One Common Thread Binds Us

This day, let us explore Hebrews 12:14-24 remembering that there is one common thread that binds us; the power of Christ in what we believe and how we live. Our relationship to the Lord affects our relationship with others because all believers are brothers and sisters who are the beneficiaries of God’s treasure. This should motivate us to live in peace and care for one another.

In the Old Testament times God was approached with fear and only after following the specific laws of sacrifice but because of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit is with us in our heart helping daily to live out our purpose. Let us respond to this assistance by fulfilling God’ purpose for us.

God accepts, appreciates, and affirms all who accept His Son as Savior. We should do the same because we are all made for a purpose and we need to celebrate our diversity; accepting the rich, the poor, the introvert, the extrovert, the proud, the humble, the liberal, and the conservative.

God meets where we are and gives grace to all so accept this grace and live in peace. We can learn from each other or from sermons about patience and God’s grace. Grace is God’s gift. This kind gift from God is always available. Be patient with others and with God’s timing because grace is like a flowing stream of water that keeps coming and coming.

This day with You Lord, we accept this grace offered. You meet us where we are and give grace to all. The rich, the poor, the introvert, the extrovert, the proud, the humble, the liberal, and the conservative. Our relationship to You Lord affects our attitude towards others because we are all brothers and sisters who are beneficiaries of Your vast resources. Today, we live in peace and care for one another. Amen.

 

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Firm Foundation of Faith, Hope, and Love

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

The post “Benefits of Discipline” explains we should have the attitude of accepting the challenge of God’s discipline found in His word. He disciplines us because of His love for us.

Let us be inspired by what Jesus did on the cross and set out each day to accept the discipline of the Father in order to gain a harvest of righteousness and peace. Take a few minutes to watch the video Build My Life by Pat Barrett (featuring Cory Asbury). Ask God to lead you and those around you to build a life on the firm foundation of faith, hope, and love. 
 

 

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Benefits of Discipline

This day with God, let us rejoice that our heavenly Father loves us so much that He accepts us as His child and His discipline provides benefit to us. Reading in Hebrews 12:1-13, the author tells us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Let us be inspired by what Jesus did on the cross and set out each day to accept the discipline of the Father in order to gain a harvest of righteousness and peace. Discipline provides benefits to the body and mind because strength is gained to help us get through the rough spots along the way.

Many today want more than they need and spend more than they have. It brings short term happiness but in the long term these feelings can turn negative. On the other hand, building our lives around faith will smooth out those ups and downs so that we are in a more steady state of joy; not too high and not too low.

There is a benefit in obeying God’s way because He cares for us more than we care for ourselves and He understands our needs more than we do. God does not condone bad behavior but corrects us out of love. He choose love because He cares for our future so much that He gives us free will to make our own decisions towards doing the right things.

In building a sky scrapper, many people with specific skills work day by day until the structure reaches high in the sky. Day by day, little things become big things that eventually results in an amazing structure. The photo below was taken in downtown Dallas while we waited to be seated at my nieces wedding rehearsal dinner several years ago.

Building a life that makes an impact is much like building a sky scrapper as it involves a lot of planning, work, and focus. Day by day, build your life on what really matters. The Lord’s work really matters and once we start, we need to maintain focus using Jesus as our model for living.

Take a look at your daily routine. As you build your life, are there little things you could tweak or fine-tune? Go to God in prayer as you set out each day and ask for direction. Document the instructions received and constantly develop tasks that will lead to accomplishment of building a life with impact. The sky is the limit when the Holy Spirit is your architect.

This day, we are focusing on what Jesus has done on the cross. This inspires us to take on the difficulties we face with the attitude of accepting the challenge of discipline. These difficulties help us gain endurance as we build our lives with faith. Jesus is our great inspiration as we consider how He suffered for us on the cross. It moves us to endure temporary difficulty for eternal victory. Amen

 

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Worship 4-5-2020

Worship online via FUMC at this link https://firstwaco.com/ or Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Road to Somewhere

This poem was inspired by the book of Leviticus chapter 8. The Bible is God’ plan for us as we step ahead on the road that leads to freedom and meaning.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Some go full steam ahead
But toward things
That don’t matter
Like the world brings.

The road to nowhere
Which is meaningless
Instead of the road
That redeems us.

We have chosen
To step ahead
Down the road
To freedom instead.

With God’s plan for us
Offering a grand vision
For accomplishing
An amazing mission.

The straight and narrow
Path to somewhere
Committed to prayer
And for ways to share.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 02-27-2020
Inspired by “This Day with God Devotional – Leviticus 8

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