Author: <span>June</span>


Last night I went to the Union Gospel Mission, a local organization ministering to the city’s so called “down and out“, and had the privilege of sharing God’s Word with them before they were treated to supper. An older gentleman approached me after the message and informed me that he was trying to be good but was having trouble with his addiction and if he could get over his addiction then he would be good enough for God. I tried to help him understand that it was not in trying to be good that saved us but that it was a personal relationship with Jesus that gave us His power, the Holy Spirit, who would help us and give us strength to overcome.

My prayer for you this week:

I pray that you would not be a prisoner to sin but rather have accepted that promise that was given through faith in Jesus Christ. Knowing that before this faith came, you were being held prisoner by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. The law was put in charge to lead you to Christ that you might be justified by faith. When that faith has come, you are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are a child of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and therefore you were baptized into Christ and have clothed yourself with Christ. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Amen.” Galatians 3:22-29

By Alec Niemi
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

How to Live Today –  by Gail Rodgers

• Success to Significance – Rick Brekelbaum on Success

Transforming Power –  by Debbie West

thoughts by Alec Niemi Thoughts by Men


What does the moon do?

She generates no light.

Contrary to the lyrics of the song, this harvest moon cannot shine on. Apart from the sun, the moon is nothing more than a pitch-black, pockmarked rock. But properly positioned, the moon beams. Let her do what she was made to do, and a clod of dirt becomes a source of inspiration, yea, verily, romance. The moon reflects the greater light.

And she’s happy to do so! You never hear the moon complaining. She makes no waves about making waves. Let the cow jump over her or astronauts step on her; she never objects. Even though sunning is accepted while mooning is the butt of bad jokes, you won’t hear ol’ Cheeseface grumble. The moon is at peace in her place. And because she is, soft light touches a dark earth.

What would happen if we accepted our place as Son reflectors?

Such a shift comes so stubbornly, however. We’ve been demanding our way and stamping our feet since infancy. Aren’t we all born with a default drive set on selfishness? I want a spouse who makes me happy and coworkers who always ask my opinion. I want weather that suits me and traffic that helps me and a government that serves me. It is all about me. . . .

How can we be bumped off self-center? . . . We move from me-focus to God-focus by pondering him. Witnessing him. Following the counsel of the apostle Paul: “Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, [we] are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).

Beholding Him changes us.

—originally from It’s Not About Me

O Lord, change our focus from a me-focus to a God-focus. Work your will in our lives that we might be instruments to do your work and to tell others of your great love. Let our lives reflect your holiness through thick and thin. Help us live in pursuit of what you want rather than what we want. May we keep a firm grip on our faith no matter what hard times come our way. In all we do, may we honor you, amen.

Sing praise to the Lord, . . . and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalm 30:4

by Max Lucado
used be permission
From: From Live Loved: Experiencing God’s Presence in Everyday Life

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To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/info/view/about_max_lucado/

FURTHER READING

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus by John Grant

• Be Transformed  by Sherry Yarger

GOD IS HOLY . . . by Dr. Bill Bright

thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men