring to reach out and restore us to a right relationship with Him.
How did God take care of this problem? His loving solution was the Cross. Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God once and for all.
You may be thinking, “I haven’t murdered anyone or broken one of the ‘big’ laws. How can I be a sinner?” Sin is any failure to live up to all of God’s standards and commands that He reveals in His Word. And we have all sinned and separated ourselves from Him (Rom. 3:23). In fact, our hearts are so darkened by sin that we do not naturally desire the things of God (Rom. 3:11). We sin because we’re born in sin, alienated from the life and presence of God.
When you trust Christ as your Savior, believing He died in your place and paid the price of sin for you, you are washed of your guilt. God sees you as righteous, cleansed completely of all sin. Through the blood of Jesus, you are holy and blameless. The Cross is the gateway to God.
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Gospel of Grace
“For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them, ‘You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.’” Acts 20:16-24
The gospel of the grace of God was so revolutionary, so life-changing that Paul’s chief desire and sole mission was to tell it to others. What so drove and motivated him to bear witness to this gospel everywhere he went? It is the good news about Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection bring new to life to those who believe He died on the cross to pay for their sins. When you accept this gift and make Him Lord of your life, you have everlasting fellowship with God, who loves you more than anyone else can or will.
In her book Grace Under Pressure, Penelope Stokes says: “None of us ‘deserves’ God’s grace...Yet it is our undeserving that places us in a position to receive grace. For grace is dependent not on our character, but on the character of God.”
God’s grace is His unmerited and unconditional favor. Nothing you can say or do or achieve can pay Him back. You didn’t earn His love; He gives it to you freely, no strings attached. It’s hard to understand but life-changing to receive. Is the gospel of God’s grace the message of your life? As a child of God, you are a transformed, living testimony of His eternal love.
“...grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
The gospel of the grace of God was so revolutionary, so life-changing that Paul’s chief desire and sole mission was to tell it to others. What so drove and motivated him to bear witness to this gospel everywhere he went? It is the good news about Jesus Christ. His death, burial, and resurrection bring new to life to those who believe He died on the cross to pay for their sins. When you accept this gift and make Him Lord of your life, you have everlasting fellowship with God, who loves you more than anyone else can or will.
In her book Grace Under Pressure, Penelope Stokes says: “None of us ‘deserves’ God’s grace...Yet it is our undeserving that places us in a position to receive grace. For grace is dependent not on our character, but on the character of God.”
God’s grace is His unmerited and unconditional favor. Nothing you can say or do or achieve can pay Him back. You didn’t earn His love; He gives it to you freely, no strings attached. It’s hard to understand but life-changing to receive. Is the gospel of God’s grace the message of your life? As a child of God, you are a transformed, living testimony of His eternal love.
“...grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
Monday, January 17, 2011
Slop Bucket Repentance
And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living. Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ So he got up and came to his father...” Luke 15:11-20
The young man who demanded his inheritance from his father and ran away had no idea he would end up penniless in a hog pen. His plans had been so good, his dreams so wonderful, much better than the ones his father had. What went wrong?
Understand that this son did not walk out the door and straight to the pigs; his trip was gradual. The farther he traveled in his self-deception, the harder it was for him to admit he was wrong. And his father let him make his own decisions. He didn’t demand that the son come back, or chase after him, or protect him from the mounting consequences of his destructive actions. Instead, the father allowed him to experience the full effects of his folly. Finally, in absolute despair, the son made a wise decision - to go home.
When you choose to follow your own misguided desires instead of the Lord’s direction, you start down the road to your own spiritual “hog pen.” Maybe you made a deliberate decision to disobey one of God’s commands, or perhaps you have drifted slowly down a path of compromise. As His child, you are already forgiven. With a humble and contrite spirit, you can return to full fellowship with your Savior at any time. Right now.
“...he came to his senses...”
The young man who demanded his inheritance from his father and ran away had no idea he would end up penniless in a hog pen. His plans had been so good, his dreams so wonderful, much better than the ones his father had. What went wrong?
Understand that this son did not walk out the door and straight to the pigs; his trip was gradual. The farther he traveled in his self-deception, the harder it was for him to admit he was wrong. And his father let him make his own decisions. He didn’t demand that the son come back, or chase after him, or protect him from the mounting consequences of his destructive actions. Instead, the father allowed him to experience the full effects of his folly. Finally, in absolute despair, the son made a wise decision - to go home.
When you choose to follow your own misguided desires instead of the Lord’s direction, you start down the road to your own spiritual “hog pen.” Maybe you made a deliberate decision to disobey one of God’s commands, or perhaps you have drifted slowly down a path of compromise. As His child, you are already forgiven. With a humble and contrite spirit, you can return to full fellowship with your Savior at any time. Right now.
“...he came to his senses...”
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Was Blind, But Now I See
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
In 1736, eleven-year-old John Newton went to sea on his father’s ship, beginning a life of rebellion and immorality. He often worked on slave ships, helping to sell slaves to wealthy landowners. An ambitious young man, Newton soon owned his own slave ship and was proud of his place in a bloody and cruel industry.
Only when his ship ran into a horrible storm and he feared for his life did he turn to God. In desperation he read a devotional about Christ. Newton came face to face for the first time with Jesus’ sacrificial love, and it changed his life. He eventually renounced the evil slave trade and became a powerful and bold minister. Years later, for his small congregation to sing, Newton penned the words to “Amazing Grace,” the moving story of his own conversion.
Newton realized that no crime is too big, no deed is too horrible, no thought is too wicked for Christ to forgive. His amazing grace covers all sin. When you accept His payment on the cross for your sin and make Him the Lord of your life, you are cleansed completely. Past failures no longer have a hold on your life. God washes old things away and makes you a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” -John Newton
In 1736, eleven-year-old John Newton went to sea on his father’s ship, beginning a life of rebellion and immorality. He often worked on slave ships, helping to sell slaves to wealthy landowners. An ambitious young man, Newton soon owned his own slave ship and was proud of his place in a bloody and cruel industry.
Only when his ship ran into a horrible storm and he feared for his life did he turn to God. In desperation he read a devotional about Christ. Newton came face to face for the first time with Jesus’ sacrificial love, and it changed his life. He eventually renounced the evil slave trade and became a powerful and bold minister. Years later, for his small congregation to sing, Newton penned the words to “Amazing Grace,” the moving story of his own conversion.
Newton realized that no crime is too big, no deed is too horrible, no thought is too wicked for Christ to forgive. His amazing grace covers all sin. When you accept His payment on the cross for your sin and make Him the Lord of your life, you are cleansed completely. Past failures no longer have a hold on your life. God washes old things away and makes you a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” -John Newton
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Peril of a Hard Heart
“Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, ‘Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked me.’” Hebrews 3:12-15
Several theories surround Judas’ betrayal of Christ. One states Judas was disillusioned that Jesus refused to overthrow the Roman government and therefore betrayed Him. Another says Judas believed Jesus was the Messiah and tried to force Him to reveal His kingdom sooner. A degree of truth can be found in each of these. Whatever his motivation, the Scriptures simply state that Satan entered Judas and prompted him to betray the Son of God (Luke 22:3).
While Judas may have had a bigger problem with submitting to God’s will. Pride, selfishness, greed are all telltale signs of a hardened heart. Instead of following God’s instruction, a person with a hard heart hears God’s truth and chooses not to respond in obedience. Ignoring the prompting of the Holy Spirit always leads to a leanness in our heart and soul.
Only the unconditional love of Jesus Christ is strong enough to break through even the most calloused heart. It’s never too late to return to the love you once freely enjoyed with the Savior. If your heart has become hardened, confess your sin to God and ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation.
Don’t allow your heart to become hardened. Walk in the light of God’s love.
Several theories surround Judas’ betrayal of Christ. One states Judas was disillusioned that Jesus refused to overthrow the Roman government and therefore betrayed Him. Another says Judas believed Jesus was the Messiah and tried to force Him to reveal His kingdom sooner. A degree of truth can be found in each of these. Whatever his motivation, the Scriptures simply state that Satan entered Judas and prompted him to betray the Son of God (Luke 22:3).
While Judas may have had a bigger problem with submitting to God’s will. Pride, selfishness, greed are all telltale signs of a hardened heart. Instead of following God’s instruction, a person with a hard heart hears God’s truth and chooses not to respond in obedience. Ignoring the prompting of the Holy Spirit always leads to a leanness in our heart and soul.
Only the unconditional love of Jesus Christ is strong enough to break through even the most calloused heart. It’s never too late to return to the love you once freely enjoyed with the Savior. If your heart has become hardened, confess your sin to God and ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation.
Don’t allow your heart to become hardened. Walk in the light of God’s love.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
It’s About Choices
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2
One of the toughest trials Joseph faced involved Potiphar’s wife. Day after day she tried to entice him to sin against God by committing adultery with her. When Joseph refused, she became enraged and falsely accused him of making sexual advances toward her. “As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her” (Gen. 39:10).
Never think you can play with sin and walk away untouched. Joseph understood this. He also realized that no matter how minor the sin may appear, it has enormous consequences. Even though Potiphar believed his wife and Joseph wound up in prison, he was not forgotten by God. The Bible says, “The LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him...” (Gen. 39:21).
Despite the confining circumstances, God applied His mercy and grace to the situation. Later, Joseph became one of the most respected men in Egypt. Through his obedience, the entire nation of Israel was saved. When you make obedience your first choice, you will reap the rewards of a right decision. Should you fall to temptation, ask God to forgive you and cover you with His grace.
Sin is always a matter of choice.
One of the toughest trials Joseph faced involved Potiphar’s wife. Day after day she tried to entice him to sin against God by committing adultery with her. When Joseph refused, she became enraged and falsely accused him of making sexual advances toward her. “As she spoke to Joseph day after day, he did not listen to her to lie beside her or be with her” (Gen. 39:10).
Never think you can play with sin and walk away untouched. Joseph understood this. He also realized that no matter how minor the sin may appear, it has enormous consequences. Even though Potiphar believed his wife and Joseph wound up in prison, he was not forgotten by God. The Bible says, “The LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him...” (Gen. 39:21).
Despite the confining circumstances, God applied His mercy and grace to the situation. Later, Joseph became one of the most respected men in Egypt. Through his obedience, the entire nation of Israel was saved. When you make obedience your first choice, you will reap the rewards of a right decision. Should you fall to temptation, ask God to forgive you and cover you with His grace.
Sin is always a matter of choice.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Our Sin, His Grace
“The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20-21
For years she was entangled in an immoral lifestyle. Finally, through a friend she came to know Jesus as her Savior. Several years passed before there was any hint of trouble; then friends discovered she was concealing a deep emotional hurt. Instead of being transparent with God or talking her feelings out with a pastor or counselor, she had allowed anger to fester and infect her emotional well-being. Sin resurfaced; only this time it was far more consuming.
Jesus loves us unconditionally. His grace is sufficient. We can lay all our hurts safely at His feet, knowing He will support and carry us through the difficulties of life. The problem in this woman’s life stemmed from a lack of communication. Out of fear of rejection, she failed to communicate her need to God. Did He know of it? Yes, but He wants us to bring every tear, every heartache to Him in prayer. It is a matter of yielding and loving Him above all else.
The chain reaction from an inner hurt can move quickly from self-pity to feelings of rebellion and then a return to sinful behavior. But God’s grace applied to our lives is a sin blocker. All we need to do is walk in the light of His forgiveness.
Grace should motivate us to gratitude and praise.
For years she was entangled in an immoral lifestyle. Finally, through a friend she came to know Jesus as her Savior. Several years passed before there was any hint of trouble; then friends discovered she was concealing a deep emotional hurt. Instead of being transparent with God or talking her feelings out with a pastor or counselor, she had allowed anger to fester and infect her emotional well-being. Sin resurfaced; only this time it was far more consuming.
Jesus loves us unconditionally. His grace is sufficient. We can lay all our hurts safely at His feet, knowing He will support and carry us through the difficulties of life. The problem in this woman’s life stemmed from a lack of communication. Out of fear of rejection, she failed to communicate her need to God. Did He know of it? Yes, but He wants us to bring every tear, every heartache to Him in prayer. It is a matter of yielding and loving Him above all else.
The chain reaction from an inner hurt can move quickly from self-pity to feelings of rebellion and then a return to sinful behavior. But God’s grace applied to our lives is a sin blocker. All we need to do is walk in the light of His forgiveness.
Grace should motivate us to gratitude and praise.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
His Love is Stronger
“Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), He left Judea and went away again into Galilee. And He had to pass through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob's well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, ‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?’ (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:1-10
When Jesus left Judea for Galilee, three routes were available to Him; one that crossed the Jordan and went up through Perea, another that followed the coastline, and one that went straight through Samaria. Because the Samaritans could not prove their genealogy, they were rejected by the Jews. Adding to the rift was the fact that the Samaritans worshiped on Mount Gerizim while the Jews maintained Jerusalem was the only true holy place. Thus, Orthodox Jews avoided Samaria at all costs. Think of the opposition Jesus probably received when He announced to the disciples they were going through Samaria instead of taking an alternate route. Yet it was in Samaria Jesus met a woman and led her to faith in God.
So shameful was this woman’s sin that she chose not to go to the well and draw water when others were present. Like each of us, she had nothing to offer the Lord. Her life was stained and in moral shambles. But Jesus cut through the darkness of her sin by touching her with His tender forgiveness. Grace is not grace if it is not freely given. No matter what the circumstances of your life may be, His love is stronger.
We can’t receive God’s love until we understand His grace.
When Jesus left Judea for Galilee, three routes were available to Him; one that crossed the Jordan and went up through Perea, another that followed the coastline, and one that went straight through Samaria. Because the Samaritans could not prove their genealogy, they were rejected by the Jews. Adding to the rift was the fact that the Samaritans worshiped on Mount Gerizim while the Jews maintained Jerusalem was the only true holy place. Thus, Orthodox Jews avoided Samaria at all costs. Think of the opposition Jesus probably received when He announced to the disciples they were going through Samaria instead of taking an alternate route. Yet it was in Samaria Jesus met a woman and led her to faith in God.
So shameful was this woman’s sin that she chose not to go to the well and draw water when others were present. Like each of us, she had nothing to offer the Lord. Her life was stained and in moral shambles. But Jesus cut through the darkness of her sin by touching her with His tender forgiveness. Grace is not grace if it is not freely given. No matter what the circumstances of your life may be, His love is stronger.
We can’t receive God’s love until we understand His grace.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Our Only Hope
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:14-17
God always offers grace, forgiveness, and restoration to those who come to Him with a repentant heart. This is our only hope - His grace saturated with love and mercy. However, it was an unknown concept in Jesus’ day. Men pridefully worshiped God by keeping every jot and tittle of the law. Hopelessly bound in rules and regulations, they came to despise Christ and His grace-filled efforts. Imagine the headlines Jesus might have ignited in the Jerusalem Daily News...“Former Carpenter From Nazareth Heals Blind Man On Holy Day”....“Demonic Delivered By Man Claiming To Be God”...or “Woman Caught In The Act Of Adultery Freed!”
Jesus never missed an opportunity to extend grace to the broken and spiritually depraved. He dined with tax collectors and harlots, raised people from the dead, and healed the demon possessed. He was a Man of grace-filled action.
When you hear the word grace, do you think of God’s glorious love freely given to you or do you see yourself as having to earn His love and affection? Grace isn’t interested in awards and honors. Even if you never do anything noteworthy, Jesus has made note of your life and He loves you - unconditionally.
Salvation moves us from law into grace where everything changes.
God always offers grace, forgiveness, and restoration to those who come to Him with a repentant heart. This is our only hope - His grace saturated with love and mercy. However, it was an unknown concept in Jesus’ day. Men pridefully worshiped God by keeping every jot and tittle of the law. Hopelessly bound in rules and regulations, they came to despise Christ and His grace-filled efforts. Imagine the headlines Jesus might have ignited in the Jerusalem Daily News...“Former Carpenter From Nazareth Heals Blind Man On Holy Day”....“Demonic Delivered By Man Claiming To Be God”...or “Woman Caught In The Act Of Adultery Freed!”
Jesus never missed an opportunity to extend grace to the broken and spiritually depraved. He dined with tax collectors and harlots, raised people from the dead, and healed the demon possessed. He was a Man of grace-filled action.
When you hear the word grace, do you think of God’s glorious love freely given to you or do you see yourself as having to earn His love and affection? Grace isn’t interested in awards and honors. Even if you never do anything noteworthy, Jesus has made note of your life and He loves you - unconditionally.
Salvation moves us from law into grace where everything changes.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Remember Who is in Control
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8
Your nine o’clock meeting is scheduled to begin in thirty minutes, and you are late to work. Traffic reports warn commuters to take an alternate route - the interstate is blocked with a stalled car. Pulling out into the roadway, you tell yourself to relax. But a red sports car decides you are occupying his lane of traffic and cuts in front of you. The damage from the collision is minor, but you’ll have to wait for the police to come and make a report. You arrive at work only to learn the meeting was canceled due to your absence, and the boss wants to see you in his office immediately.
Trials and hardships are a part of life. Each of us experiences them. Many times they arrive without warning and leave us feeling out of control. But God has a design for troubled times. He uses each trial to draw us into a greater dependence on Him.
Hannah Whitall Smith writes, “In order really to know God, inward stillness is absolutely necessary.” When God is the anchor of your soul, His faithfulness and strength always overshadow life’s pressures. Stillness and trust in Him are our strength (Isaiah 30:15). Draw close to Jesus Christ, and He will calm the winds of adversity in your life.
“It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent.” -Jeremy Taylor
Your nine o’clock meeting is scheduled to begin in thirty minutes, and you are late to work. Traffic reports warn commuters to take an alternate route - the interstate is blocked with a stalled car. Pulling out into the roadway, you tell yourself to relax. But a red sports car decides you are occupying his lane of traffic and cuts in front of you. The damage from the collision is minor, but you’ll have to wait for the police to come and make a report. You arrive at work only to learn the meeting was canceled due to your absence, and the boss wants to see you in his office immediately.
Trials and hardships are a part of life. Each of us experiences them. Many times they arrive without warning and leave us feeling out of control. But God has a design for troubled times. He uses each trial to draw us into a greater dependence on Him.
Hannah Whitall Smith writes, “In order really to know God, inward stillness is absolutely necessary.” When God is the anchor of your soul, His faithfulness and strength always overshadow life’s pressures. Stillness and trust in Him are our strength (Isaiah 30:15). Draw close to Jesus Christ, and He will calm the winds of adversity in your life.
“It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent.” -Jeremy Taylor
Friday, January 7, 2011
Grace Distributors
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10
None of us comes to know Christ apart from grace. Even those who receive Him as a child had to come to grips with His wooing in their hearts. The apostle Paul writes: “...(by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him...so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5-7).
In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that we “have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
The mission of grace doesn’t end at the Cross. It continues in our lives on a daily basis. Grace should be evident in all that we do and say. We were given new life so we might become grace distributors. As Christians, God calls us to live by grace, view others through eyes of grace, and share His grace to those who are lost as we once were before we heard the message of His love and affection toward us. God’s grace is a marvelous gift to receive and then give away. Praise Him that you are not saved by human effort, but by grace that is forever free.
Trials test our faith in God’s faithfulness.
None of us comes to know Christ apart from grace. Even those who receive Him as a child had to come to grips with His wooing in their hearts. The apostle Paul writes: “...(by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him...so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:5-7).
In the book of Romans, Paul tells us that we “have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).
The mission of grace doesn’t end at the Cross. It continues in our lives on a daily basis. Grace should be evident in all that we do and say. We were given new life so we might become grace distributors. As Christians, God calls us to live by grace, view others through eyes of grace, and share His grace to those who are lost as we once were before we heard the message of His love and affection toward us. God’s grace is a marvelous gift to receive and then give away. Praise Him that you are not saved by human effort, but by grace that is forever free.
Trials test our faith in God’s faithfulness.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
It’s Grace Alone
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:1-7
Her mother worked for days making her a new school dress. Finally, it was finished and ready to be worn. Giggling with excitement, she asked if she could wear it the next day. “Yes,” was the answer, “but stay of the sliding board during play time. You already have torn one dress. Let’s keep this one nice.”
However, play time proved tempting. And despite her mother’s instruction, she climbed to the top of the slide and began a fast descent. It was then she heard a loud, tearing noise. Later that evening, tears filled her mother’s eyes as she studied the gaping hole. “It will take some effort, but I believe it can be fixed.”
Even as a child, she was shocked at her mother’s response. She expected punishment but received grace instead. While climbing into bed the next evening, she noticed the dress, mended and hanging in her closet. An attached note read: “Honey, I love you. Mom.”
Maybe you have torn a gaping hole in the side of your life and you think nothing can mend it. God can and will. He has already attached His note of love to your heart through the death of His Son. If you will listen, you will hear His voice: “(your name), I love you. Come to Me and I will mend your life and make you whole again.”
Before the foundation of the world, God chose to love you.
Her mother worked for days making her a new school dress. Finally, it was finished and ready to be worn. Giggling with excitement, she asked if she could wear it the next day. “Yes,” was the answer, “but stay of the sliding board during play time. You already have torn one dress. Let’s keep this one nice.”
However, play time proved tempting. And despite her mother’s instruction, she climbed to the top of the slide and began a fast descent. It was then she heard a loud, tearing noise. Later that evening, tears filled her mother’s eyes as she studied the gaping hole. “It will take some effort, but I believe it can be fixed.”
Even as a child, she was shocked at her mother’s response. She expected punishment but received grace instead. While climbing into bed the next evening, she noticed the dress, mended and hanging in her closet. An attached note read: “Honey, I love you. Mom.”
Maybe you have torn a gaping hole in the side of your life and you think nothing can mend it. God can and will. He has already attached His note of love to your heart through the death of His Son. If you will listen, you will hear His voice: “(your name), I love you. Come to Me and I will mend your life and make you whole again.”
Before the foundation of the world, God chose to love you.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Did You Hear What He Wrote?
“But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?’
They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’
Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go from now on sin no more.’” John 8:1-11
No one knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt the morning the woman caught in adultery was brought to Him. Some say He wrote the Ten Commandments. Others think He simply wrote the word forgiven. Regardless of the written message, the principle was clear - grace would abound.
We can’t earn God’s grace. It is a gift He gives to all who come to Him. Scantily clothed and lying at the Savior’s feet, this woman probably thought her fate was sealed. The punishment for adultery was stoning. Yet suddenly and unpredictably, Jesus offered her a second chance. Warren Wiersbe writes: “For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that He had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free but it is not cheap...”
Jesus was not soft on sin. “Nor is Christ’s gracious forgiveness an excuse to sin,” continues Wiersbe. “‘Go and sin no more!’ was our Lord’s counsel. ...Certainly the experience of gracious forgiveness would motivate the penitent sinner to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of God.” Grace is given so we may know and accept what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. Forgiven and blessed by His matchless grace are those who call Him Savior.
Without the Cross, even God couldn’t give us a second chance.
They were saying this, testing Him, so that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’
Again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?’ She said, ‘No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go from now on sin no more.’” John 8:1-11
No one knows what Jesus wrote in the dirt the morning the woman caught in adultery was brought to Him. Some say He wrote the Ten Commandments. Others think He simply wrote the word forgiven. Regardless of the written message, the principle was clear - grace would abound.
We can’t earn God’s grace. It is a gift He gives to all who come to Him. Scantily clothed and lying at the Savior’s feet, this woman probably thought her fate was sealed. The punishment for adultery was stoning. Yet suddenly and unpredictably, Jesus offered her a second chance. Warren Wiersbe writes: “For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that He had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free but it is not cheap...”
Jesus was not soft on sin. “Nor is Christ’s gracious forgiveness an excuse to sin,” continues Wiersbe. “‘Go and sin no more!’ was our Lord’s counsel. ...Certainly the experience of gracious forgiveness would motivate the penitent sinner to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of God.” Grace is given so we may know and accept what Jesus Christ did for us at Calvary. Forgiven and blessed by His matchless grace are those who call Him Savior.
Without the Cross, even God couldn’t give us a second chance.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Our Hope for a Second Chance
“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” Romans 5:6-11
Each of us wants to know there is hope for a second chance when we fail to reach a goal, yield to sin, or fall short of what we’ve been instructed to do. Second chances are particularly important when sin is involved and feelings of guilt mount. How many of us have not longed for God’s cleansing touch when convicted of wrongful actions?
W.E. Vine defines sin as “a missing of the mark.” Think of it as shooting an arrow at a target and missing it completely. Sin always falls short of God’s best for your life. Even before you knew Christ, He knew you and loved you so much that He came to earth so you might have a second chance at life. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was God’s supreme brush stroke of grace across the canvas of creation. He is the embodiment of all hope and grace. If you have accepted Him as your Savior, His life is alive within you and His grace is sufficient to meet and remove every hint of sin’s stain. Praise Him for He is worthy of all your love and praise.
Grace is God’s kindness toward us even when we don’t deserve it.
Each of us wants to know there is hope for a second chance when we fail to reach a goal, yield to sin, or fall short of what we’ve been instructed to do. Second chances are particularly important when sin is involved and feelings of guilt mount. How many of us have not longed for God’s cleansing touch when convicted of wrongful actions?
W.E. Vine defines sin as “a missing of the mark.” Think of it as shooting an arrow at a target and missing it completely. Sin always falls short of God’s best for your life. Even before you knew Christ, He knew you and loved you so much that He came to earth so you might have a second chance at life. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection was God’s supreme brush stroke of grace across the canvas of creation. He is the embodiment of all hope and grace. If you have accepted Him as your Savior, His life is alive within you and His grace is sufficient to meet and remove every hint of sin’s stain. Praise Him for He is worthy of all your love and praise.
Grace is God’s kindness toward us even when we don’t deserve it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
I Desire Compassion
“When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it. But it greatly displeased Jonah and he became angry. He prayed to the LORD and said, ‘Please LORD, was not this what I said while I was still in my own country? Therefore in order to forestall this I fled to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, and one who relents concerning calamity. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.’” Jonah 3:10-4:3
Nineveh - the very name filled hearts with terror. Nineveh was one of the capitals of the ancient Assyrian empire, and Assyrians were fierce and cruel idol-worshipers. Yet when they responded to Jonah’s message with immediate and humble repentance, God had mercy on them and spared their city. Incredibly, Jonah was angry. He complained, “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life” (Jonah 4:3).
Jonah could accept God’s mercy for himself but could not understand His pardon of the Ninevites. Though he knew God’s character and had a relationship with Him, he was not excited about sharing the truth with Israel’s most feared enemy.
Has God’s truth penetrated your thinking and emotions and given you His passionate concern for those who oppose you? For those you dislike? It’s important to gain God’s perspective. He has given you the responsibility of telling His good news to everyone - even your enemies.
Why not begin this year with a new mindset. Ask God right now how many people you know who need Christ, and set your heart this year to share with them the good news of the grace of God.
Nineveh - the very name filled hearts with terror. Nineveh was one of the capitals of the ancient Assyrian empire, and Assyrians were fierce and cruel idol-worshipers. Yet when they responded to Jonah’s message with immediate and humble repentance, God had mercy on them and spared their city. Incredibly, Jonah was angry. He complained, “Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life” (Jonah 4:3).
Jonah could accept God’s mercy for himself but could not understand His pardon of the Ninevites. Though he knew God’s character and had a relationship with Him, he was not excited about sharing the truth with Israel’s most feared enemy.
Has God’s truth penetrated your thinking and emotions and given you His passionate concern for those who oppose you? For those you dislike? It’s important to gain God’s perspective. He has given you the responsibility of telling His good news to everyone - even your enemies.
Why not begin this year with a new mindset. Ask God right now how many people you know who need Christ, and set your heart this year to share with them the good news of the grace of God.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Encouraging Predictions for 2011
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I will share with you ten predictions that are true!
Top Ten Predictions for 2011:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn’t it great to remember Who is really in control, and that “the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25). I hope you found this encouraging! I sure did. Sometimes we need the reminder of just Who is really in control.
With all the problems the world is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, I will share with you ten predictions that are true!
Top Ten Predictions for 2011:
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.
Isn’t it great to remember Who is really in control, and that “the Word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25). I hope you found this encouraging! I sure did. Sometimes we need the reminder of just Who is really in control.
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