Friday, July 15, 2016

Called to be Free

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“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

Paul wrote this admonition to the believers in southern Galatia. The believers had people enter into their midst who were misguiding them.  
            How does God call us to be free? When we ask Jesus into our hearts, He saves us from our sins. He saves us from the guilt that hung over our hearts when we remember what we have done.
            He tells his readers, then and now, use the freedom Jesus Christ gives us wisely.

            How can we use our freedom? Paul tells us to serve others. Our churches have outreach ministries to introduce people of all ages to Jesus. The Vacation Bible Schools in our communities are prime examples of the Christian communities reaching out to children with the word of God.

            Those churches who God leads to open food pantries to feed those without the means to have food for their families reach out in love to those they serve.

            Even when we are angry, we have to remember whose we are and whom we serve. I remember reading of Candace Lightner, a mother who lost her daughter through a car wreck caused by a drunken driver. That mother chose to use her grief to create the group, Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

            This mother did something admirable with her grief and anger.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Servants of the Lord



“Live as free men, but do not use you freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)

            Peter writes to believers who have been scattered throughout the known world at that time. In this verse, he tells them not to make their freedom anything less that genuine. I am certain we have all seen persons who talked a good Christian talk but, later, we found out they harbored some devastating secrets. Some of the well-known persons who had those secrets went so far as to deny they did anything wrong
      As the time for Christ to return to earth to set up His new kingdom draws closer, I find myself monitoring my words and my behavior to magnify God. We all should be careful of what we say, what we hear, what we do, and where we go.

            

I thought of this song, a kid's song, as I composed this entry. I hope you enjoy it, After all, aren't we all God's Kids?



Monday, July 11, 2016

LORD, Please Guide Us

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            This past week has been a time of heartache for those who live in Dallas, Texas, Falcon Heights, Minnesota, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana as well as in other cities across our nation.  It causes people grief to hear of innocent people being killed. In addition, it bothers me that one person acted like a sniper and ended five lives and injured seven more, lives dedicated to help keep peace in their city.

            Dear God: Please guide us through this time. These times seem to be more often. Please cover those towns with your hand. Comfort those who bear scars because of men hurting other men. Help the leaders of our nation and the cities make decisions that remedy the conditions that cause this uproar in our land. In the Name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN  



God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...