Colossians 3

The Message verse 23-25: "Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work."

We need to give God our best. The best of our time, talents, and resources. I have offered God some shoddy work over the years. My effort needs to be better in all areas of my life: marriage, parenthood, work, friendships, the church.......God gave us His best in Jesus. I need to offer my best to Him.

Colossians 2

V.13b/14 - "He forgave us all our sins....; he took it away, nailing it to the cross."

Our sins.....my sins, were nailed to that cross. My sins had to be driven through my Savior's hands and feet. My sins were on display, for the world to see.

But the world saw an innocent man. They did not see my sins, and most importantly; I think by not seeing my sins - it proves that Jesus not only takes away the sins of the world; but the guilt that may go with it. We are washed clean. I am washed clean. Thank you, Jesus!!!

Colossians 1

Verse 17 - "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."

I am counting on this.

Matthew 10

V.37 - ".....anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."

How could Jesus ask this of us? When you have a rebellious child, as parents, we have a choice to make. Continue to obey God by having a home with Godly rules and principles; or make life at home more worldly and convenient for the child. My wife and I have chosen to keep God first. The result.....we now have a prodigal daughter. Our prayers will be for the same result as "the prodigal son". We love you God. Take care of our daughter while she is away from us...

Matthew 8

V.9 - "Jesus reached out is hand and touched the man. I AM WILLING, he said. Be clean!

I AM WILLING to forgive you for your sins.
I AM WILLING to rescue you from your own selfishness.
I AM WILLING to restore you to the position that you were created for.
I AM WILLING to be patient with you as you grow and make mistakes.
I AM WILLING to love you continually and unconditionally.
I AM WILLING to lead you to places you never thought you could go.
I AM WILLING to touch you in ways that make the world shake around you.
I AM WILLING to provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
I AM WILLING to lead you not into temptation.
I AM WILLING to deliver you from the evil one.
I AM WILLING to bear the punishment for your sins (death).
I AM WILLING to take on ridicule and hostility for your future.
I AM WILLING to provide you the pathway to eternity to God.
I AM WILLING.

I AM WILLING to do all of this for you
Are you willing to accept it?
Are you willing to accept me?

I am willing, Jesus!

Matthew 7

verse 6 - "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces."

When I read this verse, I think He is suggesting we need to be careful who we speak the Word of God to. Those who are bent on evil and of this world, will only use our words against us. We need to be wise about who we witness to.

I could use some help. Anyone else have some thoughts on this verse. PLEASE SHARE.

Matthew 6

v13. "...but deliver us from the evil one"

The NIV translation reads "EVIL ONE" and not the traditional way we say this prayer "evil".

I always say EVIL ONE, because for me - Satan is very real; and this prayer reminds me of that. As a side note, I like speaking this prayer much slower than churches traditionally recite. This prayer has some powerful words, and I like to digest them.

I Samuel 15 - disobedience

"To obey is better than sacrifice.."

The decisions I make on when and where I will serve God often depend on time, energy and resources, but my obedience to God should never
be affected by these things. In this chapter we see Saul's outright disobedience to God, and his partial disobedience (which is still disobedience). A fully-devoted follower of Jesus Christ = requires my complete, unwavering obedience. I have so far to go.....so very far to go.

I Samuel 12

Verse 20 - "You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart."

How many times have I sinned and then sort of thrown in the towel for that day, week, or period of time? That was my natural tendency years ago; however now - I confess sin and turn TO God for forgiveness, correction, and in loving obedience.

The old phrase "two wrongs don't make a right" certainly is something we must be very careful about in our walk with Christ. Samuel is reminding us that despite what evil/wrong we have committed, we must turn to God and serve Him with all our heart. The God of second chances, 3rd, 4th, etc........is waiting.

I Samuel 8 = TODAY

I can't help but read this chapter and see the strong similarities to last November's election. We, as a nation, are getting what we, as a nation, asked for. God is absent in our election process, and it shows!

Acts 12

Verse 24 - "But the word of God continued to increase and spread."

Despite all our problems - as a nation, community, household, and individuals; God is still at work. That brings me great comfort and hope.

Acts 10 - Vision of Unity

Does prejudice exist among Christians?

It did in this account with Simon Peter. Does it still exist today?

Do we struggle at times about how other races and denominations worship God? Do we struggle internally with the thought that God loves Muslims, too? Are we joyous to hear that a convicted killer, rapist, or terrorist claims to have found a Savior named Jesus?

We/I need to take off our robes of judgement that we are not entitled to wear. There is only ONE who is qualified for that role. I confess I still struggle, at times, with those immersed in sin and evil finding the Lord. I should be praying for them, regularly. Maybe if the Christian Church remembered this "vision of unity" that opened Peter's eyes; our eyes would be open to amazing grace of God's love to ALL people. Maybe that is what God is waiting to happen before HE starts healing our land from all its' prejudices.

Ruth 4

Pastor Chris's motto of "doing the next right thing" rings loud again. Boaz did the next right thing. What he also did was NOT to start counting the cost to be obedient. That was what the kinsman-redeemer did. He was ready to help Naomi/Ruth, but when he started to count the cost of obedience...he backed off.

I want to be like Boaz. The cost of being obedient to God should not come into play when we make our decisions in life. Obedience to God must become the 'natural' thing to do. In other words....it is DOING THE NEXT RIGHT THING!

Ruth 1 - "Your God will be my God"

16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."

Naomi had to deal with some bitter losses in her life (husband,sons); yet Ruth was not only devoted to Naomi, but she must have seen something in the way she conducted her life to make the statement, "your God will be my God".

Do people around me find God attractive by the way I live my life, and by the faith and hope I express in God to also say, "your God is my God".

What image are you portraying of God? Does your life reflect a sincere obedience to His word and will for you life? These are tough questions that produce very humble answers from me. How about you?

Philemon

Verse 6 - "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ."

Active to me means regularly exercising our salvation; sharing our relationship with Christ through words, actions, relationships, and service. I former spiritual mentor once told me that if you find yourself sharing the same "God happenings and events" in your life with other people; that you need to examine your walk with Him. We should have fresh accounts to share of how God is working in and through our lives. If we do not, then we are just "playing church". I think this applies to us as individuals and as a church. We must be active in sharing our faith.

When we are active in sharing our faith, God gives us a fuller understanding of just how much He loves us. Who doesn't want that feeling today?

Titus Chapter 3 - Grace and goodness

I read this chapter and I just sit amazed at the change in people's lives when they have accepted Christ as their Savior. A 180 degree turn.....it is just amazing what the grace of God can do. I hope people see that in my life, as I see it in so many of my Christian friends. Also...Paul emphasizes three times "doing what is good". As Pastor Chris has spoken to us about several times this year - "do the next right thing" - we need to start DOING it!

James 4

Verse 17 - "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins."

This is a very strong statement when it comes to sin, and I think it gets overlooked. When we think of sins we think of adultery, lying, stealing, murder, etc.

But, as followers of Christ, faith without deeds is dead. James already told us that in Chapter 2. Here he is reminding us again.

"Anyone, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, SINS."

James 3

Verse 10 - "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing."

Words can be very helpful, or very hurtful. Out of the mouth comes the truth, or a bunch of gossip and lies. This is a heart issue in most cases - the tongue only shapes the words in our hearts and minds. We can sound mighty religious in church, but if other times our mouth spews cursive language, gossip, and lies - then we have a heart/spirit issue that needs addressed.

Finally, if our heart is right with the Lord, then our mouth/tongue can be useful tools for the expansion of His Kingdom - if we speak the Good News to others. I have a phrase taped to the inside cover of my Bible (unsure of the author), but it states, "My tongue can be cruel in two ways: by speaking evil, or by refraining from speaking good."

James 2 (favoritism)

Verse 1 - "don't show favoritism"

Judging a book by it's cover, stereotyping, comparing wealth status - all of these things are very easy to do in today's society. So much emphasis is placed on having a good well paying job, big house, new cars - it becomes natural to want to gravitate to these people. We have to fight that flesh desire, and look for the heart of people. This, I confess, is not easy to do.

I often wonder if Jesus and his disciples walked into our church, how many people would befriend them, and love them, despite their different appearance. I would like to think the majority would, but I also believe the majority (myself included) would have to push away our first visual impression/judgement of them.

I want the eyes of Jesus. To see people as God sees them. All created by Him, all equally valued by Him, and wanting all to have a personal relationship with Him.

James 1

Verse 2 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops through perseverance."

This is probably not what the people were expecting to hear this day. They were struggling, feeling down, wondering if it is all worth it, fearful - and they are told to be joyful?

What trials do we face - unemployment, divorce, debt, addictions, illness - and we are to find a spirit of joy as we go through this things? How do we do this? By putting our faith in Christ. By treasuring our salvation through Christ. By seeking His comfort, His wisdom, His will - for our lives.

This verse supports the ideal that God is more concerned with our character than our comfort. And we need to remember....it is a lifelong process.

Acts 8

Verse 4 - "Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went."

They were fulfilling the Great Commission given by Jesus. They were being obedient.

I get frustrated with my weak attempts at sharing my faith with others. The disciples did it with such boldness. Why can't I?

I have Good News to share. Why don't I share it more than I do? I need a lot of work in this area. I need to be more obedient to the calling Jesus gave to all of us.

Verse 58 - "Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul."

I read this chapter, and see how Stephen gives the Sanhedrin a history lesson right up to the very day of his death; and I feel great comfort knowing our God is in control and knows everything. Every event, every conversation, every thought that anyone has ever had, is used by God in some way - either to mold us, mold someone else.

All of these events Stephen describes were part of God's plan; right up to the point that day that Stephen went home to be with the Lord - as the false witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of the person who God was working on that day - Saul.

God is still in control!

Acts 6

Verse 15 - "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."

I think of Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The people looked INTENTLY at Stephen trying to see what this man really was about, what was driving him, motivating him - and they saw the face of an angel. Stephen is about to face stoning to death, but his obedience and love of Jesus never fails - and the presence of God is with him till the end. I think his face was angelic, because being sold out for Christ gives us that appearance.

Acts 5

Verse 40 - "They called the apostles in and had them flogged."

Verse 41 - "The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name."

I almost missed the part about them being flogged. It was when I read in verse 41 about them rejoicing for suffering disgrace that I re-read why they were disgraced.

When I take a stand for Jesus, the message may not be well received and the outcome may be embarrassing or disgraceful; but I should rejoice for being counted worthy by my Creator.

This should ring in our ears as the ultimate "at a boy" compliment we could ever receive. Maybe I can be bolder with my testimony of Jesus, if I remind myself of the apostles rejoicing here in Acts 5. They were flogged, yet they rejoiced.

Acts - Chapter 4

Verse 32 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind."

Perfect unity - I can't wait to be a part of that, but I don't think we will see that here on Earth. Churches of all sizes have disagreements about the ways of the church. I have sat in rooms with people who have great faith in Christ, but could not come to a unanimous decision.

I need to do my part in living in unity with other believers. To do that, I need to know and understand God a little better each day. I need to feed on His word daily. My prayer is God would fix all the deficient areas of my thinking that breaks unity. The "church" in Acts 4 would have been something to see. I think we are trying to do that as best we can at Charter Oak. There is still much to do.

Acts 3

What impresses me about this Chapter is the boldness and clarity of Peter's words. It is hard to believe this is the same man who just 40+ days ago, denied knowing Christ due to fear for his own life. What a transformation! Peter's life is now Spirit-lead, and he is following the lead of the Holy Spirit. Peter is now in the center of God's will.

I wait for that same transformation. I would love to speak with such boldness and clarity about Christ to others. That is my prayer today.

Acts 2

Verse 21 - "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

EVERYONE!

I bet there were drunks, adulterers, tax evaders, liars, criminals, drug addicts, racists, bigots......in the crowd that day when Peter spoke these words.

EVERYONE!

This includes the people that I don't like. It includes people like Hitler, Saddam Hussein, Jack the Ripper, Hollywood celebrities, rapists, murderers......EVERYONE!

God wants no one to be lost. I need to remember that when I try to avoid certain people that I encounter each day and week. God loves them. I should to. EVERYONE!

Acts 1

verse 7 - "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority."

We are not God. Too much time is spent discussing the end of age when Christ will return (i.e. the Rapture). We shouldn't focus on the finish line, when we have an entire race ahead of us. We need to focus on the task at hand. God sees the big picture, we do not. We don't get to know the "whens" and the "whys" of what happens, so that we might be able to prepare for the next event. We are to walk with Him by faith - day-by-day, moment-by-moment; seeking His will for our lives, and trying to live it

Matthew 28

Verse 10 - "Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me."

This is Jesus talking about the same men who betrayed Him just a few days earlier. Men who publicly denied Him, fled from His side, so they could be safe.
Jesus calls them BROTHERS. What a Savior! What a God! What a friend! Despite all my sins and disobedience, Jesus loves me like a brother.

I want to be able to love like Jesus.

Matthew 27 - The Crucifixion

Verse 46 - "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"

Answer: Me

Reading this today was difficult. More so than ever before, these words troubled me and made me hurt. My sins were on that cross. My disobedience was on that cross. My bad and selfish desires and thoughts were on that cross. My idolatry, my cursive mouth, my lack of reverence for the Sabbath, my lack of honor and respect for my parents, my murderous heart, my heart and eyes of adultery, my stealing, my lies, my covertness - ALL on that cross......nailed to Jesus.

The returning thought I have had the last few days is "how I do not revere God and treasure my salvation through Christ". This was a hard chapter to read today. I have never felt like I, personally, was in this chapter than when I read it today.

Father, forgive me for I DO know what I have done and continue to do. I am so sorry for how I have devalued your sacrifice for me. I want, need, and desire to change this - starting right now.

Matthew 26

Verse 15 (spoken by Judas)"What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?"

What or how much can I get for sacrificing a little of my relationship with Jesus?

Like the Visa/MC commercial - my relationship with Christ is PRICELESS. I just need to start treating it that way.

Exodus 20

Verse 20 - "God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

Where is the fear of God? Does it exist? The Israelites kept on sinning, we/I keep on sinning. You don't hear many sermons including the fear of God. Where is it? Does anybody really fear God? I don't see it. I feared my Dad growing up, but I kept on getting into trouble, making bad choices.

Then I read Deuteronomy 4:10 - "Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to REVERE me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children."

REVERE = to regard with awe, deference, & devotion.

Can I replace the fear of God with the revere of God? If I revere God; an awe of who He is, deferring to Him about everything, and a complete devotion to His Son and will - then yes - that will keep me from sinning.

I am on a journey. My journey has many peaks and valleys. My goal is to love God a little deeper each day, to get to know Him better, to include Him in everything. I want to revere God deeper every day, because the more in love, in awe, and devoted I am to Him - the better chance I have to keep from sinning.

Exodus 16

Verse 1 - "The Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin..."

I found this interesting....it is here where the Israelites will become inpatient with God and think they were better off in their old way of life.

How often do we have thoughts (or actions) of turning away from our salvation, because we think our old way of life (sin) was easier and happier? It is so easy to read these accounts of the Israelites, and later of the Disciples; and think "how stupid they are for turning away from God who is meeting their every need"?

I am so much like these people. I have God's blessings all around me, yet there are times I seek things of my old way of life instead of focusing on the joy of my salvation.

"Father, please forgive me for my disobedience. I am so thankful for all of the ways you guide and touch my life. I want to change my ways...change my focus...and treasure daily the joy of my salvation through your Son, Jesus."

Exodus Chapter 14

Verse 14 - "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."

There are times in my life where I try relentlessly to force the will of God to improve situations or my circumstances. I think there are far more times where I try to do it, instead of 'being still' and trusting my Lord.

Also - this chapter shows the weak faith of the Israelites. They had just witnessed all the plagues, and had the presence of God hovering over them in a very visible cloud - yet they still were fearful and worried that God was not going to save them.

Despite God's fingerprints all over my life, I still have many moments where I, too, have a weak faith. Why is that? I believe my faith is weak when I start trying to do things my way, or slightly outside the will of God. Instead, I need to be still, and let the Lord fight for me.

Exodus 12:30

Exodus 12, verse 30 - "Pharaoh and all his officials and all Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead."

The Gospel message is very clear, you are either with Him or against Him. You either accept Christ as your Savior or you do not. You are either obedient to His word, or you are not. Some day, there will be great wailing hear on Earth, when people who are not with Him, realize that it is too late.

That's what this verse speaks to me about, and it tells me there is a lot of work to do. My prayer is that I will feel concern and compassion for those I encounter that are "against Him". I want to be bolder in my witnessing, and see what God sees when He looks upon those who are "lost".

Coincidentally, the verse I was referring to above, "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters". This is found in Matthew - CHAPTER 12 - VERSE 30! I think that's pretty cool.

Exodus 5

Verse 20 - "May the Lord look upon you and judge you!"; and verse 22 - "O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people?"

The Israelites quickly grumbled and were complaining that God was not looking after them (blaming Moses); and Moses was now questioning God.

How quick I am to feel God is disinterested in my life, because things don't happen the way I think they should. It comes to a lack a faith, and a struggle to "let go and let God". I have always struggled to control things, and I am slowly learning (as my faith grows deeper) to let go and trust the Lord.

Exodus 4 - God almost kills Moses?

Verse 24 - "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses, and was about to kill him."

WHAT?

Right in the middle of God speaking to Moses from a burning bush, to giving him instructions that he would be used by God to free His people, to sending him on his way to meet Aaron to start this mission - God is going to kill Moses? WHAT?

Two reasons this verse jumps out at me - the first, is revealed in the verses that follow - Moses had not circumcised his son. This was a major act of disobedience. Israelites were to not trust the flesh, but trust God. As an act of faith and obedience, a covenant was made (circumcision) that all Israelite's would be circumcised to show they were a son of Abraham, and their faith was in God. Moses had not been obedient, and God's anger was evident.

The main reason this verse jumps out at me, is the "WHAT and WHY" factor. "What" is God doing and "why" is He doing it? This verse reminds me that my God is so awesome, original, and all powerful - that I can never understand why He does what He does, or what He allows to happen or not happen. He is God! I cannot understand all His ways. If I could, then I would be putting myself on God's level.

God is painting a masterpiece; we do not get to see all the strokes, but He reveals to us the beauty in the finished product.

Exodus 3 - I will be with you.

Verse 1 - "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro ...............and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb."

Notice how God prepares us ahead of time for the work He calls us to do.

Moses was "tending the flock" - he was taking care of and protecting the flock of Jethro that was entrusted to him. He was leading "the flock to the far side of the desert" - he had or was gaining experience of serving the needs, protecting, and leading the flock entrusted to him on a long journey. He would finish his journey, leading them to the end of the journey to a mountain called Horeb.

Sound familiar to what God was about to call him to do?

It doesn't appear Moses saw the similarity. How many times has God called me to do something that I felt unqualified to do? When I look back, I can see events that have happened, jobs I had, and skills I had used - now God was asking me to use the experiences and skills for His will.

In verse 12 God says, "I will be with you." He is with you. He is with me. He prepares us for the journey, and He goes with us. He never leaves me alone. Thank you, God.

Romans Chapter 8 (read it)

Verse 28 is very popular. Why? Three words for me - ALL & HIS PURPOSE.

God is a "detail god". He is concerned with EVERY detail and circumstance in our lives. There is no coincidence with God. No luck. Nothing unexpected.

The question to ponder is - "Does someone knowing you that well bring you comfort or uneasiness?"

The good news is there is no wrong answer to that question. If you answer "comfort", then you know that comfort comes from our Abba Father. If you answer "uneasy", the same thing - your uneasiness is proof that God is at work in your life.

So, He uses ALL things - in, around, and affecting our lives - to work on some character issue that needs addressed.

Why? HIS PURPOSE - to get me closer to His will for my life, so I can bring glory to Him. As a follower of Christ Jesus, there is no better place than to be in the center of God's will.

Verse 28 should bring us great comfort!

Romans 7:21

"So I find this law at work: when I want to do good, evil is right there with me."

Mention the words spiritual warfare, and you may get quite a few strange looks from people, even Christians. The Christians who recognize this term, and use it in conversation - tend to be labeled as "over the top", "crazy", and/or "weird".

Why?

We all have a spirit. Our spirit will live forever - either in heaven or hell. God wants us to be obedient to His word. Satan (i.e. the devil) does not. Satan wants us to do things our way, without consulting or reverence to God. Satan wanted to be God (Isaiah 14:12-15). He tempts us to do the same. Sometimes his temptations are subtle, others definitely not.

TV shows would often show a person struggling over a tough decision as having a small angel on one shoulder, and a small devil on the other - both making their case as to why you should side with them. This is how I need to view Satan's desire to tempt me to do "the next wrong thing" that is disobedient to God's word. Satan is real, and he is looking for any chance to tempt us to turn from God. A weaker Christian, one drowning in sin; is a Christian not being the beacon of light they need or are called to be.

1 Peter 5:8 - "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour."

By recognizing the devil and temptation is real and ever-present; I can not get caught off guard.

Romans 6

Three verses (or partial verses) stick out to me:

(My last view blogs have been about certain Bible chapters I am reading daily as part of a journaling effort with my church - Charter Oak Church - Greensburg, PA. You can the comments on how these passages are impacting others at www.charteroakchurch.blogspot.com.)

1) Verse 8 "if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also LIVE with Him."
2) Verse 10(b) - "the life he lives, He lives to God."
3) Verse 19(a) - "you are weak in your natural selves."

If I am to "live WITH Him", to me that means I need to bring Him along in everything I do - my thoughts, my actions, my job, my life principles, my relationships - I run everything by His authority. In doing so, I "will live my life TO God".

I am "weak in my natural self" - my natural self is to not spend time with God, be selfish in life, live life for me. BUT - if I read His word daily, pray/communicate with Him often, worship collectively with other Christians, learn and apply biblical principles (via the small group) with the support of other Christians - then I am NOT alone in my natural self. Therefore, I am strong - strong in Christ.

Psalm 150 - Praise

A Psalm of praise. Pretty simple.

The only thought that jumped out at me is "when we are in valleys and struggling, our ability to continue to praise Him is an act of faith".

How do you get greater faith?

Praise Him during the difficult times in our lives.

When I look back, it is the "trying times" where God did His greatest work on my character and spiritual development. That requires a praise - HALLELUJAH!

Me a masterpiece?

A couple things hit me with Psalm 139.

Verse 13 - "You knit me together in my mother's womb"; and verse 15 & 16 - "When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be".

1) God surely has a purpose for my existence.
2) How can you ever support abortions? From Gods lips - life starts in the womb!

Finally, this Psalm wonderfully describes the omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (everywhere present), and omnipotent (all powerful) God. I recently read "The Shack" (highly recommend it), and I think this Psalm has greater meaning for me because of it. I have limited God in my life, in my thoughts, and in my prayers.....He is the Creator! He took a blank canvas and created a masterpiece - with the world, with you, and with me. I may often feel unworthy, ugly, or failing - but God sees a masterpiece when He looks at me.

Thank you Jesus!

Thankfulness

Psalm 100: 2 - "Enter His gates with thanksgiving"

Since God is God of all the universe, in control of everything, creator of it ALL; then every area, situation, church, house, car, building, etc. I enter - belongs to Him; so I am entering HIS gates with what? Am I always thankful? Do I show others with how I act/respond that I have a joyous and thankful heart, due to my salvation in Christ? The answer is NO!

Yes, we are sinners, probably incapable of showing 100% thankfulness.

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).

This verse always speaks to me that God is watching our effort. The results will come with more practice, but our effort to improve must be there.This is one area of my life that I really need to improve. Deep-down, I am so thankful for everything my relationship with Christ brings me. I just do not show it, especially to non-believers. I think my personal testimony might be more impactful if I would allow my joyous and thankful heart to show.

Psalm 23

This popular Psalm, read at funerals, offers comfort that the Lord is with us and protects us (The Great Shepherd and His sheep), ONLY if we can say "The Lord is MY shepherd". If we have not accepted His saving grace and claimed Him as our Savior, this Psalm does not apply. That is is really tragic when you think about funerals you may have attended where there was no evidence that the deceased had a relationship with the Lord.

To add to the meaning of this Psalm, I read The Message translation.

"God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life."

I love the thought of God chasing after me, to have a relationship with me, to shower me with His love. If I would only chase after Him, to have a relationship with Him, to shower Him with my love; - how incredible that would be.

I have some chasing to do.

Serenity Prayer

Everyone knows this...probably.

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."

Good stuff..but it becomes great stuff when you read the entire prayer written by Reinhold Niebuhr.

It concludes with:

"Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He would make all things right if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next."

Can't add anything to that. As I said.....great stuff!

New Year's resolution: EGR

Are you an EGR giver or receiver?

What is EGR? Well, in Rick Warren's book, A Purpose -Driven Life"; EGR stands for extra grace required. You know...there is that person who's personality and behavior just rubs you the wrong way to the point that you want to smack them. The person needs extra grace.

Up until my recent family vacation to Palm Springs, I thought I was only an EGR giver to other people. This probably wasn't true, but I thought this to be the case. Well......no longer.

Let me briefly give the scenario. My wife and I planned to take a long (2 week) family vacation this year (2008) to Palm Springs, CA. We managed to make it all the way to December without "losing it" due to a lack of vacation. So, we go away just before Christmas to experience our long-awaited trip. One of the special activities my wife wanted to experience was a "whale watching tour on the Pacific Ocean". The first attempt at this cruise was shortened to 30 minutes because of the excessive winds made the ocean unsafe for our journey. We were given our money back. We rescheduled 5 days later when the weather was perfect. We are out on the boat and we come across a massive school of dolphins. It was incredible. They were everywhere...jumping, swimming along side our boat.....it was incredible and beautiful. My wife was "soooooooo" excited.

Then I hear, "my camera memory card is saying full". So....me to the rescue. I thought I would be able to go in, change the pixel size, and create more room for several more pictures. Well, here comes the EGR moment. I stumbled to a screen that said format memory card. I opened it thinking I would see what I needed to click on to create more room on the memory card. It re-formatted the memory card.....and all of my wife's pictures up to this point on our vacation (200+ photos) were deleted!

Can you say, "grounds for divorce", or "jump off the boat and drown yourself"? I, in a 2 second 'menu screen blunder'; sucked all the excitement and joy from my wife's face. I was sick. There were no "do-overs". They were gone, and I was a goner.

At this point, my wife did what I did not think would happen. Through all her disappointment, anger, and complete disbelief - she offered me grace. She said, "Rich, I am so upset; but I know it was an accident." She told me she loved me. I now understood what it means to be an EGR receiver.

So...what is the point to this long blog: whether an EGR giver or receiver, know that true grace comes from God. My wife's relationship with Christ enabled her to give me grace when it was not deserved. So.....in 2009, I am going to give God's grace to all who don't deserve it. I am going to pray that when I do not deserve it, someone will offer it to me. If we all do this, 2009 will be a very special year where God's grace is everywhere!

God's grace is our "do-overs". His Son died in our place so we could have a "do-over" on life - with the chance to live life eternally with God. Be the ultimate EGR receiver....accept Christ as your Savior and experience His grace. I was reminded of how that feels during my vacation.

Happy New Year to all........and to all.....God's grace and peace.