(G)Leaning on Grace

I am currently leading a small group bible study called "Hoping for Something Better". I have greatly enjoyed the group study so far and sadly we have only two weeks left. The entire lesson is built around the book of Hebrews focusing on how Jesus is indeed the "Something better" we all long for. This past weeks assignment was on Hebrews 11 and ended with the following question. Finish this sentence: I want my life of faith to be marked by.... So, after much prayer and pondering I had a response. My study and experience thus far tells me that the characteristics in Galatians 5:22 called the fruits of the spirit are measuring devices in which true faith and dependency on God can be observed. If these characteristics are not exhibited in my behavior and personality, in my interaction with others, then my commitment to God and relationship with Jesus is not primary in my life and therefore my faith is not growing. My prayer and deepest desire is that these qualities ar...

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Easter! This is certainly a day to rejoice. I have taken time over the last few days to really ponder and meditate on the historical and biblical events that make this day important. On Thursday I attended the Upper Room service at church. I can remember a time when washing feet seemed a bit 'out there' for me. I did not understand the significance and believe me, feet are one of parts of the body that I do not find attractive on anyone other than tiny babies. But over the last few years I have actually come to look forward to this service because it really brings home to me how Jesus truly was a servant and if our desire is be like Him, washing feet metaphorically and literally is apart of that. It is who He was and the example He set. Considering it was the last moments on earth that He could spend with the disciples He chose this act of service to try and really bring the point home to them. We should serve God and one ...

To what lengths would you go to communicate with God? With anyone else? I was sitting in a high school cafeteria a few days ago with my husband while we were waiting for the next round of an academic competition to take place. Our daughter was there to participate in the regional competition, and during the lunch break we were just relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of the students. As I was observing this very diverse group of teenagers that we were surrounded by I noticed one young man sitting in a window sill across the room. He caught my attention because he looked extremely uncomfortable. He was twisted and stretched. He was contorted in all directions reaching high as he craned his neck to lean as close to the window as he could possibly get. Several feet away from the closest group, I thought at first he was just trying to protect his privacy. But then I saw it. The cell phone! The realization hit me as I watched him, just how silly he looked trying with all he had in him to ...

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galations 5:22-23 I have studied and learned of the spirits fruit Inviting the Holy Spirit in me to take root How He inhabits my heart, mind and soul Filling each crevice, each empty hole. These fruit He inspires, they number nine And with his Spirit my heart entwined The seeds have been planted, in me He has sown With roots going deep, toward heaven I’ve grown The first and greatest of these I hold most dear Through trial and challenge I will persevere It is true sacrifice and all it entails Because through Him, Love never fails In brokenness my Savior restores my soul With praise and worship my God I extol I will still celebrate with great delight His Joy cometh, by dawn’s first light The King of Kings and Lord of Lords To me a wondrous gift He affords More precious is this than earthly jewels My fear dies away, His Peace rules...

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Heb 12:29-29 Oh praise Him! Praise a God that loves us so much, that wants us to be with him so badly that he truly consumes us with his Holy Fire. There are many references in scripture to God's fire. People often refer to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as being "on fire for the Lord". Fire is a consuming power. When you think of fire in the natural sense it burns until all energy it has access to is used up. A forest fire or brush fire travels and is fed and grows on the continuing supply of oxygen and combustible material. It will roll quickly through an area consuming all that is in its path leaving desolation and destruction in its wake. So how can we relate this type of image to a Holy fire of God? The all consuming fire of God is his way of lighting you up from the inside...

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26 "The Lord is my portion". What a profound statement. When we finally realize that all we ever need or could ever want is wrapped up and delivered to us in one almighty, all-knowing, graciously loving God. He will deliver us from the evil that surrounds us in this world. He will provide for our every need. He will sustain us emotionally, physically and spiritually if we seek Him with all of our hearts and let our hope rest in His capable hands. Even when what we hoped for is drastically different from what we have recieved, we must give him praise through the good and bad, happy or sorrow-filled moments in our lives. His grace is sufficient for us. He asks very little of us: to trust and obey. It's not always the easy way or the popular way...

Who is this Jesus, come let us ponder: The Savior, A friend, King of Glory Light of the World to our breathless wonder He came to us one cold dark night An infant so perfect and small Beneath the heavenly star’s brilliant light To a virgin mother this god-child was born The Father’s abundant love delivered through his son For to us this little child would be salvations horn. The world was in darkness, evil had spread But through this child of God would come the shepherd By whom out of darkness the world would be lead. A Bright and Morning Star, The Lord, he came His light shone yesterday, today and tomorrow Throughout all eternity he would forever be the same God’s great sacrifice of love was destined to be made The Son of Man, the King of Kings on Calvary’s cross would hang, Through His blood, by His power, His grace would never fade. He offers us salvation, though the path is narrow He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life His eyes never leave us, just as he watches the sparrow His Hol...

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8 Oh how marvelous the idea of joy unpeakable. Joy that is inexpressible and glorious. Joy that only comes from the God of the universe through his son our Lord Jesus Christ. That's what each of us has with Jesus. Even when our earthly circumstances in this fallen world are pushing us down, seemingly crushing our spirits within we have to hang on to Him, we have to persevere by His strength not ours. In this verse, Peter, the rock, as Jesus called him is writing to the members of the churches scattered by persecution. The people of the first centruy church who were being driven into hiding or being tortured and killed for their faith. The 'christ-ones' who refused to bow to the Roman empire. He is reminding them that although they had no...

As I was reading my bible early this morning a thought occurred to me. That is scary I know...thoughts don't often just happen to me as I usually have to work pretty hard to get one to even wander into my tiny mind...but hey, I digress. I was reading first Samuel and it was talking about how Eli no longer held the Ark of the Covenant in high regard or even recognized the great work and blessing afforded his accestors by God during their journey from bondage in Egypt. It got me thinking..is today really any different? Do people today hold the same or any respect in some instances for the symbols of their faith? Christians as a rule hold the Cross as probably the most prominent symbol of their faith. There is also the ichthus, christian fish symbol used by the early church to identify meeting places. Many people today have bumper stickers, stick on insignia for their vehicles, jewelry such as necklaces, rings or earrings with these beloved images on them. But, what significance do th...