Saturday, October 29, 2011

By FAITH for WORKS!

You can't work your way into heaven.  There's nothing you can do that will make you good enough to stand in front of a Perfect God and get into heaven. You can only get to heaven by FAITH in Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26) I mean, can you imagine standing in front of a perfect God and telling Him all the good works you did to qualify for heaven?!??!!?!  I think He would laugh.  There's not enough good I can do to cover up the sins in my life.  I'm so thankful for grace and mercy from a loving Savior, and for being deemed righteous because of my faith in Christ.

However, if we read James 2:14-25 we find that faith without good deeds is dead. (Read it for yourself!)  Now, the Bible's not saying we are saved by our works.  It's saying we are saved by faith FOR works.  If we are truly saved, we want to do good works for the glory of God.  Ephesians 2:8-10 even says that God planned in advance that we would do good works. 

Do you consider yourself a Christian?  If so, what good works have you done in the last 48 hours?  I was thinking about that and was real convicted.  I do take care of my family, but I'm supposed to do that.  I think we're to do good works that go beyond what we typically do.  For example, I think it wouldn't kill me to take out the garbage for my husband every now and then.  It would also be a good idea to write a sweet note to my daughter every now and then. And what about my neighbors?  If I am to call myself a Christian, shouldn't I show them some good deeds that reflect Christ in me? 

You know that old saying, "actions speak louder than words"?  I think that is so true, especially for Christians. 

Lord, help me to show others my faith by my actions.  Help me to remember that You created me to do good works. ~ Amen

Monday, October 17, 2011

Being a PeaceMAKER!

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God."  Matthew 5:9

Our God is the Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6-7)  Our God is the God of Peace.  (Hebrews 3:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Roams 16:20.)  Our God left us the gift of peace. (John 14:27).  If all this is true, and it is, then why are we Christians living without peace!?!?!?

Let me suggest to you today that Satan is trying to steal and kill our peace.  Just turn on the news and see the craziness in this world.  But the Bible calls us to be PEACEMAKERS.  In this world of chaos and craziness, we are to be PEACEMAKERS.  Now, that's a PRO-active word.  Being a peaceMAKER involves doing something and not sitting around waiting for peace to strike us.

We need to make our peace with God.  In Isaiah 57 it says there is no peace for the wicked.  In order to not be wicked we need God in our lives.  We need to have a daily walk with Christ and let Him lead us.  Then, we'll have the Fruit of the Spirit which includes PEACE in our lives supernaturally.  Obeying God leads to peace.

We also need to have peace with ourselves and our purpose in life.  Matthew 10:29-31 points out how important we are to God.  Colossians 1:22 points out that we are holy.  We need to have confidence that we wondefully made and that God loves us dearly. 

Finally, we need to be peaceMAKERS with others.  Romans 12:18 says as much as it is up to us, we need to live in peace.  As Christians we are expected to humble ourselves and seek peace.  Matthew 18 tells us how to handle disagreements with other Christians, but even when we are seeking peace with non-Christians we are to do it humbly. 

And what does the Bible say about being a peacemaker?  Well, they will be called children of God!  Oh, that others would know me as a daughter of the King.  And not just any King, but the King of Kings!  That's how I want to be known!

Lord, thank you for leaving us the gift of PEACE!  Help us to be peaceMAKERS and not just peaceKEEPERS!  In your precious Son's name I pray.  ~ Amen

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

I've Got That Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy....Down in My Heart!

Did you know Christians are commanded to be joyful?!?!?  That's right.  It's not an option.  As a matter of fact, Philippians 4:4 says to ALWAYS be joyful.  It does not say be joyful when others are joyful, or when things are good or when you are on cloud 9.  It says we should be joyful in ALL circumstances.

Now, I don't know about you but I've had some days that I didn't think JOY was going to be a part of my attitude.  You know those days.  You wake up late.  Your dog throws up on your new rug.  You burn breakfast.  Your kids remind you 5 minutes before the are to walk out the door that they have a project due that they forgot about.  And you have PMS.  You get my drift?  NOT A JOYFUL KIND OF A DAY!

But yet, we are commanded to be joyful in all circumstances.  ALL CIRCUMSTANCES! 

So, how in the world do we do it?  Well, first we have to get our praise on.  In Psalm it says that Jesus inhabits the praises of His people.  If you start praising God, it will put some joy in your heart.  I like to put in some Third Day Christian rock music.  Maybe you like to listen to Southern Gospel.   However you like to praise, just do it! 

Secondly, we should realize that life will NOT be perfect on this side of Glory.  If Jesus suffered while He was on earth, why in the world should we think we will not have bad days.  And honestly, when I compare my suffering to His suffering...well....it makes me want to go back to step one and PRAISE HIM MORE!

Finally, we need to look at problems as OPPORTUNITIES to bring God more glory instead of just problems.  When I don't yell and scream during those bad mornings like I mentioned above, my kids learn how to act under stressful circumstances.  It is an OPPORTUNITY to teach them.  All negative circumstances have opportunities if we look for them.

Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit.  I ultimately need Jesus in my life daily to help with my joy.  I'm so thankful that I can truly rejoice in all circumstances because of the hope I have in Him.

Lord, thank you for allowing me opportunities to express my joy.  Help me to be joyful always and forgive me for when I'm not joyful.  ~ Amen