Monthly Archives: October 2018

Mission Impossible

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“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

The thing we all have in common is we’ve messed up our life in one way or another.

The good news is that God has plans for us, and this can be true even for the worst offender.

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:8-10 NLT

But how can we do these good things when we keep messing up?

These verses out of Ephesians lay out how to do the good God has in mind for us:
– Trust that God has saved you by His grace alone, and not of your own doing.
– Trust that you are knew in Christ.
– Seek to do what is right and good.
– Don’t give up trusting God and relying on Him. For God is faithful to carry out what He has planned for us.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

I hope you choose to take on this mission.

Where Rest Begins

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The key to entering His rest

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. Hebrews 4:1 NIV

What causes people to not enter His rest? It seems unbelievable that someone would stop short of entering God’s rest. Like a mountain climber turning back a few meters short of the top, it doesn’t make sense. That’s where the second part of the verse comes in:

For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2 NIV

Entering God’s rest happens when we trust Him. You can’t enter His rest unless you stop trying to do it your way, and trust Jesus––following His way.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

So trust Him and enter.

The Blessing of Humility

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The Narrows, Zion National Park

Humble Pie
by Stephen Hufman

Humble pie drab and crusty
Has texture that’s kind of dusty.
Giving credit to God alone,
Leaves little left to call my own.
I prefer another way to follow
Yielding glory not quite so hollow.
Tis joy I find in great renown,
To hear applause in every town.
Not to worry I’ll give God his due,
I’m sure he’s proud of all I do.
Someday we’ll meet there in the sky,
He’ll set before me that piece of pie.
But I now prefer a tastier dinner,
One where I announce the winner.
I want to live life my way now,
Where I will never need to bow.
So off into the expanse of space,
No humble pie will I now face.
On my own path all alone,
A place where I can set the tone.
For no one there will I abide,
In no one there do I confide.
Just me alone in first place.
No humble pie in MY face.

“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Deep Roots

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Deep roots to stand strong.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NIV

There is no shame that the love of God cannot remove.
There is no anger where God’s love cannot bring peace.
There is no hurt that the love of God cannot heal.
There is no dark place God’s love cannot reach.
There is no imperfection that will not yield to the love of God.

Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:17-19 NLT

Let your roots go deep into God’s love.