GraceNotes

God's Love
Romans 8:15-16; 38-39
Jim Stephens
12-01-09

Scripture:

15 So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family - calling him "Father, dear Father." 16 For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God's children. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. 39 Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:15-16, 38-39 NLT)

Today is the first day of Advent, the season in the Christian calendar when we celebrate the birth of Christ, God's greatest gift of love.  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son...

Now we are God's very own children, adopted into his family! How did this wonderful thing happen? How is it possible that you and I can call the God of the universe "Daddy"? It happened because God loved us before we knew him, before we were born, while we were alone and unlovely. God loved us and God loves us!

Because God loves us:

* His Holy Spirit living in us awakes each day calling, "Good morning, Daddy God!"
* Nothing can ever separate us from Daddy God's love.
* Nothing: Not death, not life, not angels, not demons, not fears, not worries, not even the power of hell itself, can keep God's love away from you and me.
* Nothing can ever separate us from Daddy God's love.
* High or low, near or far, God's love will find us and keep us.
* Nothing can ever separate us from Daddy God's love.

 Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad that God loves us!

Prayer:

Father, I'm a grown man and it's a long time since I've called someone Daddy. Yet I know I'm in a season when you want me to grow more child-like and you want to be my Daddy and not just Lord, or Father, or God. Thanks, Daddy, for loving me so much. Thanks, Daddy, for being so incredibly patient with me through the stages of my life as I grow from boy to man to beloved child of Daddy God. Good morning, Daddy God. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Absolutely Convinced
Romans 4:20-22
Jim Stephens
11-30-09

Scripture:

20 Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was absolutely convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous. (Romans 4:20-22 NLT)

Abraham's real challenge comes down to one thing: Could he believe God's promise that he would have a son, born from his wife Sarah, when he was nearly 100 years old and Sarah was 90 and had never been able to have children?

Abraham's faith, the faith through which he was counted righteous by God, was this simple thing: "I believe and I am absolutely convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."

I don't know if it's harder or easier now for us to simply believe God. We have 4000 years of Bible and history and stories of God's faithfulness that Abraham didn't have to help us believe God. On the other hand we h ave more negative knowledge and we're aware of more arguments against simple faith.

I guess it doesn't really matter if it's harder or easier. The real battle is still the same for each of us. There are always going to be compelling arguments and adverse circumstances to challenge our faith. The thing that overcomes the challenge I face is still the same as the thing that overcame Abraham's challenge: "I believe and am absolutely convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises."

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for Abraham who stood alone and believed you are able to do whatever you promised. Help me to live my life absolutely convinced that you are able to do whatever you promise. I believe. I believe you are able and faithful. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Do Good
1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
Jim Stephens
11-29-09

Scripture:

14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 NLT)

The thing that stands out to me this morning is how Paul encouraged the Thessalonian believers to look out for each other. They were going through hard times. In their case it was mostly due to persecution for their faith, but it involved economic challenges, being hassled by the authorities, and uncertainty about what the next day would bring. They also had to put up with false teachers who told lies about the return of Christ and about how things would be in eternity.

Paul admonished the m to be true friends to each other; to warn lazy and irresponsible people, to encourage those who are timid and uncertain, to tenderly care for the weak, and be patient with each other. He said, "Don't 'get even' when you are wronged. Always try to do good to each other. To be joyful and thankful. And pray."

There are so many things in life we can't control. Even as Kingdom of God citizens and followers of Christ we are subject to the realities of the world we live in and those realities are not always pleasant or easy. But Paul's simple words still ring true today; "Be true friends. Warn, encourage, care and be patient. Always try to do good to others. Be joyful and thankful. Pray about everything. This is God's will for you."

Just as good advice today as it was then.

Prayer:

Father, today I purpose to be true to my friends and family. I will warn, encourage, care, and be patient. I'll find something good to say or do to each person I encounter today. I rejoice in your blessi ngs to me and I am thankful. You are my source and my provider. I ask you for what I need and trust you for the outcome. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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May Love Grow and Overflow
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
Jim Stephens
11-28-09

Scripture:

12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 NIV)

The young Thessalonian church had experienced plenty of persecution and tough times in their short history. Paul wrote to encourage them and strengthen their faith. Here in chapter three, Paul spoke a blessing over them and asked God to make their love grow and overflow - to each other and to everyone else. Paul didn't say, "May life get easier for you and may all the problems and persecutions go away!" Instead, Paul prayed that they would be so completely filled with God's love for them that love would flow from them to each other and to those around them.

Jesus prayed that we would love each other as our Father loves us. John wrote that people would know we were followers of Christ by our love for each other. Paul's letters to Christ-followers challenge and encourage us to love each other. This morning I've been wondering if love from God, for God, and for others is the dominant characteristic of my life, the lives of those I serve with, and the life of our church. I asked myself, "Do they know I'm a Christian by my love?" I considered the question, "Is our love increasing and overflowing for each other and for everyone else?"

I want to serve because I love. I want to serve with those I love. I want to serve those I love. I want to love those I serve. Jesus, John, and Paul all said that the growth of our love for God, for each other, and for others is the primary and essential quality we should look for and develop. How do we grow love? How do we measure love? Will you join me in my quest for a life of love that grows and overflows?

Prayer:

Father, I know I have life and hope because you love me. I know that when I receive your amazing unconditional love I begin loving others more and better. I know that love is to be the motive for all I do. I know that when love grows and overflows, most of the rest will take care of itself. How do we do it? How do we measure it? How are we doing? Help me live a life of love that grows and overflows. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Keep Alert and Pray
Matthew 26:39-41
Jim Stephens
11-27-09

Scripture:

39 He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." 40 Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "Couldn't you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? 41 Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!" (Matthew 26:39-41 NLT)

Jesus was facing the final terrible hours before his crucifixion. It hadn't taken him by surprise. He knew hour by hour what was coming - he had the awareness the Spirit gave him and he had the prophecies of scripture and he knew full well what was ahead.

Even with the awareness of the eternal significance of his purpose (in a way we can only see hints of) he was tempted to side-step the suffering. He didn't side-step, he faced it full on. But the thing that carried him through was the prayer that maintained his God-awareness and overcame his self-awareness and self-concerns.

Jesus faced temptation that could have ended God's plan for our salvation. Jesus faced greater temptation than I ever will face and he overcame. He faced temptation with God-awareness, with prayer, and with a yielded will.

I need to keep alert and pray when I'm not facing great temptation so that I'll have the habit and pattern of prayer when I am tempted - tempted to doubt, tempted to fear, tempted to run, tempted to quit.

If I haven't put the disciplines of God-awareness in place in good times, what will I do in the hard times?

Prayer:

Father, Please challenge me, encourage me, correct me, and instruct me to keep alert and pray so that I will be ready to face and overcome temptation. I commit again to read your word, listen for your voice, and yield my will to you daily. How else will I be ready when temptation comes?

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Happy Thanksgiving Day!

To our readers around the world, today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America.

Beginning with President Abraham Lincoln, each year the President of the United States proclaims the fourth Thursday of November a national day of Thanksgiving to God for his blessings of provision, protection, and care.

Today Jean and I have gathered with our family to devote the day to being thankful to God for each other and for all he has so graciously provided. I invite you to take some moments to think of the goodness and blessings of God, and join us in simply being thankful.

May God's gracious blessings be poured out to you today. And may we all be truly thankful!

In the Love of Jesus,

Jim Stephens

After a Long Time
Matthew 25:19
Jim Stephens
11-26-09

Scripture:

After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. (Matthew 25:19 NLT)

In the story of the three stewards in Matthew 25:14-30, there are some things that I understand very clearly. God has entrusted to me a set of abilities (or potential that can be developed into abilities) and he has further entrusted to me opportunity that is proportionate to my ability. I also understand that God is holding me accountable for the investment, for the potential, and for the increase.

My problem is that my stewardship is long term and largely unsupervised and I have such a short attention span. Sometimes I remind myself of our old dog, Bo, who used to go through the house and tip over all the waste baskets when he thought we'd left him alone too long. When we got home he'd rush to the door to greet us, all bouncy and waggy and glad to see us until he remembered the waste baskets. Then he'd roll over on his back in abject remorse.

I'm like that. I'm thankful for the freedom, the trust and the responsibility I have in Christ. I don't want law and legalism. But my problem is that I've got such a short attention span. I forget so quickly what I should be giving my energy and attention to.

I need accountability. I prefer an informal, loosely structured environment where I am both encouraged and held accountable by my fellow stewards. But however it's structured, I need something to remind me what's really important and what I should be doing about it.

I want to grow beyond the need for structures and rules just as the wheat outgrows the need for the chaff as it matures. But I'll be thankful for whatever helps me become fruitful and productive.

Prayer:

Father, I'm undisciplined and I have a short attention span. My stewardship is long term and largely unsupervised. I don' t want to give you back a moldy bag containing an undeveloped or unwi sely invested trust. Thank you for relationships and accountability that help me toward making the most of what you've entrusted to me. Please help me do my best with what I have. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Because He Is Kind
Matthew 20:13-15
Jim Stephens
11-25-09

Scripture:

13 "He answered one of them, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair! Didn't you agree to work all day for the usual wage? 14 Take it and go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. 15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be angry because I am kind?" (Matthew 20:13-15 NLT)

Jesus got involved with sinners and invited them into his life because his Father sent him to earth to save sinners. Religious people often forget that God loves sinners and is unwilling that anyone be left out. Some people will be left out, but not because God doesn't love them or want them included.

Jesus told a story about workers hired last and paid first, about a son who wouldn't help his dad and then did, about people who weren't invited to the party and then were.

It's easy to forget how passionately God loves people. And as soon as we forget how God loves, we are surprised by his behavior. He's n ot only fair, he's kind. He's not only just, he's merciful. He's not only holy, he's compassionate.

God wants the religious people included but he doesn't want the irreligious people left out. He still wants religious people and irreligious people to dance together at his party. He wants old-timers and new kids on the block to love each other.

God isn't going to change. He's still going to invite and include right up until time for the door to close. If we lose touch with that reality, we are out of step, out of alignment, and out of touch with what God is doing. We might just miss the party ourselves, or else stand in the corner wondering how all those other people got in and why they're having so much fun!

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for frequent reminders of how you think, feel, and act towards the lost and the least. Thanks for including me and everyone else. Thanks for being both fair and kind. I want to be that way too when I grow up.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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A Little Child
Matthew 18:1-5
Jim Stephens
11-24-09

Scripture:

1 About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Which of us is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" 2 Jesus called a small child over to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, "I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me."  (Matthew 18:1-5 NLT)

Don't you just kind of groan inwardly when you read how self-centered and immature Jesus' followers were? Isn't it amazing how much like them we can be? In response to their self-interested concerns about rank and importance, Jesus called a child to himself and told his followers they needed to be child-like rather than childish! Jesus said, "if you want to be great, be child-like and be a blessor o f children."

Today is my daughter Stephanie's birthday. A friend and I were talking about our adult children and I remarked how much I appreciate my kids and how thankful I am for them. We've moved from the parent-kids relationship to an inter-generational friendship. Instead of the authority-submission relationship, it's grown into a counsel-consideration relationship and because the relationship is healthy, respect flows both ways.

If we want our kids to be our friends when they are grown, we've got to value them, respect them, and build the roads on which good communication and healthy relationship will travel through the years to come. And we need to remove every hindrance that would keep them from sitting on Jesus' lap when they are young so they'll walk in his footsteps when they are grown.

I know this may seem simplistic, but today I'm thinking how much I love my kids, how glad I am that Jesus loves them even more, and how much I enjoy friendship with them now that they are grown. And now there are Grandkids! Woo h oo! But that's a topic for another time!

Prayer:

Thanks, Father. Thanks for my kids. Thanks for loving my kids and all the other kids and for making the Kingdom of God "Kid-friendly." Thanks for the friendship Jean and I enjoy with our kids and the privilege of being grandparents to their kids. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Don't You Get It?
Matthew 16:6-12
Jim Stephens
11-23-09

Scripture:

6 "Watch out!" Jesus warned them. "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 7 They decided he was saying this because they hadn't brought any bread. 8 Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he said, "You have so little faith! Why are you worried about having no food? 9 Won't you ever understand? Don't you remember the five thousand I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of food that were left over? 10 Don't you remember the four thousand I fed with seven loaves, with baskets of food left over? 11 How could you even think I was talking about food? So again I say, 'Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.' " 12 Then at last they understood that he wasn't speaking about yeast or bread but about the false teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6-12 NLT)

Jesus had compassion on the people and healed the sick among them. This led to a crisis of mass hunger. Jesus used the need to teach a lesson in divine resources. Five thousand men, plus women and children were fed. A short time later, Jesus used another similar situation to check his disciples' progress. Four thousand men, plus women and children were fed.

Not long after that miracle, Jesus mentioned yeast in one of his teachings and they thought he was hinting at the fact they hadn't brought food for their journey. Jesus said, "Don't you get it? The need is not the problem. The size of the need is not the problem. Today's lunch is not the problem. Compassion and faith are enough for any size need. Now will you forget about lunch and pay attention?"

I really want to get this. Like the big twelve here, I've experienced the miraculous provision of God. I've seen it in Jesus People days, in Medford, in Jamaica, in the UK, in Africa, in Bend. I want to get it so I don't always revert to the default setting of "Where would we get enough to meet this need?" I take some comfort in the fact that th ese guys did get it eventually and that they changed the world.

Prayer:

Father, I get tired of being a spiritual goldfish with a three second memory span. I want to move the lessons you teach me into long-term memory so the next time you're moved with compassion and want to involve me I can respond in faith instead of like these guys so often did - like I so often do. I want to get it. I want to keep it. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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A Few Miracles
Matthew 13:53-58
Jim Stephens
11-22-09

Scripture:

And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. (Matthew 13:58 NLT)

At first glance, it seems like "a few miracles" would be a pretty powerful thing. But compared to what Jesus was doing in other places his ministry in his own home town of Nazareth was "only" a few miracles.

The people of Nazareth had seen him grow up, knew his family well, and had formed their opinion about him - "He's just a carpenter's son." The atmosphere created by their prejudices, their "he's no better than us" attitude, and their unbelief actually affected what Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, was able to do in their town and in their lives!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He still has the power to do miracles, few or many. Whether he does few miracles, many miracles, or no miracles in my life, in my family, in our church is affected significantly by my (our) attitude. I f we hunger for his truth, if we're eager for his help, he will do much. If we have a "He's just Jesus, the carpenter's son and we've known him for a long time and we don't really expect much" attitude, then we'll be doing well if we see "only a few miracles."

And what about the people God puts in our lives to teach us, encourage us, correct us, or help us? Do we have the attitude, "It's only Gary, my friend!" or "It's only Jean, my wife!" or "He's only a kid. What does he know?" or "I don't take them seriously. Have you seen how they dress?"

What are we missing when we allow ourselves to look at others with an "It's only the carpenter!" attitude. What miracles do we miss when we think, "I've been a Christian long enough to know you can't really expect too much!"

Prayer:

Father, forgive me when I have a "he's only Jesus, and I've been a Christian a long time, and I really don't expect too much" attitude. I want to have a "He's Jesus and he has the power and authority and he's here to blow the d oors off!" attitude. And please forgive me when I fail to take those around me seriously and fail to respond expectantly. I don't want your power to heal and help and teach me to be hindered by my unbelief. Lord, I believe! Please help my unbelief! In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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