Life in the Spirit

S. "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.." (Romans 8: 9a, NIV)

O. This is a truth so easily forgotten…that we are controlled by the Spirit of God and not by the spirit of the world. Too often Christians fall into a pattern of relying on their own power and strength to make it in this world. I am as guilty as anyone else. I have gone through seasons of my life when I thought that I could do everything myself. I tend to like to take control of things and not really give God the time of work in me or to release His power in me. But the scripture is very clear that if we are in Christ…we are not control by a sinful nature. That means I can turn from evil and resist any temptations that come my way…if I choose to allow the Spirit of God to be at work in me. Paul wrote to young Timothy, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of selfdiscipline" (2 Timothy 1: 7, NIV). I CAN live a Spirit controlled life for the glory of God! I just have to trust that God is going to be faithful and true to me!

A. There are times that I know I have not allowed the Spirit of God to control me. I need to keep myself reminded that in all things and at all times, I am a child of God and as a child of God I have the power of the Holy Spirit living in me!

P. Lord, thank you for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in my life. We your presence in me, I am free to be under your control and to live in your power. I yield my live to you today. Amen!

Love and Faithfulness

S. "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4, NIV)

O. These verses speak of two non-negotiable aspects in our Christian life…love and faithfulness. How good it is to know how we are to live in this world around us. How good it is know that when we do the things of God, He does reward us. But why these two?

First of all, love is the bedrock quality of our lives. Christ came to the earth as an act of love and we are to live like him. John 3: 16 tells us that God "so loved the world"… and so God demonstrated His love to us and we too should demonstrate love to those around us. Second, faithfulness is a must for our lives as Christians. I must first and foremost be faithful to God and then to my family and then to those around me. Faithfulness is a quality that is being lost in many ways in our society. We don't show faithfulness or loyalty to companies we work for…athlete's don't so faithfulness or loyalty to a team…and people don't show loyalty or faithfulness to their church. This is not a blank statement, but I believe we are seeing the effects of a lack of faithfulness in the church. And when the average person who is looking for Christ sees this unfaithfulness to God and the church, I believe they are saying, "Why would I want to be part of something they are not faithfully to?"

A. So as I have been writing this, I have been reflecting on my own life. Do I show love…I mean the kind of love that will point people to Jesus Christ! Am I showing this love to my family, to my wife, to my sons, to my father and sister? Am I showing this kind of sacrificial love to my people in my congregation…to my friends and people around me? And what about faithfulness? How do I measure up in this area with the same people and circumstances. I guess the application for me to some reflection on my own life and making sure I am walking in the ways that are pleasing to God and building up of those around me.

P. Lord, I pray that today I would be found full of love and faithfulness. Let it begin with you and extend to my family and all those around me. May my life reflect you Love and Faithfulness today and everyday. I love you Lord, Amen.

The Temple…Then and Now

S. "In building the temple, only blocks dressed at the quarry were used, and no hammer, chisel or any other iron tool was heard at the temple site while it was being built" (1 Kings 6: 7, NIV).

O. This is only something that God could have orchestrated. When the temple was built, everything that came to the site of the building had been perfectly cut to fit together for God's purpose. Amazing! I am not a very good carpenter or builder, but I can't imagine building something and not having any tools on site. I can't imagine knowing how cut everything to put it all together and make it look right and most important…make is stand! But in the building of the temple in Jerusalem…God orchestrated and miraculous serious of events to complete his dwelling place.

What is amazing is that God has orchestrated more than just the temple. Look at all creation! God is so evident in the trees and flowers and animals and mountains. It is simply wonderful to see His creative ability in the earth. And then I think about my body. God have created me in HIS image and have knit my live together for his glory and purpose. Paul said, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…" (1 Corinthians 6:19, NIV). God created your body to be his temple…a place where He would dwell. Simply amazing that God created us…and wants to live in us.

A. Today is another day of life. It is another day to realize who my creator is and who he wants to me be. I have this incredible life because of God and I chose to live my life to honor Him.

P. I praise you God, that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am humble that you choose to dwell in me through the Holy Spirit. I offer my life to your service today. Amen

Safe in the Arms of God

S."During Solomon's lifetime Judah and Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, lived in safety, each man under his own vine and fig tree" (1 Kings 4: 25, NIV).

O. What a great verse! Living a life of freedom, safety and vitality was found in the time of Solomon. How wonderful it must have been for the people of Judah and Israel to live in this time of safety, seeing that under David's rule there had been much warfare, etc. And in the midst of this time of safety, Solomon call them together for the holy task…to work on building the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. They began collecting all the needed materials for the temple and everyone was working together with a common purpose and goal.

What creates a feeling and atmosphere of safety like this? I believe that it begins with a time of looking to God. When they were doing the things that God called them to do, when they were living according to his plan and will, there was safety and peace in the land and in their hearts.

The same is true for us today. When we are settled in our relationship with Jesus Christ and when we are following the ways of God in our lives, I know that God responds to us is a life of peace and safety. Notice that it does not mean that we will be free from trouble…but in the midst of chaos and trouble we will live in safety.

A. For too long, I have lived in the safety of God's care without really acknowledging it or finding my security in his safe keeping. Today I have a new outlook on live and want to be found daily in God's safety and peace. I want his peace to rule and reign in my heart and life in every way.

P. Lord, I thank you for the safety that you offer to me daily. For the peace of knowing the you are with me and guiding my every step. May I be found in your safe arms of love and grace today and every day. Amen.

Asking for Wisdom

S. "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" (2 Chronicles 1: 10, NIV).

O. This is the greatest request that Solomon every made of God. When God promised him anything he asked, he could have asked for wealth or position or power or a number of other things…but he didn't. It kind of reminds me at a genie granting three wishes…you have to be careful what you wise because you might run out. Solomon got one chance and made a great request.

As I have reflected on his request for wisdom I have been prayerful about my own requests from God. I sense that Solomon was at a loss as to what to do or how to lead or how to make right decisions, so I was going to rely on God to give him what he needed. He has watched the people of Israel follow God and fall away from God….he had heard of their disobedience and stubborn nature through the years and know that he alone could not lead this people. I have felt the same feelings at times. Not that the people of Pea Ridge are disobedient and stubborn…but they are all human and as a human, myself included, we have faults and quirks and opinion…I could go on and on. So, I have been reminded that a prayer for wisdom and knowledge is not just a onetime prayer. It is a prayer as a pastor and leader that I can lead with Godly wisdom. I am sure I can do some things in my own strength, but only God can lead me and His people to accomplish his purpose and will.

A. I really think I need to continue in pursing my relationship with God. When I work out of God's agenda and out of his presence, I know that I can lead in wisdom and strength.

P. "Thank you God, for calling me in this position of leadership. Give me wisdom through this day and every day as I follow after you. Amen"

God is with Me…Always

S. "Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all" (1 Chronicles 29: 10b-12, NIV).

O. I love this passage of scripture…when David offers a word of thanksgiving to God. It is so descriptive of who God is and what he has done for us. I need to be reminded of who God is on a daily basis. I need to be reminded of God's presence in my life and his power and control over my life. I need to be put in my place and allow God to give me his strength and power in this world…so I read these words as words of promise and hope. The reality of God is that here is no thing or no time when he is not with us and involved in our lives. He is there, but too many times we push him away from us…we move away from Him…not Him from us. There have been several times lately in my life when I have felt God was far from me. I can't blame God for this…I only have myself to blame. I have neglected some vitally important aspects of my Christian live and for that I am disappointed in myself…but we serve a loving, forgiving God and I know today I stand as one who is been made new in Jesus Christ. I accept the calling of God to pursue my relationship with Him. I know that through all of my life he has been faithful to me and will always remain faithful.

A. I want to get back on track with my daily blogging and reflection on the Goodness of God in my life. I know He has blessed me and I am grateful. I just want that to show in my daily living and loving.

P. Lord, thank you for all that you are…for the greatness and power and your individual involvement in my life. I accept my responsibility to love you daily and pursue my relationship with you daily. I love you Lord.