daily prayer

    Good morning! How are we faithing? Lots of people think we have to perform a certain way, do certain things, behave certain ways, speak with a particular way to be Christians. Boy is this loading a huge pile of junk on people and it is far from the truth. Organization is important of course but heaping rules and regulations without the love of Jesus as the guide will never make people holier. Now of course there are some things we must do out of shear obligation such as a preacher showing up on Sunday. Wouldn't be a very effective preacher if he isn't present to deliver. Kidding aside, just like putting gas in the car, if we don't, we'll be walking. Some things just have to be done. Expectations sometimes are a hindrance to our witness if we let that obligation cloud our desire and love for Jesus. There have been lots of times I felt more like sitting in my lazy-boy and watch drag racing than shower and go to Sunday school but that obligation gets me up. Obeying that obligation always pays dividends when I see those kids. Anyways, Jesus never said to do this or that so you can be Pius. Jesus' commands were directions for living that we would not stray and endure unnecessary hardship. Our perspective on obligation verse Christian living have to be separate or we end up trying to earn salvation and that cannot be accomplished by any membership to a church or any attendance to services. Do those things benefit us? Of course they do! We need to gather together for spiritual well being as well as equipping us to reach the lost but don't let that ever make you think that you were present therefore you've done your duty and you have earned points with God.

Luke 17:9-10

"He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
NAS

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
NAS

Galatians 2:21
"I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
NAS

Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
NAS

Titus 3:5-7
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
NAS

John 1:16-17
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
NAS

So to paraphrase; do what you have to do because it is required but do it not as earning the grace Jesus provides, we already have that. Remember, the Word says that "no one can snatch away anyone from the Fathers hand."
 
Remember Bill Salvatore and family...remember Christy...
 
 Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your grace that saves us and teaches us. Lord we ask for strength to do what is necessary but to recognise it's proper place. Forgive us when we fail in our duties. Lord, we ask for wisdom in all we do and the courage to act accordingly. Help us see truth in everything, in Jesus name we pray, amen