Grace-Thursday Thought

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”

-Ephesians 2:4-5

Do you ever just think about how great God’s grace is? We sing Amazing Grace all the time, but do we really understand just how amazing it is? John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace, understood all too well. A captain who was out to sea during a vehemently wild storm, Newton just knew his life was almost over. But when he cried, ‘Lord, save us!’, God did just that. Newton had experienced God’s amazing grace.

Do you understand just how awesome the grace of God is? You were lost in a storm. You used to be dead (totally unresponsive) to God. Because you were dead, there was nothing you could do to reach Him. You were stuck in alienation from the Lord, dead in your sins, and surely headed to drown to spiritual death in them. BUT GOD, through His amazing unmerited favor chose to make eternal life a possibility for you. If you have been born again, then He has brought you from spiritual death (being separated from Him forever) to everlasting life. DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW IMMEASURABLY AWESOME THAT IS?

Grace-Wednesday Word

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10

God lavished His grace on us through the work of Jesus Christ. When we were dead in our sins He chose to create the opportunity for us to have new life. There was nothing we could do to earn salvation ourselves, but God loved us anyway. Jesus didn’t just come to save us and go on about His business though. Before salvation we couldn’t work to get to God. Now we are forever indebted to Him. We should want to work to please Him.

If you have been born again, then you are God’s workmanship. You are God’s handiwork. The Lord has done so much to restore a relationship with you. There are many more things He wants to do. God wants to fulfill His glorious plans through you! You should want that for your life. Salvation is only the beginning of the good work that Christ wants to complete in you. If you appreciate God’s grace, then live like it.

Grace-Tuesday Truth

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

God’s grace is simply the result of His own goodness; not anything we have done. No one can brag about what they have done do receive their salvation. Why? Because no one can do anything to earn salvation. It is the gift of God to each of us. Never get caught up in the idea that a person can work to be saved. It is simply impossible.

When you were totally undeserving God extended His amazing grace to you through Christ. When you couldn’t help yourself the Lord took care of the situation. He provided the necessary atonement for salvation. God is always good to you no matter. You never have to work for God’s love. Jesus loves you unconditionally. Never forget that!

Grace-Monday Motivation

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,”

Ephesians 2:8

God has saved you through His amazing grace! If you have accepted Christ as Savior, then this is true for you. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. When you didn’t deserve the favor of God He still bestowed it unto you. There was nothing you could do to earn it. Yet Jesus still gave His very life just for you.

If you have been born again, then you have a relationship with the Lord. God wanted to give you new life that passionately. He has heaped His favor on your soul. The grace of God is all that you need. If are a true Christian then you have God’s favor upon your life. Not just in salvation, but for your entire life. Enjoy your life. Enjoy God’s grace!

God Knows You!

Planning-Friday Freedom

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 

Matthew 25:21

After everything we endure on this side of heaven; one day we get to hear God say, “well done.” If we simply align our plans with His overall plan, then we will hear these words. Salvation is a free gift that no one can take away. But seek after all you can get. This drive we display in our worldly endeavors should be displayed in our passion for Christ. Let God lead you in all the plans you make. Success will be inevitable!

“When your journey is completed,
If to God you have been true,
Fair and bright the home in glory
Your enraptured soul will view.”

Planning-Thursday Thought

“that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory."

      Ephesians 1:12

What are you planning for? Sometimes we get caught up in the thought of, “what are we here for?” We plan and we plan and we plan. But sometimes life can just seem so mundane. What is the point of it all? We get up every day and go to work for what? If our minds are just on this life, then this thinking can easily overtake us and drag us down. But if we understand that we have the ability to be used by God for eternal purposes, then we understand that our planning can have everlasting effects.

Our ultimate goal is to live in a way that praises God. He gives each of us a specific calling that edifies the body of Christ and brings Him glory. When we plan for the future we should be planning for our eternal future. Do your decisions include considering how you can lead more people to Christ? Do you anticipate and work towards rewards from God that will stand when your degrees, promotions, and trophies are gone?

Planning-Wednesday Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.” 
~Psalm 119:105

Planning for the future can be very difficult at times. We have dreams. We set goals. God lays out things that He wants us to do. There are so many options to choose from. "Should I work here?" "Should I go to this school?" "Should I take on this project?" In this dark world we live in planning our lives becomes more and more difficult. How do see which way we are to go? Through the light of God’s Word.

You will find some path to take that leads from birth to death. Whether you choose the right path is up to you. How do you know what to do in life? Through the light of God’s Word. The Bible and the Holy Spirit should be your first resources in all of life’s decisions. God has an overall plan for all things that will be successful. If you want to be successful get in His Word and get in line with His plan!

Planning-Tuesday Truth

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  ~Proverbs 3:6

When you submit your plans to God, then He will provide everything you need. We have our way that we plan. Once we know every single thing we can, then it is time to get started. Once we have prepared for any mishap, then we can begin. God does not operate that way. He expects us to make intelligent informed decisions, but ultimately our faith in Him is what we should base every decision on.

God is all that you need. If you feel Jesus placing something on your heart, then move forward with it. Don’t worry about who will step in and help. Don’t be afraid about the finances. Don’t get shaken up about what could go wrong. Trust that God is more than capable. When God makes a plan failure is impossible. When you get in line with God’s plan there is no need to worry.

I Love You Jesus!

Spoken word by yours truly

Maturity-Friday Freedom

“Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.” ~Psalm 119:133

If you want to grow in Christ, then diligent Bible study is the nourishment that you need. If you want to walk into and fulfill Jesus' calling for your life, then you must be mature enough to handle the assignment. The Word is our instruction manual. The Bible is our ultimate guide. At 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible; longer than some books. The psalmist declares his absolute and fervent love for the Lord and His Word. Why? Because he understood that God’s Word is the key to salvation and a successful life. Learn to love the Word of God immensely and you will be successful in whatever you pursue. Grow in Christ and get all that he has for you! Be blessed!

Order my steps in your word.
Order my tongue in your word.

Guide my feet in your word.
Wash my heart in your word.

Show me how to walk in your word.
Show me how to talk in your word.

When I need a brand new song to sing,
Show me how to let your praises ring,

In your Word, In your Word!!!

Please order my steps in your Word!

Maturity-Thursday Thought

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

“Am I growing spiritually?” This might seem like a silly question when it comes to the Christian life, but it is one we all need to ask ourselves periodically. We go to church. We spend time in Christian activities and listening to gospel music. Sometimes we even attend what some might call Bible study. But are we growing spiritually? We must always make sure that we are not just going through the motions. If we are not growing spiritually then we are not studying or something is hindering our study.

Are you growing spiritually? Think back to this day on year ago. Have you seen your love for Christ grow? Do you treat others better? Has your knowledge of the Word increased? Make sure that you never confuse just knowing more about God with actually and truly knowing Him more intimately. Real Christ centered study will compel you to meditate on the Word and apply it to your life. Don’t miss out on God’s best simply because you are not ready. 

Maturity-Wednesday Word

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;” 

-1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (NKJV)

The only way to grow spiritually is through Bible study. Christians as a whole today have gotten away from true, Christ centered Bible study. We enjoy fellowship, praise and worship, and overall just coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ. While all these are necessary to our walk, none of these provide the nourishment we need to grow. Only the Word of God can do that.

Above is a picture of the Greenburg family. The one you probably think is the baby sibling, being held by her mother, is actually the oldest. Brooke Greenburg, who has an extremely rare medical condition that has doctors baffled, is actually 20 years old in this picture. While most of your first reactions are something like “Oh, that’s so sad,” this is EXACTLY what many of us look like spiritually. We were born again, but then we just stopped growing.

Don’t miss out on God’s best because you are not ready to understand the deeper things of God. Immerse yourself in the sound teaching of God’s Word. Remove the influences and appointments that hinder your spiritual growth. 

Brooke cannot change her condition, but you can change yours.

Maturity-Tuesday Truth

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)

Godly maturation requires sacrifice. We can not bring all the issues and desires of Christian infancy into higher levels of knowing God. Numerous people wonder why they are not growing in Christ. This is often due to not wanting to let go of the old life. In our society we make fun of teenagers who still suck their thumbs or young adults who still act like children. Why? Because for each level of maturity certain behavior is just out of character.

There is a certain character you must have to grow into spiritual maturity. But it starts with letting go. Let go of habits you know are wrong. Stop giving your time to those you know are not helping you grow in Christ. Be honest with yourself and identify what needs to go. God doesn’t want you to stay a baby. If you want the absolute best that He has for you, then it is time to get serious and do some hard work.

Maturity-Monday Motivation

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV)

God wants to grow you up into a mature Christian. If you feel you are mature, then He wants to continue that process. There are goals that Christ has for you in this life. There are levels of spirituality for you to reach that are currently beyond your comprehension. God has great things stored up for you. Even in the midst seemingly so much hell on this Earth, God has so many good things for you to walk into.

God wants you to drop the past. All of the slip ups, mistakes, your stupidity, and backsliding. It’s over. If you have been born again Christ has made you new. If you are a new person, then you should be doing new things. Guilt is over in Jesus’ mighty name. Shame is gone through God’s cleansing power. Let go of the mess and prepare yourself for God’s best. Everything you went through was simply preparation for something better. Forget the past, anticipate what’s ahead, grow up, and get God’s absolute best for your life!

The Cost of Discipleship

Commit-Friday Freedom

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.”  -Psalm 37:24 (NKJV)

God calls us to commitment, but He knows we are not perfect. God is not as concerned about your outside actions as He is with the condition of your heart. When you are committed to the Lord He knows your heart is in the right place; His will. Even when you slip God will uphold you because He knows that you are overall committed to Him. Commit to the Lord and be reassured by the fact that He loves no matter what you do!

“For he's my rooftop in the rage of the storm.

He's my protector, there'll never be no harm.He is the bread that sits on my table,My God can do it, he's truly able.
I will serve him
I will serve him
I will serve him
I will serve him

Try my Jesus, try him out,He's worthy to be served."

~Mighty Clouds of Joy

Commit-Thursday Thought

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him,  And He shall bring it to pass." ~Psalm 37: 5 (NKJV)

What do you commit your life to? There is a deep innate sense inside all of us to commit to something. Some of us choose to be die-hard fans of our favorite teams. Others would rather glorify their favorite entertainer or public figure. Still some choose to tend to their own needs and elevate themselves. David says when you commit to the Lord He will take of you. What do these other commitments do for you?

Are you committed to Christ? Are you committed to Him above all else? That is the type of commitment He requires if you want to be successful in Him. God promises to bring your situation to pass if and only if you fully commit to the Lord. Stop asking God why He is taking so long and look inside your heart. Be honest and ask yourself, “Am I truly committed to Jesus Christ above everything and everyone else?”

Commit-Wednesday Word

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him,  And He shall bring it to pass."   ~Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)

This is such an awesome statement for several reasons. God makes a promise to us here. When we give our all to Him, then He handles our lives for us. That is such an assuring statement in regards to our relationship with God. But also this is written by King David. David who had defeated Goliath and sinned with Bathsheba. David who had his ups and downs in his walk with God to say the least. David wrote these words from experience as an old man. David knew what he was talking about.

After all the slips, trips, and falls David concluded that if you just commit your way to the Lord, then He will bring it to pass. Many times while we are in the middle of a storm we get worried and fear if God will still come through. We wonder if God will still take care of us and love us. Take it from someone who is looking back on life and speaks with wisdom. God’s love for you is unconditional, but you have to choose to walk into His promises. Jesus will bring it to pass under one condition; just commit to Him!

Commit-Tuesday Truth

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” -Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)

Committing to God means committing to success. There are so many other things we run to try to find success. We seek to improve our résumés, join professional organizations, spend less, and save more. We go for whatever seems reasonable and secure. Why other commitments may be necessary to personal success; a sincere commitment to the Lord is what we all need first.

When you commit to Jesus Christ you commit to success. David tells us here of one of God’s many promises to us. He promises to bring our situation to pass. God promises to handle our situation in His sovereign way. This is a simple recipe for success. No matter what you can figure out, understand, or calculate keep committing to the Lord. Keep trusting Him. God promises to handle the rest.

Commit-Monday Motivation

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, He shall bring it to pass." -Psalm 37:5 (NKJV)

Life can be hard. There are so many things that can get in our minds and cloud our thinking. We want so earnestly to live in a way that pleases Christ. We have a heartfelt desire to please. But everything else seems to get in the way. And when everything we can see seems to be going wrong trusting God becomes even more difficult than usual.

God can work your situation out much better than you can. Stop trying to manage your own life, but Jesus gives us a much better plan. God says if you commit to Him and trust Him, then He will handle the rest. Learn to exist the way the Lord intended you to. Rely solely on Him and be abundantly blessed.

Growing-Friday Freedom

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.”  -Psalm 37:23

When you delight in God He delights in you. He delights in your ways. The old saints had this one right. When the praises go up the blessings come down.  You don’t have to be perfect, but keep delighting in Christ. Keep seeking Him. Keep trusting Him. God sees your earnest desire to do right and please Him. He is pleased with that. When you live according to the Lord’s will He will bless your life immeasurably beyond your wildest dreams. Trust and delight in the Lord!

“You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my life
I lift my hands in total praise to You.”