Monthly Archives: November 2013

It’s Not Fair

Posted on by

0

One of the things that we want to do when we are hurt or wounded is to strike back. That’s just our natural response.  Even when we don’t, even when it doesn’t happen, that’s our impulse.  It’s what we want to do.  It’s what happens.

We want to hit back.

I tell people one of the things of the things that gives us great hope in our lives and is our faith is this.  Jesus Christ went though everything that we go through.  Everything.  All the hurt, the pain, the loss, everything.  And in that, He gives us the strength to endure and be faithful in our lives.

Listen to what the Word says in 1 Peter 2:22-23:

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

its-not-fairHow you feel when you feel abandoned, hurt, betrayed?  Jesus felt that way.

You know how you feel when life is not fair?  You know that feeling of things unfair?  Wrong?  Cruel?  You know that feeling?

Jesus felt it too.

It wasn’t fair for Jesus to suffer and die.  it was not fair for Jesus to take our pain, or failure, our hurt, everything.

It’s not fair for Jesus to have done those things.

And in spite of being unfair, what did he do?  He didn’t respond with anger.  He didn’t strike back.  Even though it wasn’t fair.

Why?  Because He loved us.  Even though it wasn’t fair.  He still loved.  He still cared.  He still showed grace.

Even through it wasn’t fair.

May we do the same.  May we respond today with grace, mercy, joy, and love. Even when it’s not fair. Because it’s what Jesus did.  May, through His strength, may we do that same thing.

Let’s show grace. Even when it’s not fair.

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Not Ashamed

Posted on by

0

Listen to the Word of God as we see in 1 Timothy 1:8-9:

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began

432693939_640This is big.  Really big.  We are called today not be ashamed of our faith in Jesus. We are called today to live boldly, live with confidence, live with peace, live for Jesus.  We are called today to not be ashamed of the Gospel.

But, be proud of the Gospel.

The title that is most important to me today is not Reverend.  Or pastor.  Or even Husband.  Or Father.  Or Son.

The title that means the most to me today is Christian. Because the title Christian makes everything else possible.  For me to be the best pastor or husband or father or son that I can be, I must chase after Jesus with all that I am.

Today, the title that has to mean the most in your life is that title of being a child of God. That has to have the most meaning.  That is the title that everything, all things, they must flow from.

Don’t be ashamed.

Don’t run from it.

Don’t hide from it.

You are a Christian.  You are child of God.  You are His.

Don’t be ashamed of the Gospel.  It’s the power of God in you, through you, and for you.

Live boldly.  Live for Him!  Take His name with you, where ever you go.  Live.  Love.  Serve.

In Jesus name.

Don’t be ashamed, today, and each day!

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.

Hey Y’all, It’s Monday!

Posted on by

0

mondaysHey y’all, it’s Monday.  Yep, all day long.  Monday.  The entire day.

So, what are we gonna do with it? What will do about it?  How will we handle it?

Well, this week, it starts now. And it starts with our attitude. It starts with how we choose to look at things. It starts with what our mentality is. We can choose today to only see the problems, the issues, the worst.

Or.

We can choose to today to look for the positive. The good.  The hopeful.  The joyous. The life giving.

Today, we can choose. We can choose what Monday will be like. We can choose what this week will be like.  It’s our choice.  What will we do?  Listen to the words of Paul today in Romans 8:6-8:

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Set you mind on the spirit.  On the things of God.  On what matters, what is good, what is holy, what matters.

This week is wide open ahead of you. Full of potential. Full of hope. Full of what is good.

What will you do with it?  Where is your mind today?

Focus on the good.  On the spirit.  On the holy. Focus on that.

And see what God does with it!

Don’t forget, you can click here to download Asbury’s mobile app and read these devotionals, as well as listen to my sermons on your smart phones.