What is Your Reason?

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 
2 Timothy 3:16-17

What are our reasons for studying God's Word?

Is it to be full of knowledge so we can sound like we know a lot?

Is it to find Scripture to use for ammo against others?

Is it so we can mark it off of our to-do lists?

Is it because we have a passion and hunger for more of Christ?

Is it because we know without it we will be of no use?

What are our reasons?

God's reasons for us...

1. To teach us what is true.
2. To make us realize what is wrong in our lives
3. To straighten us out
4. To teach us do what is right
5. To prepare us
6. To equip us for every good thing God wants us to do.

Do your reasons and His reasons align?

His Final Thoughts

S-Galatians 6:17-18

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-My Final Thoughts

"From now on, don't let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. My dear brothers and sisters, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Galatians 6:17-18

I have suffered for the sake of Christ. See the scars? They are proof that I belong and live for Christ. 

As we close the Book of Galatians lets remember Paul's words and warnings.

  1. Live in the freedom of Christ
  2. Don't fall back into slavery
  3. Don't let others mislead you
  4. Don't conform or give into legalism
  5. Live for Christ-not man
  6. Live by the Spirit's Power
  7. Remember you reap what you sow
  8. Live by faith not by the law
  9. Cling to the promises of God
10. Use this gift of freedom and serve others, love others, be kind to others, encourage others, and share the Good News.

What Really Counts

S-Galatians 6:15-16

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of freedom through Christ

L-What Really Counts

"It doesn't make any difference now whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we really have been changed into new and different people. May God's mercy and peace be upon all those who live by this principle. They are the new people of God." Galatians 6:15-16

It's not what you do on the outside. The circumcision, yes it was big before Christ, but now, on this side of the Cross, it's whats takes place on the inside.

To Change is to transform. It's to take all that is twisted, sick, sinful, and ugly, and place it in the hands of Christ. Who then fills you with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit then comes in and cleans house. He takes all the twisted, sick, sinful, and ugly and transforms it into Christ-likeness.

The more you allow Him to lead, to guide, to clean, the more and more change happens. And the more change that is made on the inside, the more it will begin to show on the outside.

"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

S-Tell others why it's important for change to take place on the inside.

Altar Sunday

Are your priorities out of whack?

Are you struggling to put the Lord first?

Have you placed so much on your plate that Christ has moved further down the list?

If so, the altar is the best place to get those priorities back in the right God-desired order.

Before you leave the altar, allow the Lord to take away the things that have taken His place. Then ask Him to help you keep your priorities straight.

your priorities and what they reveal about you.

What do our priorities reveal about us?

They reveal what's most important to us.
They reveal who is most important to us.
They reveal the things we like/value.
They can even reveal who and what we serve.
   Money
   Self
   World
   God

What do your priorities reveal about you?

Our lifestyle is a reflection of where our true priorities lie.

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did." 1 John 2:6

Jesus help us to have the same priorities You had. And when we get ours out of order, reveal that to us. Amen

What Are You Thinking?

How is your thought life?

Do you struggle with your thoughts?

If so, can I ask what fills your thoughts more, the things of this world or God's Word?

"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11

He is...

In the midst of frustration, God is our encourager

In a state of exhaustion, God is our energy source.

In the midst of pain, God is our comforter.

In a state of confusion, God is clarity.

In a state of unhappiness, God is joy.

In a state of anger, God is love.

In the midst of weakness, God is our strength.

God was every ounce of these things and more over the last three days. These are just a few of the things He brings into the relationship, and I am EVER so grateful.

Boast Not of Yourself but of Christ

S-To Boast

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace and Freedom Through Christ

L-Boast Only In...

"As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died." Galatians 6:14

To Boast

1. To glorify oneself in speech; talk in a self-admiring way. 
2. To speak with excessive pride. 
3. A source of pride

To boast of our self, does nothing for us, other than reveal our pride, insecurity, our need for attention, and our interest in the things of this world.

We need to take on the same attitude and mind set of Paul. 

How do we do that? 

1. By understanding we are nothing without Christ. 
2. By crucifying and nailing our interest in the world to the Cross.
3. By understanding the significance and power of the Cross, and what Christ did on that Cross for us.

When we focus on those three things, the things of this world that interest us, will fail in comparison.

Brethren, lets be careful not to boast so much that we fail to point others to Christ.

S-Every time that tendency to boast about yourself arises, stop and ask the Lord to help you crucify those thoughts. Then use that opportunity to boast about the cross and Christ.

Enforcing Some but Ignoring the Others

S-Picking and Choosing

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace and Freedom

L-Enforce One and Ignore the Other

"Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my own handwriting. 

       -Back in the day, handwritten letters were the way of mail. To receive a handwritten letter, meant that someone personally took the time to sit down and think about you. It was the only way, there was no such thing as emailing or texting.

       -It had meaning. It was genuine.

       -Paul closed the letter to the Churches in Galatia with pen in hand, written large to ensure his genuine concern and love for them. It was Paul's way of saying, pay attention! (I wonder if he wrote in all caps, as though he was really trying to get his point across)

Paul goes on to write

"Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised are doing it for just one reason. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save. And even those who advocate circumcision don't really keep the whole law. They only want you to be circumcised so they can brag about it and claim you as their disciples." Galatians 6:11-13

      -Listen, these people who come up to you and force you to follow their rules, yet they themselves ignore rules and laws themselves. They don't have your best interest at heart. They are full of themselves.

      -They force circumcision upon you because they are afraid of being persecuted. They would rather receive the praise than giving it to Christ.

      -Can't you see what they are doing? They are picking and choosing specific parts of God's law to obey and force, all while ignoring the rest of it. Don't be like that! Don't conform to that type of thinking or living.

     -God's Word it to be obeyed in its entirety, and it can't be done with out the Holy Spirit. Only Christ was able to fulfill and obey the entire law.

    -What laws are you forcing upon others? Let's step back and evaluate our life to the life of Christ. Let's not be those who pick and choose. Let's seek to obey all of the Word.

    -Let's be aware of what we are being taught and what we are teaching. Don't force your own convictions onto others. You can share your personal convictions but make sure you don't enforce them onto others in order to boast or claim them as your disciples. God didn't call us to be the Holy Spirit.

    -He called us to be followers of Christ, who seek to live a pure and blameless life, that honors and pleases Him.

S-Ask Christ to show you areas of His Word you are picking and choosing to obey. Then let Him help you obey all of His Word by the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What Brings You Jesus Joy?

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, God is great!" Psalm 70:4

It's an unexplainable joy. One that flows through out my entire body.

This joy comes from studying and teaching God's Word. These are the top 2 things that bring me Jesus Joy! (I have a lot more, but these two really get my blood flowing)

There is not an aspect of it I dislike.

I love it all.

Every Sunday God allows me to walk into a room full of the most precious women and do this very thing, teach His Word.

But this go around, it seems to be more than that. 

These women come from all walks of life. They are crowned with wisdom. Full of Jesus beauty, and have smiles and hearts that will overwhelm you with a need to be around them.

I am challenged to dig deeper in my study and teaching, and I love it! I am challenged to go beyond myself and seek the face of God everyday. I am challenged to be a better servant. I am challenged to love, listen and learn from these precious women who have walked thousands of more steps with the Lord than I have.

I have been so challenged, so overjoyed, that Satan can't stand it. Nope, he wants none of this to be happening.

Thus the fiery arrows.

But he won't win the battle. You think he would know that by now, being that he has tried to attack previous times, and has come up short. But he is Satan and he is relentless. He will never give up.

Christ has the victory and because I am in Christ I too have the victory. We all do. Isn't that a wonderful feeling?

Do you know what else is wonderful? When God opens doors like these. You know the ones you least expect. The ones that you never thought you would do, but do, and fall madly in love doing.

That's how I feel. I am over joyed more times than I am overwhelmed (like the other day) at being called to do things for the Lord that I feel completely unqualified for.

I wonder if Paul and Timothy felt that way. Especially Timothy. He was young, intelligent, and in love with Jesus. He also had an amazing mentor who walked with him, encouraged him, and spoke wisdom into him.

I am blessed to have a couple of those myself. They are two very important people in my life, who have set an amazing example of Christ-likeness. Well okay, I really have four!

Do you have a Godly mentor?

What calling has God placed on your life that fills you with an overwhelming amount of joy?

Has the Lord recently called you into a ministry you never expected or thought you would do?

Brethren, these are exciting opportunities. We should be joyful and thankful to be found useful by the Lord.

Maybe you have become discouraged and your Jesus Joy is low.  Don't grow weary. Keep pressing on. Keep looking at what lies ahead and up. Keep seeking the face of God. Keep growing in the Word daily. Just keep on keeping on. In His timing He will place you where He knows you will be the most useful for His name and His glory.

Evaluate your motives daily. Make sure they are motives for Him and not for self. That alone is a big Jesus Joy zapper.  Keep yourself pure and your eyes and thoughts on Him so He can use you.

And when God does reveal His purpose for you in a more clear and distinct way. Make sure you praise Him, thank Him, honor Him, devote your time to serving Him and others, and always point others to Him and not yourself.

Now, to my sweet mamas, remember, your greatest ministry is your home, your family. Tending to it, is your first and most important priority. Make the Lord proud with the blessings He has given you. Find joy in serving your family and taking care of your home. Even when it seems hard, overwhelming, frustrating, tedious, and unnoticed.

It is an honor and privilege we have been given to serve the Lord in our homes and we need to always view it from His perspective and not our flesh's perspective or the worlds.

Are you fulfilling your calling at home? Are you finding joy in taking care of your family and home?

Are you looking and searching for Jesus  each and every day? Look for opportunities to share God's truth, love, and mercy with others. Use each day to serve and bless the Lord by serving and blessing your family.

Everything we do for the Lord and in His name is useful!

"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:21

Here are my hubbies top 5 things that bring him joy. (These are not in any particular order)

1. Providing for His family
2. Serving others
3. Fishing on a good lake
4. Christmas time (seeing our faces on Christmas morning)
5. Watching the Redskins play (He is a very proud and supportive brother! I can attest to this joy!)

    
Here are my 5, plus some (These are not in any particular order)

1. Studying God's Word
2. Teaching God's Word
3. Discipling Women
4. Serving my family
5. Fishing with my 3 boys
6. Watching the Redskins, Broncos, and Texas Tech
7. My Dave Ramsey envelopes
8. Organizing my home

 What are the top 5 (or more) things that bring you Jesus Joy?

Altar Sunday

As you head to the Altar, lay out your life before the Lord. Let Him do what only He can do.

Heal it
Mend it
Piece it back together
Fill it
Comfort it
Rescue it
Restore it
Renew it
Shape it
Mold it

I promise as you get up, He will ensure you walk away different than before.

Praise Your Great Name

"Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. 

We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! Psalm 95:6-7"

We Can't Re-Invent God's Purpose For Our Lives

Have you ever had a day when all you did was focus on yourself?

It was one of those days when the focus became on me and all the things the world and Satan say I am not. 

What usually comes with that, is a whole lot of self-doubt, complaining, poor pitiful me parties, comparing, and the huge urge to just quit.

Have you ever been there?

It is a miserable day, and not just for you, but for your family, and for any other poor soul you drug into it. 

So as I went through the entire day complaining to the Lord, feeling sorry for myself, comparing myself to her and her and her, I laid on the bed next to my hubby, and unloaded {I will spare you the details, it was a hot mess!}

After one hour of my sweet man listening, quoting Scripture, encouraging me, and challenging me, The Lord rose up and made Himself within me very clear.

We all have a purpose and a reason for our existence. To please, glorify, and honor God. To be faithful no matter how hard, how lonely, or how different we are.

And when we focus on ourselves and try to create our own purpose, we are trying to re-invent God's purpose.

And that is just plain crazy. So while I get it now, I want to hold onto it. I want to find joy in being me, the God-loving, black and white, crazy about Jesus, craft- challenged, desperate for His daily grace, me. 

The me that He created, because we all know, when we try to create our own me, misery, doubt, discouragement, and unhappiness ALWAYS follow. 

It's okay to be you. So be you, focus on Jesus, and remember, your purpose is to please Him, not you.

Jesus thank You for making me so wonderfully complex and unique. May I fulfill Your purpose and stop trying to fulfill my own. Amen

We Wish You Were Here!

I wish you were here, filling that empty chair, sharing some coffee (tea, water, whatever you prefer) with us. {Jesus and Me}

It would be so much more personal. Having face to face time, hearing God's Word together. Sharing, laughing, crying, discussing all the amazing things God has done and is doing. Hearing Him speak of His love and mercy and grace.

But instead you are here, and that is okay too. 

Because even on opposite sides, in opposite states, different countries, we can still hear His Word together. We can still talk, laugh, cry and discuss Him. 

He is everywhere. He is next to you and next to me. 

He is filling that empty chair. He is ready and waiting. 

Let's not keep Him waiting.

You are loved sweet reader! 

The Place Where Joy is Found!

Joy comes from a heart full of thankfulness.

"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7

Makeover!!

In the next couple of months Godly Gossip will have a makeover, and I would LOVE to get your input on some things you would like to see added, taken away, etc!

When You Feel Like Quitting

S-Galatians 6:9-10

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Don't Grow Weary

"So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters." Galatians 6:9-10

Do you ever have moments when you throw your hands up and say, "I quit! This isn't worth it anymore."

I have, a lot!

Although I haven't really quit, I sure did voice my frustrations on how I felt.  It's such a God thing that this particular verse came when it did, because I was recently having one of these moments with the Lord and my husband.

The funny thing is, not only did I study this verse in my quite time, but our Pastor preached on something very similar, of which my husband was sure to nudge me in Church and say, "Are you listening? Your blog!"

Yes honey, I hear you and the Lord loud and clear.

Keep writing! Keep picking up after everyone! Keep helping in the family business! Keep teaching! Keep discipling! Keep working hard! Keep serving! Keep being kind, loving and encouraging.  Keep on keeping one!

God notices, God cares, its all about Him! Keep serving Jesus by serving others! Everything we do is for His honor and His glory, not ours!

SIGH

Now for the latter part of this passage. "Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters."

Brethren, no matter how ugly someone is, keep on doing what is good and right. Hold your tongue, love on them, serve them, and pray for them.

If you have the opportunity to do good to your negative co-worker. Do it! Even if they reply with something negative.

If you have the opportunity to do good to someone struggling with sin. Do it! Pray with them, share God's Word with them, encourage them, love them.

If we will do these things, at the appropriate time we will reap a harvest of blessing. Find comfort, perseverance, joy and hope in that promise!

S-Share an encouraging word with someone who is discouraged today.

Altar Sunday

Sweet One,

 Do you have some bitterness and anger that needs to be laid at the foot of the Cross? If so, why are you still holding on to them? What are they doing for you other than making you sad, more bitter, more of a target for Satan, and unhappy?

It's okay to let go. It's okay to move forward. Jesus did! And so can you.

Are We Willing?

S-Two Choices

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A- God's Freedom

L-You Choose

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." Galatians 6:8

Two choices.

1. You can choose to satisfy your sinful desires and harvest the consequences of decay and death.

2. You can choose to please the Spirit and harvest everlasting life.

It's your choice, which will you choose?

In Christ we are able to please the Spirit, but are we willing?

Are we willing to die to self and live for Christ?

Are we willing to say no to the lures of the world and obey Christ?

Is pleasing Him more important than pleasing our flesh?

Whatever we plant we will reap.

Completely Committed

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

When we commit to the Lord, do we...

Commit with exceptions?

Commit with selfish motives?

Commit yet find or make excuses?

Committ only when it's convenient or necessary at the moment?

What are our exceptions for not being fully committed?

What are our selfish motives; attention, pride, control?

How many excuses do we make in one day? 

Do our excuses outweigh our commitment?

Why do we wait until things happen to commit our lives to the Lord?

When we commit to fully serving the Lord, there should be NO exceptions, excuses, selfishness, or done only when it's convenient or necessary.

Let's be followers who are totally and completely committed to the Lord. Not because we have to, but because He is fully and completely committed to us!! 

Realistic Expectations

Is our relationship with Christ a realistic one?

Is the time we spend in the Word a realistic one?

Do we walk away with realistic expectations of His truth?

What are your expectations in your relationship with Christ?

His are high, but with the help of the Holy Spirit are able to be fulfilled. 

You Will Always...

"You will always reap what you sow!" Galatians 6:7

Do you see the word always?

We will always reap what we sow.

If we sow laziness, we will reap poverty, homelessness, and starvation.

If we sow selfishness, we will reap, pride, jealousy, greediness, envy, etc.

If we sow anger, we will reap hurtfulness, broken families, broken hearts, and broken futures (of those we hurt)

If we sow love, we will reap, joy, fulfilled relationships, love in return, and Christ likeness.

If we sow peace, will reap contentment, goodness, unity and godliness.

If we sow worldliness, we will reap sinfulness, discontent, unhappiness, separation from Christ, etc.

If we sow doubt, we will reap confusion, being misled, frustration, discouragement,

What are you sowing? Evaluate your crop, because come harvest time, Christ will separate
the good crop from the bad.

"All right, he said. I, the Son of Man, am the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels. Just as the weeds are separated out and burned, so it will be at the end of the world. I, the Son of Man, will send my angels, and they will remove from my Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil, and they will throw them into the furnace and burn them. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the godly will shine like the sun in their Father's Kingdom. Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand!" Matthew 13:37-43

Jesus reveal to each of us today what we are sowing. Help us to be more mindful and aware each day of what we sow, and show us before hand, through the power of the Holy Spirit, what we will reap from it. Amen

 

 

Sow God's Word-Reap His Blessings

S-The Two Things Not to Do

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Sow God's Word-Reap His Blessings

"Don't be misled. Remember that you can't ignore God and get away with it. You will always reap what you sow!" Galatians 6:7

Misled-to lead astray; give a wrong impression. To lead in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action or belief often by deliberate deceit.

To Ignore-to fail to give proper attention to. To dismiss as of little importance.

How often do we fail to give God the proper attention He deserves?

Are we misled by our own fleshly desires, so much so we ignore the convictions within us?

This is a tough pill to swallow, but sweet one, we are all very guilty of ignoring God and believing we can actually get away with it.

In the end, we will all be held accountable for what we have planted.

Are we reaping the benefit of sowing love, fellowship, intimacy with God, kindness, joy...

      -OR-

Are we reaping death and unhappiness, because we sowed jealousy, gossip, bitterness, selfishness, angry, pride, greed, envy, etc?

Be mindful, always, of what you sow. Don't think you can ignore God and get away with it. And don't be misled by the World and Satan.

S-Share God's Word with others so they can begin to sow the fruits of the Spirit.

Though You Slay Me

An amazing song and insert from John Piper. Let this fall all over you today, bless you, and renew your love and passion for Christ. Let it be a reminder of His control, His power, His will, His plan, His love, and His purpose for you. No matter the circumstance, the heartache, the pain, the suffering. None of it is meaningless!

Be blessed today sweet one!

Altar Sunday

In His name alone there is power! 

In His name alone there is hope!

In His name alone there is peace!

In His name alone there is protection!

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! Nothing has the power to change us or save us, but Your name.

May we come to the altar praising Your great name!

Are You Taking Care of Your Pastor?

S-Take Care

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Caring for Our Pastors and Teachers of the Word.

"Those who are taught the word of God should help their teachers by paying them." Galatians 6:6

They spend countless of hours serving, studying, ministering, counseling, listening, caring, praying, and teaching God's people.

Their time is rarely spent focusing on themselves, more so on the spiritual well being of God's children.

Brethren, our Pastors should be well cared for. They spend so much time investing and caring for each of us, that we should be doing more for them.

It is Biblical!

Are we taking good care of them, some extremely well, others, they deserve more. Wouldn't you agree.

We should never take our Pastors and teachers for granted. Nor should we use them only for our benefit, yet fail to take care of their needs.

Paul says over in 1 Corinthians 9:10-14-"Christian workers should be paid by those they serve. We have planted good spiritual seed among you. Is it too much to ask, in return, for mere food and clothing? If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? Yet we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than put an obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ. Don't you know that those who work in the Temple get their meals from the food brought to the Temple as offerings? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. In the same way, the Lord gave orders that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it." 

We read of this command again over in 1 Timothy 5:17-"Elders who do their work well should be paid well, especially those who work hard @ both preaching and teaching." 

G and I have always felt very strongly about this. One of our very best friends is a Pastor, and I tell you, his love for his Church and God's people is astonishing. The time he spends investing in the lives of others has always impacted G and I in a huge way. His heart, is a heart like God's, and though he feels as though he doesn't deserve anything, brethren he does, and so do many other wonderful Pastors.

We need to be doing a better job of taking care of them. Don't you agree. Pray God will show you and your family how you can bless your Pastor. Whether it be a nice meal, money, something for their home, etc, take care of them.

S-Return the blessing you receive from your Pastor back onto him. It will not only bless him but the Lord as well.

If You Are Going to Compare Yourself, Compare Yourself to Christ!

S-Do What You Should

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Personal Satisfaction

"Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct." Galatians 6:4-5

It's something the Lord taught me along time ago. "Stay in your own lane! Keep your eyes on Me and work hard at what I have called you to do."

This is a lesson that many of us struggle with today. Why? Because we are always meddling in the business of others. What they are doing, trying to out do them. It's that saying, "Keeping up with the Jones'."

The desire for personal satisfaction, has been taken way out of context. The personal satisfaction Paul is speaking of here, is the personal satisfaction of serving Christ and others, working hard with the gifts God has given us, and doing what He has called us to do not what our flesh wants us to.

There is a big difference here. More times than not, we begin to compare ourselves to others. What they have, their success, their appearance, or even their shortcomings. So much so, we become consumed with trying to either be like them, be better than them, or make ourselves feel better because of their flaws. The problem is, when we act in this manner, we dishonor God. Because He sees discontentment, unhappiness, and worldliness, jealousy, and insecurity, rather than thanksgiving, praise, honor, love and joy.

At the end of our life, when we stand before the Lord, we will be evaluated for what we have done for Him and with the gifts He has given us. So if we spend more time comparing ourselves to others rather than to Him, well, it's probably not going to be a very good day for many.

Can't you just hear Christ on that day,"Well _________ I gave you so many wonderful things, filled you with some really awesome gifts, but you spent more time discontent, disappointed, and comparing yourself to others, that you missed out on My purpose for you. When you could have produced seed bearing fruit for My kingdom, you didn't. Instead you produced, insecurity, disappointment in yourself and others, you became consumed with the things of this world, you taught your children more about self than you did hard work, selflessness and Me."

Brethren, lets stay in our own lanes, lets remove anything that causes us to compare ourselves to others and what they have and are doing. Lets work hard because we love and desire to please the Lord rather than man. When we do this, we feel good at the end of the day, our hard work and love for Christ points others to Him and shows our obedience to Him. Let's stop trying to please and find praise from man. It is Christ we are to compare ourselves too, and it is Christ we are to desire praise from.

Finally, lets take responsibility for our own conduct, our own actions, our own behavior, and stop blaming others or feeling sorry for ourselves because we think someone else has it better. You have no idea what it has been like for them, where they have been, or the struggles and trials they endured to get where they are. Just stick to the lane God has placed you in. For then at the end of this life, there will be a great reward awaiting you in heaven.

S-Share your heart with God, confess to Him areas you have been lazy, compared, been jealous, envious, and have done things with the wrong motives to be praised by man rather than Him. Then let Him cleanse you, place you back in your lane, and use you to bring honor and glory to His name.

Has Your Relationship Grown Stagnant?

Has your relationship grown stagnant? Have you lost the giddiness you once had? Has your fire dimmed?

Maybe you have forgotten His goodness. Maybe you have drifted from His voice. Maybe the world has began to entice you towards itself, thus becoming more desirable than Him.

Can I share 10 things about Christ that will hopefully, through the power of the Holy Spirit, bring you back to Him?

1. He is still as passionately in love with you as He was the day He created you.
2. He still finds you beautiful.
3. He is still as kind, patient and merciful as He was the day you met Him.
4. He is still full of unfailing love, no matter how far you have drifted
5. He is completely committed and faithful to you.
6. He still surrounds you with His loving presence daily
7. He is forgiving
8. He is still protecting, helping, and meeting your daily needs
9. He is so quick to be near to you when you call out to Him
10. No matter how far you drift away, how little you put into the relationship, His arms are always open.

Turn your hearts to Jesus, let Him remind you of the love you once had. Let Him re-ignite the fire and passion within you.

"The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation." Psalm 145:9

It's an Oppurtunity!

S-To Build Up

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Share Each Other's Troubles

"Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone in need, you are only fooling yourself. You are really a nobody." Galatians 6:2-3

"They just have so many problems, how do you even begin to help someone with all those needs?"

Have these thoughts ever gone through your head?

Do you ever avoid asking specific people how they are, because you know they will unload on you, telling you all of their problems and needs? Yes, there are people like this, and brethren, even though there seems to always be a problem or a need, we still need to be listeners and helpers. Because Christ asks us too, and because He does it for us. Don't look at it as an inconvenience(that's being selfish), look at it as an opportunity to be a reflection of Christ. (His reflection is selfless)

 Think back on the last conversation you had with the Lord, did you unload on Him, asking Him for help, and telling Him all your problems, struggles, issues, etc.? What did He do? He listened and before you even realized it, Jesus was meeting your needs (Not your wants).

When a passage starts with a command, it is to be taken literally and applied literally.

This is why the Body of Christ exists. To help one another, to encourage one another, to help carry the burden's of one another.

Look what Paul says over in Romans regarding this matter. "We may know that these things make no difference, but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think these things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn't please himself. As the Scriptures say, Those who insult you are also insulting me. Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises. May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:1-6

Sweet Ones, this all begins within our homes. If our relationship with Christ is where it should be, then our desire to please Him, will overflow onto our families and others.

Be a listener and helper to someone in need today.

S-Share the gifts God has given you to bless another of His today.

Shout It Out!

Hey!

Lets get excited about Jesus today, what do you say?

How do we do that?

Think about all the good things He does every second for you!!!

Come on, just shout a few praises, and when people come running in or look at you, just keep on shoutin'. He's worth it!!

Heck, they might even join you!! 

(I'll start). GOD IS AMAAAAAZING! 

GOD IS MY HERO, REDEEMER, AND SAVIOR!!

Oh, and just so you know I really did scream those outside my house today, I even had Avery, Dax and their best friend T do it with me! 

It rocked!!

What Kind of Friends Do You Have? What Kind of Friend Are You?

S-Accountable

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of freedom

L-To Hold Accountable

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself." Galatians 6:1

As the Body of Christ we are called to help one another, to hold one another accountable and to encourage one another.

This passage can be a very touchy passage for some, because not everyone wants to be held accountable. 

Let me ask you, the friends you are surround yourself with, are they followers of Christ? Do they hold you accountable or do they encourage you in your sin?

A true friend whose desire is to honor and serve the Lord will keep you accountable to His Word and His ways. If they see you struggling with a sin, whether it be gossip, pride, greed, jealousy, envy, addiction, anger, drunkenness, selfishness, etc. they will tell you! They will not agree with your behavior or decision.

Do your friends do this for you or do they partake in the sin with you? Maybe these are the friends you want, and if so, brethren understand they are doing more harm than they are good.

Do your friends push you to be better for Christ everyday? If your answer is no, pray and ask God to bring new godly friends into your life and to weed out the bad ones. He will do it!!

What about you? What kind of friend are you? Are you one that holds your brother and sister accountable in a gentle and humble manner, or do you agree with them because you don't want to upset them?

Sweet one, its not easy holding a brother or sister accountable, believe me I know, but in the end, it's what a true friend and a true follower of Christ does. Because its biblical and beneficial to the Body of Christ.

Before you approach them, spend time in prayer! Ask the Lord to give you discernment, understanding and wisdom to know how and what to say.

And always make sure you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and speak through you.

It's also a good thing to make sure that your motives are pure not selfish.

If you have a godly friend that you know lives to please The Lord, ask them to help keep you accountable. And when they do, listen to them, don't get mad, defensive, or upset, rather thank them and pray about it.

Lets strengthen the Body of Christ not tear it down, or watch it fall apart because we were to afraid to say something.

S-Share with The Lord areas you would like to be held accountable and them allow Him and a godly friend to hold you accountable.

Altar Sunday

"The Lord helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads" Psalm 145:14

Are you bent beneath your load, sweet one? 

If so, there is a place at the altar for you to lay them before the Lord. He promises to lift you up, remove your load and take it upon Himself.

Will you give your burdens to Jesus today?

Find rest in Him.

What's Your Percentage

What type of relationship do you have with Christ?

IF it were based on a percentage between 1 and 100, and a balanced relationship was 50/50, how would you rate your relationship with Christ?

What percentage do you bring to it?

He brings 100% at all times!

How Invested are You?

When Jesus said I want a relationship with you, He didn't say He wanted a casual or half hearted one.

He said, "I want ALL of you!"

"Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." Matthew 22:37

Does Jesus have all of you?

3 Things Not to Do

S-Let's Us Not

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Freedom from Sin's Control

L-3 Things Not To Do

"Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another, or be jealous of one another." Galatians 5:26

Conceited-excessively proud of oneself; vain

Irritate-to make someone annoyed, impatient, or angry.

Jealous-feeling or showing envy of someone or their achievements and advantages.

What do these three things have in common? They are all apart of our sinful nature. They all come from the root of insecurity, and the need for attention.

 Why else would we need to act on them, if we didn't desire the praise of man.

When we can get to the point where we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, and we know who we are in Christ and that are security, confidence, strength and approval is for Him, about Him and because of Him, then we won't have that need to fulfill our sinful nature.

So tell me brethren, is this a struggle of yours? Has it become something that is so apart of you, you don't even realize how much it has taken root?

"Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing." Philippians 2:3-4

If so, it's never to late to confess it before the Lord, nail it to the Cross and die to it once and for all.


S-Rather than vie for the attention of man, seek the approval of God. 

It's the Greatest News EVER!

S-It's the greatest news today.

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Freedom From Sin's Control

L-He Destroyed It!!!

"If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirits leading in every part of our lives." Galatians 5:25

If we, who are in Christ Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit allow Him complete control of our lives, our thoughts will be more on Him than on ourselves. Our desires will be to please Him, not our sinful nature. If the Holy Spirit is in control our lifestyle will reflect that of Christ Jesus. We will be loving, kind, patient, gentle, express self-control, etc. It will not be that of our old way of life. This can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are unable to do it in our own human nature. It's impossible with out Christ!!

But here is the greatest news ever, "God destroyed sin's control over us by giving His Son as a sacrifice for our sins." Romans 8:3

Because of God's love for us, He destroyed sin's control over us by the blood of His Son. Do you understand how great of a sacrifice that was?

Are you living in that freedom today?

Oh, sweet one there is nothing greater than walking in the freedom of Christ's love and mercy. Sin no longer has control over us who are in Christ Jesus.

Let's be living examples of Christ's love and sacrifice by letting the Holy Spirit be in control of our lives.

S-Share the importance of the Holy Spirit with someone today. Tell them what God did for us when He  sent His One and Only Son, Jesus to die for us and destroy sin's control over us. Then rejoice and give thanks for God's loving kindness.

Nailed It!

S-Nailing it to the Cross

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Gift of Freedom

L-Crucify It

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." Galatians 5:24

When Christ becomes the center of our life, and we have given Him complete control, we no longer desire to feed our sinful nature. Rather, we take each sin and nail them to the cross, one by one. 

Brethren, Jesus was willing to die for our sins, let's be willing to die to them too. We must be willing to crucify our sins daily, because we sin daily.  

Do you have a sin you are still holding on too? One that you have tried to lay down, but found that you picked it up as you left the altar. 

There is a big difference between laying a sin down and nailing a sin to the cross.

Do you know the difference?

Brethren, it's never to late to nail your sinful nature and passions to the cross.

And there will never be a greater feeling of freedom than when you do.

S-Share with Christ the sins you are struggling with and ask Him to help you nail them to the cross once and for all.

Real Questions-Real Answers

"Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20

Okay so I really need to ask, in hopes of some really honest answers from you.

How are you meeting the needs of those outside your family, the Church and those within your church?

How are you investing in the lives of those who are lost?

Are you able to put aside your selfish desires and wants in order to serve the least of His?

How often do you think of those who are lost and broken? If you do, are you using every opportunity to share Jesus with them?

Finally...

Are you taking an active role within your Church, or, are you a pew filler?

Jesus through Your Word we are learning there really are a rare few of those who have counted the cost and are following You. May those rare few be us.  May we be living reflections of You that go out and make disciples of all nations. Let us not just talk the talk, Jesus, anyone can do that. May we actually walk and live out Your Word. Father, so many will be caught of guard, so many will hear, depart from Me I never knew you. Let that not be said of us. Amen

Altar Sunday

Do you have some business that needs to be handled with The Lord today?

If so, may the Altar be your place of meeting.

60 Ways I Love You

1. I love your hunger and desire for Jesus

2. I love your heart for others

3. I love your devotion to your family

4. I love your passion for God's Word

5. I love that you always seek to be a peacemaker

6. I love your smile

7. I LOVE your laugh

8. I love your outlook on life-it inspires me

9. I love that you are always positive

10. I love that you have every one's best interest at heart, no matter what.

11. I love your energy

12. I love how you always listen, even if it is the same thing over and over.

13. I love how you always take a stand for Jesus

14. I love the wisdom that Jesus has filled you with

15. I love that you are always encouraging us

16. I love how you have believe in us, even when others didn't or don't

17. I love how humble you are

18. I love your love for farm life and chickens (I share that passion with you)

19. I love how excited you get about your cows and ducks and warm sunny days.

20. I love that you can grow the best garden...EVER

21. I love the time we spend together at Christmas making divinity and how much we laugh while we are doing it and that one spoonful never makes the paper, always our mouths.

22. I love your kindness

23. I love that you are always giving up yourself and time for those in need.

24. I love that in 33 years of my life, you have never once complained.

25. I love how much you love daddy

26. I love the relationship you have with him, and you both taught and showed us the importance of having a godly marriage.

27. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way you love each of your grand babies.

28. I love how you make them each feel like they are special, important, smart, funny, and that they matter and have a purpose.

29. I love how you comfort us

30. I love how you always drop everything to come be with us, even if it is not the best time. You have always put us first.

31. I love your passion for prayer

32. I love how simple you are

33. I love how beautiful you are inside and out

34. I love that you always pull back the covers when we come home to snuggle.

35. I love how unbelievable patient you are.

36. I love how you love our husbands as though you birthed them yourself.

37. I love your ability to do whatever is needed in order to make it better for us.

38. I love how protective you are.

39. I love that you hold us accountable at all times

40. I love how good you always smell

41. I love that you were able to be a mommy and best friend all at the same time, without ever mixing the two.

42. I love your creativity

43. I love how you always prayed with us when our tummies hurt and how you and daddy would rotate shifts being with us at night.

44. I love that your main goal in life was that we spent eternity in heaven.

45. I love how you always open your home to those who don't have one

46. I love your strength

47. I love your concern for the lost

48. I love your homemade chicken noodle soup

49. I love that daddy is your best friend and favorite person ever

50. I love that you love putting puzzles together with me every Christmas

51. I love that we both love to be warm and sit by the fire.

52. I love how much I am like you

53. I love that every time I call you, you always answer, "Hi baby." and how good it makes me feel every time.

54. I love how you get me and understand me when I feel like no one else does.

55. I love how you stuck by me even when I made horrible decisions.

56. I love how you always disciplined us because you loved us and wanted nothing but the absolute best for us.

57. I love that when I look at you I see the most beautiful woman who has the cross etched within her.

58. I love that you are always honest and real. There has never been an ounce of fakeness within you.

59. I love that I get to spend forever and ever and ever with you in heaven

60. And finally, mama I love that Jesus chose YOU to be my mommy.

Happy Happy Birthday. May this day be filled with so much love your heart overflows.

Is Your Produce Fresh?

S-Is This Your Produce?

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Fresh or Rotten

Fresh produce can only come from the richest most fertile soil. The only way to achieve that rich fertile soil is by allowing the Holy Spirit to till up the hard ground within your heart and then replace it with soil that produces only the freshest of produce;

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23

Do you have some hardness within your heart that is keeping the roots from spreading down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love?

When the Holy Spirit is in control, our lives will produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to produce anything other than the absolute best produce.

Do others see the fresh produce or the rotten produce?

Who do you allow to be in control, your sinful nature or the Holy Spirit?

You can always tell the answer to this question, by what is in your thoughts, speech, and actions.

Turn from your sinful nature and turn to Christ. Let Him fill you with the Holy Spirit who will produce within you the freshest, sweetest, and most nurturing produce there is.

S-Share your heart with Christ and let Him till up the hard ground in your heart.

What Does Your Produce Look Like?

S-What Are You Producing?

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Fresh or Rotten?

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:19-21


When our lives are filled with this type of living do you know what we produce?

Rotten fruit. And all it starts on the inside.

Brethren, if you saw one of these apples, you would never pick it up and buy it, would you? No, yet we do it everyday when we choose to follow the desires of our sinful nature. 

We never have to ask if we are producing evil rotten fruit, it shows. It shows in our speech, our thoughts, our attitudes, and in our actions. 

Brethren, only Christ can clean up the rotten within us. We can't do it without Him, nor should we try. Nor should we continue to live like this, because God says very specifically, "Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galatians 5:21

There is nothing in all the world that can ever satisfy you like Christ can. Don't miss out on eternity, because you were to busy feeding your flesh with the things that lead to death.

S-Look through this list again, and as you do, ask Christ to show you the areas where bad fruit is being produced. As He reveals each one to you, confess them before Him, set yourself and fleshly desires aside and let the Holy Spirit take control. 

Think About the Effect Before the Choice is Made

S-Live According To Your New Life

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Free Gift of Freedom

L-You Are Never Free From This Conflict

"So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. But when you are directed by the Holy Spirit, you are no longer subject to the law." Galatians 5:16-18

He is four, yet so wise for his age. His struggle to comprehend what Christ does when He takes residency within him, leaves him frustrated and sad at times.

He struggles with making the right decisions. Therefore leaving him to question if Jesus is really even in his heart.

We have these conversations often.

"Mommy, I just don't know how to be good."

"Mommy, I just don't want the devil to be alive, I don't like it, it makes me so sad. "

"Mommy, I know Jesus is in my heart, but I just can't be good."

"Mommy, I just need someone to help me."

These words pour out of the mouth of our sweet four year old. They are heartbreaking, hard, real, challenging, eye-opening, and push us to our knees together often.

He is curious, He wants details, He has questions, He has a vulnerable heart. A strong willed nature. He has a mind that remembers EVERYTHING. He soaks everything in. He meditates and chews on all of it.

As we read stories in the Bible he asks questions and makes comments that literally amaze me and my husband.

He never wants to close the Bible until he has asked every question possible. His desire to understand and know is beyond comprehension.

So as I approached this passage, we began to talk. We have more grown up talks then we do mommy son talks. He challenges me, brethren.

Choosing Jesus and good decisions is a choice. It's one we will have to do until Jesus takes us home. But we don't have to do it alone, the Holy Spirit helps us. Jesus sent help!

The most powerful help there is.

This brings a calmness and peace to his little heart. It reassures me that he gets it. We remind him often that Jesus will help him, but he has to do his part, he has to make the choice to do right. And he can because of the Holy Spirit living within him. But he has to understand, if he seeks to be good on his own human effort, he will fail every time. But if he seeks the help of the Holy Spirit and allows Him to be in control, he will be able to resist bad choices and produce fruit. (Everyday we learn and talk about the effect our choices have on us, others, and on Jesus. This helps him understand and think about the effects and what choice would be the best, Jesus pleasing choice. This is a work in progress for all four of us.)

Brethren, this is something we all struggle with, whether we are 4, 44, 54, 64, or 84. The choice! Today, will I choose to live according to my new life in the Holy Spirit, or will I choose to do what my sinful nature desires. Will I seek to be good by my own human efforts or by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Sadly there are more that choose their sinful nature than the power of the Holy Spirit.

Do you know how much power is in the word "Choice?" More than we will ever be able to grasp.

Everyday we are given choices and every choice has a powerful effect! 

The choice to love or hate
The choice to serve or be served
The choice to forgive or not to forgive
The choice to be angry or nice
The choice to be happy or joyful
The choice to gossip or build others up
The choice to obey or not to obey
The choice to be good stewards or greedy
The choice to be humble or greedy
The choice to use speak truth or lies
The choice to be merciful or merciless
The choice to be kind or hurtful
The choice to be humble or prideful
The choice to selfish or selfless
The choice to be first or last
The choice to praise or complain
The choice to be negative or positive
The choice to trust or doubt
The choice to be faithful or unfaithful
The choice to give or take
The choice to choose Jesus or deny Jesus
The choice to work hard or be lazy
The choice to be bitter or let go
The choice to hold records of wrong or to extend grace
The choice to want or be grateful
The choice to be free or live in enslaved
The choice to pure or impure
The choice to be used or useless
The choice to share the truth or not share the truth
The choice to reflect Christ or reflect the world
The choice to stand out or blend in
The choice to be transparent or fake
The choice to quarrel or be a peacemaker
The choice to want or be content
The choice to gripe or be grateful
The choice to give life or take life
The choice to be jealous or confident
The choice to be insecure or secure in Christ
The choice to be weak in flesh or strong in Christ
The choice to busy or available for Him
The choice to put self first or Christ first
The choice to commit or not commit


"And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17

What does your life produce?

A HUGE Difference

S-A Call to Freedom

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's gift of freedom

L-The Difference in the Two

"For you have been called to live in freedom-not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.  For the whole law can be summed up in this one command; "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if instead of showing love among yourselves you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of  destroying one another." Galatians 5:13-15

Oh mercy, the conviction in these three verses. God knew, on this side of the Cross, that we would struggle with this.

Sweet One, the freedom God called us to, is the freedom to live for Him with no more condemnation, guilt or shame. It is also the freedom to love, to serve, to praise Him, to glorify Him, and to walk in His grace.

When we live in freedom of sin, we enslave ourselves to the sin and Satan. How? Think about a sin you struggle with. Whether it be, greed, jealousy, gossip, selfishness, laziness, shopping, bitterness, anger, pride, adultery, addiction, or whatever you feed your flesh with, it has enslaved you.  You are in bondage to it. This is not what God has called you to.

God set you free from those things when He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for you. He has given you the key to unlock the chains, to open the door to the prison cell you are in. Take it brethren, and when you do, make sure you leave all the sin behind you.

Now that we have been set free, let's live in the right freedom, the freedom God intended for us. The freedom to serve one another in love.

The word love, spoken in verses 13 and 14 mean "agape." A friend of ours describes these passages this way.

"I like to explain it this way. It is turning the direction of my love toward the direction of my love toward the other person. It's putting their needs first of course, but it's more than just that. It's pointing our love at them, and a good way to know where you're love is pointed is that your criticism is usually pointed the opposite direction. If my love is pointed at my wife, then I will be quicker to extend grace her direction, and criticism to myself. If that's backwards, then I have a problem." 

Let those words sink in a minute. Convicted? So was I.

Let's seek the face of Christ and make sure we are living in the right freedom.

S-Serve others in love today, and lay down the desire to be critical.

In It's Formless State, You saw It's Beauty

Here it is, in the rarest of forms, laid out before You. Broken, vulnerable, empty, a formless mass. 

Though we can't see past what it appears before us, You can. You see the potential that lies within it. 

You see the beauty it soon will be. 

You know all that You fill with it, and all the world will fill it with.

There will be moments of sadness, anger, joy, hope, love, even rejection along with many more emotions experienced.

You Lord, You know its smallest details, thoughts, decisions, and choices.

And You loved it anyway.

It didn't stop You from shaping it, molding it, creating it. 

Your attention to detail is beyond what our human eyes can obtain.

Your creativity is marvelous.

The power in Your voice that tells it what to do, is earth shaking.

The way You hover, reveals Your protective nature.

You have thought each step through. You have planned and organized every detail ahead of time.

The love and emotion You bring and place within it, is Your very image itself.

The covering You place upon it, in it, and around it, is the very sacrifice of Your only Son. In that alone reveals Your very character, mercy, love, and desire for fellowship.

With each completion, You stepped back to evaluate what You had done, and it pleased You. A smile formed up Your face and an overflowing joy, shook the heavens.

It's completion will be final, upon Your return, where then, it will rise up and be in Your very presence forever.

"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

    and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ 

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

    Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.

¹⁵ 

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,

    as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.

¹⁶ 

You saw me before I was born.

    Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out

    before a single day had passed." Psalm 139:13-16

Altar Sunday

Do you have a relationship that is coming between the relationship you should be having with Christ?

If so, lay it at the altar today and begin the relationship God so desires to have with you.

How Would You Describe Your Relationship

"God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:9

In your relationship with Christ, do you know what He brings to it?

Do you listen when He speaks?

Do you enjoy the things He enjoys?

Do find Joy in what He finds joy in?

Or is the relationship all about you?

Brethren, it is an honor to be in a relationship with Jesus. It is the one relationship we don't deserve, but should desire to have more than any other relationship. 

Let's seek to be a better partner for Christ than we have in the past. 

Persecuted for Speaking the Truth

S-Press On

S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1

A-God's Grace

L-Persecuted for Speaking the Truth

When the truth of God's Word is spoken, many will be offended.

"Dear brothers and sisters, if I were still preaching that you must be circumcised-as some say I do-why would the Jews persecute me? The fact that I am still being persecuted proves that I am still preaching salvation through the cross of Christ alone. I only wish that those troublemakers who want to mutilate you by circumcision would mutilate themselves."  Galatians 5:11-12

Are we willing to endure persecution, rejection, even death for Christ? Paul was, and many despised him because he spoke opposite of them.

There will come a day, when we, followers of Jesus Christ, will be persecuted. For some of us today, we have faced rejection from loved ones, because we stand for Christ. I say to you, sweet one, keep standing for Christ. No matter the difficulty, no matter the isolation you feel, remain faithful.

God is faithful and true. He is a just God. He is a God who saved us and is worthy of our devotion and praise. He is a committed God who is with us. We must remain in Him and draw near to Him. 

"Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Brethren, many will find what we teach and preach about Christ to be foolish. Some will mock us, some will reject us, some will persecute us, but we must press on, just as Paul did.

S-Share the truth of the Good News with all who will listen, no matter the outcome of those who don't believe.

Do You?

"Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant." Psalm 25:14

Knowing someone well, doesn't just happen in a day. 

Time must be spent, questions must be asked. Trust must be developed, a relationship must begin.

We can't simply call someone a friend if we only know about them. 

It is the same with our relationship with Jesus. Knowing Jesus and knowing about Jesus are two seperate things. 

Knowing about Jesus is based off of what you hear. Maybe you have even done a small amount of research on Him. 

But knowing Jesus personally, now that is when you have spent time with Him, when questiones have been asked, listening has been done, trust has been established, likes and dislikes have been discovered, and a bond has developed.

That brethren is the type of relationship The Lord desires and what we should desire with Him.

God made us to have that desire. 

Do you?

Jesus may we desire more of You and less of us. May we spend time investing in our relationship with You like You do with us. Amen