On this "Celebration Sunday," as we celebrate God's provision through the gifts of His people, we need to make sure our hearts are focused on Him and not ourselves. In 1 Chronicles 29, after the willing gifts come in for the Temple, King David leads the people to rejoice, give praise to God, and pray for hearts devoted to God. We, too, must use this opportunity to give praise to God.
We've all received instructions that seem impossible. In the Christian life, God's instructions can feel this way at times. But God's grace always supplies what His love compels. In Exodus 35:4-36:7, we encounter Israel. They are preparing to obey God's detailed commands for His dwelling place - the Tabernacle. It's a bit overwhelming. But God asks for willing hearts and then does the rest.
Sickness and disease can be a nasty business. If not treated properly, it can lead to long-term damage and is a danger in our spiritual lives. Paul explains to Titus that there is a disease of false teaching and sinfulness spreading that must be resolved because it is distorting and subverting the Christian faith. The encouragement of Paul helps us see how we might be prepared to guard our faith.
When starting a new hobby there is often some technique that must be learned to become proficient. But what about the church? Have you considered, as a member of the body of Christ, what your roles and expectations might be, or what methods and techniques there are to promote the health of the church? In Titus 1:5-9 Paul shares with Titus some ways he must invest in the health of the church.
Have you ever received a generous gift? “Wow thank you so much how could I ever repay you?” or “I am in your debt”. This is exactly how we should be responding to the greatest gift of grace and life given to us by God through Jesus. When we understand who God is, we should be compelled to respond with “Here is my life, how can I use it to bring honor and glory to God my Redeemer?”.
Were you ever put in timeout as a child? In Ezra 1-2, the people of Israel are coming off a 70-year “timeout” in Babylon. Because of their unrepentant sin, God sent Israel into captivity for 70 years. Yet, they did not remain in Babylon forever. God had promised to, “visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place (Jer. 29:10).”
In salvation, God makes us His children. We are to show, by the way we live, that we are part of His family. As we walk in love, in the light, and in wisdom, we are able to show the world what our Father is like.
The grace of God teaches us to live for God. The lessons of grace are often missed and misunderstood among Christians. As a result, we miss out on the joy, righteousness, and hope that God's grace empowers. Listen and rejoice in how God's grace saves and transforms sinners!
God wants us to get involved in the worldwide harvest of souls!
Our missionary to Japan, Andrew Gonnerman, preaches from Psalm 23. Be reminded that the Lord is our Shepherd and His provision is perfect!
It's part of our culture to pursue feeling comfortable. When Jesus conquered death, He opened our eyes to the reality of eternity and taught that this life is for the next life. He taught that this present life on earth would be a challenge and that those who follow Him need to be prepared to be uncomfortable in this life, setting their hopes on the comfort promised in eternity.