Friday, October 28, 2016

October 28, 2016

Titus 3 

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. Titus 3:14

Some observations about this verse; this is a learned devotion. We don't naturally share our lives with others. We don't naturally think how we can serve others. The natural inclination of our hearts is to think only about ourselves and focus only on our agendas.

We need to be committed to "doing good" and only God can define that. Without God, we don't know what good is. But once God defines "good," we should be passionate about doing it.  

Our service involves the daily necessities of people. This is about doing life together with people, not just showing up once every 6 months.

The result of "doing good" means we will live productive lives. Doing "good" causes people to think about God, and it brings glory to Him. It also has eternal results. When we share even a cup of cold water in his name, it impacts all of eternity. Jesus said that loving one another was the signature sign that we are his disciples. It also gives us a tremendous sense of purpose and mission in life, something that very few people have today.

This leads me to pause and celebrate our church. We are in the final earthly days of our dear sister Deb Foster. The cancer in her body has not been healed by God and so she is preparing herself for the ultimate healing of going home to be with Him. The outpouring of "good", love and acts of kindness shown by our church family is staggering. The visits, the cards, and the care shown to her are incredible acts of love. Wow, what a demonstration of love and compassion. This kind of care is rarely seen in our world today. Thank you for living the gospel out. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Thursday, October 27

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11–14)
Titus represents the third of Paul’s three pastoral letters, written to encourage Timothy and Titus in their service of the Lord’s people. In the verses above, Paul discusses how God’s great salvation changes the lives of people individually so that they reflect His character. It involves a turning from the world and towards godliness and self-control. While not directly stated here, we understand from other passages that the believer doesn’t generate these signs of Christian growth from within; rather, God empowers us through His Holy Spirit so that we may exhibit His fruit (“love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” in Galatians 5:22,23).
Yet, experiencing God’s great salvation doesn’t occur solely on a personal basis. The Church participates in and magnifies this salvation through demonstrating the love of Christ to one another and to a watching world. Jesus Himself explained that we would show ourselves to be His disciples by our love.
This idea reminded me of 1 John 3:18: “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” This week, I have seen many Grace Church family members loving in this manner. It points directly to the great salvation that Jesus has bought for us – and the amazing and lavish love of God. I thank you so much for serving and loving so faithfully. You are a great encouragement to me and many others!
How would you like to see change in your own heart? How could you trust God more to form you more into the image of Christ?
Lord Jesus, thank You for all that You won for us at the Cross and with Your Resurrection. We would like to honor You in the way that Paul describes in this passage. Help us to demonstrate Your love in a hurting, broken world. Clarify our vision of Your purpose for our lives and for the Church in these difficult days. Strengthen us with a full knowledge of Your blessed hope. In Your Name, amen.



Wednesday, October 26, 2016

October 25

Titus 1

I really like reading Paul's letters.  Even though Paul's writings are found in the New Testament, he speaks from an Old Testament foundation.  Let's not forget who he was and his status within the Jewish community before his transformation.  Here we find Paul writing to his spiritual son Titus.  He is reminding Titus of the "unfinished business" that needs to be done.  Paul directed Titus to put Elders in every town.  Without doubt, Paul gave a very specific job description for the Elders to fill.  "An overseer manages God's household"(v.7) is the job description and then Paul goes on to list the qualifications of the right man to fill the job. So if Paul is telling Titus to put these "overseers" (Elders) in every town, it seems as if Paul was telling Titus to continue his work by planting a church in each town. Church planting as a means to spread the Gospel of Jesus has been part of God's design all along. Being an Elder then, as it is now, is a serious position in God's Kingdom.  It carries a lot of responsibilities. I lift up all of our Elders today and ask God to give them spiritual strength, wisdom and discernment as they lead our church. I also pray today for all the church planters.  I pray God blesses their ministries for the advance of His Kingdom.

Randi  

Friday, October 21, 2016

October 21

1 Timothy 6 

Sometimes life doesn't work out like you thought it would. And sometimes people become bitter against God for not allowing them to reach their dreams. But for the believer, learning to be content gives us the opportunity to trust God for things greater than our dreams. This is the lesson to be learned from the life of Chan Romero. He learned the secret of contentment.

His story starts on February 3, 1959, "the day the music died." On that day a small airplane carrying Buddy Holly, J.P. Richardson, better known as the "Big Bopper," and Richie Valens of "La Bamba" fame crashed, killing all three of the men as well as the pilot. Among the people who took the news hard was a teenager in Billings, Montana, named Chan Romero. Romero and Valens had some important things in common: They were both seventeen years old, they loved music and they shared a Latino heritage.

Because of Romero's musical talent many people considered him to be Valens' successor. It didn't turn out that way, but Romero would tell you it turned out even better than he could have dreamed.

Shortly after Valens' death, Romero recorded his one and only hit, "The Hippy, Hippy Shake." It did better overseas than in the U.S. In Britain, the song was picked up by an upstart group called the Beatles. It reached the top of the charts.  

At this point it was very tempting for Romero to dream of being a big star. But it didn't turn out that way. Within a year he was out of the music business. You might think that this would have crushed him but it didn't. That year he started a relationship with Jesus and it transformed his life.

When a reporter asked if he was disappointed in how things turned out Romero said he was very "content" with his life. He now writes gospel music and leads worship at his church. He does this with family; he is the father of eleven children. It is his "contentment" with the plan of God that has made all the difference. Rather than aiming to be the next Richie Valens, he aimed at becoming the best Christian, husband, father, and grandfather he could be.  The first day of heaven will reveal the true gains that his "contentment" produced in his life.  

1 Timothy 6:6  "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Thursday, October 20

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

 

“Like cold water to a weary soul

                is good news from a distant land.” (Proverbs 25:25)

 

 

Our world is aching for some “good news” and the welcome benefits that this proverb attests.  Each one of us individually could use a boost during this time of uncertainty, anxiety, and confrontation.

 

While news of physical developments might bring us this “cold water to a weary soul,” we all need refreshment for our weary spirits.  The “good news” that will minister to our weary spirits comes from the “distant land” of God’s Kingdom, a “city” whose Architect and Builder is God (Hebrews 11:13–16).  That passage from Hebrews reminds us that God has called His children to live as pilgrims, “foreigners and strangers on earth” who long for “a better country – a heavenly one.”  These God-seeking pilgrims find refreshment in news from their homeland.

 

Practically speaking, how may we receive this “good news” daily, given that there are so many ready sources for “bad news”?  Author Jerry Bridges argues that we must preach the Gospel to ourselves each day, which will keep fresh in our minds the hope that we have in Christ.  We may remind ourselves that Jesus has won the victory over sin and death and that, in Him, we have complete freedom.  We may remember that our adoption as sons and daughters of the living King gives us each dignity and purpose.  We may find renewal in knowing that the hope of this heavenly Kingdom remains secure owing to the faithfulness of its King and not in our weakness.

 

Having heard and reminded ourselves of these truths, we then have the great privilege of offering “cold water” to others.  Perhaps you might share a recent “God sighting” and point out how God’s faithfulness has sustained you.  Or you could share a meaningful verse, such as this one above.

 

May we be vigilant in remembering God’s “good news” and trusting Him for its fulfillment in our lives and those of others.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You that Your servantheartedness brought us lasting “good news.”  Refresh our weary spirits during this time of confusion.  Bring clarity to our hearts and minds so that we may live fully for You.  Give us opportunities to share Your “good news” with those who need it, even today.  In Your Name, we pray.  Amen.

 


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Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Oct. 19

Psalm 89:1-4   -- I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generation.  I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.  You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations

As we read through this Psalm, we see God's promise to preserve David's descendants.  In 2 Samuel 7 we learned that God promised to make David the mightiest king on earth and that his descendants would be forever on the throne.  Since there are no kings in Jerusalem, these verses which were written thousands of years ago, can only be looking toward the future. As believers, we know this promise was fulfilled in Jesus, David's descendant.  Looking ahead to verse 27, we read "I will also appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth".  When we praise worship, and acknowledge the Lord's great love and his faithfulness we are only beginning to realize the foundation of His throne and Who He is.  I think even if we were to memorize every word of scripture we would just be scratching the surface to understand how infinite He is and there are no boundaries to the love He has for us.  His love for us and the promises we find in scripture that we hold on to as truth has nothing to do with who we are, it's all about Who God is.  I pray that as we make room to hear God in our quite time He draws us closer.  I pray that we all experience a sense of His love as we stand on prophetic promises that were written thousands of years ago but were written for us as we place our trust and hope in the One True King, Jesus Christ.

Randi


 


Friday, October 14, 2016

October 14

2 Thessalonians 2


It was just over 70 years ago when the impossible happened. The impossible situation I am talking about were some of the worst atrocities ever committed in human history. They said it was impossible because mankind was now "civilized." We had reached the apex of our knowledge about science, mathematics, literature, history.

It all started with the destruction of the property of Jews on "Crystal Night."   There was no protest, no outcry for the Jews. Hitler had his answer. No one would stand up for the Jews.  Over the next years property damage lead to ghettos, to deportations, to mass murders, to the concentrations camps, to gas chambers. The holocaust claimed the lives of two thirds of Europe's 9.6 million Jews. 6 million Jews were exterminated, all of this occurring in the modern era of mankind.  The Bible predicts that we have not seen the end of man's atrocities. The darkness will gather one more time on planet earth. Again the darkness will be the result of one man who is bent on opposing God. And by the way, the avenue by which this lie succeeds is the lack of knowledge of God's Word. There is nothing more important than daily reading and study of God's Word.

 

There is a sequence here and all of these are going to be convergent.

- A rebellion will occur.

- The Antichrist will appear on the scene.

- He will demand the worship of the world.

- He will set himself up in the Jewish Temple.

- Whatever is holding him back will be removed.

- He will have great power to do miracles.

- Jesus will return and defeat him.

 

The question we all must ask, is it possible for "modern" people to be so deceived that they follow a man and call him God? The answer is found in a story recorded in the Chicago Tribune a few years ago. The reporter recounted the story of a New Mexico woman who was frying tortillas when she noticed that the skillet burns on one of her tortillas resembled the face of Jesus. Excited, she showed it to her husband and neighbors, and they all agreed that there was a face etched on the tortilla and that it truly bore a resemblance to Jesus. So the woman went to her priest to have the tortilla blessed. She testified that the tortilla had changed her life, and her husband agreed that she had been more peaceful, happy, and submissive since the tortilla had arrived. The priest not accustomed to blessing tortillas was somewhat reluctant but agreed to do it.

The woman took the tortilla home, put it in a glass case with piles of cotton to make it look like it was floating on clouds, built a special altar for it, and opened the little shrine to visitors. Within months, more than 8000 people came to the shrine of Jesus of the Tortilla, and all of them agreed that the face burned into it was the face of Jesus. With the exception of the reporter who said it looked more like former heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks.  When we don't stand for the truth we will fall for anything. 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Thursday, October 13

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016
“A word aptly spoken
     is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
“Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold
     is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
“Like the coolness of snow at harvest time
     is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him;
     he refreshes the spirit of his masters.” (Proverbs 25:11-13)
Proverbs contains a multitude of verses about the power of the tongue to bless and to curse. James picks up on this teaching and explains that it takes great wisdom to control the tongue. Jesus indicated that our words reveal our hearts.
Election seasons typically provide promises aplenty, but this one has devolved into verbal brawling. While I don't wish to delve into politics, I do wish to highlight the danger to us: that we may become numb to hyperbole and name-calling.
Name-calling ultimately seeks to degrade the humanity or depersonalize its target. Name-calling also shields the speaker from taking personal responsibility and often accompanies projecting blame onto others. It runs counter to God’s desire for us to take accountability for our words and thoughts and destroys the dignity of the other group, all of whom God created fearfully and wonderfully in His image. Once we have dehumanized someone else, we then feel justified in treating that person in a subhuman way. We no longer listen attentively, we no longer care, and we wish to silence or even hurt the individual.
The Proverbs urge to use our words graciously but truthfully after the pattern that Jesus would set for us (John 1:14). We should welcome constructive criticism from others in order to become more Christlike. We should choose our words so that others may grow through their interactions with us. I take the final Proverb listed above as guidance for presenting situations in a positive way that brings proper honor to our great God and King.
Do your words remind others of “apples of gold in settings of silver”? Do they value their conversations with you? We certainly all have our days in which we might struggle, but our calling as believers includes submitting to God and honoring Him through our words and thoughts. How may you best display His love and character through your words?
Lord Jesus, we seek to honor You with our lives. Give us wisdom and genuine hearts as we speak graciously and truthfully to others. Help us not to settle for less than these goals. Strengthen us so that we may build others up and bless them with Your presence displayed through us. We love You and thank You for all Your goodness to us. In Jesus’s Name, amen.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2016

October 12

1 Thessalonians 5

(v.16) Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus


Be joyful when?  Always?  I don't know about anyone else reading this but I am not always joyful.  And yet as I read this, I realized that the joy Paul is talking about is not found in the circumstance itself, our joy is found in Christ and His will.  Paul planted this church in Thessalonica and the purpose of the letter was to strengthen the Christians in their faith and give them all the assurance of Christ's return.  How many times have we all found ourselves as ambassadors of Christ feeling a little discouraged, questioning our faith or looking up and asking "Lord?"  Paul's letter could be entitled "Practical Advice for Christian Living" because The Apostle gives us some solid guidelines to follow when our focus gets blurred.  What I found most interesting is that he addresses the Thessalonians as the body of Christ not just as individuals running the race alone.  He tells us to encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone, give thanks, encourage the leaders, and avoid evil.  Being joyful, praying continually and giving thanks is what unites us in Christ and allows Jesus to work out the circumstances. The Apostle is not teaching us to thank God for everything thing that happens to us, but IN everything be thankful for Gods presence and His hand on our lives.  In his prayer and blessing in verse 23, Paul shows us that we are united as one spirit and we cannot separate our spiritual life from everything else. So when we pray as a united body, The Holy Spirit enables us to experience peace and joy beyond our circumstance. We must surrender our entire life to Jesus and allow Him to rule in every part of our life. I pray God blesses everyone reading this today and you find the same hope and comfort in Christ while reading this passage as I did.


Randi

Friday, October 7, 2016

October 7

Colossians 3

 

Colossians 3:16   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

The TV quiz show, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" was the first U.S. game show to offer a million dollars in prize money. The show made television history by becoming one of the most popular shows of all time. Just for fun today let's begin with our own quiz?

1. Who are the last 3 Heisman trophy winners?

2. What are the names of the last 3 winners of the Miss America contest?

3. Name the last 3 people who won the Nobel Peace Prize.

4. List the last 3 Academy Award winners for best actor?

5. Who are the last 3 college basketball teams to win the national championship?

How well did you do?   Is that your final answer?    I didn't do well either. Except for a few trivial hounds, none of us are very good at remembering yesterday's headlines.  What I've mentioned above are no second rate achievements. These are the best in their fields. And yet, isn't it amazing how soon we forget?  The applause dies.  The awards tarnish.  Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.     Ready for round two?

6. Think of 3 people you enjoy spending time with.

7. Name 3 teachers who have taught you something worthwhile.

8. For a million dollars, name one person who has taught you or admonished you to grow in your relationship with Jesus.

The goal of our lives is not to accumulate stuff but to share Jesus. Most of us will not be famous achievers of earthly awards but that is not the aim. The goal is to encourage others to pursue a dynamic, moment by moment walk with Jesus. The target is to share our joyful praise of the Lord with others. So what are the names of the three people you are pouring your life into? One the first day of eternity your friendship with them will be worth much more than a million dollars. Invest your life wisely today.

 


--
"Multiplying leaders to change the world"

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Thursday, October 8

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2016
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:9-15
During a particularly challenging period of my life, I found myself “stuck” in Colossians, which I read and re-read for about two months. The clarity and straightforward teaching didn’t immediately resonate with my hurting heart, but I am grateful that God stuck with me and didn’t abandon me, even though my faith wavered and struggled.
God’s demonstration of love shines through Colossians, as Paul highlights the supremacy of Christ and the transformation that comes to those who have trusted in Him. These verses speak to how His fullness, His circumcision, His death, His resurrection, His life, and His freedom accrue to the believer. The teaching echoes Romans 6, another clarion call of our connection with Christ through His death and resurrection.
Because of the fullness of Deity in Christ, we have received power and authority as His ambassadors (Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7,8). He wishes to grant us power through the Holy Spirit so that we may shine as stars in the heavens and bring glory to His Name (Philippians 2:14ff). Through our connection to Christ, we have become crucified to our flesh and its “uncircumcision” and traded this death for real, free life. Christ has won judicial freedom for us. While we rightly deserve condemnation, God has canceled the “charge” – our evident sin – and nailed it to the cross for a secure and lasting freedom. He not only brought freedom through the Cross, but also brought triumph and victory.
In Romans 6, Paul indicates that we have received freedom from the slavery of sin so that we might, in our freedom, surrender ourselves to serving God. This language of surrender doesn’t look palatable from the world’s perspective, but we only experience the true fullness of God when we have poured out our emptiness. In recognizing our limitations and emptiness, we find the unlimited fullness of His love, grace, and mercy. We are too easily satisfied with small things that we can touch when God desires to pour everything we need (most importantly, His presence) into our lives.
How could you give thanks for this wonderful truth today? What difference does His freedom mean for you today? How could you celebrate this day as one of glorious liberty and surrendered dependence to the One Who calls us His own?
Lord Jesus, thank You for canceling the written code through Your death on the Cross. Thank You for Your example of surrender to God’s perfect and pleasing will. Give us greater knowledge of Your freedom so that we may experience Your fullness and worship You completely. Thank You for giving us this day as an opportunity to know You better. We love You, our great Savior and King. In Your Name, amen.
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Wednesday, October 5, 2016

October 5

Colossians 1:25:  I am a servant appointed by God to preach the Word of God until it is known to you and all over--what I'm talking about is nothing less than the mystery of the ages!  What was hidden for ages, generations and generations, is now being revealed to His holy ones.

There is a mystery hidden in the Old Testament Scriptures that promises the coming of a Messiah.  If anyone knew the Scriptures it was Paul, perhaps that was why he was able to recognize Jesus' voice the day he met Him in Damascus.  ( "Who are you Lord?"  Acts 9:5)  This hidden mystery has been revealed through Jesus and now is exposed to the world through His servants.  That's us!!! Each one of us has been called and equipped by God to reveal Jesus to the world!  That is so exciting when you stop and think about it.  None of us are alone because once we say "yes" to Jesus we become the church and join in unity with others who have been rescued from darkness.  We are all empowered with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News of the Gospel.  Not only do we dwell in God, He dwells in us. This gave me a renewed hope and strength in my spirit when I read it.  It also refocused my intentions as I thought about all that needs to get done today.  With all the other choices of topics we can talk about today, I pray we all choose to talk about Jesus and spread the Gospel of our Lord!



Randi

Monday, October 3, 2016

October 3: Of discouragement and a specific overwhelming situation

Two thoughts today, to make up for the struggle I had putting something together last week.

First, discouragement.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is NOT one of the easiest instructions in the Bible. But it is one of the clearest. To avoid uncertainty, Paul repeats himself - "I will say it again: Rejoice!". "When?" "Always." "Seriously?" "Yes."

- When one loses one's job and has bills to pay and a family to feed? Rejoice.
- When a loved one falls ill, is in pain, and recovery is unclear? Yes.
- When a child is tempted by the world and by sin, and is refusing to listen? Definitely.
- When a marriage is on the rocks - due to infidelity, abuse, isolation, or anything else? Certainly.

It isn't easy. But when we come to Him - consistently, persistently - and bring these concerns to His attention, we are guaranteed His peace. "Seriously?" "Yes."

Second, a specific overwhelming situation. Abortion.

Its advocates will say it is no one's business but the mother's, and an unexpected pregnancy is certainly an overwhelming situation (truth is, a planned, or wanted pregnancy is also an overwhelming situation - the parents just haven't realized it yet!). And far be it for me - or anyone else - to judge a mother for her decision. However, on top of the scripture quoted above, which might give comfort in the event of an unexpected pregnancy, I might also add, and ask that one consider:

Jer 1:4-5:

4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

While the world suggests the "fetus" is nothing but a lump of cells until it is born, scripture tells us otherwise.

In every overwhelming situation we face, may we remember all things are under HIs dominion; may we find the strength to rejoice; and, in doing so, may we come to know His peace amidst the difficulty of our circumstances.



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