True giving (1)

      

'...see that you also excel in this grace of giving.'
2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV

How's your giving been lately? Paul tells the Corinthians: '...see that you also excel in this grace of giving.' (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV) Then he challenges them with the example of the givers in Macedonia: '...we must tell you about the grace...given to the Macedonian churches. Somehow, in most difficult circumstances, their joy and the fact of being down to their last penny themselves, produced a magnificent concern for other people... they were willing to give to the limit of their means...without the slightest urging from me or anyone else. In fact they simply begged us to accept their gifts and so let them share the honors of supporting their brothers in Christ. Nor was their gift...a mere cash payment. Instead they made a complete dedication of themselves first to the Lord and then to us, as God's appointed ministers.' (2 Corinthians 8:1-5 PHPS) I love the heart of the Macedonian church. There is so much we could learn in those few sentences about the right attitude in giving. Notice, the Macedonian givers: (1) First gave themselves to the Lord, without reservation. (2) Understood that everything they possessed was through God's grace alone. Paul said that the way he knew the Macedonians had given themselves to the Lord, was that they begged him for the offering plate. Wow! When was the last time you sat in church, anxiously waiting for the offering to be taken because you couldn't wait to give? This is not giving because I'm is begging, or the ministry will go under, or you feel guilty, or you're trying to broker a deal with God. No, this is giving out of the overflow of God's goodness to you. This is true giving! I hope you next time as you are sitting in church writing your tithe check that you'll jump up with enthusiasm because of the overflow of goodness by God to you...you are loved!

Why you Should Help

It was a cold, gray, rainy morning and as I looked out I thought, will it ever end? Wait, that was when we lived in Seattle...Kidding aside that's how I felt this morning as I was talking with God on my way to the church today. Sometimes my best conversations are in the car driving somewhere. I had to share my heart because I know He's not afraid to listen to me; He already knows of the eminence need we have in our children's ministry and how I feel. All I could say to Him is, "it seems like no one is willing to take up the cause of  loving on our kids and teaching them how to love you." I had already had to ask for forgiveness for what I was thinking. Then He said to me, "have you really told them how important this is?" The truth be told I probably haven't told you how much we need your help.  

I love this cartoon because it says it all. This kid had a amazing, wonderful, committed, great Sunday School teacher. For this kid to go home and live out what he was taught is the sign of someone who understands the tide against our kids to love God in our culture today. If you have been in Bruce Riddles class you'll understand why the kids come out not wanting to leave. Sunday School teachers are a vital part of a children's ministry. They help introduce Biblical concepts to students. They help explain things. They love on students. Teachers are becoming a "rare" bred because being a Sunday school teacher is not as glamorous as other ministries in the church. You have to invest you time, talents presence and witness to serve children.

 

It's often a thankless job. Students are often loud, obnoxious, and well, messy. But  honestly, The best Sunday school teacher doesn't have a theology degree or tons of biblical knowledge. What makes a difference is time. Teachers make an eternal difference in a child's life. For that, I'm thankful for all of my volunteers who help month after month, year after year. Thank you for all you do!

 

So here is the need. We need two teachers and subs who will volunteer their time and invest in the greatest cause; telling kids about Jesus. You will be asked to invest two months out of the year, once in the spring and once in the fall. If you feel you need training we will help train you and guide you into an amazing ministry. All you need to do is volunteer. So give me a call @967-2447. I'm praying you have heard my heart and that God will speak to you about how important this ministry is. You are loved!  

A Memorial Day Thought

My mind goes back to the days of my childhood when my father took us to the graves of our departed family members. On Memorial day we would go pick the flowering blossoms of the snowball tree, peonies, day lilies, anything that happened to be blooming at the moment, colorful and fragrant.

Depending upon the weather patterns of spring in Northern Minnesota, we might have an abundant or meager floral supply—but there was always something. These cut flowers were carefully taken to the cemetery where they were lovingly placed on the graves of those departed loved ones whose memory my parents cherished. There, our flowers took their place amongst the American flags commemorating departed veterans. I must admit, I failed to recognize the significance of this ritual and tradition at the time. Most of those being remembered pre-dated my memory, and I felt no personal connection to a person I’d never known. These days I consider it a privilege, if not a responsibility, to remember loved ones from the past on Memorial Day. It is ironic isn’t it, that we sometimes must be faced with death to consider the importance of life. Jesus calls us to come to him, to pause and find rest for our weary souls (see Matthew 11:28-29). In the Sermon on the Mount, he encouraged us to “consider the lilies of the field” and recognize that worry and a hectic pace adds little of substance to our lives. In so doing, we may reflect and consider what God has done for us, and in so doing discover how we should then live. In essence it represents a call to pause and consider the meaning of life. Our life.

What will others remember about us on some distant Memorial Day? As human beings, we are prone to action more than reflection. We are human beings, not human doings, yet we seem to love doing much more than being. That is why it is good to occasionally pause and reflect—to examine ourselves. But this requires us to slow down, to wait, to think, to meditate, things we often avoid. When you do, you notice the little things that have fallen by the wayside, and have time to think and reflect. Things like the vibrant beauty of flowers contrasted with flags and gravestones. One representing the glory of life in the present, the other significant for remembering the blessings of heritage and freedom. Both are important for a balanced life. How might you add a moment or two of reflection? You are loved!

Double-take Verses in the Bible

Did you ever come across a truth in Scripture, and do a double-take? What I mean is, the Scripture pulled you up short, and you said to yourself, “Wait, what did that just say? Did I hear what I think I heard? And if I did, do I really believe it?” Those are double-take verses, statements or promises that are so amazing that we have to park there, or go back over them again.

Let me give you an example. In Genesis 18, God told Abraham and Sarah—who were now both very elderly—“You’re going to have a child together.” And He even told them specifically, "Within a year, Sarah is going to have a son." Now that was a double-take moment. Abraham might have thought, "Did I just hear God say that to me, that this old codger is going to have a child? Is that really going to happen?" And then, "Do I really believe that's going to happen?"

We know that Abraham believed what God said. His reaction was, "Amen!" Sarah, on the other hand, did something different…she laughed. She was behind the tent, thinking nobody heard her, but God confronted her with that fact, and then He said, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (v. 14). That's a double-take verse, not only for Sarah but for all of us!

And that one is repeated throughout Scripture. Matthew 19:26 says, “With God all things are possible” (see also Mark 10:27). The angel told Mary, “For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37). And this from Jeremiah 32:27: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Do those make you do a double-take and ask yourself, “Do I believe that?”

 

There are a lot of double-take verses in Proverbs. Here’s one: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Did you ever just meditate on that passage, understand exactly what God is promising, and then ask yourself, "Do I really believe that?"

Another one is found in the Sermon on the Mount. In the gospel of Matthew chapter 7, Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (vv.7-8).

You probably have some double-take verses of your own. My point is, what should we do with these double-take verses? I hinted at it with those questions above. When we ask ourselves, “Do I really believe that?” our answer should always be like Abraham, and like Mary, and like Jeremiah. We should always believe what God says, and rely on it! You are loved!

Make the Most of Today

Verse: Matthew 24:36–51
 Proverbs 11:30; Matthew 25:14–30; John 9:4; Philippians 1:20–26

Carpe diem.
This Latin phrase means “seize the day,” and it certainly echoes a valid objective. We do need to seize each day, because we don’t know whether tomorrow will come or just how much of this life remains for us.
But what if we did?

Imagine if a clock on the bottom of one foot digitally displayed how many days remained before we died. Theologian Francis Schaeffer put it another way: “Life is like a clock with no hands. It’s ticking but you never know when it’s going to strike midnight.”

What a sobering thought—for those living in the 1st century or the 21st century. Despite all of our advances in safety measures, in both industry and transportation, and all of our progress in the medical field, life still maintains a measure of unpredictability for us today. Accidents still happen, and people still suffer from strokes and coronary artery disease, often seemingly out of the blue. Nearly everyone has a story to tell regarding a friend, family member or coworker who has experienced something like this.

The 1st century disciples asked Jesus, “What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). In the midst of his teaching, Jesus replied, “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).

In a way, Jesus urges his followers to “seize the day” because no one knows when he will return. But we do know that each of us will come face-to-face with Jesus and give an account of how we have lived for him. Each of us in large measure determines how that encounter will go. Jesus wants us to be ready no matter when he returns—to be “faithful and wise” servants (Matthew 24:45). Who are the faithful and wise servants? Those who are ready—those whom the Master finds doing his will when he returns.
Are you ready?
You are loved!

Demonstrating our Faith

In His Presence: Psalm 100:4-5

This morning God placed this amazing assurance in my heart and took me to this scripture in Hebrews. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1-2).

What are you hoping for today?  Biblical faith is not amorphous. We don’t believe in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy—they have no substance or reality to them.

Faith believes in the character and the promises of a very real God and we demonstrate our faith by acting on His Word. Have you ever turned on your radio to listen to the traffic reports? We believe these reports because someone is up in a helicopter and can see much more from the air than we can from the ground. They have a different perspective than we have. We demonstrate our trust in their word by taking a different route to our destination.

Doppler radar makes weather patterns visible, enabling scientists to see something that is invisible to the eye. Doppler radar provides a measure of safety, especially at airports where wind shears could make the ride pretty rough for planes about to take off or land. Occasionally, a burst of invisible wind could drive a commercial airliner to the ground like a toy.

In the spiritual realm, we are limited in our perspective. We cannot see what is happening in that realm unless we believe God, who gives us the details. That is living by "faith and not by sight". Fire is hot; the sky is blue; water is wet; and God tells the truth. I love what Paul shares in Romans because it is a challenge for us to remember we need to live by faith:“If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it? May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar” (Romans 3:3-4). You are loved!

Imagination and Freedom of Choice

    

'...The world and all that is in it is Mine...' Psalm 50:12 NRS

A lot can be said when you think of the words imagination and freedom.

The Bible says, '...God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.' (Genesis 2:7 NKJV)

Until then, we were just inanimate lumps of clay in human form. Can you imagine those lumps just sitting there and God spoke and we became.
At that point God breathed into us two important things:
(1) Imagination. It distinguishes us from all other living creatures. It's what makes us capable of going to the moon, inventing the internet, having a dream, and worshipping our Creator. But even when God gives you a concept; you must work to make it a reality. God said, 'The world and all that is in it is Mine.' That means that when you get ready to build and you only have a few bricks, you can pray for more bricks and God will give them to you. It also means that instead of complaining about what you don't have, you look at what you do have, and what you can make of it with God's help. The church is in a way like this as well. It's filled with people who have differing ideas, thoughts, and levels of faith. That's what makes it so great; God has put us all together so we can imagine the impossible.
He also gave the us the:
(2) Freedom of choice. God has empowered you with the ability to make the right choices and act on them. But even though God has given you this ability, don't try to go it alone. Jesus said, 'What is born of...[the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.' (John 3:6 AMP) Always depend on the Holy Spirit. He's called 'the Helper' for a reason (John 14:26 NKJV). Jesus promised His disciples, 'You shall receive power [ability, efficiency and might] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...' (Acts 1:8 AMP) Imagination and freedom of choice - use them to glorify God and watch not only yourself grow, but the church as well.

Tradition is a slippery slope

I received this thought from a friend of mine Don Detrick at the Network office. It's mind provoking so I thought I would pass it on to you.

Tradition is a slippery slope. We grasp for a handhold and cling to some treasured memory or memento, fearing what might happen if we let go. So we hold on for dear life, not realizing that not far below lies the firm soil of present reality, the best place to safely chart a path to the future.

I am basically a traditionalist. I love history, antiques, and stories from the past. A visit to my office will show you that. But these things must be kept in perspective or they can easily become shrines to what used to be.

Nostalgia always clouds opportunities in the present with the foggy memories of prior success. To worship at the shrine of the past is to plant the seeds of tomorrow’s harvest in the dry, sterile soil of yesterday’s dust. Those seeds might survive as relics in a museum, but in that environment, they will never produce life.

Jesus reserved his harshest criticism for traditionalists, not because of any disrespect for the past. As the, “Alpha and Omega” Jesus had the clearest perspective any human being could possibly have on the past, present, and future. He understood the limitations of viewing time only through our own lens of the present. Jesus criticized traditionalists because of what they enshrined: adherence to a set of rules only they were empowered to interpret and enforce, rather than valuing a vibrant relationship with the living God.

That’s the problem with religious tradition. With the best of intentions, we may wish to preserve a valid object or practice that brought yesterday’s blessing, without realizing that our efforts to do so will be no more successful than Israel’s efforts to preserve yesterday’s portion of manna. Those objects and traditions held over from the past can easily become idols, and distract us from worshipping the living God in the present.

Of course I’m not talking about abandoning our Christian heritage, the inspiration and authority of the Bible, or orthodox doctrine. I am talking about our tendency to consciously or unconsciously promote our own version of the past above those non-negotiable elements of our faith and practice.

A healthy view of tradition values the past for what is was. We learn from it, and move forward. We choose not to live there because we can’t. Those moments are gone forever. It was, but today is and thus is full of promise by acknowledging and accepting the present, and by planting our feet in and sowing seeds in the soil that now exists. We cannot live in a constant state of reminiscence without detachment from reality and eventually becoming critical of everyone and all things contemporary. As R.T. Kendall once observed, “The greatest opposition to what God is doing today comes from those who were on the cutting edge of what God was doing yesterday." You are loved!

Getting Serious about God (4)

   

'Let us not give up meeting together...' Hebrews 10:25 NIV

I love Hebrews 10:25..."Let us not give up meeting together...They took God's Word seriously. Luke tells us in Acts, 'They spent their time learning the apostles' teaching...' (Acts 2:42 NCV)

Researchers tell us that, today, personal Bible reading is less common among Christians than prayer. Instead of a Word from God that fortifies us for the challenges of the day, we've substituted exercise and cappuccino. Our Bible reading is confined to the pastor's Sunday sermon. The early disciples were so committed to the Word that they 'spent [invested, paid the price with] their time, learning [studying to understand and master] the apostles' teaching.' God's Word not only enabled them to withstand life's challenges, but when persecution made them fugitives, they took the Word with them and planted new churches around the world (Acts 8:4). Are you growing in God's Word so that it fortifies you against tough times and prepares you to influence your world for Christ? How about Worship? They took worship and praise seriously. 'They stayed continually at the temple, praising God.' (Luke 24:53 NIV) For many of us, the word 'worship' has come to mean the Sunday morning service - a place we attend rather than the voluntary act of devoted hearts glorifying God. Being a spectator at the Sunday service isn't worship. The New Testament believers understood David's instruction: 'Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise...' (Psalm 100:4 NIV) Do you want to be a serious worshipper? Enter His presence focused exclusively on His goodness, and wholeheartedly express to Him your appreciation for all He is! You are loved!

Getting Serious about God (3)

 

'All the believers devoted themselves to...prayer.' Acts 2:42 NLT

I realized this morning you may be saying to yourself, this getting serious with God stuff is hard work. My prayer is that you actually experience it in a different way. That God is showing you it's not about work but about relationship with Him. The new church that was forming in the book of Acts understood this and took prayer seriously. The New Testament church was conceived in the womb of prayer. After ten days of united prayer in the upper room, 'Everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit...' (Acts 2:4 NLT) What happened next? They launched a church that's still impacting the world after two thousand years. Did their prayer-life diminish once the church was established? Not in the least! 'All the believers devoted themselves...to prayer.' It remained a prayer-conditioned fellowship. I have imagined our church in the midst of a prayer revival. Can you imagine you being a part of something like that? The early church was born, bathed and brought to fruition in prayer. They bequeathed us the empowering biblical principle that nothing important and lasting happens without prayer. Today if you want to get a small crowd in church, call a prayer meeting!

Question: How much do you pray? What makes you a stranger to the place of prayer? Is it the myth that prayer is hard work? It's not - if your priorities are right. Do you wear yourself out, worrying about things as though everything's up to you? Prayer will make the hard bits of your life easier, and more fruitful. Consistent prayer lifts you to a higher, positive place where you learn how to accomplish more while experiencing a deep peace of heart and soul. Jesus said: 'Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.' (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV) Seriously, can there be a better way to live? God's on your side and so our Amy and I. By the way, your loved as well...

Getting Serious about God (2)

    
'The believers met together...and shared everything...' Acts 2:44 NLT


I love this portion of scripture in the book of Acts because they took fellowship seriously. We are more than a common-interest-based social club. We're a family: birth-children of our heavenly Father, blood relatives. The cross made it so. '...We have all been baptised into one body by one Spirit...' (1 Corinthians 12:13 NLT)

Those early disciples valued their relationship. It went beyond merely singing songs and hearing sermons. They 'met together...shared everything they had...sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.' (Acts 2:44-45 NLT) One of things I love about the two Connection groups I'm involved in is that there is true community. Last night at the Clark's as we came together to hear Missionary Dean Elders, you could feel and sense relationship happening in our midst. So much that it was hard to even get started because of the dynamic that was happening.

Do we have such selfless love, caring enough to share everything we own, or share our lives openly with others? One of the traits of the early believers is that they shared what they had? 'All the believers.' How much did they share? 'Everything they had.' God's Word describes His church as a body. Its members exist individually but they can only function properly in connection with one another. Arms, hands, legs, shoulders etc. cannot live separately; they must be joined to a body with a head to accomplish their purpose. The early church survived incredible persecution and achieved amazing things. Why? Because they understood the need to value each other and to sacrifice personal interest for the sake of the whole. Think about it; "As isolated, self-reliant, self-promoting individuals they would have been destroyed by the overwhelming force of their enemies." As a believer, you may survive apart from the church, but you can't thrive. Your God-given potential will never be realized until you commit wholeheartedly to a local fellowship and invest yourself in serving God's vision for that church. Forgive the past; you need to be a part of the family at Calvary! You are loved...

Getting Serious about God (1)

     

'The believers met together in the Temple every day...' Acts 2:46 NCV

I was having a conversation yesterday with a friend who has struggled his whole life on his journey of faith. Because of circumstances in his life he was put in a place were all he could do was lean on Jesus. During this time with God he came to the conclusion that its time for many to get serious with God! Himself included...

It's estimated there are over half a billion practising Christians in the world. But the church wouldn't even exist today if it hadn't been for a small group of disciples who were sold on Christ. The things of God were not a part-time interest or a convenience-based commitment to those early Christians, but their highest priority. If you want to be serious about God, stop and reflect on what they took seriously.

They took church seriously. 'The believers met together in the Temple every day.' Question: Are you a hit-and-miss churchgoer? Do you get upset if the service exceeds an hour or the minister takes an extra ten minutes? Is once-a-week your limit? Not for these New Testament Christians! So what drew them? The temple's worship band? Cutting-edge media or youth programs? Did they have more time and less responsibility than we have? No, everything about their life was harder, took longer and was less convenient. Yet their encounter with Jesus so transformed their priorities that, 'Every day they continued to meet...' (Acts 2:46 NIV) They hungered to gather in the presence of the Lord, believing His promise, 'Where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.' (Matthew 18:20 NLT) Taking God seriously requires regular involvement with other Christians, experiencing this unique aspect of His presence, hearing His Word together, and encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25). You need that special dimension of fellowship with God that happens only when His family gathers together with Him. You are loved!

Your Weekly Challenge

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 1:11, 12 (NIV)

 

I hope you are up to my challenge I gave yesterday of answering the question "why do we need to witness if everyone is predestined already." This Sunday I'll be answering that question and more. So come prepared...

Another challenge I'm going to give this week is Scripture memory. I’m convinced that Scripture memory is one of the most important spiritual disciplines that we can make a part of our life. And I’m not alone in that opinion. Here’s what Chuck Swindoll wrote about that practice: “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced beyond your expectations. Your faith will be solidified”  (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61).

Do me a favor and memorize this weeks verses. I want to encourage you to start now. I know that there may be a lot of reasons why many of you won’t. Maybe the thought of memorization scares you or is just more that you can bite off. It may very well be the case with many of us, including me, before we get to the end of the book. So why not start and just see how far you can get. Pick out a key passage or two in each chapter and memorize those. At a minimum, at least try to memorize one sentence. If you do it will change your life! You are loved...

Maturing the Heart of Hospitality

 

'...Given to hospitality.' Romans 12:13 NKJV

Have you ever been around those who just make your visit in there home something special? Making others feel loved and valued is a hallmark of discipleship (John 13:34-35). Welcoming newcomers was important in the early church, and it's just as important today. Social customs may change, but God's Word doesn't. Jesus said, 'Anyone who receives you receives Me...' (Matthew 10:40 NLT)
 
As a follower of Christ it's your job to make new people feel like part of 'the household of faith' (Galatians 6:10 NKJV). Yes it is, I saw that look on your face. Established friendships within churches can easily become religious cliques where we smile and speak to newcomers, but spend all our time with a select group of people we already know. Most of us are satisfied with our existing circle of friends, so we need to be looking for ways to include others. Not because you have to, because God asks you too. 
 
People come to church and ours is nor different; hoping for love and acceptance, and if they don't find it within a short time they move on. So keep your spiritual antenna tuned to people who seem uncomfortable and out of place. Most people have had at least one negative experience in church, so they need some extra T.L.C. (Tender Loving Care). The Bible says, 'Carry each other's burdens...' (Galatians 6:2 NIV) Genuine warmth and caring attract people. First impressions count. My desire for our Church is that it should be a place where our love for people who are hurting is evident from the minute they walk in the door. And remember, God doesn't just use these relationships to meet the needs of those coming out of difficult situations - He uses them to mature us too. You are loved!

Why do we do It?

    

'...They gather gossip, and...spread it...' Psalms 41:6 NLT

As I was reading through the Psalms today; I had to ask my self the question, "Why do we do it?" Why do we find enjoyment in telling others about someone's woes?

A man is said to have approached Socrates one day to share some gossip. The wise philosopher asked, 'First, are you certain it's true? Second, is it something good? Third, is it something useful?' When the man said, 'Not really,' Socrates replied, 'Well, if it's not true, good or useful, why talk about it?' Gossip can feel like a form of intimacy, but it's actually a false bond motivated by the desire to diminish another person and make yourself look good. David said, 'They visit...as if they were my friends, but...they gather gossip, and...spread it...' Solomon said, 'Gossip separates...best...friends' (Proverbs 16:28 NLT), and it can cause you to lose 'your good reputation' (Proverbs 25:10 NLT).

A challenge in ministry to others is confidentiality - how open can you be? The following questions can help you decide: Are you telling someone who can do something about the problem by helping, or offering discipline or correction? Are you talking to someone wise enough to help you process your feelings and courageous enough to make you do the right thing by confronting the other person, or confessing where you're at fault? Is this news approved for sharing? Are you breaking a confidence, and if so, is it strictly because the person is endangering someone's life, including their own? Are you willing to divulge your source so it can be checked? When you say this, does it break your heart? Have you examined your own life and confessed where you've sinned in similar areas? Are you praying for the person? Would you be comfortable if someone was saying this about you?' If you are not comfortable with any of these yourself, then the simple response would be stop! That's what the bible says to do.You are loved...

Spiritual Maturity Comes By Degrees

   

'...From one degree of glory to another...' 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP

How would you describe someone who is spiritually mature? That's the question many have asked and failed to answer.

Leonard Wedel says: 'A mature person does not take himself too seriously...keeps himself alert in mind...does not always view with alarm every adverse situation that arises...Is too big to be little...never feels too great to do little things, and is never too proud to do humble things...never accepts either success or failure in themselves as permanent...is one who is able to control his or her impulses...is not afraid to make mistakes...has faith in themselves which becomes stronger as it is fortified by their faith in God.'

So, I have to ask the question...measured by that standard, how well are you doing? Are you able to evaluate your progress, without getting discouraged or feeling condemned? Can you look at how far you still have to go, yet be able to appreciate and celebrate how far you have already come? The Bible says we are changed 'from one degree of glory to another'. That's our journey of faith changing as we trust God. Notice, spiritual maturity takes place by degrees. If you have ever hiked Badger Mountain, you know that it is by degrees you make your way up by the switch backs that bring you to the top. Spiritual maturity comes in small steps, not giant leaps. You must learn to live by God's Word, not by how you feel, for His Word states that as long as you believe, God is working in you. '...The Word of God...is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].' (1 Thessalonians 2:13 AMP) There is a direct connection between your daily intake of God's Word and your maturity level. And the good news is: God hasn't left us to do it on our own. 'We...are being transformed...from glory to glory...by the Spirit...' (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (2)

     

'...Jesus...went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.' Acts 10:38 NKJV

Good Morning, I received this last night from Art so please keep Janis in your prayers. (please pray for Janis Ibarra I had to take her to the hospital after church. They are doing an MRI to see what is going on with her brain activity and her blood pressure was really high. Pray for wisdom for the dr.`s and healing for Janis. GOD BLESS) Thanks for your prayers....

I love this portion of scripture because Peter so reminds me of me. The Bible says: 'Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water." So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshipped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."' (Matthew 14:28-33 NKJV) The main message for you in this story is - where to stare in a storm. We cannot choose whether or not storms come, but we can choose where we stare during a storm. When you are staring into the face of cancer, heart disease, or some other life-threatening illness, some of the first questions that come to mind are: 'Who is the doctor? What is his experience? Is he able? Is he available?' The immediate answer is Yes, He is! Jesus! When we understand that 'God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and with power, and went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.' You can know that He can meet all your needs. So keep your eyes on Jesus and draw strength from Him. The One who 'went about doing good and healing all' is on your side today. You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus (1)

'The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves...' Matthew 14:24 NKJV

Jesus had accompanied His disciples in a previous storm and calmed it. But now He was up on a mountain praying, and they were alone, 'tossed by the waves'. Why? Because sometimes the teacher has to step back in order to see how much the pupil has learned. Is that what's happening in your life at the moment? The Sea of Galilee is only about 21 miles long and 12 miles wide. But when the wind sweeps down from the Golan Heights it can churn those waters into a blender for two or three days, and it could sink a fishing boat like the one the disciples were in. Note the words, 'tossed by the waves'. Is that where you are today? In the middle of a divorce, tossed by guilt? In the middle of a home foreclosure, harangued by creditors? In the middle of an illness, tossed by pain, and an even more painful prognosis? 'Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him...they were troubled, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid."' (Matthew 14:25-27 NKJV) Here are words worth writing down and recalling often: '...Take courage. I am here!' (Matthew 14:27 NLT) You will never go where Jesus cannot reach you. Look over your shoulder; that's Him following you. Look into the storm; that's Him coming toward you. Today, open your eyes and recognise Him. You'll be glad you did! You are loved...

The Power of Forgiveness (2)

    

'...Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another...' Colossians 3:13 NIV
'...Forgiving each other, just as...God forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32 NIV


I was reminded of the book Restoring Your Spiritual Passion I had read several years ago will sitting here staring at the computer this morning. Yes I have those days when writing seems hard...I ask God everyday what He wants me to share with you, but some days are harder that others.
 
All of us at some point have bad days and weeks in our relationships. But what do we do when we find ourselves drained and empty and out of balance in our relationships. We may hold some kind of unforgiveness towards someone, and it drains us spiritually. Our thought yesterday and today is on the power of forgiveness. How does forgiveness restore us not only with people but with God as well?  
 
Gordon MacDonald in his book Restoring Your Spiritual Passion writes: 'One memory that burns deep within is that of a plane flight on which I was headed toward a meeting that would determine a major decision in my ministry. I knew I was in desperate need of a spiritual passion that would provide wisdom and submission to God's purposes. But the passion was missing because I was steeped in resentment toward a colleague. For days I had tried everything to rid myself of vindictive thoughts toward that person. But try as I might, I would even wake in the night thinking of ways to subtly get back at him. I wanted to embarrass him for what he had done, to damage his credibility before his peers. My resentment was beginning to dominate me, and on that plane trip I came to a realization of how bad things really were... As the plane entered the landing pattern, I found myself crying silently to God for the power both to forgive and to experience liberation from my poisoned spirit. Suddenly it was as if an invisible knife cut a hole in my chest and I literally felt a thick substance oozing from within. Moments later I felt as if I'd been flushed out. I'd lost negative spiritual weight, the kind I needed to lose. I was free. I fairly bounced off that plane and soon entered a meeting that did in fact change the entire direction of my life.'
 
This is what Forgiveness does in your spiritual life: (1) Frees you from the grip of a negative force. (2) Positions you where God can bless you. (3) Teaches little people how to be big people.
You are loved!

The Power of Forgiveness (1)

'...Forgiving each other, just as...God forgave you.' Ephesians 4:32 NIV

The power of forgiveness is an awesome thing. No relationship can survive without it, much less thrive. Whatever the issue, forgiveness sets both sides free, takes a weapon out of Satan's hands, and opens the door for God to go to work in the situation. This is never more so than in your family. The truth is, it's easier to forgive an enemy you seldom see than a loved one you have to live with every day. But you must do it. A seventeenth century clergyman said, 'He who cannot forgive others, breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.' Paul writes: '...Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love...' (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV) Teach your children how to forgive. If you expose them to your anger, make sure that they're also around when you show grace. Teach them how to deal with the issue, without attacking the person. Let them know that a difference of opinion can lead to a decision that makes things better for everyone, and that as a family member you can be 'wrong' and still be treated right. This may mean teaching them things you were never taught. If so, learn from your parent's mistakes and don't pass them on to your children. '...Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.' (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV) In other words, forgive when you are hurt, and don't take your resentments to bed. You are loved!