Resting In Forgiveness | March 11, 2016
As we come to the weekend, I am reminded that with every Sabbath, we have an opportunity to reset our lives with the Lord and each other. Keeping short accounts of our sin and the sins of others is one of the keys to the life of peace.
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Psalms 32:1-2, NIV
A Constant Encouragement | March 10, 2016
The bible is a gift that the Lord gave to us to be a constant encouragement to us. Within it are found the words of life for salvation, instruction in wisdom, points of correction, and words that lift us up in times of grief, sadness, darkness and disorientation.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalms 31:24, NIV
A Key Command For Consumers | March 9, 2016
When we read through the laws in Leviticus, we should be looking for principles of the Spirit that are universal to all people. Many of the commands were intended specifically for the Israelites, but within them is the heart of Abba from a universal perspective. While the laws do not apply to our context, the wisdom and principles always apply.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 19:9-10, NIV
How To Keep Your Commitments | March 8, 2016
We have all made promises to ourselves and others that at the time we really believed we would keep. "I'm going to lose five pounds." "I'm never going to raise my voice to my children." I'm going to stick to a budget." "I am going to read my bible every day." These and hundreds of other commitments have been made at a time before the test.
But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.
Mark 14:31, NIV
Unusual Sightings | March 7, 2016
It is crazy how many "divine appointments" we will have when we begin to tune in to the Holy Spirit. Without regular times with the Lord, honing our spiritual senses, we miss these opportunities. This is one of the incredible tragedies of our lives. The Lord has so many connections for us to make, but we walk right by them.
So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.
Mark 14:13, NIV