... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’ Romans 3:23-24
No matter how hard we try, how good we are, and how much we work, we can never measure up to the only standard which matters — the glory of the Almighty God. Thankfully, God doesn't require us to pretend to be what we are not — perfect, spotless, and holy. Instead, God makes us to be these (Colossians 1:21-23) by grace, through the gift of His Son who purchased our pardon and gave us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Praise God! Praise our Savior, Christ Jesus! Now let's live with Jesus as our Lord; not to earn or secure our salvation, but to thank Him for what He has so freely given us! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18
the revelation of God through Christ was a unique miracle. Man’s reaction to this manifestation of God’s love isn’t something which just happens in a person’s life only to be forgotten in the long run. The whisperings of the Holy Spirit will inspire us to develop an awareness of Christ’s indwelling presence. There is no end to our growth and development Christ Jesus. The more we become aware of Christ’s presence, the greater our love for Him becomes. This growth is the life-giving energy of our Christlikeness, helping us to reach our fruit-bearing maturity in His kingdom. In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4
If we want to have a love which remains, one which will never die, remain in the Lord. Abide in Him. If we are in a fruitless season of our life, let’s double-check to make sure we are still connected to God, the Life-Giver. Once we are grafted into the vine, fruit will grow, and love will flow forth! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of Your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8
We might sometimes feel God has abandoned us when we needed Him the most. Through faith we need to hold fast to what we know is true about God, even when we cannot see any results. Although we are inclined to plan our whole course through life, we can confess, together with David, “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me!” Me, Lord, Me!! In the times of his worst trial, David still trusted God to protect him! Hallelujah!!! Thank you Father God for your hedge of protection every day and every night! Let’s be assured the Lord will never neglect the work of His hands, even in the darkest times. Together let’s remember God is faithful and we can never drift far away from the sphere of His love! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5
It is sometimes difficult to understand God is fulfilling His plan in our life, especially when times are tough. When Joseph was sold into slavery, he probably struggled to discern God’s will. Many years later he recognized God had been with him through it All! God determines the pattern of our lives. In our present circumstances hold on to the assurance of God! He is busy working out His perfect plan for our lives. Life’s darkest moments can become a testimony of God’s perfect purpose for our life! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you.” John 15:4
It is worth remembering the stars are still shining, even when clouds hide them. Remember also, behind the dark patches of life, the eternal love of our heavenly Father is still shining brightly! If we have cultivated trust in Him, our faith will carry us through the darkest moments of life. The life which Christ promises us is much more than an emotional experience. It creates inner peace, a constructive purpose in life, and provides the strength to achieve and maintain such a life through the power of the Holy Spirit! On today, let’s live our life to the glory of Jesus Christ! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust.” Psalm 18:2
God is strong; solid as a rock; protective as a fortress and a shield. He is our place of shelter. His strength is perfect and complete. It's a resource which can never be exhausted. And it's available to each of us! Whenever we feel absolutely weak and defeated, vulnerable to sin or depression or failure, let’s draw on His strength, His deliverance and His love. Run to Him! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
To love and to be loved is the bedrock of our existence. But love must also flex and adapt. Rigid love isn’t true love. It is veiled manipulation, a conditional time bomb that explodes when frustrated. Genuine love willingly waits. It isn’t pushy or demanding. While it has its limits, its boundaries are far reaching. It neither clutches nor clings. Real love isn’t shortsighted, selfish, or insensitive. It detects needs and does what is best for the other person without being told. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16
Sometimes life and circumstances can get us down. When we are feeling depressed or pessimistic, it is up to us to refresh our spirit by entering into an intimate relationship with the living Christ through prayer and meditation! Like a needy child, we can tell God about all our problems and concerns. Share your troubles and anxieties with Him. The Word says, “Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). As we do this, we will experience joy and peace only God can give! Through His immense grace we will find meaning and direction for our life and will be crowned with the success of God! Amen! In His Love, Do All You Can, While You Can, As Long As You Can, To All You Can….Have a Beautifully Blessed Day! “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11
Has a friend betrayed you? … Has a disaster dropped on your life that’s almost too great to bear? If so, don’t fight back. Unjust suffering can be a dizzying experience. To keep your balance in those times when things are swirling around you, it’s important to find a fixed reference point and focus on it. Return to the protection and guardianship of the Good Shepherd who endured the cross and laid down His life…for you. |
Pastor Derrick RichardsonPastor of Community Abundant Life Church Archives
July 2024
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