In him we have redemption, through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace… Ephesians 1:7

It’s not the strength of our faith, but the object of our faith, JESUS, that makes redemption and forgiveness possible. Not our good works, but his work done for us. Not about me, or you, or any other deeply flawed human for that matter, THANK GOD. It’s all about Jesus!

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Nothing can my sin erase

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Naught of works, ’tis all of grace—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my righteousness—

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

‘Nothing But the Blood of Jesus’ Robert Lowry, 1876

We get overcome with worry because we think we know better than God about what needs to happen in our life. Then we go nuts trying to control everything. That’s not our place, it’s His.

Let’s trust God and stay in our lane, friends!

#LookUp

Stay in the loop of what’s going on at Grace Bible Fellowship!

https://mailchi.mp/527de06e949e/bible-studies-wednesday-nights-resume

Quick reminder and word of encouragement for those who parent teens or work with them on a regular basis. Like a lot of things, being a teenager is harder than it looks! They have pressures, challenges and insecurities that are hard for us to identify with or even imagine. They’re trying to navigate a tough season of life without much experience or know-how.

I’m not saying that life isn’t easier for teenagers in some ways, but I am saying that there are some real difficulties, that are unique to them. Do they need correction? Of course! Called to a higher standard? Yes! A reality check? Sometimes…But what they also need is something we all need—understanding. They need us to be people who are willing to hear them out and try to see things from their perspective and seek out the why behind their actions. They need love and grace and patience—all the stuff God gives us, daily.

Anyway, that’s it. I’ve worked with teens in one capacity or another for 10+ years. I love them! I know many of y’all do too. Be encouraged to keep trying to understand the young people in your life, and keep pouring into them. It’ll take some effort and leaning heavily on the Lord, but God is faithful and they’re worth it!

The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5

#understanding #teens #beencouraged #BeALight

Check out this powerful response to a reporter by NCAA Championship head football coach, Dabo Swinney:

https://youtu.be/ty3W49EPIB8

In 2019…

•Let’s focus more on the many things we have in common, rather than our differences.

•Let’s look for God’s giftings in each other and be secure enough to pay each other compliments

•Let’s assume the best motives in each other, rather than the worst.

•Let’s avoid being critical whenever we can, and if we feel criticism is necessary, let’s speak it directly to each other, not about each other.

#2019 #BeALight

2019 Goal…

Jack, the lamplighter in Mary Poppins, always working, always smiling, always bringing “light” to others. What an inspiring example for us! Jesus said we’re the light of the world. Like Jack, we are to bring the Light—the love, joy and message of Jesus Christ, to others

What if we made it a goal this year to think less and less about what we want FROM people, and more and more about what we want FOR people? What if we spent 2019 seeking to have the light of Jesus shine brighter and brighter through us, for good of others and the glory of God?

You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. -Jesus, Matthew 5:14-16

#NewYear #BeTheLight #LookUp

Christmas is more than what many of us think it is.

The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8

Christmas is the beginning of the end of the war on Satan and evil. If the war between good and evil were a boxing match, Christmas is when the champ stepped into the ring. The cross of Christ was the knockout punch that landed on the chin of Satan. Jesus said on the cross “It is finished.” And when Jesus rose from the dead, it’s like Satan fell to the canvas in the middle of the boxing ring. He’s down for the count right now.

But even though the war has been won, the battle rages on. Each day we seek God’s grace to fight against sin and temptation. Until one day, when victory is fully and finally realized, in the 2nd coming of Christ. In the meantime we know that because of the finished work of Christ who came at Christmas, died on Good Friday, and Resurrected on Easter Sunday, that sin has lost it’s power, and death has lost it’s sting.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting? …thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1Cor 15:54-58

“What set of values drives the schedule of our family?”

The Biggest Challenge Facing the Church Today | Paul David Tripp from Austin Stone Counseling Center on Vimeo.

This past summer my wife and I hiked a mountain trail on a beautiful sunny day in Whittier Alaska. The trail was steep, but was said to provide a breathtaking view. As with many hikes, the further we walked and the higher we climbed, the more we begin to question whether or not we REALLY wanted to ascend all the way to the top.

As we walked, we came upon another couple on their way back down the mountain, who’d already been to the top. As they quickly approached, short of breath, I asked “Is it worth it?” They were almost all the way passed us when the man joyfully replied, “Everything is worth it! It just depends on your perspective!”

I can’t remember anything about what the man looks like, but his words immediately struck me. I was expecting to hear a yes or no, not a philosophy lesson! As we continued, I pondered his words and pretty quickly concluded, he’s right! Whatever it is, no matter how hard it is, it’s worth it…IF you have the right perspective.

Our perspective is our attitude, our point of view. Perspective includes the WHY behind what we do.

So what is our perspective to be? The Westminster Catechism poses the question, “What is the chief end of man?” and answers, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Christianity teaches that the greatest motivation, the highest good, for every human being, is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That’s the Christian perspective! Everything we do is for God.

So the question, “Is it worth it?” really boils down to the question, “Is God worth it?” And the answer is a resounding YES. Life can be quite a climb, BUT—whatever we do, we do for God, and God is worth it…Everything is worth it, if THAT is our perspective.

God’s worth it because He loves us so much that He died on a cross so that we could be forgiven and have a relationship with Him.

He’s worth it because He gives us eternal life.

He’s worth it because He gives us a purpose. He not only saves us but also uses us to further His mission.

He’s worth it because His character and work are perfect.

He’s worth it because He’s stronger, more loving, and more satisfying than the world’s best thing.

He’s worth it because He’s empowered us to battle sin that destroys us.

He’s worth it because He’s faithful to change, what needs to be changed in us.

He’s worth it because he’ll never leave us or give up on us.

Because of these, and a million other reasons, HE’S WORTH IT.

Btw, the view from the top of that mountain in Alaska was STUNNING! I’m so glad we didn’t turn back. Don’t ever turn back. Keep looking up. Keep living for His glory. He’s more than worth it.

#LookUp