Redemption...

Ephesians 1:7

 


 

As I was going over next Sunday's scripture this morning, I thought, what a blessed people we are. We are redeemed and forgiven all because of what Jesus did and God's amazing grace. In Ephesians 1:7 Paul says, "In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding." Last night in our connection group one of the questions we asked was, "Why is the blood important?" Ever tried to redeem a coupon at a store without the coupon? You generally can't get the special without the coupon. But with God anyone can get the deal free without any coupon, no strings attached. Free relationship with Him comes through the shed blood of Jesus. Imagine a dying man and the doctor offers the only medicine to cure him. The only remedy for his condition is to take the medicine. ‘If you take this medicine it will heal you’. The man looks at the doctor and simply says, ‘I don’t believe you!’ Now the man dies and the doctor’s report states that he died of a certain disease but actually his death came because he refused to take the remedy and the disease took its course. We all have the disease of sin and in Romans 6:23 it says, the wages of sin is death. God offers us His remedy which is through the person of Christ. We can refuse it and what could have saved us on earth will forever remain in heavenly places. So don't refuse it. Receive today what is yours for free; The riches of God's Grace! You are loved...
   

Heart Condition's

      
'Above all...guard your heart...it is the wellspring of life.' Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Ever thought you needed to be reminded about heart disease? Heart disease will kill you if you don't detect it and treat it in time. That is true - physically and spiritually. It's why the Bible says, 'Above all...guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.' Wanting to look your best is commendable. It can enhance your sense of selfworth and improve your prospects in life. But it's a big mistake to dwell on your appearance and neglect your character. When all is said and done, '...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV) I'm not saying we shouldn't take of our bodies. I love going to the gym and working out trying to keep this 12 pak in order. But think about the heart for a moment and what Gods word means to us. It's like a mirror; it shows you the condition of your heart at any given moment. So, how's your heart today? What kind of thoughts are you entertaining? Are you constantly comparing and resenting? Do you get easily upset? When you hear gossip do you silence it or spread it? Jesus said, 'Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.' (Matthew 5:8 KJV) In other words, when you start to see things God's way you'll act accordingly. If the water in the well is polluted it will make you sick. Indeed, if you drink enough, it can kill you. What's the point? Simply this: it's not enough to try to change your bad habits; you've got to go to the heart of your problem - which is the problem of your heart! The Psalmist realized this so he prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.' (Psalm 51:10 KJV) If you want God to prosper you, get your heart right. You are loved!

Secure In God

'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' Exodus 33:14 NIV

Amy and I got back from conference last night spiritually full and excited to share what God has laid on our hearts. It's good to go get fed ourselves from time to time and we are thankful that you help us in our journey of faith.

Let me ask you a question, are you secure in your faith? Unless you spend time in God's presence you will always have an underlying sense of insecurity. There are certain people we draw security from just by being in their lives; their presence and approach to life make us feel better. Likewise, when you need to be lifted and strengthened you must spend time with God. Being in His presence is like being in a room filled with perfume; you take the fragrance of it with you when you leave.

Moses spent a great deal of time with God. He knew that without God's presence he wasn't worth two cents. Can you imagine being responsible for the daily care of two million people, getting them out of one country and into another - on foot? It's mindboggling. And as if that wasn't bad enough, the Israelites spent much of their time complaining about their lot in life and finding fault with Moses. When things went wrong, he was their favourite target. It was an ideal situation for losing your mind. But God told Moses, 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' God can give you rest in the midst of trouble, and peace in the midst of conflict. That includes a difficult workplace, or a home that's in constant turmoil. God's presence can help you to show love in the face of mistreatment, and patience in times of stress. It can help you to bring positive change without a lot of words, and end up feeling good about the way you handled things. So spend time in God's presence today. You'll be glad you did. You are loved!

Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus!

Psalm 141:8 "But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord"

Last day of conference today. It been a wonderful time of refreshment. As I read today's lesson, I realized how hard this is for many of us, but it seems I but heads with is all the time. As your pastor I'm always asking God for ways to reach our community and to bring the right people on board. Getting people to catch the vision without compromising them is sometimes the hardest lesson to learn as a pastor. Something God reminded me today is that relationship with Him is always top priority. Enjoy!

 Jesus Calling "Keep Your Eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no. 

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me; enjoying My presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of life; in my Presence is fullness of joy; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore." 

Listen Continually

John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed."

"Listen to Me Continually." 
Jesus Calling...I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer. I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit. 

Walk with me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to me. Listen to Me and live abundantly! 

You are loved! 

What are you Thinking?

Romans 8:6 "The mind is governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." 



We are finally here at our Network Conference in Coeur D'Alene getting ready for some learning and rest. I'm not in my office or have the time to write out my normal devotionals, so I'll be sharing with you out of the "Jesus Calling" Devotional for the next few days. Amy and a few ladies are going through this devotional together and if you'd like to be apart, just give her a jingle.

April 21
"Let me control your mind. The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts will defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of my creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked all by granting you freedom to think for yourselves. This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from the animals and robots. I made you in My Image, precariously close to deity.

Though my blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with life and peace."

You are loved!

Control Issues?

'...Anger resides in the lap of fools.' Ecclesiastes 7:9 NIV

I love Ecclesiastes. God reminded me this morning about controlling our anger. The word 'anger' is just one letter short of the word 'danger.' When you lose control you risk losing other things as well, like the respect of others or the chance to find a constructive solution. That's why all of us should go through our Crucial conversations connection group. It will change your way thinking because anger pointed in the right direction is ok; but left unchecked is damaging. Paul writes, 'Be angry without sinning. Don't go to bed angry.' (Ephesians 4:26 GWT) There's a saying: 'Anger is the wind that blows out the lamp of the mind.' So: (1) Before you react, take a walk It burns off excess adrenaline and it's more effective than stewing. It also helps you to think more clearly and handle things in a way you won't regret. 'A quicktempered man does foolish things...' (Proverbs 14:17 NIV) (2) Recognise the things you can't control You can't control other people's attitudes and actions, or unforeseen events such as cancelled flights and traffic jams. 'What should I do?' you ask. Count your blessings, particularly the fact that you have God, salvation, your health, your family, your job, and a car to get to it, etc. (3) Be careful where you vent It's one thing to be angry; it's another to 'sound off' at the wrong time. 'A fool gives full vent to his anger,11 but a wise man keeps himself under control.' (Proverbs 29:11 NIV) It's ok to share your feelings with those you trust and who are not the targets of your anger. But be careful, your words can come back and bite you! (4) Keep your distance from angry people The Bible says, '...do not associate with one easily angered.' (Proverbs 22:24 NIV) Anger, like joy and gratitude, is contagious, so keep your distance. You are loved!