GraceNotes

Grace To Help
Hebrews 4:14-16
Jim Stephens
12-11-09

Scripture:

14 ...We have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT)

Like the Jewish Christ followers to whom this book-letter was written, I still wrestle with simple faith versus performance-based religion. For them it was faith in Jesus plus ritual religious practices. For me it's more faith in Jesus plus doing all the things I'm supposed to do and not doing all the things on the bad list.

That's why this is such an encouraging thing for me to read about Jesus, my High Priest - the one who represents me to God and God to me.

* Jesus is not only aware of, but he understands my weaknesses! Stop for a moment and think about that. He understands your weaknesses. With compassion.
* Jesus faced temptation and testing, loneliness and rejection, pain and frustration. He truly understands the challenges I face. Stop and think about that. He understands your challenges. With compassion.
* I can come boldly to God's throne of Grace, not throne of Judgment! Because of Jesus, God's throne is a throne of Grace, not of Judgment. We approach the throne of God with gratitude and confidence, not shame and fear.
* He is freely offering mercy for my mess-ups and grace for my journey. At God's throne we will receive mercy for our sins! Think about it. At God's throne we will find grace to drop our burden of frustration and failures, square our shoulders, and step out boldly again on the journey of faith.

Jesus knows the struggle and really understands. He offers merc y when I mess up and help when I'm trying to get it right.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for mercy and help so freely offered in the hands of Jesus. Today I renew my faith in Jesus alone and my determination to turn away again from performance-based, "Jesus plus" religion. At the hands of Jesus I receive mercy for failure and grace to help me keep going. Today. Thank you. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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I Thank God For You
2 Timothy 1:3-4, 6
Jim Stephens
12-10-09

Scripture:

3 Timothy, I thank God for you - the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. (2 Timothy 1:3-4, 6 NLT)

Paul had friends all over the world. But he had one relationship that was different from all the others - a God-initiated father-son relationship with Timothy.

I first met Dale Robinson, a young Jamaican man, in Kingston in 1987. At that time Dale was a 21 year-old brand new Christ-follower who had grown up with no love for white people in general and Americans in particular. In a Sunday service at Fellowship Tabernacle I spoke a prophecy to Dale about how God would use him in the future to touch the lives of many people and to influence people in other nations. Had I known Dale and his feelings about people like me, I might not have spoken that word to him.

A special relationship formed between us, then we left Jamaica in a few years and moved to London. Dale rose through the ranks at National Commercial Bank in Jamaica and was transferred to their office in London just 8 months before we left the UK and moved back to the US. In a few years Dale became NCB's director of operations in the UK. He then felt God telling him to step out in faith and leave NCB, which he did almost two years ago. Now he is working for Grace International, a Jamaican food products company that is expanding their operations into Europe.

Dale called me recently to say that Jean and I had been on his mind for a couple of days and he was praying for us. He said, "Whatever you're going through, Dad, I'm going through it with you." After we talked and prayed (with some tears) I got this text message from my son in the faith, Dale Robinson; "Psalm 23. I love you Dad, I'll be keeping in touch regularly but please know that I'm available anytime you need me. All my love, your son Dale."

Prayer:

Father, thanks for relationships. This morning I'm thinking deeply about how much relationships mean to you and how much relationships are intended to mean to us. I want to value relationships like you do. Help me to be a be tter husband, dad, mentor, and friend. Thank you for the precious gif t of relationships. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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His Mercy
Titus 3:4-7
Jim Stephens
12-09-09

Scripture:

4 When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. (Titus 3:4-7 NLT)

Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus are densely packed with instruction from the experienced apostle to these younger men who have the responsibility of establishing and leading churches and dealing with all the issues of conflict and wrong teaching that were arising in the 30-year-old church. These letters have become Bible College and Seminary courses in pastoral work.

Life gets complicated. It's complicated by the fact that simple faith tends to get turned into religious practices. It's co mplicated by the fact that people have problems with people. It's complicated by my own ups and downs and issues and struggles.  It really helps to keep the right perspective when I read this reminder of the simplicity of the Good News.

The thing that remains simple is that a kind and loving God saved me because of his mercy. He washed away my sins and gave me new birth, a new life, and he filled me with his Holy Spirit. He declared me righteous and gave me the promise and assurance of eternal life. That's the simple truth!

Prayer:

Father, thank you for your love and kindness. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for washing away my sins and declaring me righteous and making me your child. Thank you for your Holy Spirit. Help me to be loving and kind and merciful and forgiving to others as you have been to me. Help me to be encouraging and comforting and inspiring to others as your Spirit has been to me. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Pray First
1 Timothy 2:1,3-4
Jim Stephens
12-08-09

Scripture:

1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4 NLT)

In the first part of this letter, Paul reminds Timothy of the prophecies that were spoken about his life and ministry and challenges Timothy to use these things that God said about him to develop faith and confidence to fight well in the Lord's battles. Then he begins to instruct Timothy in the responsibilities of a church leader. There is a wealth of detailed instruction in Paul's two brief letters to Timothy that guides us even today in how the church is structured, governed, and directed.

Paul's first words of instruction are "First of all, pray." Pray First! In these first verses of this chapter, three things are revealed that really spoke to me this mornin g: The priority of prayer, the heart of God for people, and the importance of thankfulness.

Paul writes: Pray first, ask for God's mercy on all people, and give thanks.

Pray First. Why is it so hard to remember that I need to pray first - pray before I attempt to do anything? Pray for everyone and pray about everything. Today I purpose to pray first.

God is merciful. He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. If I understand his heart of mercy, it's easier to understand his attitude and action. And it's easier to know what to do and how to speak and act toward others. Today I purpose to ask for God's mercy on others.

Give thanks. It's a different world and my approach to it is totally different if I give thanks rather than complain. Today I purpose to give thanks.

Prayer:

Father, Thanks f or a simple and profound reminder of these three things today. I purp ose to talk to you before talking to others. I ask for your mercy on the people I interact with today. I thank you for loving me and for blessing me with uncountable blessings. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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A Brand-new Nature
Colossians 3:9-10
Jim Stephens
12-07-09

Scripture:

For you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds. In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you. (Colossians 3:9-10 NLT)

Paul explained to the Colossians that becoming a Christian believer was like an old sick person dying and a new healthy person being born. Living the Christian life is like taking off old ragged, dirty, smelly clothes and putting on new, fresh, clean clothes.

The old nature we strip off has produced thoughts and actions that keep us filthy, smelly, and sick. The new nature we put on produces healthy thoughts and actions and our new nature just keeps growing to be more and more like Jesus Christ.

Paul is very specific about the actions that grow out of and express the old nature: Sexual sin, impurity, lust, greed, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language. He is just as clear on the actions that proceed from our new nature in Christ: tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness to others, making allowance for the faults of others, peace, and love.

If my life is characterized by the actions of the old nature, I need to act decisively and swiftly to "put it to death," and if my life is marked by the actions of the new nature, I'm growing daily in my faith and Christian character.

The old nature or the new nature. It's my choice and my choices that determine which grows stronger and which produces my observable behavior.

Prayer:

Father, I choose today to put off the old nature of self and sin and put on the new nature in Christ. I know that there is a spiritual mystery at work on the inside when I make the right choice and exercise the right behaviors. I will choose to put off the old self and put on Christ - daily. I n Jesus' Name.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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What Really Matters
Philippians 1:10; 4:4-7
Jim Stephens
12-06-09

Scripture:

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns. (Philippians 1:10 NLT)

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 NLT)

Paul's letter to the Philippians is a "What really matters" kind of book. It's so practical and so spiritual at the same time. Paul uses the word "joy" seven times and "rejoice" three times in these four brief chapters. He writes about joy, suffering, humility, joy, service, joy, unity, jo y, purpose, joy, faith and trust, joy, and right thoughts and behavior. And joy!

I want to understand what really matters. One thing that matters is that the life of a Christ-follower is saturated in joy. We may experience hardships, suffering, challenges, and limitations but the joy of Christ overflows. We may work hard, serve humbly without recognition or apparent reward but deep non-circumstantial joy wells up within us. Living in the joy of Jesus really matters.

I want to understand what really matters. As I get older, it becomes more apparent to me that I may not accomplish everything that my youthful enthusiasm led me to believe I would get done in my lifetime. I can't go everywhere I thought I'd go. I can't do or learn or grasp or see or know everything. But I can experience the wonderful peace God gives here and now. Living with God's peace really matters.

This I do understand, t hat what really matters is the simpler stuff not the more complicated stuff. That's a start, anyway.

Prayer:

Father, I need to know and understand what really matters. I know it's a moving target and I can't just make a list to carry in my wallet. But I know that by staying close to you and being led through your word by your Spirit, I can understand enough of what really matters to stay on track. Help me understand what really matters. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Try To Understand
Ephesians 5:15-17
Jim Stephens
12-05-09

Scripture:

15 So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. 17 Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT)

These three little verses speak to me very personally about my life. I guess you could say they are my "Life Verses." When Paul wrote this letter, Christianity was still in the experimental and experiential stages. Faith among Gentiles - how to please the God of the Jews (the God of everyone, actually) was still in the developmental processes. A few lines earlier Paul wrote, "Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)

"Try to find out... Try to understand..." It was all very much a work in progress.

My life is still very much a work in progress. I appreciate that in the nearly twenty centuries since Paul wrote these words to the Ep hesian believers, we've made a lot of progress. We've got the Bible, we've got church history, we've got knowledge and experience.

But for me, this is my first and only time through. This is my very first life, my first attempt at being a Christ-follower, at pleasing God, at living purposefully and wisely, at doing his will, at maximizing my opportunities, at getting ready for eternity.

It encourages me to read Paul's words, "Try to find out... Try to understand..." I'm learning this stuff as I go along and I don't always get it right. But I'm trying. I keep trying. And he keeps being so patient with me.

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for your words of encouragement and challenge. I love you and I love the journey of discovery you've set before me. Thank you for giving my life purpose and worth. I'm going to keep trying to find out what pleases you and trying to understand what you want me to do. Please keep on being patient with m e. Amen!

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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God's Wonderful Kindness
Ephesians 1:6-8
Jim Stephens
12-04-09

Scripture:

6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. 7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:6-8 NLT)

The kindness of God isn't really the first God-quality I think about. I think about his power, his majesty, his holiness, his purposefulness, his love, but not so much about his kindness.

Paul said that God poured out his wonderful kindness on us, that because he is rich in kindness he purchased our freedom, and that he has literally showered his kindness on us.

When I think about kindness, I think about how the strong treat the weak. I think about caring how someone feels. God could have ignored us, tolerated us, or hated us. But he has been kind to us. He cares about how we feel.

God poured out and showered his kindness on us. Now it's our turn. Paul said, "Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32 NLT)

Prayer:

Father, thanks for your kindness, gentleness, your care and concern for how I'm doing. Thank you that you don't crush me in my weakness, but instead are kind to me. Help me to let your kindness pour out on me and flow through me to the weak, the wounded, and the weary. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Love Satisfies All
Romans 13:10
Jim Stephens
12-03-09

Scripture:

Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements. (Romans 13:10 NLT)

This morning, I was struck again by the simplicity of it all. Religion makes it so complicated. The Jews had thousands - actually thousands - of rules they had developed to try to live according to God's law.

Jesus said, "Love God with all your heart and love others like you love yourself. That should do it." The Christians had already begun to develop a lot of rules about what they should and shouldn't do, say, eat, drink, wear, or think.

Paul reminds them and us again, "Keep it simple!" If you really love God and really love other people and if you speak and act in light of that love, you'll get it right most of the time. It ain't rocket science!

Paul wraps it up with these words: "I am fully convinced, dear brothers and sisters, that you are full of goodness. You know these things so well that you are a ble to teach others all about them." (Romans 15:14 NLT)

It's not that we need to know a lot more to live the Christian life, it's simply that we need to live what we already know. And we need to be reminded. How often? As often as it takes.

Prayer:

Father, I know this stuff. Thanks for reminding me today how simple it really is. I commit to take these thoughts fresh in my heart and mind into all my attitudes, thoughts, words, and actions today. I am going to live today out of love for you and love for others. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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Be Glad
Romans 12:9-18
Jim Stephens
12-02-09

Scripture:

9 Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all! 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. (Romans 12:9-18 NLT)

If you rushed through the verses above, please take a moment and go back and read through them slowly. Paul speaks out of his submission to Christ and love for people and here lays out a simple and clear pattern for life and living. Let the words flow over you and stir in you a passion to live and act today in a faith-filled, Christ-imitating manner. I know it's not as easy as it looks, but doesn't this make you want to live exactly the way Paul spells it out?

This morning, the phrase from the first part of verse 12 means a lot to me... "Be glad for all God is planning for you."

Right now there's a lot coming up for so many of us that we can't control or see the other side of. The sense of being in control and knowing what to expect next is really an illusion at the best of times. Remember that in it all, God can control it, he does see the other side, and he is planning the very best outcome for us.

I will be glad for all God is planning for me, even thou gh I don't see how it's going to work out.

Praye r:

Father, I am glad for all you are planning for me. I am confident you have my best interests and also the best interests of others in mind, so your plan is good, better, and best. And I embrace both the known and the unknown (to me) elements of it. Amen.

Copyright 2009 Resource Ministries International
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