I don’t mind be in trouble because of the Lord.  Actually I look forward to that.  But I sure don’t like it when I’ve been stupid on my own.  That seems to happen just about every day.  Somehow I don’t think I’m alone.

I’m more than willing to make apology.  And I’ll be the first one to raise my hand when someone asks, “Who did this?”  But it would be so much better if it never happened at all.  The Lord’s words ring true, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

By His Grace

I just got an automated call from a home security company.  Anyone who knows me knows I do not own a home.  But something really funny crossed my mind.  The man promised me a free something.  If I had accepted his promise he would have turned out to be a liar.  For my home is with the Lord in heaven.  Something tells me they don’t deliver there.

By His Grace

Many have heard of the love of Christ, by this they love him as they can.  Many have seen the love of Christ in a brother or sister.  By this they love him as they can.  Some have been washed with the love of Christ himself; their sins forgiven through their gushing tears and sobbing cry.  To these he has delivered his love.  And forever they will love as he has loved them.

I cannot say that the Lord disregards the first two.  For even to believe on his name is a sufficient first step.  But I testify to a place, from where it is impossible to hate your brother.

I cannot mark out a path for you to this place, for the Lord appeared unannounced.  I simply affirm that our religion in the Lord does have power.

By His Grace

By His Grace

A guy says, “waaaaaaaaaa!  I am of no value in my service to the Lord.  I work hard to obey but there is no fruit.  Waaaaaaaa!”

There there now.  Dry your eyes and suck up your bottom lip.  You look like a platypus in an over chlorined pool.

The Lord is faithful.  He will use your service by His wisdom.  He may provide fruit for you here.  Or he may reward you in the age to come.  Just keep on truckin.

By His Grace

Most folks like a little gossip here and there.  Maybe that’s because it makes us feel good to know we are not the only stupid person in this world.  Regardless, gossip tastes pretty good.  But I hear antifreeze taste pretty good too.

People also love prophecy.  Especially if it says something about how the wicked are sure going to get theirs.  It’s kind of like the man who runs like crazy to get away from bees.  The day gets pretty good if you can outrun them.  And if while you’re running, someone tells you there is a cloud of DDT around the corner, that’s gonna put a smile on your face.  “Let em eat this!”

But not many love prophecy when it has to do with the love of God and his call to holiness.  They consider such words mundane.  To them such prophecy is like having to be a busboy at a sand cafe in the carabean.  Drolly saying, “yeah the scenery’s great ain’t it.”   He has completely lost appreciation for where he is.

Come on guys!  Is this as good as it gets

By His Grace

We use words to speak.  And as we speak of God we strive to be careful of our words.  The words we choose indicate a definition of what is Holy.  We will falter between one another; for which of us have arrived at His majestic throne that we make a comeback and deliver perfect words?

But let us not cease trying to deliver what is good.  And let us not despise one another for our lack of knowledge.  There is One who is good.  It is our charge to encourage one another with love.

It is wise to refrain from bickering over small things.  I understand that some will consider certain issues more valid than others.  But what do we profit if we bite and devour one another while we try to explain what is Holy?

Clothe yourself with mercy even as he is merciful.  Allow room for understanding.  As we consider ourselves right today, we may well be proven wrong tomorrow.  Withhold judgement until you see him face to face.

These things are profitable and true.  Even the one who writes them is cut.  But He is among us to heal.  There is a division, make no mistake, between His people and the godless.  But let brothers in grace agree.  Petty differences, they will destroy all.

By His Grace.

By His Grace