Thursday, July 21, 2011

More Grace

So many people today live in guilt and condemnation over their past mistakes and wrongdoings. They have this attitude that they are too far gone or they've made too many mistakes. They think that if they walk into church, the roof will cave in. If that's you, nothing could be further from the truth! It doesn't matter what you've done, it doesn't matter where you've been; God's grace is enough. Scripture says that we are saved "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:4-10). Grace is His unmerited favor upon you. You can't earn it no matter how "good" you act, but He's offering it to you as a free gift. His grace is what empowers you to change and live the life He's called you to. Don't you just love Romans 5:20, "...But where sin increased, grace increased all the more".

Today, don't live another minute in regret, condemnation, heaviness or despair. Receive His grace. It's as easy as opening your heart and inviting Him to change your life. Remember, there's nothing you could ever do that His grace can't bring you through. So open your heart to Him and receive it today!

When you have a chance today pray this; Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace upon my life. Thank You for receiving me no matter what I've done. I receive Your love and forgiveness. I commit myself to You today and all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

God Bless You,

Pastor Kevin

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

A REMOTE MOUNTAIN

It’s amazing what can be accomplished when all the normal routines and distractions are removed. In quietness and rest, we can hear God with real clarity. We hear Him speak about our destiny and give us comfort and encouragement in our struggles. Maybe that’s why God told us to rest weekly, just sayin! This past week, I had the chance to get away to the mountains of North Carolina for rest and golf. When I first arrived, the mountain cabin we reserved had a broken air conditioner and it was hotter than… (I’ll let you fill in the blank). The room they moved us to was significantly bigger, but more remote. More remote, on the side of an already remote mountain seemed way to remote. Did I tell you it was remote? Because it was. The 15 inch TV had non-functioning rabbit ears. So, I decided it was a great opportunity to talk to the Lord.

The first night, I ran across a passage of scripture that really encouraged me. Psalm 13:5-6, “I've thrown myself headlong into your arms —
I'm celebrating your rescue. (6) I'm singing at the top of my lungs, I'm so full of answered prayers.” (THE MESSAGE.) David is in the middle of several chapters of telling God how hopeless and bad the circumstances are. His conclusion is this; when you have a ton of trouble and feel like your enemy has looked down his nose at you long enough, totally trust (I've thrown myself headlong into your arms) and worship loudly (I'm singing at the top of my lungs) your Heavenly Father. The result is awesome: we celebrate His rescue and are full of His answered prayers. Sounds like a dance party to me! Remember, God is still at work in your life. Keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. And find a remote mountain somewhere.

Blessing,

Pastor Kevin