Not by human effort

It is not by human effort.  Salvation.  Made right with God.  Living to follow Christ.  All this is by faith.    Not by my works.  

I like this because everyone is able.  If it is not from my effort, it is not my ability.  Some have learned structure and discipline.  These are good things.  But, any that were not raised with this can still be right with God.  Some with less ability are still able to be made right with God.  It is more like giving up, surrendering and trusting what God has provided.  

I like this because there cannot be a list.  When there is a list of things I do to be right with God, it becomes about me.  It is not my performance.  I cannot brag about what I have done.  When someone comes up with a list of what I do to get grace or what I do to see God work in my life they are wrong.  

The person who misses out is the one who feels they are good enough.  Some who might compare them selves with others and feel if God grades on a curve might think they are ok with God.  

But didn't God give a list?  A list of commandments?  Like about 10?  To Moses? Why did God give a list?  To show us that we do things that are wrong.  We all sin.  The list that God gave us is to show us that we have missed the mark.  We all fall short of God's standards.  See verses below.

Thankful for the freedom we have in Christ.  We come to Christ by faith.  We live a life following Christ by faith.

Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins.  Galatians 3:19

3How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

5I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.  Galatians 3:3-5

Free from old rules

Sent home from church? I some how missed the new rules on dress code for any who would stand up on the platform. So I drove home in my 1960 Ford Falcon to put on a coat and tie, then back to church, to be allowed to play my trumpet for special music.

The year was about 1980 and the pastor was a new seminary grad.  He was trying hard, but making a bunch of rookie mistakes.  I am sure he has changed by now. 

I am thankful for many changes in current churches. I showed a video from Steve Fee last Sunday.  He broke a bunch of the old rules.  His hair was too long, drums on the stage, forgot his coat and tie.  But there is a new emphasis on leading people into the presence of God. We need that.

Some of this is just a better fit for our culture.  But, some of this is better fitting to the teachings of the Bible.

Back in the first century, some religious people were putting rules in place.  They taught that salvation even depended on keeping their rules.  Paul makes a stand to keep the gospel straight.  He said; "They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations." Galatians 2:4

The Bible is not about a bunch of rules. Following Christ is not just keeping a code of laws. Those who teach a list of rules as a means of Grace are false teachers.  

Living by faith in God is the answer.  It was the answer before and after Christ dying on the cross.  So thankful for the freedom that we have in Christ.  So, I am working on memorizing these verses.  And planning to let Christ way show through in how I live today.  Not rules but living for Christ in everything I do. 

For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law--I stopped trying to meet all its requirements--so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in the is earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20.

I could have no greater JOY

What happens when a 15 year old is moved away from his home.  He was a royal descendant or from nobility.  He is taken 500 miles from home and likely walked as a prisoner of war.  Because he is smart and good looking he is offered the best of food and wine to go with training for a job in a palace.  

Some teens might see this as a chance to do whatever they like.  

Would he remember who he is?  Would he hold to values that really matter?  Would he live by truth?  

The man is Daniel.  He passes the test.  We do not even know  who his parents are.  Possible they could have even been killed during the besiege of Jerusalem under the reign of King Jehoiakim.  Daniel is offered things that were wrong according to the God of Israel.  He risked his life to object.  He asked permission to hold to these values.  He requested a test in consideration of those who were training him.  He watched God protect him.  

This might be the whole goal of parenting.  This fits the purpose of making disciples.  

I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.  III John 1:4

All the conditions can change.  Roles, jobs, finances can all change in life.  Almost a for sure thing is that everything will not go the way you think it will.  But will you know who you are no matter what changes around you?

So many teenagers crash.  Too many step into patterns of self destruction.   

Making disciples includes helping our children to be able to stand.  It also must go beyond our family to offer help to people outside of our church and family.  We should do this in the way that Jesus did.  Helping people be able to walk in a way pleasing to God.  

Looking to make disciple makers, this week.  

Can we really ask for anything?

You can quote Jesus on this.   Yes ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.  John 14:14

What great news.  Because I saw this really nice red muscle car the other day.  I don't have the money for it.  I can just ask Jesus for the new car.

Right?

If you have been studying the Bible for long, you have learned some rules of interpreting literature.  Read the context.  If you quote the president out of context you could make him look better or worse than he actually is.  You could do the same with the Bible.

Jesus did not say this in the temple.  There were many religious leaders in the temple.  Most of them were out of touch with God.  They were better at teaching rules, traditions and keeping their success in religion.  

Jesus did not teach this to the crowds.  He did tell the crowds to bring requests to God.  He told them how God cared like a father cares for his children.  

But, the Bible teaches that selfish prayers are not answered.  And even when you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong--you want only what will give you pleasure.  James 4:3

Jesus told his disciples to ask for anything.  In John 14, this is the night before Jesus dies on the cross.  The disciples would take on the work that they had been doing, but without Jesus leading them.  Most of them would die for declaring the truth about God.  In prayer they would still have everything they need to do the work that God wanted them to do.  

You can ask Jesus for anything if you are living in the way of the disciples.  If you have decided to walk in the ways of Christ.  If you live life to help people the way that Jesus did.  

When I go out to help people the way Jesus did, I need his help.  I need an understanding to know how God sees people around me.  And yes resources as I sacrifice what I have to live on this mission.  

Working to live this out today.  

There are times when prayer does not work

Does prayer work?  If I ask for something, will God give it to me?

Prayer does work, but not for everyone.  The Bible says if I continue in sin God does not listen.  If I do not love my wife the way I should, my prayers are hindered.  If I will not turn from my ways that are wicked, God does not hear.

This makes sense.  As if God would help me steal something or cheat on a test.  If I keep on living against God, why would I think he would help me.  

When you ask, you don't get it because your motives are all wrong-- you want only what will give you pleasure.  James 4:3

So, as I pray today, what can I ask from God that is not selfish.  This is not about me.  How can I adjust my ways to move in harmony with God.  Not my plan or my will.  

Just thankful that we can turn from our ways and walk with God.  He invites us to be part of what is good and right.  I want him more than all the stuff.  

Still much to learn about this.  For me.

Can I believe even if I never saw one?

I hear a lot of talk about miracles.  From the sunrise to a baby that is born.  Are these miracles?

I have never personally had anything happen that I am not able to explain.  All of my life has happened inside of the laws of nature.  I do claim to walk with God in an imperfect way.  Perfect on God's part.  My part is more like keep getting back up to pursue him.  God is at work.  Just no miracles like the ones in the Bible.  

I have never healed anyone or raised anyone from the dead.  Many times I have gone to the hospital to encourage and pray that God would be with someone who is sick.  I do pray that God would help the person to get better.  I remember years ago when I went to pray with a man. But, he died while I was in the room.  

Signs and Miracles were given to Jesus so that people would know that he is God.  Here is a quote about miracles from the Bible-  so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah-  John 20:31

No one does signs and miracles like Jesus, Moses, Elijah and the apostles.  Today we have the Bible that shows us everything we need to know about God.  It has been confirmed by miracles.  Written so that we can know and believe.  

Read the book of John to see what John is talking about.  So that you can believe.  If you need help finding resources from history, let me know.  I am not a historian, but I can find them.  

and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.  

Something to do today

Not sure what will happen today.  

I am sure that God knows.  I am sure that God loves people.  Jesus died for everyone.  God will be at work today.  

God will not over rule my will.  There may be things around me that are coming from the plan of God. But God will not make me adjust my will to his.

But I choose to let him lead in my life today.  With his help I might even be part of the work that God will do today.  

There is a guy sitting across from me.  He laughed when I dropped my computer.  But not in a mean way.  There is a lawyer here.  He comes here every week.  Nice guy.  Not sure of his name.  4 people at another table.  Not speaking English.  Brian and others are here to work.  

They let me come in here, buy some coffee and do a little work.  One of my favorite offices.  

Sometimes God walks right into our conversation and leads us to important things that can change lives.  

God is at work. Just not sure how I can be part of it yet.  

God gave me a job this week.  He told me he is no longer counting peoples sins against them. (I Corinthians 5:19).  I should tell people that they need to receive his free gift.

Jesus died for everyone.  Those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves.  

On Mission.