1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (NKJV)According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
We don't spend much time thinking about the foundation of our homes, mainly because it's hidden and unseen. But we know, if the foundation isn't solid, everything that was built on it will crumble and come crashing to the ground.
I'm asking you to spend some time this week thinking about the foundation of your life. What are you building your life on? What is holding up the walls of your life?
There is only ONE foundation for the believer. It's not a tradition or some man-made philosophy. It's not a church movement or a man. The foundation of every true believer is Jesus Himself. The gospel message that has been given to us once and for all that your sins can be forgiven through faith in Him.
As you build your life on the foundation of God's love and grace, no doubt there will be trials and difficulties. The winds will blow and the waves will come crashing down. Yet, on the solid foundation of Jesus, you're going to make it!
Luke 6:46-49 (NKJV) "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? "Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great."
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
First of all, let me say that I am new to your church, and I really enjoy the messages and the "atmosphere." I love your emphasis on just teaching God's Word, pure and simple. I really needed this e-note today, about the father praying for the son's salvation. It almost made me cry...I have unsaved loved ones I have been praying for, for nearly 30 years. At times I get so discouraged. My siblings and I were raised in an abusive family with alcoholic parents. My parents and one brother have died, primarily from drug and alcohol abuse. But, by God's marvelous and matchless grace, I was saved as a young woman in my 20s. I know people prayed for me! Thank God for his unspeakable gift of salvation and renewal.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Real Lives - Real People
Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them
One of the popular comebacks you'll hear from folks as you share the love of Jesus with them is that the church is full of hypocrites. I've heard it. I'm sure you've heard it, and sometimes there is some truth to it. Of course, it's no reason to avoid the gathering of the saints. There are hypocrites at the mall and on the roads, but that doesn't stop folks from shopping or driving, does it? People are people; saved and unsaved. Sometimes those that are unsaved do great things, while sometimes folks that are saved do really dumb things.
As we read the Bible, never once does God ever sugar coat the men and women He has chosen to use. He tells us through the pen of Paul that He has chosen the 'foolish things of the world.' That's us, gang, foolish things! Why has God chosen the foolish things, to 'confound' this world? It just doesn't make sense that God would use me! I agree! But He has and He does. The same is true for you.
Always on display is the wonderful glory of God's grace in and through our lives; God's precious Spirit working mightily in ordinary, frail people like you and me. It's nothing we can boast in (Ephesians 2:8-10), and it's nothing that others really can explain. That's why sometimes you'll hear the old 'hypocrite' excuse. I always remember that if there are hypocrites in the 'church,' then I just don't want to be one of them!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
My husband and I finally made it to your church this weekend. After listening to your messages via the website and Podcasts for over a year...we finally made it to a service and I know the Spirit took us there, during the worship I was overcome with tears. I don't know if it was excitement or just Jesus touching my life at that moment. I've written to you a couple of times with questions, etc., my husband is the son of a pastor and we've just been having a spiritual hard time, I feel like I've been waiting for help forever....I pointed out some men's prayer groups to him and I hope Jesus leads him to them. I just wanted to say thank you and update you on my story after so long it was a big deal for me to have been able to attend a service.Thanks for your faithfulness to the Lord and please add us to your prayers.
One of the popular comebacks you'll hear from folks as you share the love of Jesus with them is that the church is full of hypocrites. I've heard it. I'm sure you've heard it, and sometimes there is some truth to it. Of course, it's no reason to avoid the gathering of the saints. There are hypocrites at the mall and on the roads, but that doesn't stop folks from shopping or driving, does it? People are people; saved and unsaved. Sometimes those that are unsaved do great things, while sometimes folks that are saved do really dumb things.
As we read the Bible, never once does God ever sugar coat the men and women He has chosen to use. He tells us through the pen of Paul that He has chosen the 'foolish things of the world.' That's us, gang, foolish things! Why has God chosen the foolish things, to 'confound' this world? It just doesn't make sense that God would use me! I agree! But He has and He does. The same is true for you.
Always on display is the wonderful glory of God's grace in and through our lives; God's precious Spirit working mightily in ordinary, frail people like you and me. It's nothing we can boast in (Ephesians 2:8-10), and it's nothing that others really can explain. That's why sometimes you'll hear the old 'hypocrite' excuse. I always remember that if there are hypocrites in the 'church,' then I just don't want to be one of them!
In Love,
Pastor Ed
Response
My husband and I finally made it to your church this weekend. After listening to your messages via the website and Podcasts for over a year...we finally made it to a service and I know the Spirit took us there, during the worship I was overcome with tears. I don't know if it was excitement or just Jesus touching my life at that moment. I've written to you a couple of times with questions, etc., my husband is the son of a pastor and we've just been having a spiritual hard time, I feel like I've been waiting for help forever....I pointed out some men's prayer groups to him and I hope Jesus leads him to them. I just wanted to say thank you and update you on my story after so long it was a big deal for me to have been able to attend a service.Thanks for your faithfulness to the Lord and please add us to your prayers.
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Little Bit More
Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV) “Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches -- Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.”
They asked the famous John D. Rockefeller just how much money was enough. He sat back for a brief, but quick moment, and replied, “Just a little bit more.”
What a tremendously successful snare the ‘just little bit more’ trap is! If I just had this. If I could just get that. Oh, if I was in that position, I know I would be happy. If I could drive that; if I could wear this. Just a little bit more.
As the children of Israel are preparing to leave Egypt just as God had promised, they are told to go through the land and ask the Egyptians to give them their gold jewelry, and their possessions. Really, what God was doing was giving the nation their ‘back wages’ for the years of slavery building Egypt on their backs. Yet, all that they took wouldn’t begin to reimburse them for their labors and toil. Four hundred years is a long time. But it would be just enough and that is often the way God operates with His children. He often provides just enough.
Just enough. That can be a hard place to be. It seems as if we never have enough. We can always find room for more. At one point in the history of our nation there were no storage facilities, but now you find them on virtually every corner, storing our stuff, making room for more.
The place of peace is truly finding contentment in the Lord, and being pleased with just enough. Not too much and not too little. Just enough.
1 Timothy 6:8 - And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
In His Love
Pastor Ed
Response
I just wanted to say that I listen to your show "Abounding Grace" every chance that I get, though the chances that I get recently are fewer. I've been kept busy a little more than I like. I love hearing the word of God given in context and with a bit of history of the languages.
They asked the famous John D. Rockefeller just how much money was enough. He sat back for a brief, but quick moment, and replied, “Just a little bit more.”
What a tremendously successful snare the ‘just little bit more’ trap is! If I just had this. If I could just get that. Oh, if I was in that position, I know I would be happy. If I could drive that; if I could wear this. Just a little bit more.
As the children of Israel are preparing to leave Egypt just as God had promised, they are told to go through the land and ask the Egyptians to give them their gold jewelry, and their possessions. Really, what God was doing was giving the nation their ‘back wages’ for the years of slavery building Egypt on their backs. Yet, all that they took wouldn’t begin to reimburse them for their labors and toil. Four hundred years is a long time. But it would be just enough and that is often the way God operates with His children. He often provides just enough.
Just enough. That can be a hard place to be. It seems as if we never have enough. We can always find room for more. At one point in the history of our nation there were no storage facilities, but now you find them on virtually every corner, storing our stuff, making room for more.
The place of peace is truly finding contentment in the Lord, and being pleased with just enough. Not too much and not too little. Just enough.
1 Timothy 6:8 - And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
In His Love
Pastor Ed
Response
I just wanted to say that I listen to your show "Abounding Grace" every chance that I get, though the chances that I get recently are fewer. I've been kept busy a little more than I like. I love hearing the word of God given in context and with a bit of history of the languages.
Monday, August 30, 2010
I’m Waiting Now What? (Part 2)
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
'What do we do while we're waiting on the Lord' is where we've been the last few weeks on this Monday note. I count it a privilege to be with you on Monday mornings, helping you grow in your relationship with Jesus. We looked at a couple of important keys last week.
#1 - While you're waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
#2 - While you're waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Here are three more.
#3 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue living your life in Jesus.
I find that often while folks are waiting on the Lord, they think that life just stops until Jesus answers one specific request. That's not His heart for you. God's desire is that you continue living for Him while you're waiting. God has you waiting in one area, but not in ALL areas of your life. So be careful that your life doesn't come to a screeching halt while you're waiting.
#4 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue in the unity of fellowship.
The early church is known for their coming together in 'one accord.' It's the model they set for us and we too follow them. We love to come together as a church, in the larger gathering, and the smaller fellowships. While we wait on the Lord, it's not natural to want to pull away from other believers. They will be a source of great encouragement and hope in this time in your life.
#5 - While you're waiting on the Lord, pray, pray, pray!
It makes sense to us, doesn't it? While we're waiting, we're also talking and listening to God through prayer. Pray alone. Pray with friends. Pray out loud. Pray silently. Pray, seeking strength, hope, and help in this wonderful time of waiting on the Lord!
Don't forget:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We'd love to read and share it!
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
'What do we do while we're waiting on the Lord' is where we've been the last few weeks on this Monday note. I count it a privilege to be with you on Monday mornings, helping you grow in your relationship with Jesus. We looked at a couple of important keys last week.
#1 - While you're waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
#2 - While you're waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Here are three more.
#3 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue living your life in Jesus.
I find that often while folks are waiting on the Lord, they think that life just stops until Jesus answers one specific request. That's not His heart for you. God's desire is that you continue living for Him while you're waiting. God has you waiting in one area, but not in ALL areas of your life. So be careful that your life doesn't come to a screeching halt while you're waiting.
#4 - While you're waiting on the Lord, continue in the unity of fellowship.
The early church is known for their coming together in 'one accord.' It's the model they set for us and we too follow them. We love to come together as a church, in the larger gathering, and the smaller fellowships. While we wait on the Lord, it's not natural to want to pull away from other believers. They will be a source of great encouragement and hope in this time in your life.
#5 - While you're waiting on the Lord, pray, pray, pray!
It makes sense to us, doesn't it? While we're waiting, we're also talking and listening to God through prayer. Pray alone. Pray with friends. Pray out loud. Pray silently. Pray, seeking strength, hope, and help in this wonderful time of waiting on the Lord!
Don't forget:
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT) He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We'd love to read and share it!
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Burning Sting of Criticism
Proverbs 10:21 (NKJV) The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
Criticism always burns. Whether it’s veiled under ‘constructive’ or not, the sting of criticism can often last long beyond the life of the words.
Theodore Roosevelt, often the target of stinging criticisms once spoke, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
The good news is that Jesus can bandage and heal those wounds! So if you’re in that place today where criticism has breached your spiritual armor, turn to Jesus for that comfort and confirmation of your relationship in Him.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I would really like to thank Calvary Chapel for going out over the air waves because it brought me to you. It showed me the word of God so that I could fall madly in love with it once again. But when I heard you on the radio it just hit me, I want someone to speak to me directly out of God's word not just some eloquent speech they prepared. I want to see what I am learning and know that it is from the word of God. It really helps me to rightly divide what I am hearing by the word of God. I am so thankful that God has brought Calvary Chapel in to my life to help me grow in the word of God. I have been going through a lot lately but every time I tune in to listen to a sermon or show up on Sunday or Wednesday or listen online it just serves to encourage me in God's word and show me something new. I am not saying it is all good because God has been using this time to really grow me, it has hurt but in the long run shown me that God is the true God in my life and no matter what happens he is still on the thrown watching over us all.
I thank you so much for listening to God and sharing on what he tells you, and showing me where to find the principles and steps in the word of God to change my life forever, I pray that I never loose that. Thank you.
Criticism always burns. Whether it’s veiled under ‘constructive’ or not, the sting of criticism can often last long beyond the life of the words.
Theodore Roosevelt, often the target of stinging criticisms once spoke, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually try to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
The good news is that Jesus can bandage and heal those wounds! So if you’re in that place today where criticism has breached your spiritual armor, turn to Jesus for that comfort and confirmation of your relationship in Him.
By Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
I would really like to thank Calvary Chapel for going out over the air waves because it brought me to you. It showed me the word of God so that I could fall madly in love with it once again. But when I heard you on the radio it just hit me, I want someone to speak to me directly out of God's word not just some eloquent speech they prepared. I want to see what I am learning and know that it is from the word of God. It really helps me to rightly divide what I am hearing by the word of God. I am so thankful that God has brought Calvary Chapel in to my life to help me grow in the word of God. I have been going through a lot lately but every time I tune in to listen to a sermon or show up on Sunday or Wednesday or listen online it just serves to encourage me in God's word and show me something new. I am not saying it is all good because God has been using this time to really grow me, it has hurt but in the long run shown me that God is the true God in my life and no matter what happens he is still on the thrown watching over us all.
I thank you so much for listening to God and sharing on what he tells you, and showing me where to find the principles and steps in the word of God to change my life forever, I pray that I never loose that. Thank you.
Monday, August 23, 2010
I’m Waiting Now What? (Part 1)
Psalm 27:13-14 NKJV I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
In our last note, we were encouraged by Isaiah to wait on the Lord. We learned it’s not a good thing to jump in with our impatience, trying to help God out a little. Those of us who have made that mistake know exactly how horrible that can be. It’s always best to receive God’s best in our lives, obeying Him no matter what it might cost us.
Now that you’ve decided to wait on Him, what do you do while you’re waiting? Let’s look at few together.
#1 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
How easy it is to fall into a deep pit of discouragement while waiting on the Lord. For some reason, we equate action with blessing. Yet sometimes God speaks not in the loud boisterous storms, but rather in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). In the lives of the disciples, they had their time seeing Jesus in the flesh, but after His ascension into heaven, they would need to rely on the Spirit of God to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). While you’re waiting on the Lord, don’t lose sight of Jesus and His faithfulness in your life.
#2 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Every generation of believers have lived their lives with the expectation of the anytime, any moment, return of Jesus. You may have heard this expressed as a belief in the ‘imminent return’ of Jesus. While you’re waiting, it’s important to remember that everything hasn’t stopped. Jesus is still at work in many different areas of your life. There is an expectancy that we can’t lose. Sure, we’re waiting on this area right now, but what we’re really waiting for is the return of the Lord! Amen? Maranatha!
Next time, we’ll look at a few more things to remember while we’re waiting on the Lord. Have a blessed week!
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We’d love to read and share it!
Response
This message came to me exactly when I needed it. Thank you, pastor Ed. The strength you have to allow God to do his work through you is tremendous. I am encouraged and will be in prayer as I work through my day.
In our last note, we were encouraged by Isaiah to wait on the Lord. We learned it’s not a good thing to jump in with our impatience, trying to help God out a little. Those of us who have made that mistake know exactly how horrible that can be. It’s always best to receive God’s best in our lives, obeying Him no matter what it might cost us.
Now that you’ve decided to wait on Him, what do you do while you’re waiting? Let’s look at few together.
#1 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, keep your eyes on Jesus.
How easy it is to fall into a deep pit of discouragement while waiting on the Lord. For some reason, we equate action with blessing. Yet sometimes God speaks not in the loud boisterous storms, but rather in a still small voice (1 Kings 19:11-12). In the lives of the disciples, they had their time seeing Jesus in the flesh, but after His ascension into heaven, they would need to rely on the Spirit of God to keep their eyes firmly fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). While you’re waiting on the Lord, don’t lose sight of Jesus and His faithfulness in your life.
#2 - While you’re waiting on the Lord, live your life expecting Jesus.
Every generation of believers have lived their lives with the expectation of the anytime, any moment, return of Jesus. You may have heard this expressed as a belief in the ‘imminent return’ of Jesus. While you’re waiting, it’s important to remember that everything hasn’t stopped. Jesus is still at work in many different areas of your life. There is an expectancy that we can’t lose. Sure, we’re waiting on this area right now, but what we’re really waiting for is the return of the Lord! Amen? Maranatha!
Next time, we’ll look at a few more things to remember while we’re waiting on the Lord. Have a blessed week!
Waiting In Him,
Pastor Ed
P.S. Have a story to share or a response to these eNotes? Send it our way. We’d love to read and share it!
Response
This message came to me exactly when I needed it. Thank you, pastor Ed. The strength you have to allow God to do his work through you is tremendous. I am encouraged and will be in prayer as I work through my day.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Going After
Acts 1:11 (NLT) They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here staring at the sky? Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven. And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!"
Straying happens within the family of God for a lot of reasons. It's a bummer to see folks who were so strong in the faith, so useful in the ministry, such a blessing in the Lord, fall away, fade away, stray away. But not all is lost. It is clearly the heart of Jesus to go after the strays. When one sheep wanders from the fold, the shepherd goes after it. When one coin is lost, all is dropped until it's found. When a son wanders away from Dad, the dad prayerfully and patiently awaits his return and rejoices when he does.
Because it's Jesus' heart to go after the strays, it's our heart as well. So, how can we help those who have strayed?
#1 - Pray for Them. Ask God to move upon their hearts to repent & return.
#2 - Watch Yourself. Don't look down on anyone else just because they have been trapped by the enemy, but rather watch your own life so it doesn't happen to you.
#3 - Lovingly Confront the Erring Person. As the door of opportunity opens, go and lovingly speak with the hopes of bringing them back.
#4 - Forgive the Repentant. This is so important. We don't shoot our wounded; we forgive. We don't kick them when they're down; we forgive. As Jesus Christ has forgiven you, forgive those that repent and return.
#5 - Speak words of kindness and love. They need this so badly. The enemy does such a complete and thorough job of accusing the brethren. May we just love them and encourage them and bless them in Jesus.
I love the heart of Jesus and pray that more and more of it flows from our lives. Now go out and minister to the strays.
In His Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
Straying happens within the family of God for a lot of reasons. It's a bummer to see folks who were so strong in the faith, so useful in the ministry, such a blessing in the Lord, fall away, fade away, stray away. But not all is lost. It is clearly the heart of Jesus to go after the strays. When one sheep wanders from the fold, the shepherd goes after it. When one coin is lost, all is dropped until it's found. When a son wanders away from Dad, the dad prayerfully and patiently awaits his return and rejoices when he does.
Because it's Jesus' heart to go after the strays, it's our heart as well. So, how can we help those who have strayed?
#1 - Pray for Them. Ask God to move upon their hearts to repent & return.
#2 - Watch Yourself. Don't look down on anyone else just because they have been trapped by the enemy, but rather watch your own life so it doesn't happen to you.
#3 - Lovingly Confront the Erring Person. As the door of opportunity opens, go and lovingly speak with the hopes of bringing them back.
#4 - Forgive the Repentant. This is so important. We don't shoot our wounded; we forgive. We don't kick them when they're down; we forgive. As Jesus Christ has forgiven you, forgive those that repent and return.
#5 - Speak words of kindness and love. They need this so badly. The enemy does such a complete and thorough job of accusing the brethren. May we just love them and encourage them and bless them in Jesus.
I love the heart of Jesus and pray that more and more of it flows from our lives. Now go out and minister to the strays.
In His Grace,
Pastor Ed
Response
As you know I'm not a very "discouraged" person, I tend to look at the positive or praiseworthy side of things. Now, this housing thing, about moving, has been the longest going thing I've had thus far, and it was interesting in my devotions yesterday, that I had gotten a scripture about the Lord settling you. It had to do with Dan (tribe) relocating. It's nice that the word always gives us something to stand upon, to ease our minds. In the process of waiting, we can become discouraged when our answer is deferred, but when desire is accomplished, Oh, what a sweet thing. I've had momentary lapses, but not for a while, for some people, this housing distraction would really pull them down, it takes up a lot of mental energy, but, how nice to see the Lord at work in our trials, and our recognizing His hand here and there. There is so much to be thankful for, and so little time to be distracted by this world, whether marriage, or work, or whatever, Christ can help us to be content. If anything, just pray that I remain undistracted for the gospel of Jesus Christ, in the midst of life's blasts.
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