There Is Power In The Blood

 by Ed Chandler

...While perusing through a Christian Hymnal, I came to a realization that there is a wealth of "Gospel" in the hymns that we Christians sing.  From The Old Rugged Cross to Power in the Blood ... we sing about Jesus and His love for us.... what incredible LOVE!
...Most of the hymns we sing are truly "All About Jesus"... I don't know what YOUR favorite hymn is, but, as I went from hymn to hymn, it occurred to me that I have many favorites.

...Basically, I prefer hymns and songs that tell of the saving Grace of God and the POWER of the blood of Jesus to cleanse us of our sin.   Hymns that tell of SALVATION by the shed blood of Jesus.... of LIFE after death ... eternal LIFE with Jesus!

...Hymns that LIFT UP the name of Jesus and Glorify our Lord and Savior.  I feel led to begin a series about the time-honored hymns and spirituals, which I believe have been given to the various song writers by Almighty God Himself, to help us to WORSHIP God for WHO HE IS.

... God lives in our PRAYERS and WORSHIP ... HE demands that we sing PRAISES to Him!  Scripture tells us that if we do not WORSHIP GOD, the hills and mountains will clap their hands in PRAISE to Almighty God!

... Truly, all creation is admonished to WORSHIP GOD in some form or fashion.  One of the FIRST HYMNS that I learned to love after becoming a child of the Living God more than fifty years ago, was introduced to me by a dear Methodist friend.   It tells of the wonderful cleansing power of the Blood Of Christ... YES, There is truly POWER IN THE BLOOD!

... "Would you be free from your burden of sin?  There's POWER in the BLOOD, POWER in the Blood.
Would you over evil a victory to win?  There's wonderful POWER in The BLOOD.

... There is POWER, POWER, wonder working POWER in the BLOOD of the LAMB, There is POWER, POWER wonder working POWER in the precious blood of the LAMB!

... Friend, if that don't light your fire, your wood is wet!

...   Many songs have been given to us about the POWER of the BLOOD of Jesus to CLEANSE us from SIN.  I am at a loss to name my FAVORITE... they are all so marvelous!  Perhaps YOU will tell me what YOUR favorite hymn is... I would appreciate that very much.

... Scripture tells us that without the shedding of blood, there can be no cleansing from sin ... In the old testament, we had the shed blood of animals ... and burnt offerings.  The NEW TESTAMENT brings salvation and cleansing from sin by the shed blood on that Old Rugged Cross by none other than the Son of God, Jesus, our Redeemer.

...   Jesus shed His blood that you and I might LIVE!  Jesus became sin in our place!  Such incredible LOVE... AGAPE LOVE!

... Oh, what a Savior!  Because Jesus shed His blood on that cross at Calvary, you and I can claim VICTORY over death!  We call it SALVATION through the shed blood of Christ, plus NOTHING we can do to deserve or earn salvation!

...   It is a free gift, bought and paid for by God... WHY?  because God desires that NONE should perish, but that all might be SAVED!  GOD IS LOVE!

"Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving even me ... so much that you would have died on that cross if I was the only sinner in this world!  Lord Jesus, I love you and want to serve you.  I want to be in Your perfect will at all times.  Help me, Jesus, to be your vessel here on earth, filled with Your Holy Spirit ... ready to say, Here am I, Oh Lord... send ME.  May I ever proclaim to "whosoever" that JESUS SAVES."

... YES, there is POWER in the BLOOD OF CHRIST!  Now, GO and TELL somebody where they, too, can find LIFE ... EVERLASTING LIFE IN JESUS!

... You may reply to this email with YOUR FAVORITE HYMN or SONG.  I will share it with "whosoever"...

Grace to you and yours ABUNDANTLY!

 

Have A Blessed Day and Happy Wednesday,

Richard

The Recipe for Misery

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.

“...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35  

Unhappiness comes from mirrors. Happiness comes from windows.

If you want to be miserable, then think about yourself first...what you want, what people are saying about you, what you ought to have done for you, how down you feel, how good you feel. Just focus on yourself.

Feeling good yet? If you are, then something is wrong. Selfishness and happiness just don’t go hand in hand. If you are thinking it is better to receive than to give, you’ll never be happy. You’ll never experience the blessing of giving that Jesus taught.

Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute. Now, relax. Which feels better? Now imagine if your spirit is tight and how that will quench His work in your life.

Happy Tuesday,
Richard

Voices of Accusation

by Melissa Taylor

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Do you ever hear the whisper of condemnation? It hisses: you're not what you should be ... your past sins define you ... you'll never change.

Unfortunately I do. Self-condemnation is a default for me. If I let it, it can wipe out my confidence as a woman, wife and mom.

Thankfully, I'm just as familiar with God's truth as I am with Satan's lies. My heart has heard Jesus' gentle reminders of His love and goodness, like "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

Although I know this truth God speaks over me, I've learned it's up to me to respond correctly. If I don't keep my ears tuned to His voice and my mind set on His thoughts, I forget God's truths.

Condemning thoughts come back and drown out the confidence I have through Christ.

One morning I was struggling with self-condemning thoughts when I read these words written in my morning devotion: "Do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me [God]."*

I opened my journal and responded from my heart:

Hello Lord, I often feel disappointed in my decisions and who I am and call myself names. But my negative thoughts aren't the only ones I hear. My feelings have been hurt by someone else's comments that cut me down and stole my confidence. Instead of feeling worthy, I feel like a loser. I hear You telling me not to listen to voices of accusation. Thank You for this reminder right when I needed it.

The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."

Again, I reached out to God:

Lord, I spoke unkind words back to my friend. Thank You for gently reminding me to "pause before responding." You are so faithful to remind me of what You want from me.

If left to defend ourselves from self-condemnation or the condemnation of others, we'd be defeated every time. Thankfully, we have the greatest defender in God and His Word. His truths re-build the confidence that condemnation breaks down.

Our part is to know God's promises and believe and apply them! Staying saturated in His Word and taking time to listen to the Holy Spirit is the best way to overcome condemnation. We can supplement these through reading devotions, digging into books on our specific area of struggle, and participating in Bible studies. All these things help re-build our confidence that is in Christ.

As we take the time to listen to Him today, let's ask God to remind us that He is with us; He loves us, and His Word is true: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." That means you and me!

Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that because of the cross and because You are my Savior, I am not condemned. Help me keep my eyes and thoughts on You. And to accept Your Word as truth so my confidence stays strong in You. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Happy Monday,
Richard

Going Solo

by Lynn Cowell

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

The toll of an emotionally draining week had reached its peak. Though I was trying to use various diversions to clear my mind, my thoughts were overpowering. All I wanted was to curl up in a ball and fall apart. Worry was winning.

My husband sensed the pain that was showing from my welling eyes. Like any good friend, he asked, "What's going on?"

Determined to keep my composure, I chose to fight my battle alone. "I'm okay" slid out before I caught my lie.

Minutes later he asked again, "What's wrong?" My resolve couldn't hold up any longer and I blubbered, "I just can't get past this anxiety." Greg listened as the thoughts swirling in my mind came out. After I emptied my heart, he shared a story from Scripture, which helped me override my stress with thankfulness and trust.

I am so glad the Lord preserved stories in the Bible of those who had issues as well. During this hard season I was in, Greg reminded me of Elijah. Like Elijah, sometimes when I struggle, I opt to struggle alone.

In 1 Kings 19:3, even after seeing God work miracles, Elijah was undone by a threat. A queen was trying to kill him and he decided the way out was to run.

We get a look into his thought process in 1 Kings 19:3-4, "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'" (NIV)

I don't blame Elijah one bit for running when trouble hit. I have that instinct myself some days. Running to social media or a chocolate goodie when my emotions are a jumbled mess is the easiest way out—at least temporarily.

Where Elijah missed it, and I did too on my bad day, was when he chose to go solo.

Elijah had a servant who was traveling with him, but he left the servant behind. He went farther into the desert alone, where his emotions only turned darker.

Elijah and I both could have used the truth in Ecclesiastes 4, "Two are better than one ... if either of them falls down, one can help the other up." When we share our troubles with another godly friend, she can often help us to see what we cannot. Her different perspective opens a new way of thinking that can lead to hope and faith and away from despair.

When you add the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to that friendship, Ecclesiastes 4:12 tells us our relationships become "... a cord of three strands... not quickly broken." Our pain, when shared, can be transformed to peace. Strength can take the place of sorrow.

I eased my stress that difficult week by sharing my worries with my husband. Thankfully he directed me to God's Word where I found hope and encouragement in the midst of my anxiety. Is there a burden you are carrying that would be lighter if you shared it with someone? Make a way today to allow them to help you handle your load.

Jesus, thank You that You have given us the gift of relationships. Give us the wisdom to know when and with whom to share our personal problems. Please strengthen us so we can help strengthen another. Amen.

Happy Sunday - One of Seven LORD'S Days Each Week

Richard

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

“The difference between Christianity and every other faith in the world is that all other religions are

about man trying to reach up to God. 

Christianity is about God reaching down to man.”

 

 When we think of religion, what comes to  mind—a set of rules, regulations and obligations, or a deep and intimate relationship with God?

Religion is information about our God, our Lord.  The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods:

Relationship with our Lord, our God.   The kind of intense bond that no outside force can break.   It's a deep-down peace we will never experience except through loving our God, our Lord.

Jesus practiced a relationship with His Father and then offered that to us. The Jews offered religion.  Walking softly in condemning the religion of the Jews as the religion the Jews practiced was the religion that God had given them. It wasn't religion itself that was the problem. It was something else, something that makes the offer of a relationship with God appealing in contrast to what seemed like the empty rigors of religion and ritual. Today when planting a seed in someone, seems this is a big drawback.  "No, it's not like that," we say, "not all those rules, all those do's and don'ts, all that religion. This is a relationship."  Christianity does have rules, it does have do's and don'ts. It is a religion. But it was never meant to be just information, and that's where this slogan touches on truth.   A man knows his wife well not just because he can rattle off a series of facts about her (even a stranger can do that), but because he's deeply acquainted with her person on a day to day basis. Yet even so, there have been periods in the history of the church when true knowledge of God has given way to mere information about Him.  We must have peace with God before we can have the peace of God, and there's a profound difference.

Yes, Christianity is a religion, but it's true religion. True religion produces right relationship to God which leads to right experience and right intimate relationship with God.

Happy Saturday,

Richard

But I Have a Right to Be Angry

by Tracie Miles

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." (James 1:19–20 NLT)

I had been lied to, betrayed, and hurt. I was angry and felt I had every right to be. Anger crushed my desire to forgive. Although I'd asked God to fill my heart with mercy, I kept a running mental list of justifications for my anger that overrode my empty prayers.

My internal dialogue was one big argument. One voice tried to convince me I was justified in remaining angry; another voice tried to persuade me that mercy was the right choice. For months, the loudest voice was the one that indulged my damaged emotions: Yes, I have a right to be angry. Anyone would agree.

Listening to the voice of bitterness and unforgiveness, I often lashed out with impatience and meanness. I could play the good Christian girl for short periods of time, but if something triggered my suppressed emotions, hostility and resentment catapulted to the surface.

Reading Scripture one morning, I sensed God inviting me to consider the direction my anger was taking me and the damage it was doing. As I read the words from James 1, I couldn't help but notice how it says "everyone" should be slow to speak and slow to anger. This truth from God's Word left no room for my excuses or righteous indignation, even though I felt like my anger was justified. And then a few verses later, I read this: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22).

From a worldly perspective, I knew I had every right to be angry. But from God's perspective, my anger only added to the sin of the situation. My refusal to extend the same mercy and forgiveness God had given me was preventing me from living out the gospel.

Through the words of James, God softened my heart. I acknowledged that although I said I'd forgiven this person with my words, I had not forgiven with my heart—and it was time to do so and move on.

In every area of life, including managing our most powerful emotions, God tells us to be quick to listen (to Him and others), slow to speak, and slow to become angry. As we apply these practices in our relationships, we become doers of His Word, not just hearers, and that leads to the righteousness God desires.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for harboring anger. Equip me with a supernatural ability to forgive those who have hurt me. Guard my heart when old emotions threaten to surface. Strip my heart of anger and replace it with joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Remember
Anger only worsens any situation, but selfless forgiveness brings freedom. We are all called to forgive even when wronged, just as God forgives us.

Reflect
Whom have you been harboring anger toward or withholding forgiveness from? Have these feelings caused you to feel bitter?

Have A Great Weekend,

Richard

Open Door

Walk through His open doors, 

step completely through them 

with the confident strides of faith.

Stay put in His place and

don’t pine for something different,

thrive there and abide there.

It is His perfect place for you.

 

God has provided an opened door into His appointed place for us.  That also means there is a door that God has closed to us that cannot be opened by us or anyone else.  There is no need for us to strive or push hard to try and open the door into God’s given place. He will open the right door for us at the right time, we are not strong enough to open any door that God wants shut to us, and we are not wise enough to know which door He wants to open.  His open door will bring us into a place of grace, a place of faith, and a place of dependency upon Him in all things. It is the best place, the good place, the safe place, the blessed place, the anointed place.

 

Once God has opened the door for us, we don't need to ever be anxious about trying to keep it open. He doesn’t want us to be in His appointed place and live with the worry that someone might steal it from us, destroy it, or ruin it. The enemy may try to scare us out of our place or discourage us with the thought that either our place is too small for us, we deserve something greater or that our place is too great for us and something we can’t handle.  People may try to intimidate, harass, mock, tempt us, or try to talk us out of our place, but we don't need to listen to the voices that want to keep us from abiding and thriving in God’s appointed place.  No matter what you do, don’t ignore your open door of opportunity. Don’t let procrastination or indifference steal your time, instead, seek God’s strength as you step forward It's such a comfort to know that our loving Heavenly Father keeps them open for us and will eventually welcome us all to our Heavenly Home.

In the Midst of Dirty Dishes

by Sharon Glasgow

"Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ... whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:9–11 ESV)

She and her husband had been missionaries for over sixty years and led countless people to Christ. Now she was in her eighties and still serving. My friend Sheli and I were honored to stay with her for a week to minister alongside her.

After traveling thirty hours to her home in Takamatsu, Japan, we arrived late in the evening. She ushered us into her kitchen for a hearty meal, then prayed for us before we all went to bed. When the sun was barely up the next morning, we feasted on an enormous breakfast in her tiny kitchen.

The kitchen was crowded, her appliances old and worn, dishes piled high in the sink from her lavish food preparation—yet the atmosphere felt entirely like home. As she and her husband read Scripture and encouraged us, tears welled up in my eyes, the love of Christ enveloped us; it overwhelmed me.

Immediately after breakfast, she began cooking again, this time for 100 women. She'd rented a banquet hall and invited friends, telling them an American would be speaking and there would be food. We cooked, set up tables for the luncheon, and then I was ushered to the front to speak. Her objective in hosting the event was to build a bridge in hopes that those who came for lunch would come back again for church on Sunday. Many did!

While driving home after the lunch, she told me she'd invited a large group to the house for dinner that night. I couldn't imagine how we could clean up the mess we'd left behind and simultaneously prepare another meal. How would we get it all done? She didn't seem concerned. Instead, she was fueled by the energy of what the Lord had done at the luncheon.

There have been times I've worried more about my kitchen than how I can serve others. I fret over the size and messiness. But I was inspired as I watched this woman who had no concerns about the dirty pots in her sink. She didn't let an unswept floor keep her from ministering. She set the table beautifully and welcomed her guests. She and her husband prayed and read Scripture. Hearts melted.

Years have passed since that week in Japan and I think of her whenever I have company. Over the course of her life, she has ministered to thousands in her home, and many have come to know Jesus there. Her ministry has nothing to do with a spotless kitchen. In fact, her kitchen was a mess. But whenever God opens a window of opportunity, she seizes it.

I want my service to be like that described by the apostle Peter, grounded "in the strength that God supplies." I want to long for people to know Jesus more than I long for the perfect kitchen.

God cares more about what's happening among the people in our kitchen than He cares about the state of it. My missionary friend taught me that it is possible to share God's love, demonstrate His character, and offer hospitality, even in the midst of dirty dishes.

Dear Lord, show me ways to serve through the resources You've given me. Help me care more about people than things like dirty dishes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a Blessed Day,

Richard

BEWARE OF YOUR FRIENDS

"Beware of your friends; do not trust your brothers. For every brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Friend deceives friend, and no-one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning" (Jeremiah 9:4-5 NIV).

The life of an average Jew in the time of Jeremiah was so deteriorated and corrupted that it was difficult to trust a fellow Jew. Each one was doing what seemed right in his eyes. The political leaders had abandoned the living God for worthless gods. Even the religious leaders were not trustworthy as they were misleading the people with false prophecies. Isaiah depicted this dishonest situation thus, "So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice" (Isaiah 59:14-15 NIV). This situation made Jeremiah to warn the people to beware of their friends and not to trust any brother (Jeremiah 9:4-5).

Prophet Micah, who lived sometime before prophet Jeremiah, also had a similar warning. Hear him, "Do not trust a neighbour; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace be careful of your words. For a son dishonours his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies are the members of his own household" (Micah 7:5-6 NIV).

Are these warnings relevant today to us as they were to the people of Judah? Have honesty, truth and righteousness not been relegated to oblivion? Can we trust our friends, neighbors, co-workers, siblings and even our spouses today? Can my friends, siblings, neighbors, co-workers, as well as my spouse trust me?

These are thought-provoking questions in our present-day society that have deteriorated morally with all sorts of atrocities in the name of civilization, rationalization and liberalization.

However, "there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24 NIV). This Friend can be trusted at all time even when all others have disappointed you. The friend is Jesus Christ (see John 15:13-15). While you may find it difficult or cautious to trust a friend, put your total trust in Jesus Christ. You will never regret you did.

In His service,

Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).

Happy Tuesday,

Richard

Monday's Thought for Today

"Have some of your carefully created castles been washed away? Mine have. Several times along my life's journey, I had nowhere to turn except into my heavenly Father's arms. There I remained quiet, soaking up his love for as long as I needed. Then I saw his hand begin a new creation for my life, a new direction, a new service for him and his kingdom. Waves need not always destroy. We must allow our heavenly Father to use them to redirect our lives." - Jean Otto

Your Beloved?

by Henry Mahan

Every soul has a beloved; something or someone in which to glory, rejoice, and enjoy.

With some it is THE WORLD.
(its vanity, materialism, and honors) .

With others it is THE FLESH.
They live to entertain the flesh, to satisfy the flesh, and to pamper the flesh.

With others it is THE FAMILY.
Close and distant relatives, family trees, family reunions make up their past, present, and future.

With others it is RELIGION and works of righteousness.
Their religion is not a PERSON; it is a CAUSE to which they are devoted in hope of a suitable reward.

And with some it is SELF,
pure and simple; what can we do for me?

To a believer, it is CHRIST!
He worships, loves, rejoices, and glories in the Lord Jesus above all things.

Christ is my Beloved and I am His.

Christ; His fellowship, His love, and His approval, are preferred above people, possessions, pleasures, or pursuits. Could One so illustrious and supreme deserve any less?

"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You!" {Psalm 73:25}

David, adulterer, "A man after God's own heart" WHY

David, adulterer, "A man after God's own heart" WHY

"There is none righteous, no not one" Rom 3:10. No one is perfect, he knew it and God knows it and so do we. If being perfect is a qualification for being used, we are all sunk.
Psalm 51 gives the answers.

He did not play the blame game, "For I acknowledge my transgressions" Ps 51:3. Remember Adam? He tried to lay the blame on Eve. "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat" Gen. 3:12.. Then Eve blamed the serpent, "The serpent beguiled  me and I did eat" 3:13. The all American game today is the blame game. STOP IT. "Judge yourself"  1 C or 11:31 "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" "Confess that sin" 1 John 1:9 and "forsake it" Pro 28:13. Jesus said to the woman taken in adultery and to you and me, "go and sin no more" don't do it again John 8:11.

You can be a man after God's own heart today. 

Follow David's example.  You can still be used of God as David and Peter, who denied the Lord, was used on the day of Pentecost.

Father, bless Your dear child who has stumbled and feels they cannot be used by You. Restore them and use them. In Jesus name.

Have a Blessed Sunday,
Richard

A Cruel Death

[Jesus said]: "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."  --John 5:24


Early in Julius Caesar's political career, the people of Rome hated him so badly that he thought it best to leave his country. He sailed for the Aegean island of Rhodes, but on the way pirates attacked his ship and Caesar was captured.

The pirates demanded a ransom of 12,000 gold pieces, and Caesar's staff was sent to make the arrangements for payment. For almost 40 days, the pirates held Caesar captive.

He would jokingly tell them that he would someday capture and crucify them. The amused kidnappers dismissed his threats. But when the ransom was paid and Caesar was released, the first thing he did was gather his army together to pursue the pirates.

The pirates indeed were captured and crucified!

This was the Romans' attitude toward crucifixion. This cruel death was reserved only for the worst criminals. It was meant to show extreme contempt for the condemned. And the pain and humiliation experienced by someone crucified by the Romans was unmatched by any other.

They condemned and humiliated the person and name of Jesus thousands of years ago just as many people do today. And even though He died a lowly death, we as believers can rejoice in knowing that "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification" (Romans
4:25).

Jesus died for the sins of all--including those who beat Him and nailed Him to the cross. You may know of someone today who doesn't know Jesus. Will you be the one to tell them about the forgiveness He gives? Will you be the one who points them toward eternal life through Jesus?

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to bring someone into your life who you can share the story of His death, burial, and resurrection, and the price He paid for their sins.

Difficult Times

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. -Isaiah 64:8

During the Great Depression, a good man lost his job, used up all his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his wife just weeks later. The only thing he had left was his faith, and it had been weakened.

One day, the man walked about looking for work when he stopped to watch some men doing stonework on a church building. One of the men skillfully chiseled a triangular piece of rock that didn't seem to fit in the formation they were creating. So the man shouted to the artist, "Where are you going to put that?"

The man pointed toward the top of the building and said, "See that opening up there near the spire? That's where it goes. I'm shaping it down here so it will fit up there."

Tears filled the poor man's eyes as he walked away. The worker's words rang clear and spoke deeply to his heart giving new meaning to his difficult situation.

You may be reading this and going through a difficult time yourself right now. It may be something even too troubling to talk to anyone about. But you can know for certain "that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Each blow of the hammer and chisel in your life may hurt.

But have faith. These difficulties are only temporary! Sometimes the most painful blows bring about the greatest inner strength. Keep praying and believing that the Master is shaping you down here so you will be fit up there.

PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to turn your tragedy into triumph, and strengthen your spirit when life painfully hammers you from all sides.

Have a Blessed & Happy Friday,
Richard

A Little Girl's Dance

Lysa TerKeurst

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 (NIV)

My touch has always comforted my youngest daughter, Brooke.

I remember running errands when she was a baby, knowing we should have been home an hour earlier for her nap. But also knowing there were things that had to get done, I pressed on, hoping for the best. She started getting fussy. Soon, whines and whimpers escalated into a full-blown meltdown.

Although I couldn't do much to comfort her while driving, I could reach my arm into the backseat and gently pat her leg. It took a few minutes, but eventually she settled down and reached out her tiny hand to hold mine.

A few years later, Brooke had a performance with her praise dance team from school. She loved getting on a stage, so I expected her to be full of smiles and giggles. But just a few minutes before the performance began, a very distraught Brooke made her way to the audience to find me.

With tears streaming down her cheeks, she explained that the teacher had moved her from the front row to the back row, and she didn't know the back row's part. I reassured her, "Honey, just get up there and watch the other girls for cues and follow in step. You know this dance. You'll be fine."

She sobbed back, "I won't be fine if I mess up, and I know I'm going to mess up."

That's when it occurred to me. She would need my touch to get through this. But we both knew it would be impossible for my arm to reach all the way up to the stage. So I quickly whispered, "Brooke, lock your eyes with mine, and Mommy will touch you with my smile. Don't look at anyone else. It doesn't matter if you mess up. What matters is that you keep your eyes on me the whole time. We'll do this together."

Quietly she asked, "The whole time, Mommy?"

"The whole time, Brooke," I replied as I watched my brave girl walk away to take her place.

Several times during the dance, Brooke fell out of step. She knew her steps weren't perfect, so her eyes brimmed with tears. However, the tears never fell. With her eyes perfectly locked on my smiling face, she danced.

My smile was not based on her performance. My smile was born out of an incredible love for this precious, courageous little girl. As she kept her attention focused solely on my smile and the touch of my gaze, it was as if the world slowly faded away and we were the only ones in the room.

This is the way God wants me to dance through life.

Though I can't physically see Him, my soul pictures Him so clearly. In my mind's eye He is there. The touch of His gaze wraps about me, comforts me, assures me, and makes the world seem strangely dim. As long as my gaze is locked on His, I dance and He smiles. The snickers and jeers of others fade away. Though I hear their razor-sharp intentions, they are unable to pierce my heart and distract my focus. Even my own stumblings don't cause the same feelings of defeat.

My steps so often betray the desire of my heart, but it is not my perfect performance that captures His attention. Rather, it is my complete dependence on Him that He notices.

He then whispers to my heart, hold on to Me and what I say about you. For My words are the truth of who you are and the essence of what you were created to be. I then imagine Him pausing as He adds, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

His truth frees me from the chains of doubt and insecurity. His truth frees me from feeling unable and inadequate to try and pursue God. His truth washes over me as I tentatively whisper, "I want to be a woman who says 'yes' to God."

And in that moment, with my eyes locked on His, I am.

Dear Lord, I want to keep my eyes on You as I dance through the highs and lows of my life. Direct my steps today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Have a Happy Thursday,

Richard

I Haven't Moved

by Sumner Wemp

This couple were so in love that when they rode together in the car, the wife would sit so close to her husband that it looked like there was a two-headed driver in the seat.

Years later, she is sitting close to the door on the other side. A young couple pass them sitting snuggled up to each other. She looked over longingly at her husband and said with a sigh, "Remember the days when we used to sit so close to each other? I wonder what happened?"

The husband looked over at her and quietly said, "Well, Honey, I haven't moved."

O dear people, I hear from Christians, clergymen, churches and countries who once were so close to God. They snuggled up to Him. They loved His Word, His Church, prayer and preaching. Now their church is cold. Souls are not being saved. The joy of the Lord is missing and they wonder why? They ask where is God?

God looks down and says, "I haven't moved."

O dear people, God says, "Thou hast left (not lost) thy first love." God says return and do the first works. "People, Pastor, Christian, church, America, all other countries, we must come back to God. It all starts with ME (God). "Taint my brother nor my sister but its me O Lord standing in the need of prayer." This illustration just struck me and I felt the urge to send it to all of us to "examine ourselves" and do the first works that made us filled with His joy and His blessing.

Prayer:  Father bless Your children and may we just snuggle up to You and do those wonderful works that kept the fire burning in our hearts. In Jesus name. All because of Calvary, Sumner.

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" James 4:8.

Happy Wednesday,

Richard

Someone Will Sin Against You Today, Are You Ready?

by Tim Brister

Growing up in North Alabama, I remember going through specific routines in the event of an emergency. I doubt there was a kid who did not know why or when you need to stop, drop, and roll. We were trained in protocols in the event of a tornado, calmly lining up in the hallway and securing our heads from potential debris. We knew how to exit the buildings in case of a fire in a single-file line to safe zones outside. All of these procedures were responses to various kinds of potential disasters we could encounter while in school.

Now what, do you think, are the possibilities that I as a kid in elementary school would actually need to follow through on those drills? How often would a tornado tear through our building? How often would a fire consume the classrooms? Hardly ever, if at all, right? But we were still trained in how to respond in the very unlikely event that they might occur.

What if I told you that on a daily basis you are going to be faced with potential crises or disasters that required a response from you? What if it was not a distant potentiality but an eminent reality? How would you prepare yourself for such situations? Would you be trained to know how to respond?

Let me break this down and make the case why every follower of Jesus must have a gospel response plan (GRP).

• Have you ever been hurt by someone else?
• Have you ever been criticized?
• Have you ever been offended?
• Has someone ever sinned against you?
• Have you sinned against someone else?
• Has your day ever taken one unexpected turn after another?
• Have other people let you down or betrayed your trust?
• Have you faced days of disappointment and despair?
• Have you experienced frustration and anger at the failure of others or yourself?

These are just a few questions addressing realities you and I face on a daily basis, and with every question/situation, a response will manifest from your life. But what kind of response will it be? We have a choice to respond out of our sinful nature (Gen. 3) or out of our new identity in Christ. Will our response be driven by guilt and shame, hiding and pretending, blaming and fearing like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3? Or will our response arise from repentance and faith out of a heart resting in God’s acceptance of you in Christ?

You are a sinner living among sinners. You are a desperately needy person rubbing shoulders with desperately needy people. What weak, needy sinners need in every moment is to look to a strong, sufficient Savior. That’s what we do when we respond to the gospel–we turn from looking to ourselves (whether out of self-pity or self-righteousness) in repentance and we look to Christ in renewed faith and trust.

The problem we have today, I fear, is that most Christians do not have a developed gospel response plan and, therefore, there is no functional repentance and faith response when things happen (internally or externally) in their lives. The default, then, is to look somewhere other than Jesus in our response. And this, I find, is a massive discipleship breakdown for believers.

Someone is going to sin against you. Will you handle that situation with a response that honors the gospel? Will you pursue reconciliation through forgiveness and view that person through the lens of grace? Or will you come across self-righteous and force that person to make atonement for their sin by working their way back into a right relationship with you based on their efforts?

You are going to sin against someone else. Will you handle that situation with a response that honors the gospel? Will you make excuses for your sin? Rationalize it? Blame others for it? Or will you own it, humbly confessing it to God and those whom you sinned against, seeking forgiveness? Will you hide away playing the victim card in self-pity, sulking in your failure, or will you take your sin to the throne of grace to your merciful High Priest?

Paul said, “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk in him…” (Col. 2:6). You receive Jesus by repentance and faith, and you walk in that same repentance and faith. That is to say, this is how we “learn Christ” (Eph. 5:20) and “put on our new self” (i.e., our new identity in Christ). I think the most practically and helpful tool that Christians have today is to be trained to know how to respond to various situations they will encounter in a way that commends the gospel and flows out of a heart fully resting and secure in Jesus. We are not talking about potential dangers here. We’re talking about actual, real-life situations happening every day where Christians will either act out the old man of Genesis 3 or the new man being renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Think back in your life where sin has impacted your relationship with God and others. Are there people that are no longer in your life because of the functional absence of a gospel-driven response? Sadly, I can say that is true for me, and I suspect that if we are cognizant enough, nearly everyone would consent to that reality. But we don’t have to continue that way!

So what is your Gospel Response Plan?

You are sinner living in a fallen world. You are going to be hurt, betrayed, frustrated, prideful, annoyed, judgmental, pitiful, and so much more. It’s going to happen. But are you going to be trained as a follower of Jesus Christ to know, almost instinctively, how to respond with the gospel through premeditated prescriptions of specific ways to walk in repentance and faith?

Perhaps what we need to do each morning is prepare ourselves with some “gospel drills.” Think about one possible situation a gospel response will be required of you. For example, you are at a restaurant and your server is extremely slow and the food is cold. The server asks you if there is anything else you need, and you are tempted to treat her like her actions deserve. But instead, you respond by saying, “Thank you for serving me today, and by the way, as I pray over my food I would like to know if there is anything I can pray for you about?” Who knows? The server may already be feeling guilty and embarrassed by their service and surprised by your gracious response. They could be going through a terrible crisis in their lives, and they open up to you and provide an opportunity for you to minister to them (and perhaps introduce them to Jesus).

Why that gospel drill? Because you will get bad service and cold food. You will be tempted to act out of the old Adam and not out of the risen Christ. And this is one of countless other ways we need to “learn Christ” and “put on the new self” with a strategy to approach whatever comes our way to walk in repentance and faith and show the transforming power of Christ’s abundant grace actively working in our lives.

---

Tim Brister is a pastor and elder at Grace Baptist Church.

Happy Tuesday And Have A Blessed Day,
Richard

Happy Monday

Thought for Today

"Even in the winter, even in the midst of the storm, the sun is still there. Somewhere, up above the clouds, it still shines and warms and pulls at the life buried deep inside the brown branches and frozen earth. The sun is there! Spring will come." - Gloria Gaither

He Wasn't Cured But He Was Healed
(Based on Tony Compolo's "Year of Jubilee" Preaching Today Tape #212)

Tony Compolo tells a story about being in a church in Oregon where he was asked to pray for a man who had cancer. Compolo prayed boldly for the man's healing. That next week he got a telephone call from the man's wife. She said, "You prayed for my husband. He had cancer." Compolo thought when he heard her use the past tense verb that his cancer had been eradicated! But before he could think much about it she said, "He died." Compolo felt terrible.

But she continued, "Don't feel bad. When he came into that church that Sunday he was filled with anger. He knew he was going to be dead in a short period of time, and he hated God. He was 58 years old, and he wanted to see his children and grandchildren grow up. He was angry that this all-powerful God didn't take away his sickness and heal him. He would lie in bed and curse God. The more his anger grew towards God, the more miserable he was to everybody around him. It was an awful thing to be in his presence.

But the lady told Compolo, "After you prayed for him, a peace had come over him and a joy had come into him. Tony, the last three days have been the best days of our lives. We've sung. We've laughed. We've read Scripture. We prayed. Oh, they've been wonderful days. And I called to thank you for laying your hands on him and praying for healing."

And then she said something incredibly profound. She said, "He wasn't cured, but he was healed."

Happy Sunday

True Hospitality

Compassion: Thoughts on Cultivating a Good Heart invites us to consider that our attention to the little things makes it easier to appreciate the concerns of our friends, families, communities, and the world at large,” writes compiler and editor Amy Lyles Wilson. “In so doing, we can begin to conduct our lives with an ever-present spirit of compassion instead of saving such outpouring for tragic situations and natural disasters.

Read Luke 14:7-14

When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you.

- Luke 14:13-14 (NRSV) Today's Devotional

In my work as a pastor, I often visited people in nursing homes who were suffering from some form of dementia. I knew that within an hour or so of my leaving, many of them had forgotten who I was or even that I had visited at all. I sometimes reasoned that unless a nursing home employee or family member saw me, I would receive no credit for my ministry to that person.

This passage in Luke says otherwise. Jesus warns us that true hospitality has nothing to do with receiving a reward for our actions. True hospitality is giving without the hope of being paid back. True hospitality grows out of our love for God and our desire to be Christ in the world, not out of a desire to build or protect our ego or public image.

I might have felt that my visits with dementia patients were lost ministry moments; but in truth they may have been the more perfect ministry of my life.

Anna Shirey (Missouri, USA)

Thought for the Day: Every good deed done for Christ counts eternally.

Prayer: Dear God, show us how we can create nurturing and holy ground today. Free us of self-interest and help us to serve for your glory. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those living with dementia

Happy Saturday

Just a Prank

Often our spirituality seems invisible and mute to a hurting world. Many of us simply internalize faith out of fear, feelings of inadequacy, or choice. A faithful response to discipleship’s call, however, is both inward and outward. Yours Are the Hands of Christ reminds us that Jesus didn’t “become flesh” so we could feel different. He came to this world so we will be different.

Read Galatians 6:7-10

Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.

- James 5:16 (NRSV) Today's Devotional

Many years ago I drove to another city one rainy afternoon to see a baseball game. After the game was over, I drove through a large puddle in the parking lot and splashed a group of people. I did so intentionally, thinking it would be fun — just a prank. I heard one woman exclaim, “My new dress!” Others in the group started to react angrily. I quickly drove away to escape their wrath.

I didn’t enjoy the prank; I felt guilty then and afterward. Although I have forgiveness in Christ for this and my other sins, (see Eph. 1:7), I still feel lingering regret and remorse when I recall that incident. If I could, I would write or telephone those people, apologize, ask their forgiveness, and offer to make restitution such as reimbursing them for the cost of cleaning their soiled garments. But I cannot do that. I don’t know their names; I never even got a good look at their faces.

Nevertheless, there are some things I can do. I can seek, with God’s help, to grow in Christlike character. I can be kind and considerate of others, and I can refrain from malicious or hurtful behavior. And when someone else wrongs or inconveniences me, I can remember how much God has forgiven me.

R L (Florida, USA)

Thought for the Day: Ask for forgiveness from someone you have wronged; forgive someone who has wronged you.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to love one another as you have loved us. In your name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus: Those troubled by actions they cannot remedy