Priorities

I found myself many years ago, 1993 to be exact, blurting out to the youth I was teaching "A walk with Christ is based on prioroties." To this day I still find myself sharing this same quote with not just a few, but to the multitude of those who claim to be believers.

Everyone gets stoked occassionaly and says "I'm going all in on Jesus."Unfortunately is does nto last. I am going to jump right out there and say "Only about 2% of all the people I have met, shared with, and minsitered to, have stayed committed to Jesus and gone 'All in.' What causes this? Simply put "Their Priorities." They get off of work and say I'm tired tonight I think I will go home instead of attending Bible Study. I had a hard day and I don't feel like sharing with others tonight. Saturday is my only day off! I spent all of my money on something else, I will give next time." I can say this from experience that this begins "The slow Fade." What about our salvation? What about Jesus? What about the starving? What about the lost? What about kids who need to be mentored and adopted? The truth is "They are not our priorities."

Priorities today are fueled by athletics, and extra curricular. They are no longer about "Raising up a child in the way they should go." If Jesus and Jesus things are not your priority then one day you may stand before Him and hear Him say "You are not my priority!" Making Christianity and Jesus your priority has eternal rewrds. Get it straight before its too late~

Jesus asks "Do You Love Me?"

Words cannot come close to express my true love for Christ. Is has cost me everything at one time or another. Relationship with my wife, my children, aquaintances, business, health and 'yes' even finances. In 1992 I surrendered my life to Christ and Him to "Make me the 'Real Deal." Looking back I wish I could have made the same committment to to my wonderful wife (who stood by me even when I wasn't the husband or father she or my children needed) and children to love them the way I committed to Christ that day. By His grace and through Him they finally ended up with a husband and dad that lives out the same committment to them that I live with Christ. This love is everlasting.

When asked to share or preach at other churches, the scripture I share the most is 'John 21.' Jesus showed me a totaly 'New' way to really look at this scripture thatn I had ver heard before in church. After my new committment to Him I read this chapter and simply broke down. I cried and cried, and looked up and acknowledged to Him that I did not love Him. Then I committed once again to love Him with all of my heart for real.

'No One' (and yes, this could be you) can tell me today that they love Jesus and miss what He told Peter in John 21. Peter understood this time that his going back to his old ways woudl not work if he truly loved Jesus.

John 21:15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?"

"Yes Lord," he said, "You know that I love You."

Jesus said, "Feed My lambs."

Again Jesus said "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of My sheep."

The third time He said to him, Simon son of John, do you love Me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the thrid time, "Do you love Me?" He said "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."

Jesus said "Feed my sheep."

Why did this hit me so hard? Why did it hit Peterso hard? Right after this Jesus tells him "Follow me!" Jesus told Peter this because He knew that without carrying out these simple proofs of His love for Christ and others, then Peter would never come to know and love Christ and others the way Christ loves us. In all of the years I heard this passage preached all I had heard is Pastors focusing on the meaning of the word 'Love' in greek and Hebrew. There was no challenge to change my life as Jesus was telling Peter to. You see, 'No One' can truly love Jesus without fulfilling His commands in this passage. Jesus told Peter, told me and is now telling you , that IF we truly love Him we will "Feed His lambs, Take care of His sheep, and feed His sheep." Where does this live us today? We need to get out of our denial, admit we love other things more than Him, and start doing what He says~

If's and In's are soooo Important in Truth~

It really blows my mind sometimes when I chat with others and they begin espousing what they believe. They really have no proof, but have been taught to believe what others believe. Today I still agree with Paul that we should all be 'Like Minded.' The scripture says what it says, but many tend to believe what commentaries, Pastors, and teachers say instead of taking scripture at face value. To me, the most important words within the scriptures that navigates us to truly believe and obey are IF, IN and But. With that in mind I want share this scripture with you and ask you to do one simple thing "Read it as if you have never been taught anything about it, and read it for what it says with the desire to have the Lord speak to you."

John 15:3-10:

"You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain IN me, and I will remain IN you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. IF a man remains IN me and I IN him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain IN me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. IF you remain IN me and my words remain IN you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselve to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain IN my love. IF you obey my commands, you will remain IN my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain IN His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be IN you and that your joy may be complete."

Okay, let us look at this passage of scripture. Jesus words made them clean. At that moment and as long as He was with them they would be clean. He knew that He woudl be leaving and so he gave them the instruction of how they would make it here on earth. He would not force them to reamin in Him, they would have the choice. He spells out the consequence for not reamining IN Him. He also lets them know that IF He was in them then they would be producing 'Much' fruit, not the measly go to church, teach sunday school, sing in the choir stuff, but 'Much' fruit showing they woudl be His disciples. He told them that just as He remained in the Father they could remain IN Him.

You tell me... IF all they had to do was say a prayer, then why would He have shared this? IF was always going to be with them, then why did He say this to them? IF there was to be no consequence for turning from Him, then why did He share that with them? If they were going to be exempt for their actions, why did He share this with them? IF it would be okay to just study the Word and not produce fruit, why would they not have become scholars? IF according to what He is saying they decided to contineu to live their way instead of His, then why did He say remain in Him?

Unfortunately men do not want to take this passage at face value. IF they did then they woudl have to remain in Him, and that would drastically require change. Jesus is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, and the great I AM. Who are we to bring what He said into our own interpreation, and make Him seem like someone who gravels and begs us to come back? We all have a choice today. We can remain IN Him, or go ahead without Him. These are His words and not mine. The reason we don't see revival today, the power of the Holy Spirit at work, or the church producing 'Much' fruit, is because we will quickly grab hold of our commentaries and look for a way out, but clain that we are still IN. I praise God that I will take all of this at face value. I have the wonderful privilege of choosing to remain in or to walk away. He never leaves us, we leave Him. Tell me "What has Jesus ever done to us, that we would turn our backs on Him?"

He works in mysterious ways

Almost three weeks ago I stopped using Zyrtec. It was the only allergy medicine that helped my sinuses. When I was in Africa I missed using it and after three days I began to itch. Once I took it then the itching went away. This is how I discovered a 'Side Effect' to Zyrtec was itching. I forgot to take it for two days and then realized I was out of it. After three days being off of it I immediately began to itch again. The internet shared with me that this is a common withdrawl factor from being on Zyrtec. This is not your regular itching, but one that wakes you up, Keeps going throughout the day with you, and truthfully is something you would not wish on anyone. Just when you think it has finally run its course you are awakened again and can't sleep.

God works in mysterious ways though. I believe by faith that He can heal me in one second. I also believe that He is at work through all of this and has a plan for my using it a testamony for His greatness and healing in His time. This is what keeps me going. These are the times that tests my faith and my desire to endure through all things. You see, people in the world today need to see God at work in all of us who truly know the Lord. All of us need to show to the world a love that they can never imagine.

His ways are not our ways, and at times we can think "Why me Lord?" But turthfully, can we accept whatever comes our way, and endure knowing that in the mystery of it all, He has a plan? This new antagonizing problem is allowing me to have more compassion for those who have various diseases. It affords me 'More' prayer time (Cause you can't sleep or find comfort), and God time in my busy life. It brings me into a greater focus and knoweldge of Him. My faith and trust is growing. It is a mystery, but He is at work still~

Faith like a Child

Jesus said in Matthew"Unless you have the faith of a child you will not enter the kingdom of God." I truly praise Him for uttering these words. You see, in 1992 I asked Jesus to teach me as a child and laid down everything I had ever been taught. Today I still practice this principle of being a child, and having'Childlike' faith. Smith Wigglesworth coined the phrase "If the Bible says it, I believe it, and that settles it."

Teaching at the Juvenile Center allows me the opportunity to see this passage play out on a weekly basis. I do not get bombarded with crazy doctrinal thoughts and opinions, instead I get asked questions about how they can have what I have, and what to do. I spend alot of time (sadly) answering questions about differences from people who have only heard what they want to, and desire to argue when it means change. The kids at Juvey want to change, but the majority of the people that call themselves Christians merely want to debate their opinions and thoughts and not change. Do you see the difference? Our prayer for our ministry since day one has been "God, please do not send people who think they have a Savior, send us people who need one." These kids need Jesus and they desire to know what the Jesus said. Then they will have the choice to omit what they don't like, or except all of it as truth and change. I tell them always"It takes no faith at all to think your saved, but takes all the faith in the world to live it." Faith is an action word and does not mean anything unless it is put into practice.

I love the opportunities to share the hope that I have and the ministries the Lord opens the door for me to be involved in. Teaching these young people that don't have all of the anwsers (But are turly seeking them) is a huge blessing for me. Teaching, sharing, and preachign to those who don't have the faith to believe as a child, is taxing. What about you? Do you truly believe the Word and are You truly living out what it says? Do yourself a huge favor and lay down all that you have been taught and start believing and living out by faith what the Word says and not what you have been taught. Give us faith like children~

Do you have a story?

It is pretty amazing that people always have stories about when they grew up and the crazy or even sad times they have faced over their lives. Its odd though when you ask someone about a 'Jesus' story they look at you with a blank stare.

I believe that If Christ is in us then we will have stories to share with others constantly. Stories that we cannot even explain because they are God things. Stories about encounters that only God could knit together. Stories of victory when the struggles of life come upon us. Stories of how He pulled us out of the miry clay and has given us new life.

Facebook has become a place of social gossip, chat and unedifying conversation. What if it became a place of challenge and hope in Christ? What if it became an outlet for God to move and work through the stories in which your life plays out everyday for His glory. What will your story be in the end?

The greatest story ever told still needs to be told through our lives everyday. The world needs to see Jesus today more than ever. He wants to keep wirting stories of your life with Him, so that others will

Luke 9:23-24 Win, Win Decision~

This past several weeks have been great. There is one scripture though that I cannot get out of my mind. Luke 9:23-24 says "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses His life for Me will save it." These are the 'Conditions' to becoming a true follower of Christ. Yesterday I pulled up Francis Chans 'The Cost of following Jesus' on youtube and it confirmed what God has been speaking to me these past several weeks.

Look at this verse slowly and reflect on what Jesus is saying. "If anyone were to come after me." First and foremost we have to come after Him. He is not out chasing people down and looking for new converts. When one hears the truh then they have to respond and come to Him."He must deny himself." In modern day evangelism we never mention that one has to 'deny' themselves. The truth is that people don't want to 'deny' themselves and so they want Jesus on their terms, not His. "Take up his cross daily." When is the last time you told people in your church or on the streets to take up their cross? When is the last time you have? Today people are to busy picking up the worldly passions lying in front of them and forget that we have a cross to bear for the sake of Christ and the world. "And Follow Me!" Truthfully, who and what are you following? Jesus said in Matthew that "Wisdom is proven by her actions." If we are truly following Him then it will never be about us. Last but not least is verse 24 "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it." Many try to save their lives by going to church, participating in Bible Studies, singing in choirs, and attending confrences, but that has nothing to do with 'losing' ones life. When there is a need are you always ready to forfeit your time or money your to give aide? Have you volunteered, served anyone without grumbling lately? "But whoever loses their life for me will save it." Is this us? Have we lost our lives to this world, and made ourselves and our resources available for Him. If not I pray that you recieved the Word of God that has been spoken and begin going after Jesus, denying yourself, picking up the cross daily, following Him and not yourself anymore, and lastly committ to dying to yourself and living for Him. This my friends is a "Win, win situation."

Dare to Believe

I had an interesting breakfast saturday morning. I was invited to join a Bible Study at a local restaraunt. As I sat there chatting with the two men who invited me I soon realized God's mercy and grace in my life, and how far He has brought me. Even though I thought all went well (They had some major 'Doctrinal' differences) as was filled with compassion for them both. As they challenged and me and spit scriptures out at me it became evident that these two did not want o learn, but hey wanted everyone to agree with their doctrine period. Ironically, I had been where they were 13 years ago. I had not laid down my commentaries, and believed 100% in what my Pastor was teaching me. I did not want to learn anything else I was ready to stand my ground with everyone for my belief (Which really was a commentaries teaching or another Pastor or teachers teaching).

We have this innermost desire to gravitate to the area of least resistance. To believe the easy, study the easy, and accept the easy. Today I find myself searching for the challenge, desiring the truth, and anything that will change my life and take me to the cross. About 10 year ago the Lord gave me a saying in which I stand by today "A man that is unteachable is a dead man walking." When I went to Israel two months ago I told our guide "I am here to learn, not to convert." What God did with this was amazing. The man then wanted to learn from me also instead of throwing up His defenses. Four or five days after we were together he began to tell the others "My Pastor and I were talking." This gentelman has a master's degree in the New Testament and Christianity! I am merely a follower of Jesus that accepts the Word of God for what it says and lives by it.

If you were stranded on an island with no one else around but just your Bible, what would you believe? Would you believe it for what it says, or would you quit reading it? Today more than ever we need to read it for what it says, and then live out what it says. Hebrews 12:14 says "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be Holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." 'IF' we believe what it says without looking for a way out then we would see to it that we live out what it says. Those who truly are seeking the Lord will get anything out of their lives that are not Holy. Why? because it says what it says. What about you? Will you still believe what you have been taught, or will you believe what the Word says? God has alot more to show us if we do~

Are you His?

How does the world see you? What does the world see in You? Is there a constant change going on that points out that heaven is your home? The world so desprerately needs to see these things in all who call thereselves Christians. It seems that through the past several generations that the church has picked up the mentality that any and everyone can calim and be Christians. I used to be one of them. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, whoever is in Christ is a new creation, the new has come and the old is gone." This verse changed my life, and still is.

Many place their hope, and their salvation on what they have been taught, what denomination they are affiliated with, and even a prayer. None of these however determines whether you are truly His or not. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only ones who do the will of my Father who is in heaven." Jesus goes on and says in verse 22-23 "Many will say to me Lord, did we not prophesy in Your Name and in Your Name drive out demons and in Your Name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' But before He said lal of this to His disciples he said "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."

I believe that the only way one truly knows that they are His is by what they are allowing Him to do through them. If He is in us then we won't be the same. We won't make excuses for sin. We won't remain on our couches and spend all of our money on things of this world. We will be serving just as He served. Sadly enough I have known quite a few people who attempt to justify doing His will by teaching a Sunday school class once a week, doing a Bible Study once a week, or even singing in the choir. We have become a self edifying bunch that really aren't His.

If the Harvest is ripe then we won't be doing His will feeding ourselves. We won't be doing His will if we are just good 'Churchians.' I know I am His because He is at work within me and through me. This is the Fathers will~

Common Sense/Intellect

People try so hard to get intellectual with scripture, and this is a shame. God never inteneded us to be intellectual, but in turn created us to be followers. In Romans 1 we see that ALL have been 'Hard Wired' with the truth. Where does that leave us? It leaves us with common sense. The intellectual makes great attempts to figure things out while the person with common sense just gets up and follows. Isn't it ironic that Jesus call the intellects to follow but just some good old common folks? In the attemot to figure out one will lose faith. Faith is an action word and not a word of procrastination. Many line the pews, go to Bible Studies, and so forth, living apathetic lives because they feel they have figured it all out. A man with common sense would merely hear, see and do.

By no means am I saying that all intellects are to be painted with the same brush. One of my favorite people of all times was an accomplished intellect. He researched, studied and futily tried to figure out God's will for His life. He had a zeal for His knowledge and soon realized that intellect meant nothing. When Christ came into his life he laid down his intellect and pursued Christ with all he was mide of. He desired no longer to debate, argue or study the scripture, but instead placed his eyes on the mark giving his all to Christ. His name? Saul. His new identity? Paul. If those following Christ would quit trying to figure Him out, and instead do what He has commanded, this whole world would change and people will desire what they have. Many clergy, and heirarchy in the church spend countless hours of their time 'Studying' rather than serving. Common sense would tell us what James 1:22 states "Be not merely hearer's of the word and so be decieved, do what it says." Lay down the intellect for personal realtionship. Common sense will tell us all "The we will be witnesses fo the hope that we have."

Knowing God oppossed to Understanding God

I could not get a Facebook conversation off of my mind this evening. A friend of mine posted a thought on facebook and tow gentlemen began to spar over it. By the time I read it both were at it with each other defending and challenging each other. Personally I enjoy 'Iron sharpening iron' but sometimes you can feel the tension and it no longer is sharpening. I interjected my thoughts towards the end and was quickly challenged by one of them saying "I like what you said, but can you give me scriptural references. All of this started with the debate of understanding God.

On my way home tonite I thought "Understanding God is futile, but knowing Him is of great importance." Many men and women study the scriptures in an attempt to undersatnd God and all that has happened until this very day. I have come to know them as people who are so caught up in 'Head' knowledge and a passion for intellect that they do not live as Christ, or serve others. Their lives are consumed with study, rhetoric, and thought.

Knowing God is far better. Because I know Him I don't have to understand Him. becasue I know Him I long to be obedient to Him. Because I know Him others will see Him through all that I do.

God is God. What is there to understand? If His Spirit is within me then I will not be seeking to understand Him because He dwells within me. Since He lives in me I desire to know who He is and the importance of His will for me.

Don't let understanding keep you from knowing Him. The patriarchs and disciples were men without understanding, bu thearts to know and love. Paul had the understanding, but he gave it up for knowing, because his understanding never compared to knowing. He considered it rubbish. What about you? Will you give up your quest to understand in order to know Him?

Christ lessons through Surfing

I have a friend who grew up with me that has been coming to QTM for almost a year now. His father finally passed on and he wanted to renew one hting in his past that he really loved, surfing. I took him out last week and he bought a new board. Today we were suppose to have a little ground swell, so I picked him up at 6:30 for 'Dawn Patrol.' When we arrived at the beach it was pretty small and he was still pretty excited. As I watched him and tried to encourage him, the excuses began to come out. "I have never surfed on a longboard before!" "These waves are to small!" "I hate south Texas surf!" As he kept making excuses I kept trying to get him to paddle. I told him go hard, or he wouldn't ever catch one. But all this ended with not a wave ridden, or success in getting accustomed to his new board.

As I sat there watching and encouraging him, God reminded me of a few things; "If we don't give Him our best then we will never succeed. If we don't go 'Hard' after him, then we will never experience the life Christ desires for us to have. If we keep making excuses, we will never make it. How about you? Are you pressing into Christ with all that you have? Is your desire to live the life He died for? Do you want to be able to stand firm and continue the ride of your life? Even surfing can teach us that 'If' we have faith and determination and are willing to give it our best, we will be able to do all things through Him who strengthens us. I had a great day! After about 30 waves I came in and praised Him for the surf, and what He taught me."

Integrity

Merriam Webster uses the word 'Incorruptible' as an example of the use of this word. I was brought up that it meant your word was your word and you always kept it. I was also taught that integrity was the highest quality of moral character a man could have. What has happened to 'Integrity today?

It is truly sad that this word has lost all sense and purpose in this generation today. It is even sadder that it has been lost between the four walls of our churches. People used to dress their best to go to church, and now they dress as if they were going to the beach. They used to go to be changed by a life and death message, but now they go for the entertainment. They used to go to their cozy little churches because it was like family, but now they fill auditoriums and become members of that club, orginization or denomination. They used to live by the Word, and now they pick and choose what they want and disgard the rest. Where is the integrity?

Jesus died on the cross so that we could show the world 'Integrity.' Christians are supposed to show unbelievers what integrity looks like and what it is, but instead they are being shown the same corrputible life in which they allready possess.

Many years ago when I turned to the Lord to be "The Real Deal" and exercised what I was taught about 'Integrity.' I made a committment to the Lord to change, and never turn back again. I made a committment to Him to lay down anything that was sin in my life or would cause anyone to stumble. I beleve in 'Integrity.' Don't get caught up in the nonsense of Christianity and believe that we have a right to do as we wish, or pick what we believe. God is a God of Integrity. If The Spirit of the Lord is within us then we will live lives of 'Integrity' each and everyday of our lives. It will lead us away from evil and lead others to Him~

Hope for the hopless~

If you were to ask me what my favorite part of ministry is I would probably say "I don't know?" I can definitley say this "It doesn't matter because God is always there teaching me as I have the privilege to share with others." Alot of people think it may be music because of the many songs the Lord has given me over the years in which I get to share with others to encourage them. Some have said that watching me interact with the elderly in Nursing homes. Many can't believe that I still love doing 'Youth' every week and the youth not wanting a younger person. The list could go on, but honestly to me it doesn't matter. I love Driscoll Children's Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Teaching, Preaching, etc. My heart though tends to lead me to the Juvenile Detention Center. Many talk about how these kids ought to be locked up, put in prison and just plain bad mouth them (Mostly peoplpe calling themselves Christians). Judy and I are blessed to mentor and teach both at the Boot Camp, and Detention Center.

Today was no exception when I say "God shows up." These kids don't want to go back home, because they will be going right back into an enviroment that will lead them right back to the detention center. As I sang "Give me one pure and Holy Passion" eyes tuned into the lyrics, and mouths started to move in singing. These kids were feeling His presence. As we talked about obsessions, desire, and passions, each kid quickly started asking questions and we responded with hope from the Word. Every kid was paying attention, and alot of them answered the questions others kids asked with common sense leading towards a change in Christ. As I played 'Stand in Awe' at the end every one of them sat there opening their mouths singing along. At the end I asked a simple question and recommended that they do it tonight "Lay in bed and just thik in awe of how much God loved them by stopping their worlds for such a time as this." They all said they would.

If anyone reading this isn't involved in giving of their lives to offer hope to the hopless I have to encourage yo with this "The ones you help don't just need it, bu tso do you." God wants to show us He is God and that if we allow Him to move through us, then He will always be there with us."

Stand In Awe

Oh, Lord, my God I stand in awe of You

Oh Lord, my God I stand in awe of You

And I worship You, and I worship You

Oh Lord, my God I satnd in awe of You

Oh Lord, my God I stand in awe of You

And I worship You, and I worship You

I praise You, and I praise You

You looked down and saw someone in need of You

You looked down and pulled me up from the miry clay

And now I rest beneath the shadow of Your wings oh Lord

And I stand in awe of You, in awe of You~

(Pete Prescott 2009)

Legalism and the Truth

Have you ever been called a 'Legalist' or accused of 'Legalism?" Many that have truly chosen to follow Jesus and the Word have had these accusations pointed at them. Unfortunately people tend to use these words to lash out at people who are merely looking out for their best interests according to scripture. Being a legalist really places us all in good company. God basically could be called a 'Legalist' because he said here are my rules and you must follow them, or else. Jesus also said things of this nature many times for example "No one who does not hate their mother, father, brother and sister cannot be my disciple." He also said "Anyone who comes after me must take up his cross daily and follow me." Sounds pretty 'leaglistic' to me, and one way.

Today, like always, we have to look at the christian society and what they have condoned, labeled, tagged, and accepted in their beliefs. Just like the Pharisees and Saducces people can tend to be 'Legalistic' in thier opinions and interpretations. They were 'Legalistic' and 'Hypocrites' because they told people what to do, but did not do it themselves. Ironically, when people holler "Legalistic" it is because they do not want to change, or accept the fact that they are not living in accordance to God's Word. They then turn the truth into a coined phrase 'Legalist' and 'Legalism.' Personally, I do not want to call God, or Jesus 'Legalistic' because I take great pleasure of accepting "Their way as truth and their ways as the only way."

Before you think "Leaglist" or "They are espousing Legalism" ask yourself this question "Do they love me and am I out of the will of God?" Then, line yourself up with the Word and forget defending yourself, just head to the cross and Jesus~

Grace

Like many over the years I had not truly understood the depth and meaning of 'Grace.' The definition used by most is "God's unmerited favor."With that definition I lived a life of saying we are no longer under the law, but under God's grace. I continued to sin, and take this wonderful gift for granted. About 10 years ago I was drawn to Titus 2:11-12 "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." I realized that what I had been taught was merely an excuse to continue to sin instead of change. If it is God's unmerited favor then God would show favoritism and the scripture is clear that He does not.

Discerning the truth lead me to the conclusion that God's grace is merely that "God is giving us another chance to get it right." Take a deep breath.... We are alive because He is still giving us the opportunity to live out Titus 2:11-12. By faith I believe we can instead of believing we can't. When confronted by others about grace and the law remember this "God is affording us once again the opportunity to turn from ungodliness and worldly passions to Him. Praise God for His grace~

Joy in Deeds (Not really deeds)

A week ago Sunday I gave our small little congregation a short teaching on Works, Deeds, and obedience out of love. Ironically Judy, said to me last Tuesday "Oswald Chambers devotion today (My utmost for His highest) basically said the saem thing you said last Sunday "It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him." Look closely at what Oswald is saying. He is basically defining the difference between works and deeds, and places them where they need to be in our thought process and our lives. We cannot 'Earn' our way to heaven, but through Him we will be doing the very things that Christ did. Jesus said "I have come to do the will of my Father in heaven." If we are living and allowing Christ to abide in us then it is only common sense that we will be doing (Works and deeds) His Fathers business as He did and then there will be no 'Works and deeds' in our vocabulary. It It is Christ in us doing what we are called to do. To the true believer they will say "Exactly!" To those who continue to say "No" to the words works and deeds (Fruit in their lives, and the serving of others) then I will simply say "Where is Christ in your life?"

A true Christian will be going about God's business without works, or deeds, because Christ is living and doing in them~