Sunday, January 30, 2011

Good Enough?

How good do we have to be? Do you like to follow the rules? What does it mean to be legalistic? I think it really is a challenge to live by grace. I know this seems hard, but often it is easier when we can keep score. But Paul tells us in Galatians that it really is up to the cross! The cross is good news! The truth of the Gospel is amazing. Think about and pray through this passage from Galatians.

But when time had fully come,
God send his Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, to redeem those
under the law, that we might receive
full rights as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
Now this is good stuff! The Lord is good!

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Road Less Traveled

It was good to be back in the saddle yesterday. I had been away for two Sundays and I am always thankful to get back to preach! It is fun to go on trips, but it is always good to be back home. I am thankful to do what I love. I think we were made to live like this! I can't imagine doing something just because it is a job. I really do believe the Lord made us for more than that. We were made with different interests and talents. We should make the most of them.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God has prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
This is awesome to me. I love this! God has made us in such a way that there is work that only we can do. He also has prepared work for us to do! How great is it that God has gone ahead of us to prepare work for us to do! This reminds me that God does have a plan and a purpose for our lives. This is great, but will you take the time to allow God the time to lead you to this? Most of the time we just want it happen quickly, rather than being patient while seeking the Lord.
Robert Frost reminds us:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And this has made all the difference.
Don't just wander down some path that seems easy or is filled with everyone else. I know it is hard but let the Lord lead you down the path he has for you. Take time to seek him and will lead you!
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -
his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
Romans 12:2