The Gift #43

John 1:11-12,14
11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…
14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (NAS)

Merry Christmas!

From the humble birth in a manger in the city of Bethlehem Jesus came to bring salvation to the entire world. Leaving the glory of heaven and coming to earth He provided for the Nation of Israel a Savior, but they rejected Jesus. God had chosen Israel above all the nations to be a kingdom of priests in order that they might introduce Him to every nation and tribe. They failed to accept their mission. They then rejected the Savior sent to save them.

But God in His great love for all humanity made it possible that through believing everyone could become His child. If you receive Jesus, by faith, as your Lord and Savior you can become a child of God. You simply have to believe. What a wonderful gift God has given to you through His Son. God asks you only to believe. Won’t you receive Him now? What a great time at this Christmas season to become a believer in Jesus.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

From A Manger To A Kingdom #42

Luke 1:30-33
30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shallname Him Jesus.
32 "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end." (NAS)

Christmas is about Jesus. Jesus is the Son born to the virgin Mary. He was God in human flesh. The good news of His birth was announced to Mary in the midst of her fear, questioning, and elation. How can it be that a simple virgin should have the child who would be the King of Israel and the King of the whole world?

Mary did not understand, but likely you don’t either. The miracle of miracles became reality, the God of the universe and creator of the world was to become a man and live on the earth. His kingdom would never come to the end, because His kingdom would be found in the hearts of people who by faith trust Him as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

No wonder Mary pondered these things in her heart. During this Christmas season ponder in your heart that Jesus is able to establish His kingdom in you. Christmas after all is about Jesus.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

The Why Question #41

Difficult times have always been a cause for even God’s people to question and yearn for answers. Several times in Psalms King David asks the inevitable question, “Why?” The author of Habakkuk writes a whole book in the Bible asking, “God where are you?”

Israel had been captured by the Midianites and were again asking God, “…If the Lord is with us why then has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about?” Judges 6:13 (NLT)

This may be the question in your mind today. The answer to all these questions is simply that God is in ultimate control. No matter what we face God is always there.

Romans 11:36 (NLT) says it clearly, “For everything comes from Him, everything exists by His power, and is intended for His glory. To Him be the glory forevermore.” Our comfort, hope, and encouragement is found not in material things, governments, economics, anyone or anything else. Our hope is in the Lord.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

My Pile of Stones #40

Joshua 4:6
6 "Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, 'What do these stones mean to you?' (NAS)

What do these stones mean to you? What a question. Have you contemplated the meaning of that phrase to Israel? They had just crossed the Jordan River on dry ground during the time of a flood. They watched as the waters of the river stood still and mounded up as the two million or so Israelites crossed over on a dry river bed. They then erected a memorial to God and to the victory of the safe crossing by placing twelve stones in the middle of the river. The question lingering over the stones was, "What do these stones mean to you?" To Israel they meant a finality to forty years of wilderness wanderings. It meant freedom in the Promised Land. It meant God was faithful.

Do you have a pile of rocks somewhere? Not a literal pile, but a place where you watched God at work and took time to build a memorial. Why not find the middle of the river and build a memorial to God for yourself. It will be a ceaseless reminder that God was faithful to you in the past and that He will be there for you now and always.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Overflowing Thankfulness #39

2 Corinthians 9:10-12, 15
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (NAS)

Happy Thanksgiving!! You are probably celebrating today the wonderful “American Holiday of Feasting.” As you eat your turkey and dressing and pumpkin pie remember that God supplies all your needs. He does so for a reason. He gives to you in order that you may give to others. You not only meet the needs of people, but you bring an overflowing of thanksgiving to God.

You are bringing Thanksgiving to God by your love and words of encouragement to me and Sandy. We are indeed thankful for the opportunities we have had to minister across the United States and in Thailand and Canada. You made that possible. We are thankful to you and to God.

We are all most thankful for His indescribable gift that produces thanks from all His children. His greatest and indescribable gift was His Son Jesus Christ.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

My Best Friend #38

John 15:12-13 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. (NAS)

Who is your best friend? How would you describe them? What makes them your best friend? Jesus describes friends in words of sacrifice and commitment. He also says that it is His command that we love one another. A friend is someone who loves you so much that they place your life ahead of their own.

Are you the kind of friend that is willing to sacrifice and place another person’s life ahead of your own? To have a friend and to be a friend is truly one of the greatest blessings in life.

Jesus was referring to Himself as He describes friendship in terms of laying down your life for someone else. He truly is our best friend. He laid down his life on the cross and died for our sins in order that we might have complete forgiveness. That is a true friend. Are you someone’s best friend? Do you have a best friend? Do you have Jesus in your life as your absolute best friend?

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Preparations Can Hurt #37

Hebrews 12:11
11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (NAS)

Have you ever struggled to do just one more wind sprint, or one more pushup, or maybe one more mile, or maybe even one more Bible study, or sermon, or one more worship service, or witness to one more person and you think to yourself, “Why am I doing this?”

Every athlete who has trained to compete in the games has known the struggle of getting in shape, working on the basics, and constant discipline. As you discipline yourself in order to prepare for the game of life you will discover the discomfort that it brings. The writer of Hebrews calls it not joyful but sorrowful.

On the day of the race you will discover that although the discipline was difficult at the time it was worth it all. So it is in the Christian life. It may seem tough to be disciplined, but the results will bring meaningful purpose in your life.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Confidence #36

Acts 18:9-11
9 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent;
10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city."
11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (NAS)

Has God ever spoken to you? You received great confidence when you get a word from the Lord? God is a revealing God and delights in giving to His children encouragement and hope. The Apostle Paul was used to being afraid of what was coming next from those to whom he ministered. He never knew if it would be a receptive ear or a beating and imprisonment. So when God gave him the word to not be afraid but to continue his ministry Paul was renewed in his mission.

From time to time God gives us very clear instructions from His word and from the Holy Spirit. You are energized, encouraged and receive great strength from knowing God’s direction. Stay focused on the scripture. Read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and then apply it to your life situations.

Paul’s normal length of stay was from a few days to maybe a few months, but this time he stayed a year and six months making disciples by teaching the word. Confidence to do ministry comes as God gives assurance that He is in charge and His word is true. You can gain true confidence by receiving God’s word for your life.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Attitude Check #35

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NAS)

Scores of books and articles have been written by authors concerning attitude. Charles Swindoll declared attitude as the most important criteria of a positive life. Norman Peale wrote the classic, The Power of Positive Thinking to encourage everyone to express a positive attitude.

It was the Apostle Paul long ago who admonished the Thessalonians toward an attitude of thanksgiving and rejoicing. He speaks to them of rejoicing always and giving of thanks for and in everything. How to accomplish this feat of constant gratitude and joy truly is an adventurous endeavor, and only to be fulfilled through prayer.

That is why in the middle of the sentence Paul says, “Pray without ceasing.” Only through prayer can you truly express your heart of rejoicing and thanksgiving. God is concerned about everything in your live and knows that with prayer you can have an attitude of gratitude.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Watch Out! #34

Philippians 3:2
2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. (NIV)

The song says, “Who let the dogs out.” No matter who it was, the Bible warns us to, "Watch out for the dogs." For you who have grown up around animals you may be concerned that the Bible is a little critical of man's best friend. However the scripture is not speaking of dogs as an animal but as those people who are out to destroy your freedom and your joy that you have found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The dogs the Bible speaks of here were the Judaizers or the legalist that would have you live by the Law in order to have a relationship with God. You know your salvation is based on grace and faith, yet there are those wellmeaning religious people who would have you believe that rules, regulations and trying to keep the Law of Moses would somehow provide you with a personal
relationship with God. This was characterized by circumcision or as the Bible calls it mutilation.

Be assured the dogs want you to be controlled by something other than the Holy Spirit. The Bible warns you to watch out for those dogs. God's purpose is for you to have the joy of the Lord and purpose in life by grace through faith. Thank God for the freedom from the Law and its demands. Remember the Law shows you what sin is but has no power to produce a Godly life. Only God’s Holy Spirit can do that. The ‘dogs’ are everywhere. Watch out for the dogs.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

How Much Love? #33

Romans 8:38-39
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NAS)

The little boy in Sunday School was asked how much God loved him. He stretched out his hands as if to measure the biggest fish he could imagine and said, “This much.” I don’t know how you measure God’s love but God’s love is so great that it is hard for us to even imagine. The Apostle Paul was so convinced that God’s love was so amazing and powerful that he penned the great words which proclaim that ‘nothing can separate us’ from His great love.

There is something wonderful to be said about love that nothing can destroy. Jesus’ death and resurrection prove He is a God of love. He reached out to you and forgave your sin and gave you freedom and a peace that passes understanding. Only love can achieve those ends.

God loves you because you are His creation, His child, and His inheritance. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He expressed His love that can never be taken from you. Would you praise God right now that Jesus is your Savior and Lord?

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Look Out For The Small Things #32

Joshua 7:3
3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few." (NAS)

Beware: It is sometimes the small, seemingly insignificant events, people, places and experiences that will defeat you. After the great victory at the Battle of Jericho the Children of Israel came up against a much smaller enemy, the City of Ai. After spies checked out the city they returned with a report of “easy victory.” They noticed that Ai was a small city in size and in number and after such an incredible victory at Jericho it seemed relatively easy to capture.

They recommended that only two or three thousand soldiers go up to battle. Their reasoning was simply “they are few.” Few or small does not mean easy. Some of your greatest spiritual battles are not the big things but the small and the few. As you face the spiritual battles in your life never look at something as insignificant or easy. In the journey of life the war is real and the enemy is ready to bring you down over the easy and the few. The nation of Israel lost the battle to Ai for many reasons. One of the major reasons for failure was the assumption that just because the enemy was few in number that it was going to be a snap to defeat Ai. Your enemy may look small, but it is often the small things that defeat us. Be on alert.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Refreshment #31

Mark 6:31
31 And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) (NAS)

Are you tired? Even while doing the work of God you will get tired. That kind of tiredness is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Jesus recognized the need for the disciples to come away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and be alone. Interestingly enough even Jesus needed refreshed. You are certainly no stronger or better than Jesus. You need refreshing in body, soul and spirit. You may be so involved with serving others, doing your job, taking care of your home or family that you forget your own needs. The disciples were so busy that they did not even have time to eat. Take a break. Take some time today to refresh your life. Spend some time alone with God and let Him refresh you.

To renew your strength and find purpose in life it may be necessary to withdraw, be alone for awhile and find some food for your body, your soul and your spirit.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Master Controller #30

Romans 11:36 “For everything comes from Him, everything exists by His power, and is intended for His glory.”

Do you need reminded as I often do that everything in life comes through the loving Father? No matter what happens you need to remind yourself that God was not surprised nor did He panic. Guess what! You don’t need to panic or be surprised either. Notice that the verse uses the word everything, that means all things. Not only does everything come from Him, but everything that exists, exists by His power. He is in control of life, death and everything in between. He knows what is happening to nations, people, and to you. He is aware of and in control of all things.

Your own comfort and peace is a result of God’s control of all situations. Maybe most important of all is that God is going to receive glory from all things. Your life was intended for God’s glory. To Him be the glory great things He has done and is doing. Trust Him with your life’s needs right now.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Is Your Wall Broken Down? #29

Nehemiah 1:3
3 And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who survived the captivity are in great distress and reproach, and the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and its gates are burned with fire." (NAS)

The people of God had been taken into exile into Babylon and the city of Jerusalem had been left behind and was now in shambles. Nehemiah had just received word back from his brother and some other men of the conditions in Jerusalem. There were only a few people left in the city and they were in poor condition, and the city wall was broken down. The destruction of the gates and
wall of the city was so great that the city was unable to be protected.

Nehemiah’s motivation, a great burden for the City of God, led him to inspect for himself the city of Jerusalem. When you are faced with little support, great distress, and broken down defenses it is time to do what Nehemiah did and pray. Nehemiah realized this project was far more than he could handle. He needed the direct intervention of God. Will you find purpose in your life today through the needs that face you and then realize they are much bigger than you are and call out to God for His help.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Pray For The Lost #28

Romans 10:1-2
1 Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.
2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. (NAS)

The Jewish people are the concern of the Apostle Paul as he shares his great desire for their salvation. Paul recognized that the people who were his kinsmen in the flesh knew about God and yet their knowledge was not complete for they had not accepted Jesus as the Messiah.

Every person who has not received Jesus needs to be the recipient of your burden. Pray that God will give you a heart’s desire and a burden for people who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior. Although you know people who have a belief in God, it takes an experience of faith in Jesus Christ to save people from their sin. Pray for the people that you desire to come to know Christ. Speak their name to God. Your burden and prayer will not go unheeded. God cares for all people everywhere and is not willing that any should perish, but for all to come to repentance and faith in Jesus.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus

Express Your Freedom #27

Galatians 5:1,13
1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free;
13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (NAS)

Freedom is God’s wonderful gift to you. The freedom to choose, the freedom to accept or reject, the freedom to live, and the freedom to restrict your personal freedoms are all gifts from God. As a believer you know that in Christ you are free from the penalty and the demands of the law. You are free to respond to God’s love. This freedom is the calling of God upon your lives.

But the warning of scripture is to not turn that freedom (to do as you choose) into an opportunity for the flesh. Do not use your freedom for selfish reasons, but use your freedom to serve one another. The greatest expression of your freedom is to choose to love as God has loved you. Freedom to love or not to love is a gift from God, but to truly use your freedom, as God would desire you to use it is to choose to love one another. Selfish freedom is still called freedom but instead of setting you truly free it enslaves you. You were called to freedom. Use your freedom wisely.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Are You On The Bottom Of The Sea? #26

Jonah 1:6 How can you sleep at a time like this? Get up and pray.

Ever feel like Jonah? The only way to describe your current situation is: “I am in a mess.” Jonah found himself in the belly of a big fish. That was certainly a mess. He got there because he was running from God. My advice to Jonah and to you: stop running from God. You cannot get away.

The second thing Jonah had to do was to accept responsibility for the mess he was in at that moment. Not always, but often the problem you are encountering is selfmade and self-perpetuated. Accept responsibility and do something about it.

Third, look to God. He is the only way out. Jonah saw that living at the bottom of the sea in a fish’s stomach was not the way to find abundant life. Maybe you need to come to the conclusion that you really need God. I believe God might even allow you to be ‘on the bottom of the sea’ in order to wake you up to your need for God Himself. Reach out to God right now. He is there waiting for you to come to Him.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

God Is On Our Side #25

Ever feel insecure? Sure you have. All of us do. Certain situations in life lend themselves to our feelings of being unloved and uncared for. It is during those moments when you may feel insecure. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the Roman church that gave them courage when insecurity knocked at their door. Maybe his words will help you.

Romans 8:31 If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:33 Who will bring a charge against God's elect?
Romans 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height,
nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of
God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NAS)

Sounds like you are pretty secure if you are in Christ. God does love you and cares for you. No need to ever feel insecure. People will let you down, but God never will.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Who Do You Look Like? #24

Philippians 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (NAS)

PBPWMGINFWMY Please be patient God is not finished with me yet. You are still a work in progress. God is at work in your life to make you Christ-like. He will use people, experience, things, struggles, and whatever is necessary to accomplish His purpose in you. God is in control of your maturity. The finished product will look and act like Jesus.

That means that whatever you face today God will not panic or be surprised, but will ahead of time know the purpose and accomplish it. You can also be confident that God’s grace is sufficient to see you through whatever it may be. He loves you and cares for you. He will give you the strength needed to match the challenge. God never promised a life void of tribulation. In fact He did promise that “through many tribulations you will enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 He also promised, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus

Make Wise Choices #23

You may remember the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) who took his inheritance early, left home, squandered it on all the wrong things, discovered himself in a pigpen eating slop, and decided to repent and go back home to his father. Of course the story is of sin and its damage and the way back to God through repentance and faith.

The other person in this story is the elder brother who was at home all the time and was terribly upset by the father’s acceptance of the younger, rebellious son who had returned. Three things that can destroy your life even when you are in the presence of the Father exemplified in the life of the elder brother are anger, a negative complaining attitude, and an inability to let go. You may struggle with these kinds of feelings.

First, let me suggest that you choose to forgive.
Ephesians 4:32
32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (NAS)

Forgiveness is a choice to not take into consideration what has happened in the past or existing in the present. The only reason to not forgive is vengeance and that is God’s job.

Secondly, a negative critical attitude never gave anyone a fulfilling life. You are admonished in Philippians 4:8 after a list of positive comments: to “dwell on these things.” What you think about and toward people determines how you feel, not how they feel.

Lastly, let it go. The elder brother couldn’t let go of the situation. He was angry and negative because he was unwilling to let the past go. You may be bound today in something from the past. Forgive, be positive and let it go. It is not worth destroying your own life no matter what happened in the past.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Know HIM #22

Philippians 3:8
8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord (NAS)

Life without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a life without purpose or meaning. The Bible declares that in order for you to have that relationship it is worth losing everything else. When values are measured it is possible to place a worth on your relationship with Christ. That value is the highest value known to mankind and to you.

Losing everything in order to know Jesus means that no possession, no person, no power, nor position brings as great a purpose to your life as knowing Jesus.

Seeking to know Christ becomes your ultimate purpose for living. Even near the end of his life the Apostle Paul was still saying.

Philippians 3:10
10 that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. (NAS)

Purpose for you today is to know Jesus, nothing else is more important than that.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Enjoy Your Freedom #21

What happened on the cross and at the resurrection? Of course Jesus died and rose from the dead, but what about you? When you place your faith in Christ’s death and resurrection you are changed. It is not a mind game of convincing yourself that you are different, nor an act of prayer, or of just believing something to be true. It is true. You are as 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “a new creation, old things are passed away and all things are new.” The word reconciliation means ‘change.’ You have received the reconciliation.

Romans 5:11 “we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” You are a brand new person. You have gone from sinner to saint, lost to saved, old to new, and death to life.

You are free! Free from the power and penalty of your sin. Free from the demands of the law. Free to live in victory. You are free from the guilt and shame of the past. You are free from loneliness. You are free from inferiority and insecurity. You are free from performance. You are free from the fear of failure and lack of approval. YOU ARE IN CHRIST.

Galatians 5:1 “It was for freedom that Christ has set you free.” Rejoice in your freedom.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

God Is Soverign #20

“There is an appointed time and season for everything that happens to you, a time and purpose for everything under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (my paraphrase)

My grasp of the sovereignty of God increases each day of my life. I hope in your spiritual life that you are growing in your understanding that God is neither surprised nor panicked by your life’s happenings. He does not wring his hands when gasoline costs four dollars a gallon, nor when you experience the struggles of suffering. There is a time for everything in life. Ecclesiastes, written by the preacher, uses the word ‘time’ thirty-one times in the third chapter. He declares there is a time for everything and that everything has a purpose.

Let me encourage you to read that third chapter and contemplate your personal experience at this time. What is the time in life you are ‘in’ right now? What is happening in your life, your family, your church, your job that is appointed for your spiritual growth and well-being?

Remember today that God is in charge. He is the Sovereign Lord. Rejoice in His watch-care, protection and provision for your every need.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Are You Facing Changes #19

Throughout the Bible God asked His people to make changes in their lives. Most of them found it difficult as you probably do also. And yet God’s plans were always the best. Jacob found God calling him to Egypt. It was certainly not his first choice, but along with the call came the promise.

Genesis 46:3-4
3 And He said, "I am God, the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you a great nation there.
4 "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; (NAS)

God will never call you or ask you to make a change that He will not also provide. Change is difficult because of the fear of the unknown; you are out of your comfort zone; it interrupts your routine and is sometimes painful. For a believer change is embraced through the exercise of your faith. Take God at His word and follow even if it requires major change.

Are you facing some changes? Maybe it is job related; maybe it is a relationship, or a ministry that God is calling you to make a change. The answer to God’s direction in your life is obedience. Remember God is always with you. Make the change in confidence and faith, and praise God for the outcome.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Free! Free! Free! #18

Romans 8:1-2
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For the
power of the life-giving Spirit as freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of
sin that leads to death.” (NLT)

Happy Fourth of July! As we celebrate our freedoms as Americans we also can celebrate our freedom in Jesus. “It was for freedom that Christ has set you free.” Galatians 5:1 (my paraphrase)

Romans 8 encourages you with at least four kinds of freedom.

1. You are free from condemnation, guilt, and punishment. One commentator calls it freedom from “penal servitude” or in other words continuing in penal servitude as if you had never been set free from sin’s penalty. It means as a believer you are no longer doing penance or some action or punishment in order to receive forgiveness and make up for your sins.

2. You are free to belong. One of your greatest needs is belonging, feeling a part of something or someone. You are connected to Jesus. You belong to Him.

3. You are free to live by the power of the Holy Spirit and not by the law. Your power to live freely and with power does not come from keeping rules but by the fruit of God’s Spirit within you.

4. You are free from the power of sin which leads to death. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NAS) Sin was dealt a death blow on the cross and by God’s grace you have been forgiven and set free to live in victory.

Celebrate the freedom of the great country of America, but don’t forget to celebrate your FREEDOM IN CHRIST!!

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Old Friends #17

Philippians 1:3-4
3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, (NAS)

Ever have a good friend you had not seen in a while? Every time you think of them you get a good feeling inside. You can remember those good times of fellowship, of sharing experiences and of your talks about the Lord and His work. Maybe your memories are of a vacation together or a dorm room or a nice meal in your favorite restaurant. Those memories are pleasant and satisfying, but they can create an emptiness and a longing to see that person again.

God has allowed many people to cross your path and not by accident. God in His infinite wisdom knows that you need relationships and arranges those special people to impact your life. Over my years God has certainly placed you and others in my life to make a difference. Thanks for crossing my path.

What action should you take about that special relationship? When you remember someone from the past thank God for them and offer up a prayer. If you don’t know what to pray for them simply ask God to bless their life and protect them that day. Real purpose can be about an old friend who came to your mind today and you prayed for them. Who are you praying for today? Make one of those prayers for me?

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

God's Gracious Hand #16

Ezra 7:28 “I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me.” (NLT)

Even the great men of God needed encouragement. As I read this verse I was reminded how many times God has placed his hand on my life in order to encourage me. Ezra was encouraged by God’s Word. Ezra 7:8 “Ezra had determined to study and obey the law of the Lord and to teach those laws and regulations to the people.” (NLT)

Ezra’s encouragement came from God, but again as usual God used people. He was greeted by the king, given silver and gold in order to purchase animals to be used as an offering to God, and an exemption from paying taxes (now that would encourage anyone.) He was given the responsibility of ministry to the people of God. He was also honored by those in authority. What a great reason to be encouraged. Ezra merely counted his blessings and broke into praise.

Here is a great idea in order for you to receive encouragement today. Why not count your many blessings. Praise God for His love, His Son and His salvation. Praise Him for your family and friends, your job, your position in Christ. Praise God because no matter what is going on in your life, your family, your church or you job God in control. THE GRACIOUS HAND OF THE LORD YOUR GOD IS ON YOU!!!

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Under Pressure #15

Romans 5:3
3 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; (NAS)

Romans 5:3 We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us—they help us to learn endurance. NLT

Romans 5:3 Get all excited about difficulties you face in life, they will change you forever by giving you fortitude. (my paraphrase)

No matter how you interpret it the Bible gives us a clue for getting through the difficulties of life. You undoubtedly have had those trials or tribulations or difficulties. The Greek word, thlipsis, means pressure or stress. Surely you can relate to stress. God’s solution is rejoice, show and express joy. The only way you could possibly do that is the presence of the grace of God and His Holy Spirit. It is like reading the last chapter of the book and realizing that it all turns out good in the end. So it is with your life. There will be stress but it has a purpose.

God wants you to be an over-comer, victorious and bring glory to Him. The way that happens is the stress and trials in your life produce fortitude. William Barclay says that fortitude is more than endurance or patience. Fortitude, the translation of the Greek word, hupomone, “means the spirit which does not passively endure but which actively overcomes the trials and tribulations of life.” You may be experiencing tribulations, trials, or stress today. Let me remind you that God is in charge and He is providing you with fortitude for whatever may come your way.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Who Cares? #14

Do you know you are very special? God loves you. You are made in His image. Christ died for your sins and rose again to give you His life.

Even with those truths in place you may sometimes feel discouraged, defeated and disappointed. It is then you need some encouragement, a jump start to get you going again. God usually has a wonderful way of sending along someone to lift you up. God does use people, you know. That means He can use you to be an encourager.

1Thessalonians 5:11, 12, 14
11 Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently
labor among you…
14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. (NAS)

Does someone minister to you? Do they care for your spiritual well being? Show some appreciation. Maybe a note, an email, a phone call, a gift, an uplifting word of gratitude would be appropriate. They need your encouragement. Do you know someone who is out of step? Maybe they are headed into troubled waters or making some mistakes that could cause grief and difficulty. Warn them. Let them know you care and encourage them with a word of caution.

Do you know someone who has emotional struggles? Discouragement often leads to depression and distress. Come along side and give them some aid. They need you today. There are those who cannot help themselves and you are in their life to help. Give your self and your time and energy to help them. Lastly, be patient with everyone. You have or will need encouragement yourself sometime. You know that God will provide the encouragement to you at that time. Why not chose to be the one who gives the encouragement. It is after all more blessed to give than to receive. Take a look around. It won’t be long before you find someone to lift up and build up through your encouragement.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

You Can Experience God's Love and Peace #13

Ever say, “I sure hope God will be with me.” Maybe you have just needed God for some special event or occasion and wondered how can I make sure He is there? You know He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, but the scripture gives us a promise of His ‘being with us in love and peace’ in 2 Corinthians 13:11. “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: REJOICE. CHANGE YOUR WAYS. ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE. THEN: The God of love and peace will be with you.”

I have become so aware that practically every promise in scripture has a contingency clause. God promises He will if you will. Here the Bible admonishes you with four imperatives followed with a promise. The promise that the God of love and peace will be with you indicates the presence of God in a positive encouraging and uplifting way in your life.

What are those imperatives? First, He tells us to rejoice. Often in scripture you are told to rejoice, even if things are not going well. Second, He says to change your ways. There is obviously a link between your lack of sensing God’s love and peace and your unwillingness to change some things in your life. Third, He directs you to encourage others. Amazing how the love and peace of God comes as we focus on others rather than ourselves. Unselfish people experience God’s love and peace. Fourth, He desires that you live in harmony and peace. When we are at peace with family, friends and even our enemies there is a love and peace that passes understanding. Good counsel for the day: follow the four factors that produce the experience of God’s love and peace.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

See the Hand of God #12

Ever feel like second fiddle, or that you came up on the short end of the stick. These are terms which mean you feel cheated or that you are not given enough credit. I have often wondered what writers of the Bible feel like concerning their particular book of the Bible. Like for instance: if you were Nahum how do you think you would feel if someone entered heaven and Nahum met them and said, ‘How did you like my Book?’ and they shrugged their shoulders. The truth is most of us would know nothing about the book and many would not even know it exists. Poor Nahum!

Such is the case of First and Second Corinthians. Although Paul wrote both letters it appears to me that Second Corinthians is often overlooked because of its predecessor. Second Corinthians is a book of encouragement and deserves a close look. Paul begins his second letter with the announcement of the God of all comfort. What an encouragement. There is a God who cares enough about all of your needs that He comforts.

“He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles,” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

The Greek word used to describe God the Holy Spirit, used in John 14:26, is parakletos and is translated comforter. God Himself is the comforter. He is always there to bring comfort in our times of trouble. There is an inner peace and joy that God sends our way to counterbalance the difficulties life sends us. Even when we are unaware of His presence He is still there. We often say that hindsight is twentytwenty. That is certainly true as we look back and recognize the hand of the God of all comfort touching our fragile lives at those moments when trouble knocks at our door.

There is a reason for the comfort; “so that we may comfort others. When others are troubled , we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT). I have often said that ‘God uses people.’ That means He will use you to be a comforter to the people He puts in your life. It is also true that God used people to bring you comfort. What a brilliant idea. God seems to have those quite often. Why not look for the opportunity today to comfort someone.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

The Sizzle of Anger #11

I spoke with a man recently who had the misfortune of going through a nasty divorce. A lot of anger and resentment preceded the end of the relationship. I asked the man about his struggle. He simply said, “She got even. She took my bass boat and all my fishing tackle.” Ouch! For a fisherman that was a low blow.

We live in a ‘get even’ world. Whether it is one country against another, a nasty divorce, a traffic altercation, a money deal gone bad, or numerous other events the answer seems to be “vengeance is mine, I will get even.”

God’s word encourages us against retaliation.

1 Peter 2:21-23 (NLT)
21 He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
22 He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone.[b]
23 He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

Our Savior and Lord Jesus is our example. He was persecuted, insulted, and threatened, yet He left his case in God’s hands. God will bring the justice. Now let’s personalize it. What happened to you today or maybe years ago that caused you to desire revenge by retaliating. Does that sizzle of anger still burn in your heart? Although you have been violated, hurt, or just threatened remember that the real judge who will brings true justice is God. Don’t get even by trying to be the prosecutor. “Justice is mine, says the Lord.”

You will be encouraged when you can ‘let it go’ and let God handle your struggles. Jesus “left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.”

Be encouraged: God always judges fairly for you too.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Can My Life Be Better? #10

Mark 7:34
34 and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said to him, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!" (NAS)

Jesus was compassionate and concerned for the well being of people He met. On this occasion a deaf man was brought to Him. He simply took a deep breath and spoke a word to heaven which meant, “Be Opened.” How often are your ears plugged to the spiritual things of God so that you cannot hear when God speaks to you? You may have tried many things to make life better and only failed, when the real need was to listen to God. Could you look to heaven on your own behalf and ask God to open your ears that you could hear and your eyes that you could see
Him.

Paul prayed for the Ephesians:
Ephesians 1:18-19 (NAS)
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Whether it is your spiritual eyes or ears that need opened it would be God’s desire that you to pay attention to Him. The song says it well: “Open our eyes Lord we want to see Jesus.” Let that be your prayer today.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Your Primary Concern #9

We so often refer to ourselves as Christians, which means we are followers of Jesus Christ, yet fail to listen to or grasp His teachings. One of the most important passages in the Scripture is the Sermon on the Mount as presented in Matthew’s Gospel. Luke has a similar passage found in Luke 12:22-34.

Jesus turns to the disciples and simply tells them, “don’t worry about everyday life---whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing.” Verse 22 (NLT)

How easy it is for us to become frustrated over things. Jesus reminds His disciples that God takes care of birds and flowers and you are far more important than they are. You cannot change a thing by worrying about it. In fact the only thing you will accomplish is the negative impact on your emotions, your mind and your body as well as your spiritual well-being.

Worrying over the simple necessities of life is futile also because God knows your needs already. “Your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day.” Luke 12:30-31(TLT)

By the way God did not promise to give you all you want.

Then God adds the clincher. He says He will meet all of your needs, “IF you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” Verse 31 (TLT)

What an encouraging thought that God is going to provide all our needs. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” Verse 32. So don’t worry. Make God happy.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Selfish Without Him #8

Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” (NAS)

Ever hear someone say, “Boy, they sure have an attitude.” Normally that is not a compliment because it is insinuated that the person has a bad attitude. Actually attitude can be very different from one person to another. The scripture encourages us to have the attitude of Jesus.

Life is filled with relationships. From the relationship of parents and children, husbands and wives, friends, and many others we exist in relationship with others. Words such as encouragement, love, fellowship, affection, compassion are used in Philippians 2:1 to describe the essence of our relationship with Christ and people. The basis of a fruitful, fulfilling life is our attitude toward other people.

Jesus is our supreme example of how those relationships function in God’s way. The key word is “unselfish.” It is no wonder we have so many struggles. We are basically selfish to the core without Jesus. We are encouraged in Philippians 2:2-4 to be unselfish. The need is the expression of one mind, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. We are to have an attitude of humility which is an unselfish mindset. That attitude thinks of others before thinking of yourself, and watches out for the interests of others before yourself.

Our example is Jesus who though He was God became a man, a servant and gave Himself in death on the cross in order that we might truly live. Our attitude should be like Jesus.

Why not try today to think of others before you think of yourself. Your attitude just might change your behavior and may have a major change, for the positive, in your relationships. TRY IT!!

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

God Uses People #7

The Apostle Paul was stoned at Lystra and left for dead. He finally got up and went on. The story in Acts seems to fit the timetable of 2 Corinthians 12. If this is so it stands to reason that Paul did have an experience of death and then resuscitated. If so he speaks of the unspeakable.
He also says in order to keep him from bragging about that experience God gave him a weakness.

The process by which God made him weak was described as a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me. The word messenger is angel or demon. To buffet means to be beat up, or pounded on. That is great description of our weakness. It beats up on or pounds on us. We experience attacks and are vulnerable to attack and recurrences of weakness.

The purpose of the weakness was to keep him from being boastful or proud. Our pride is probably the greatest detriment to the work of God in all of us. “God gives grace to the humble.” “Exalt yourself and I will humble you.” Let me assure you that in spite of your weakness that God is in control. He is very aware of your weaknesses and has provided grace (His divine enablement) to see us through. Paul goes so far as to brag about his weakness. Not for the purpose of glorifying himself or his weakness but to show the amazing power of God’s grace.

At some point all of us are broken, damaged, cracked and imperfect. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden the core of humanity was dismantled. Sin left its mark. Sin left humanity with shame, guilt, fear, blame, loneliness, anger, and powerlessness. These weaknesses caused us to become dependent upon God. We need to receive the thorn in our flesh as a gift from God. The Message translates the thorn in the flesh as ‘gift of a handicap.’

We serve and minister out of weakness. We are all struggling with our humanness. No wonder Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I can do all things through Christ who gives strength to me.” He realized it was Jesus and not him that overcame his weaknesses to show forth the power and the glory of Christ.

Most people remind me of an eighteen year old behind the wheel of his car. Nothing can ever happen to me I am invincible. Get real. We are weak. We are apart from God, a train wreck looking for a place to happen. I was told in seminary to not let my church folks know about my weaknesses. Let me tell you a secret. They already did. So does God and only by His grace are you acceptable.

Did you ever take a look at the Bible crew that God used? Moses stuttered and disobeyed. David committed adultery, lied and committed murder. John Mark deserted his mission. Timothy worried a lot. Hosea’s wife was a prostitute. Amos was just a farmer. Jacob was a liar. Naomi was a widow. Paul was a persecutor. Jonah ran from God. Gideon and Thomas were doubters.
Jeremiah stayed depressed and suicidal. Elijah was burned out and was depressed. Martha was a worry wart. Noah got drunk and committed incest. Solomon was rich and a sex addict. Abraham and Sarah were too old. Peter was afraid. Lazarus was dead and a host of Biblical characters struggled with a temper.

Yet God in His grace used them. The process by which God made you dependent upon Him is your own personal weakness. The great lesson Paul learned through his weakness was that “when I am weak then I am strong.” The reason he was strong in weakness was because he became so dependent upon God that the grace of God became his strength.

Change! #6

Need a change in your life for the better? Have some habits, wrong behavior, stinking thinking, bad decisions or maybe down right sin in your life that needs a turn in God’s direction? The Apostle Paul gives us some insight into the “how to of change.”

Paul spends three chapters in Ephesians showing us that we are new people in Christ when we by faith receive Him as our Savior and Lord. Then he makes the application to daily life in the next three. He assumes we are new. He also assumes we still struggle with our flesh. Thus he says: Ephesians 4:17 “With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused.” (NLT)

The walk of the believer is a ‘no longer’ walk. But how do you change? Is it even possible? I find defeated Christians who have given up on the power of the Holy Spirit to change their lives. I hope you haven’t and that this may help you.

1. Believe you can.
Ephesians 4:21-24 ”Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off you old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true.” (NLT)

You can change because you already are changed. Your thoughts and actions need to catch up with your identity. You are holy, righteous and true. Do you believe that or do you think of yourself as horrible, bad, and full of lies and deception? The first change must be in your thoughts. Stinking thinking produces stinking behavior and negative attitudes result in negative actions.

2. Make right choices.
Ephesians 4:25 “so put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because you
belong to each other.” For the next eight verses Paul reminds you that you need to make right choices. He makes it quite clear that those choices are made through the power of God’s Holy
Spirit. He says to chose truth over lies, taking control of your temper, working and giving instead of stealing, encouraging words as opposed to abusive language, being kind to one another instead of bitterness, rage, anger and harsh words, forgiveness instead of grudges. You may think you cannot do this and on your own you cannot.

3. Be dependent upon the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:22 “let the Holy Spirit fill and control you.” I like to think about the truth that we are totally dependent upon God’s spirit to think correctly and live godly lives. God did not create you to live without dependence upon Him for everything. If you want to change He is the change agent. Lean on the Lord. You are involved, but the real power is from Him.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ. May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

Growing in Christ #5

Our relationship with God in Christ is a growing relationship. The Bible admonishes us to, “Grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 In order to help or be involved in growing spiritually several things are needed. This list is certainly not inclusive, but I do pray will be a motivation for you to grow.

1. Gain understanding of your position in Christ. The first two chapters of Ephesians are especially helpful for this understanding. You died with Christ on the cross and arose with Him in the resurrection and stand in His grace.

2. Grow in your love for God’s word. The Bible is an amazing instruction book for life. Through its words you can gain knowledge, be reproved or correcting and receive training for a life of righteousness. The end result is that you will be ready for the life that pleases God.

3. Act on the spiritual disciplines. You are no doubt spending time in prayer, Bible study, worship, service, worship, and ministry. You may even be fasting, spending time in solitude with God and other areas of spiritual discipline. May I suggest you also practice the disciplines of humility and brokenness, submission and surrender. God’s Holy Spirit must be in control
of our lives for spiritual growth to occur. Yieldedness to Him is a necessary spiritual discipline.

4. Allow God to conform you to the image of Christ. Romans 8:29 Paul says that God determined ahead of time that we should be conformed to the image of Christ. If being like Jesus is important to our spiritual growth then only as we yield to Him can that happen. It is not “what would Jesus do” and then try to do it. We yield to Christ and He works in and through us. Growth is not action as much as it is conformity brought about by surrender.

5. The last area of growth is our dependence on one another. We need to embrace the body of Christ. Each of us is a part of His body by new birth. Over 30 times in the New Testament the Bible speaks of “one another.” Whether it is love, serve, forgive, encourage, exhort, admonish or submit to one another it is obvious that we are not in this Christian life alone. We need one another. Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ includes growing together. Embracing the fellow believers God places in our lives is a vital aspect of spiritual growth.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Chris

Our Choices and God's Power in Us - #4

Acts 13:14-15
"Brothers if you have any word of encouragement for me, come and give it!"

Need a change in your life for the better? Have some habits, wrong behavior, stinking thinking, bad decisions or maybe down right sin in your life that needs a turn in God's direction? The Apostle Paul gives us some insight into the "how to of change."

Paul spends three chapters in Ephesians showing us that we are new people in Christ when we by faith receive Him as our Savior and Lord. Then he makes the application to daily life in the next three. He assumes we are new. He also assumes we still struggle with our flesh. Thus he says: Ephesians 4:17 "With the Lord's authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused." (NLT) The walk of the believer is a 'no longer' walk. But how do you change? Is it even possible? I find defeated Christians who have given up on ever changing. I hope you have not given up and that this may help you.

1. Believe you can.

Eph 4:21-24 "Since you have heard all about Him and have learned the truth that
is in Jesus, throw off you old evil nature and your former way of life, which
is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must
be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new
nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness-righteous, holy,
and true." (NLT)

You can change because you already are changed. Your thoughts and actions need to catch up with your identity. You are holy, righteous and true. Do you believe that or do you think of yourself as horrible, bad, and full of lies and deception?
The first change must be in your thoughts. Stinking thinking produces stinking behavior and negative attitudes result in negative actions.

2. Make right choices.

Eph 4:25 "so put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth because you
belong to each other." (NLT)

For the next eight verses Paul reminds you that you need to make right choices. He makes it quite clear that those choices are made through the power of God's Holy Spirit. He says to chose truth over lies, taking control of your temper, working and giving instead of stealing, encouraging words as opposed to abusive language, being kind to one another instead of bitterness, rage, anger and harsh words, forgiveness instead of grudges. You may think you cannot do this and on your own you cannot.

3. Be dependent upon the Holy Spirit.

Eph 5:22 "let the Holy Spirit fill and control you." (NLT)

I like to think about the truth that we are totally dependent upon God's Spirit to think correctly and live godly lives. God did not create you to live without dependence upon Him for everything. If you want to change He is the change agent. Lean on the Lord. You are involved in making choices, but the real power to achieve change is from Him.

I hope you find purpose for your life today as you grow in Christ.
May God bless you as your spiritual life prospers in Jesus.

_______________ Today's Personal Note from Dennis

Sandy and I are excited to begin about two months of ministry, most out of state. We will be in South Dakota this next week. I will be preaching and Sandy meeting with a youth group. We are leading a pastor's and wives' retreat in Yavapai Baptist Assoc April 25-26. I will be preaching in a church on Sunday in Rimrock. April 27-May 2 we will be in Pine Az working with a Campers on Mission project. May 11-27 we will be ministering in Missouri at several churches plus attending a neice and nephew's graduation. Please keep us in your prayers for spiritual insight and strength and for physical health for a fairly exhausting schedule. - DGW

Our Purpose: to Bring Glory to God - #3

I AM ENCOURAGED!! Today is my 62nd birthday, and I am alive, well and enjoying life. God has been good to spare my life in order that I may continue to serve Him and enjoy you.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of preaching at the Japanese International Baptist Church of Phoenix. Dr. Shiro Sasaki and his wife, Toshiko, welcomed us with open arms. JIBC was started nine years ago as a mission of Church on Mill.

The other day I went to the jar with the pens in it, selected a pen and tried to write. The pen was out of ink. It took three or four pens before I found one that would write. I pitched them into the waste basket and used the one that performed for the purpose it was intended. You also have a purpose. You were designed with the purpose of bringing glory to God.

Ephesians 1:12 "God's purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ should praise our glorious God." (NLT) The Apostle Paul is very aware of our needs and continues with prayer for those who trust Christ. The prayer is quite simple.

1. Verse 17 He prays that we would have knowledge of God.
2. Verse 18 He prays for an understanding of our wonderful future.
3. Verse 18 He prays that you would know of your rich and glorious inheritance.
4. Verse 19 He prays that you would know the greatness of his power toward you.

God has given us, those who trust in Christ, this same power and authority that He used when He raised Christ from the dead. Resurrection power. As we celebrate Easter on Sunday, remember it is more than just an event in history. It is the endowment of God's power on your life. No wonder the letter to the Philippians says: "that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection.
He has given Jesus all power and authority over all rulers and authorities in this world and the world to come. God gave to Christ this authority for the benefit of His Body, the Church. (Vs 22)

You and I have the authority of Christ as we are used of God for the purpose he created us: to bring glory to our Creator.

Never sell short your importance as you fulfill your purpose.
Bring glory to God today by allowing God to fill your life with His resurrected life. May you be richly blessed as you live the resurrected life and find purpose for your life today.

Our Plans, God's Plans #2

I have always been a planner. Maybe that is why I enjoy maps and calendars. God placed the planning gene in all of us when He created us in His image. God is a planner. Ephesians reminds us of that character quality of God.

Ephesians 1:5 in the New Living Translation says: “His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. And that gave Him great pleasure.” WOW!!!

As a father and a grandfather I know what great pleasure my family brings to me, but to image that the God of the universe and all creation receives pleasure through us, His family, is beyond comprehension. He chose us “in Christ” before the foundation of the world. It is in Christ that we are holy and blameless before Him.

God’s plan is centered in Christ. Ephesians 1:10 (NLT) “And this is His plan: at the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ, everything in heaven and on earth.” As believers we long for the day when everything is under the authority of Christ.

The ultimate purpose of God is that He will receive all the glory. Ephesians 1:12 “God’s purpose was that we who were the first to trust in Christ, should be to the praise of His glory.”

Whenever we place our faith and trust in Christ God places His Holy Spirit within us as a guarantee He will fulfill His promises to us. Ephesians 1:14b “This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.” (NLT)

Although our plans and activities change day by day we can rest assured that in Christ we can fulfill our purpose as God’s family by bringing glory to Him. As the song says, “To God be the glory, great things He has done.”

May you be blessed with every spiritual blessing as you find God’s purpose for your life today.

The Joy of Ministry #1

II Corinthians 3:18 “And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.” (NLT)

What a joy to be involved in the ministry of the New Covenant, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because God has removed the veil of the Old Covenant of Law we can live in the Spirit and reflect the glory of God. It was after all His plan and purpose that we bring glory to Him. The Holy Spirit lives in the life of every believer in order to accomplish God’s purpose. As the Spirit works in us we become more and more like Jesus and shine forth the glory of God. To Him be the Glory.
____________________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Sandy and I have had a great two months beginning our volunteer mission work. We spent ten days in Quartzite, Arizona at the Gem Show. Almost one million people descend on the little town of fifteen hundred during January every year. Our AZ Campers on Mission’s group met the challenge by providing the message of salvation, prayer and encouragement through a revival at the Quartzite Southern Baptist Church and by handing out bottles of water and engaging people in conversation about Jesus. I had the privilege of preaching at Corona Baptist Church in Chandler, AZ and Sandy taught at a women’s retreat in Payson, AZ. Both were rewarding times of ministry.

We spent a week in Cochise Baptist Association where we had the privilege a spending time with Tommy and Liz Stevens. Tommy is the Director of Missions in that Association. Two other pastors and their wives were with us. I also met with a couple of local pastors. What a joy to see the work of God in that area of Arizona. I taught a breakout session at the Valley Rim Baptist Association’s Net Conference. The title of my session was “Starbucks Evangelism”.

Pray for us as we begin a new phaseof our lives. We look forward to the ministry opportunities God has instore for us.

May God bless your life today in Jesus Christ.