Learning to Walk by Faith (2)

 

'...I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' Mark 9:24 NIV 

             


Learning to walk by faith isn't as easy as it may sounds. With all the different factors that happen through out the day how do we plug God into every action of our day. So here's another question to consider: What is 'walking by sight' (2 Corinthians 5:7)? It's living your life based on how things look to the natural eye. It's deciding and acting in accord with your perceptions and circumstances, rather than God's Word. It's being dictated to by your feelings and thoughts. Your thoughts and feelings are - yours! Examine them. Don't let them hijack you. Use your spirit-controlled temperament to bring them under control. Too often we are sandwiched between faith and doubt, in a 'Catch-22' between what our transformed spirit says and what our carnal mind says. One day a distraught father brought his son to Jesus for healing. Jesus told him, '...Everything is possible for one who believes.' (Mark 9:23 NIV) At that point the boy's father said, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' At times we experience both faith and doubt. This man was honest about his doubts, yet Jesus still worked a miracle for him. If he had needed correcting, Jesus would have corrected him. If his faith was not genuine, the Lord would have known it. But Jesus accepted his declaration of faith, despite his doubts. There are three lessons here for us: (1) Don't be afraid to acknowledge your doubts. (2) Don't let your doubts overrule your faith. God's Word in the matter is God's will for you; stand on it. (3) Hand your doubts over to the Lord and say, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!' How long does it take to learn to walk by faith? A lifetime! You are loved...

Learning to Walk by Faith (1)

 

'For we walk by faith, not by sight.' 2 Corinthians 5:7 NAS

         

             


It's time to 'get with it'! I heard that from my friend Tom time and again when I was a young man floundering in my faith. He would say the same thing to me, 'The just shall live by faith.' (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11 NKJV) This is not a suggestion for theological debate; it's His will for your life. Clearly, God has made faith the only way to live! No alternative is offered. 'Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.' (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) Let's take a moment and consider some questions arising from this life-transforming truth: (1) Who are 'the just'? Paul writes, 'Know that a person is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith...' (Galatians 2:16 NIV) Justification (just-as-if-I'd-never-sinned) can't be earned, it's a free gift that comes by faith. If you have placed your trust in Christ then you are fully accepted in God's eyes. How good is that? (2) What is 'walking'? Paul says, 'We walk by faith and not by sight.' Walking requires that you get up and start moving. You can't just sit around aimlessly, waiting for the rapture. Walking involves: Motivation - you're moved by a purpose. Direction - you've chosen a destination, a goal to reach. Motion - you're committed to mobilising your energy and resources in the pursuit of your God-given destination and purpose. To walk by faith you must be engaged in consistent, forward movement intended to bring you into God's destiny for your life. So, "Get with it." You are loved...

Are You Stressed Out About Money? (2)

 

'...I am the Lord...who teaches you to profit...' Isaiah 48:17 NAS    

             


It's that time of year when we begin to worry about such things as taxes. Am I going to have pay? God I don't have it if I do have to pay. The best way to overcome financial anxiety is by trusting God to meet all your needs. You say, 'That's nice, but what does God know about my business or my work place?' More than you think! He's the CEO of the whole world. When it comes to successful systems, nobody knows more than He does. He created the universe in precise order. He asks Job: 'Can you lead forth a constellation in its season...?' (Job 38:32 NAS) If one star could move even just a little out of orbit without His permission, the whole thing would dissolve into cosmic chaos. Yet when He needs to move a star, He can do it like He did for the wise men that first Christmas. Wall Street could learn a thing or two from Him! Here's part of His résumé: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.' (Isaiah 48:17 NAS) If you want to become more profitable, go into partnership with God. Does that mean you can just stay home from work, go fishing, and God will pay your mortgage? No, God doesn't reward laziness and inefficiency! The story's told of a pastor who stopped by to admire the garden of one of his parishioners. 'Isn't God's handiwork wonderful?' he said. The parishioner thought about it for a moment and then replied, 'Yeah, but you should have seen it when God had it all by Himself.' Understand this: (1) You've got to get up and go to work. (2) You've got to consult God before you make decisions. (3) You've got to honor God with your tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8-12). (4) When you've done your best, you've got to trust God with the rest. You are loved!

Are You Stressed Out About Money? (1)

 

'...It is [God] who gives you the ability to produce wealth...' Deuteronomy 8:18 NIV   

             


One of the biggest things that stress people out is money. Marriages end because of it, business partners fight over it. If you want to learn how to handle money God's way, you need to look to scripture for guidance. The story of Elijah being fed by the ravens teaches us that God can take care of us in a bad economy (1 Kings 17:1-7). The story of Joseph teaches us that when we follow God's plan, we will have all that we need to get us through hard times (Genesis 41:37-57). One of the dangers of living in a materialistic society is that you feel 'entitled' to things, even when you can't afford them. To overcome financial anxiety you must practise fiscal discipline. God doesn't bless recklessness. You can't go into debt, then pray that God will get you out of it. Sometimes He does. But if you don't learn from your mistakes you'll just keep repeating them. A popular radio show in Atlanta, USA is hosted by a man called Clark Howard. He begins every program by saying, 'Spend less, save more, and don't get ripped off.' He talks about banks that charge extortionate rates for credit cards, and tells people to live within their means. 'But I'm used to a certain lifestyle,' you say. Get unused to it! If you want peace of mind as Dave Ramsey says, learn the art of contentment. Does contentment mean you can't have ambition? No, it means delaying gratification and enjoying where you are, on your way to where you're going. It means learning to live by these words: 'I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.' (Philippians 4:12-13 NLT) You are loved!

The Secret of Satisfaction

 

'...I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.' Philippians 4:11 NLT   

             
Please update your calendar for the Celebration of Life Service this Saturday January 26th at 10:30am here at CFW. There will be a luncheon to follow the service, and if you can help out with food in anyway please contact Melissa Collins 942-9077 or Amy at 967-2447. Thanks to everyone who has helped and prayed the family through this difficult time.

The next few days we are going to look at money. Most of us wish we had more, and if we had more, we probably wouldn't be able to handle it right anyway. What is the key then to satisfaction? If money guaranteed happiness, wouldn't the rich be happier than everybody else? Studies show that often they're not. Happy people don't follow money, they follow their God-given passion. In What Happy People Know, Dr Dan Baker writes: 'The man in front of me seemed to have it all: money, freedom, friends and family. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted most - happiness. His home life would horrify most people - alienated kids, a wife who resented his obsession with work, no time to kick back.' What was this man's biggest concern? Keeping what he had! Maybe you're reading this, thinking, 'Yeah, but that doesn't apply to me. In his situation I know I could be happy!' No, money can't buy happiness; regardless of how much you have, it's never enough. Fear will always whisper, 'Unless you get more you won't be secure.' So what's the secret of happiness? Paul writes: 'For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.' (Philippians 4:11-13 NLT) When you pursue God's purpose for your life, money is secondary. Your real status symbols are salvation, spiritual growth, a secure home, special friends, and the satisfaction of doing what God called you to do. Watchman Nee said, 'I have never met a soul who has set out to satisfy the Lord, and has not been satisfied himself.' You are loved!

Four Lessons Learned on Your Journey (2)

If you did not know Laura Berryhill went home to be with Jesus Tuesday Morning January 22nd. Please continue to pray for the family as they walk through their loss. This is a sad time for them but they rejoice in Laura being in heaven with Jesus. Please update your calendar for the Celebration of Life Service this Saturday January 26th at 10:30am here at CFW. There will be a luncheon to follow the service, and if you can help out with food in anyway please contact Melissa Collins 942-9077 or Amy at 967-2447. Thanks to everyone who has helped and prayed the family through this difficult time.

 

'Call to Me and I will...tell you...things you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 NIV   

             
Third, learn the secret of prayer. Do you feel lost in unfamiliar territory, uncertain as to what your next move should be? God uses such times to get your attention, call you back to Himself and encourage you to lean on Him, your unfailing source of strength and wisdom. Stop trying to figure everything out by yourself! God says, 'Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you...things you do not know.' Take your problem to the Lord and ask Him for a solution; He won't disappoint you. '...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.' (James 5:16 NIV) Fourth, learn the power of patience. When the Holy Spirit gives you direction and puts a goal or dream in your heart, it's easy to be quick on the trigger and want it to happen overnight. Timing is crucial. And it's under God's control, not yours! Waiting for God's timing isn't wasting time, it's essential in developing two qualities you need - faith and hope. 'But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.' (Romans 8:25 NIV) While you are learning patience, God is at work arranging things on your behalf, and also producing Christ-like qualities in you. The Psalmist said that his hope was in God. What's your hope in? Good luck? The economy? The doctor's prognosis? As long as your hope is in anything other than God's unfailing love and goodness, you'll wrestle with uncertainty. What's the answer? '...Their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.' (Psalm 112:7 NIV) You are loved!

Four Lessons Learned on Your Journey (1)

  

'In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.' Proverbs 16:9 NIV   

             


Good morning,
I have sad news for you. Laura Berryhill went to be with Jesus yesterday. Please remember the Berryhill's in your prayers. If you would like to help with meals @the memorial service it would be appreciated.

Let's look at "Lessons Learned"
Remember needing a road atlas when you took a trip? Now you just program your destination into the car's GPS and it tells you where and when to turn, how far to the next gas station, and when you'll arrive. No guessing, confusion and wrong decisions; just choose the shortest or fastest route and it will get you there. As a follower of Christ you have a divine GPS, which is the Holy Spirit. He chooses the route and the timing, and guarantees that you'll get to your destination. By listening to Him you learn four valuable lessons. Let's look at them: First, learn to depend on God rather than yourself. Assuming you know all the twists and turns of life makes you act without consulting God. Samson believed he'd 'figured how the system worked'. When Delilah sold him out and the Philistines bound him with ropes, he thought he'd handle things the way he always did: '...I will do as before and shake myself free. But he didn't realise the Lord had left him.' (Judges 16:20 NLT) Living victoriously means living in total dependence on God, not yourself. Jesus said, '...Without Me you can do nothing.' (John 15:5 NKJV) Second, change your perspective. You may not always look where you're going, but you will always end up going where you're looking! Your perspective determines your choices and direction in life. After paying dearly for following his lower impulses, David changed his perspective and prayed, 'My eyes are fixed on You...Lord...' (Psalm 141:8 NIV) You should pray that too. You are loved!

Set Boundaries (3)

 

'...like a city with broken-down walls.' Proverbs 25:28 NLT

         

Good Morning,
Please Keep Laura Berryhill in your prayers. She is in ICU at Kadlec and at a critical point in if she will pull through or not. I'm in the office for a short while this morning but if you would like to get a update just call me. Charley and Corol have a lot going on but appreciate your prayers and love...

Let's look at the third area of why we need to set boundaries.
Permeable boundaries. Well-adjusted people find the right balance which allows them to invite others into their personal space without allowing infiltration, manipulation or domination. They know how to say "yes" to what's healthy and "no" to what's not. Permeable boundary people, on the other hand, allow others to permeate their lives at will, siphon off their time and energy, dictate their options, and deprive them of other important relationships. Unable to say "no", they permit others to make them feel guilty, obligated, uncaring, or even unchristian if they withhold what's demanded. They inconvenience themselves, their families and their friendships to facilitate the endless demands of the seemingly helpless, disempowered, irresponsible user, believing they are being kind and helpful. The helper's toll is immense, often leading to emotional, physical, social and spiritual overload, while the helpee feels increasingly dependent, irresponsible and entitled - not appreciating, and sometimes even resenting, the helper's efforts. Permeable boundary people are unaware that their 'open' sign is always illuminated, attracting a deluge of other people's needs they feel personally responsible for. They carry the weight of much that's wrong in the world, feeling exhausted, anxious, inadequate and guilty, taking it personally that they can't do more and fix things. And it leaves them feeling 'used'. 'A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.' Understand this: You can't take charge of your own life while you're overwhelmed feeling responsible for other people's lives. Set some boundaries, and live the life God gave you to live! You are loved!!!!!

Set Boundaries (2)

 

'...Its parts should have equal concern for each other.' 1 Corinthians 12:25 NIV

         

When you buy a house, you need clearly marked boundary lines to let you know what's yours and what's not. Good boundaries make good neighbours. The Bible says, 'Seldom set foot in your neighbour's house - too much of you, and you will be hated.' (Proverbs 25:17 NIV) So, how close is too close? Let's look at three kinds of boundaries we establish between ourselves and others. Rigid boundaries. These are designed to keep others at arm's length and protect your private, self-absorbed world. Without saying a word, your attitude says: 'Keep out, trespassers will be prosecuted!' It's that look on your face I was talking about Sunday. One look and people know to leave you alone or they can approach you. Why do we create such boundaries? Fear! We fear being known, controlled, hurt, or feeling inadequate and inferior. And our rigidity prevents intimacy. Our unwillingness to be vulnerable or to compromise leaves us defensive, isolated and lonely. Closeness and intimacy are things we long for, yet fear and avoid. We think, 'You can't hurt me if I keep you at a safe distance.' But it doesn't work. Someone who is constantly keeping people away was probably hurt at sometime in their life and they can't move past it. God designed us to share life's victories and defeats, not to live in isolation. We are to '...have equal concern for each other. If one part [person] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.' (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 NIV) Rigid boundaries rob you of life-enriching relationships. 'So what's the answer?' you ask. Reach out! You were created to give to others, and to receive what they have to give back to you. In giving you are fulfilled, and in receiving you are made complete. Anything less is just existing. You are loved!

Set Boundaries (1)

 

'All you need to say is simply Yes or No...' Matthew 5:37 NIV   

             


Good morning, it's Monday! Good or bad it's here and how you handle your day will be the key to your week. For the next couple days I would like to look at boundaries. When does 'a good thing' become 'too much'? Can I help you, without hurting me? Can we share our lives, without me giving up mine? When do you truly need my help? When do I need to let go, and let you and God handle it? Finding the balance between 'enough' and 'too much' in relationships is a constant challenge and isn't easy. Especially when your role tends to be 'all things, at all times, to all people,' and theirs is 'I'm helpless, you owe me, take care of me'; when you have no "no" and they have no "yes". Needing to be needed by needy people who always want someone to take care of them puts the needy person in the driver's seat - and puts you over the edge. They are never happy, whatever you do. So you do more to make them feel happier and yourself feel less guilty, and you end up in a double bind. They resent you for not giving enough, and you resent them for not appreciating what you give. Yet neither of you knows how to break the cycle. So the relationship becomes what counsellors call a 'more-of-the-same' tangle where both parties resent and devalue the other, feeling stuck in a life-dominating trap you both fear to jettison. Marriages, families, friendships, workplaces, churches and social groups get trapped in this 'victim-rescuer' pattern where needy people and fixers become trapped in a mutual dance they both 'love to hate' but won't stop doing! So recognize yourself? If you do, you will  move toward a healthier, less toxic relationship with those you are struggling with.

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (8)

 

'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake...' Matthew 5:10 NKJV

         

             


In Yellowstone National Park there's an interesting tree called a Lodgepole pine. Its cones can hang on for years before falling off. Even then they remain tightly closed. They open only when they are in contact with intense heat. Whenever forest fires are raging and all the trees are being destroyed, the heat opens these particular pine cones. As a result, they are the first to assist nature in repopulating the forest. Jesus said to His disciples: 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' There's potential in each of us that's only released when we're under pressure or in a fiery trial. Job discovered this when God permitted Satan to test him. Job lost everything he had, including his children. And to add insult to injury, he was forced to endure the scorn of his wife and friends because of his unwavering faith. When it was over, Job - who got back twice as much as he lost - prayed, 'I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.' (Job 42:5 NKJV) It's one thing to hear how God works based on somebody else's experience, it's another to see it first hand when you're wondering, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or asking, 'If God's really there, why am I here?' Why? (1) Because it's in the fire that you discover new aspects of God's care and character. (2) What turns worthless carbon into diamonds? Heat! Pressure! (3) In the fire you discover that when others abandon you, God remains faithful. So don't abandon Him because He's got great things in store for you! You are loved...

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (7)

 

'Blessed are the peacemakers...' Matthew 5:9 NKJV  

             

Just a reminder that this week is our week of prayer. If you signed up to pray please keep your time slot and pray. Amy and my hope is that we keep the prayer chain unbroken as we pray for the needs of many this week. On Thursday we will be meeting @7pm @CFW to unite in prayer together as we ask God to bring revival to our church, City, State, and Nation

The story's told of two blokes who were arguing about religion. One of them finally shouted, 'Ok, you serve God your way and I'll serve Him His way!' When we make our opinions a precondition for loving one another, we end up alienating one another. Much of what we fight about doesn't matter. Jesus said, 'By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.' (John 13:35 NKJV) It's not enough to love peace, you've got to become a peacemaker. When a fight erupted in the New Testament church over eating certain foods, Paul stepped in: 'Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what you know is good to be spoken of as evil. For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification...So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God...' (Romans 14:13-22 NIV) So, be a peacemaker! You are loved!

Yup it's my 55th birthday today.

(I'll get back to the beatitudes tomorrow.) I know some of you are older than me but sometimes you look back in retrospect and ask, where has the time gone? I did that yesterday as I sat in my office and wondered where the time went and would I have done anything different. No I wouldn't have. It's easy to look back and see where you might have failed and were the victories where. But handling those failures and victories in a way that glorifies God is sometimes the hard part. I'm so glad that I have a wonderful wife that loves me and has walked through those failures and victories with me. That I have awesome children who have followed in our faith and now pastor along side of us. I've done my best no matter what that looks like to someone else. We have currently been at CFW for over 8 years. Eight years! What have I done to deserve stability when pastors seem to come and go every three or four years in some churches. Thank you church family for your love for me and my family!  We have always believed the promise in Matthew 6:33 were Jesus says, "seek first the kingdom and all his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." We've seen God do miracle after miracle in our lives and in our church family. I hope you will look to the future with us as we "Seek first His Kingdom" together...you are loved!   

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (6)

 'Blessed are the pure in heart...' Matthew 5:8 NKJV  

             
Just a reminder that this week is our week of prayer. If you signed up to pray please keep your time slot and pray. Amy and my hope is that we keep the prayer chain unbroken as we pray for the needs of many this week. On Thursday we will be meeting @7pm @CFW to unite in prayer together as we ask God to bring revival to our church, City, State, and Nation

'Blessed are the pure in heart...'  You may ask how do I get that pure heart Jesus is talking about? Make your heart 'a controlled environment', because what happens there determines how you respond to life. When it comes to people, pastimes and pursuits, don't open yourself to anything that has the potential to take you captive, or to make you cynical and cold-hearted. If you do, you'll shut yourself off from God's blessing. In his book The Applause of Heaven, Max Lucado writes: 'The countryside was flat and predictable...that's why the thing stood out on the horizon like a science-fiction city... a refinery. The function of that maze of machinery is defined by its name. A refinery takes whatever comes in and purifies it, so that it's ready to go out. It does for petroleum what your heart should do for you - removes the bad and utilizes the good... Jesus said, "The good man brings good things out of the good stored in his heart..." (Luke 6:45 NIV) So here are some questions you need to ask yourself, "When I'm criticized or ignored do I bite back, or bite my tongue? When I'm on overload do I blow my top, or stay cool? When I hear gossip do I entertain it, silence it or spread it? When somebody offends me do I harbor a grudge, or choose to forgive? It all depends on the condition of your heart."' When your heart has been purified you'll begin to see God in people, places and situations you never noticed Him at work in before. Knowing firsthand the dangers of spiritual heart disease, the Psalmist wrote: 'Create in me a clean heart, O God...' (Psalm 51:10 NLT) If you need a spiritual catharsis, spend time in the presence of God. You are loved!

THIS YEAR, LIVE BY THE BEATITUDES (5)

‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.’

Just a reminder that this week is our week of prayer. If you signed up to pray please keep your time slot and pray. Amy and my hope is that we keep the prayer chain unbroken as we pray for the needs of many this week. On Thursday we will be meeting @7pm @CFW to unite in prayer together as we ask God to bring revival to our church, City, State, and Nation.

 

Lets look at the fifth Beatitude today "Blessed are the Merciful." When you Hurt your enemy it puts you below them; taking revenge makes you even with them; forgiving sets you above them. The Bible says, ‘…Never take revenge. Leave that to…God…’ (Romans 12:19 NLT). Revenge is not sweet; it leaves a bitter taste. It keeps you in such a constant stew that you’re not able to enjoy God’s blessing. Don’t let that happen to you. Instead choose to: 1) Forgive and forget. Unforgiveness just keeps you on the treadmill of resentment. Why’s it so important to you to make others wrong and yourself right? If you’re right but miserable, what good is it? Listen to Christ’s words: ‘If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you’ (Matthew 6:14 NKJV). Charles Spurgeon said, ‘When you bury a mad dog don’t leave his tail above the ground.’ So forgive, bury it and move on. 2) Deal with the roots of your anger. Sometimes the source of our anger is hidden from us; we are ‘acting out’ the unresolved hurts within us. Exaggerated anger is often displaced anger. Instead of dealing with the person who hurt us, we vent our wrath on those closest to us. Ask God to show you where the real issue lies, then deal with it. 3) Take back your power. Mercy heals, but unforgiveness makes you a perpetual victim. Plus, while you’re obsessing over the event and planning your payback, the other person is out enjoying life. God has promised you justice, so leave it in His hands. In fact, the only people you should consider getting even with are those who’ve helped you. That may blow your mind, but that's Gods way...you are loved!

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (4)

 

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...' Matthew 5:6 NKJV

         

             


This beatitude corrects two mistakes we make when it comes to salvation. The first: that it's all about believing. The second: that it's all about behaving. Actually, it's about both. My first reaction when I received Christ was to think I had to do something in my own strength to behave differently. The believing part I had down since I knew the change that Christ had done in my heart. But the (how to) part, on how to live this life of faith, that was a different story. Let's look at what the new birth brings: (1) A position of righteousness. If you stacked up all your good works until they were as big as a mountain, you'd still come up short of the payment required to get into Heaven. That's true before you become a Christian, and it's true after you become one. If you saw the movie The Passion of the Christ and thought, 'Why did He have to die such a death?' here's the answer: 'God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.' (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV) The moment you accept Jesus as your Savior you become 'righteous' in God's eyes. Awesome! (2) A condition of righteousness. '...Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God...' (Romans 6:11 NIV) Salvation is not just a position of righteousness you hold before God, but a condition of righteousness you live out before others every day. How do you do that? By valuing God's will more than your own (Proverbs 3:5). By seeking to display the character qualities of Christ as described in Scripture: '...Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...' (Galatians 5:22-23 NAS) You say, 'That's a tall order!' Yes, but we are not left to do it alone: '...As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him.' (2 Corinthians 3:18 TLB) So choose today to be blessed as you "Hunger and thirst after righteousness." You are loved!

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (3)

 

'Blessed are the meek...' Matthew 5:5 NKJV

         

             


In our macho world, meekness is often mistaken for weakness. But Jesus' definition of meekness pictures a powerful, majestic stallion that has been brought into submission. It hasn't lost any of its stamina. It's just that, whereas it once had a strong will of its own, it now yields to the will of another. The breaking process is complete; now it responds to the tug on the reins. Meekness involves: (1) Sensitivity to God. In a good marriage two people often understand each other's needs without a word needing to be spoken. Often Amy will go yep and I'll go yep what? What were you going to say, she'll ask? We'll talk and find out she some how knew what I was going to say. The time you've spent together makes each aware of the things that enrich and the things that offend, and you're devotion to one another makes you're marriage a top priority. And it's the same in your relationship with God. (2) Surrender to God's will. The key to breaking stubborn habits is not fighting them in your own strength. That only keeps your focus on the problem, intensifying its power. Changing your focus and submitting to God moment by moment is the key to winning, whether it's a problem or a hang-up. 'Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.' (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV) (3) Submission to God's purposes. To understand the difference between submission and selfishness you must ponder these words: 'So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.' (Ezekiel 33:31 NKJV) Think about it? I think God wants to speak to you today...You are loved...

This Year, Live by the Beatitudes (2)

 

'Blessed are those who mourn...' Matthew 5:4 NKJV   

             


This morning I want to continue looking at the beatitudes. These few verses that Jesus shared have high impact if we are willing to listen. Monday we began with "those who are poor in spirit." Today let's look at, 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'

Grief is the price we pay for love. Henri Nouwen wrote: 'We wonder when grief hits hard, "Why did this happen?" Was it to remind us of the brevity...of life? Was it to deepen the faith of those who carry on?' It's hard to answer "yes" when everything seems dark. The most important thing to us at that moment is to be relieved of the pain. But when we move through adversity rather than avoid it, we greet it differently. We become willing to let it teach us. Like Joseph, we see how God can use it for some larger end. Ultimately, mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of the only one who can heal us. The Bible says, '...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.' (Psalm 30:5 NKJV) Your morning will come; God has promised it! Your grief will ease with time. The fact that you're willing to embrace the pain, rather than try to escape it, guarantees that. It's not that you'll forget, it's that you'll remember differently; with more gratitude and less grief. This beatitude answers two questions: (1) What happens to those who die in the Lord? 'Let not your heart be troubled... In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am, there you may be also.' (John 14:1-3 NKJV) (2) What about those of us who must go on living? '...The...God of all comfort...comforts us...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble...' (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV) He's there for you anytime anyplace. You are loved!