The Perfection of The Cross

"God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…" —Galatians 6:14

Many things occur in the life of a follower of Jesus, but nothing should hold more weight than what happened on the cross. Not how we feel. Not even how we act. We are inconsistent. What was done on the cross is perfect. Finished.

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Even on our tough days we have much to be thankful for, right? But here's to better days! Cheers to better days! And if we can't have better days, then days that make us better.

Here's a good word this morning. May your total dependence be on the Lord. I'm working on me.

"Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters…, so our eyes look to the Lord our God…"
                                —Psalm 123:2

Streeeeeeeetcccchh

I love to travel ...just not crazy about being away from home. I love to learn ...but especially if it's something I'm already familiar with. Streeeeeeeeeeetccchh!!

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." - Luke 2:52

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

People Are People

We are, all, the minority. Whatever class, or race, or religious affiliation ...we are a minority compared to the "human" race, which God established.


Traveling to Kenya several years ago, I came back with one overarching, and somewhat overwhelming, sense of ...no matter where you go, or how different the culture, ...people are people. Traveling to New Orleans (on our way home now) that reality manifest itself strongly again, just watching life happen. In different circumstances, to be sure, but that truth remains ...people are people. Red, yellow, black, or white ...all are precious in His sight. We met a few strange characters, though far more kind, compassionate characters, and watched this melting-pot of a city, ebb & flow.

So I am, again, reminded.... from the impoverished in the inner-city of the land of the free ...to the nearly destitute of an otherwise beautiful foreign land ...people are, still, people.

I challenge this. Dare... to stop and talk to those you feel are different than you, those whom you may be afraid to strike a conversation with. Even those you fear may want something which you fear you cannot give. Give them a chance to ask, then don't be afraid to be honest. A savvy street magician exemplified this truth. He said something like this (poorly quoted; his more effective)... "As we gather together to see what I'm doing we become a community. For a moment,  we're all on the same page."

Whatever differences you may have; political, social, personal, or otherwise, remember ...people are people. His people. Doesn't mean you become a door-mat or a sucker. Seek wisdom from God, who provides it. Be you. Be forthright. Exclaiming our differences reveals our personalities and passions. Doing so, with genuine love, demonstrates our willingness to be a part of a community larger than ourselves, or even those with whom we are uncomfortable. Would you be willing to find out you are wrong?

People are people.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

- Psalm 139:14 

"So God created man in his own image,in the image of God he created him;male and female he created them.

- Genesis 1:27

Steve Terrell

No Pride, Just Provision

If we do any good at all, it is by His grace alone. No pride.

"For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor." - Gal. 2:18

Patience. Endurance. LOVE

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

-when you are agitated
-when you are aggravated
-when life let's you down
-when the family's around
-whether with church or with job
-or in midst of the mob
-when you spar with your spouse
-when your spouse spars with you
-no matter what you do
-do it in love

1 Corinthians 13 is such a beautiful truth, and beautifully written, that truly applies to every aspect of our lives! Certainly, Paul was speaking to the church in Corinth. But about what? There was immorality and infighting. He charged the church.. to love, to endure all things, for the sake and cause of Christ. Surely still a more than applicable message in our daily lives ...of political frustration, religious pastels, and ever mounting pressure on the family core. Read this with fresh eyes today. Apply it to your heart. Next time you feel ready to spar ...remember... Patience. Endurance. LOVE.
-Steve Terrell

Christ Did Not Die for a 501(c)(3)

Good article, and the very idea(s) which this particular, and completely unpopular, blog (reclaimchristianity.com) was based upon.

INTRIGUING THOUGHTS FROM:
"Christ is a person, not an idea"
"The church is us, not it"

I recently completed the membership process with my new church. As our cohort of new members went around the room for introductions, I was surprised at the outpouring of woundedness — from children …

http://flip.it/L8yLvF

Steve Terrell