We are in trying times. Divisive times. Perhaps this is one of the greatest times for mercy to arise in the body of Christ.
James 2:13 (ESV) For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
But in the midst of all of this, those that ought to be most merciful, seem to be the most judgmental. So much so that I was sharing with my wife, Tina, how punitive so many were. Continue reading Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
Too often we hear people talk of whether or not something has value. The slightest thing has the potential for polarization. I have long ago come to the conclusion that value is found in Jesus. And what He holds to be valuable is what has value and value that remains. Continue reading The Depth Of Our Love
The other day, my friend Lynn Hiles was here to speak in our church. Our conversation turned to West Virginia and the upcoming conference. He and I had a short conversation about something that happened while I was in West Virgina last September. While I was down there the Lord spoke something very powerful to my heart.
It was not a word that was spoken or part of a message. Here is what I heard and saw.
I was watching a road. On this road was a car. While they were driving, they were starting to slowly swerve side to side. There was guardrails like any country road. As I watched it started to hit the guardrails. First slowly and then a little faster. After being tossed about, finally the car came to a stop. There were dents and scratches all around the car as the result of the actions of the vehicle. I looked at the vehicle and that was when I heard the sound of the Lord’s voice. Continue reading Grace Keeps You Off The Guardrails
One man owes the woman over $40,000 in child support for two young children. Another pays no child support and blows through the monies of parents. Children who never see their dads because their dads make choices not to see them. The injustice!
I don’t know about you but those circumstances set me on edge. They have the potential to make me angry and have from time to time.
Single parents with no one else in their life frequently struggle. I know from personal experience. I look with great pain at various Facebook posts that indicate single parenting is not easy. Whether by choice or circumstance being the “one” in a child’s life is hard. Continue reading Holidays, You And The Single Parent
On Sunday at our church fellowship, a “tongue” was given and I had the interpretation. It had to do with restoration. (In the last few days I have had reports of restored relationships.) I have been “burdened” with the stretching and breaking of relationships the last month or so. It pains me to see marriages break up, children lost and hearts broken. I just hurt for people.
First, let me say I get that there are times where destruction and abuse and such have taken place. And I understand the need to move apart in the face of these things. That is NOT what I will be talking about. Secondly, my gift mix gives me a different observation perspective and I will share from there. And finally, I am a guy and I get some women may not think I get it! J
The last few months I have watched believing men and women talk divorce, file papers and avoid some of the biggest issues on the plate.Experientially what I see more than anything else is that it is the ability to:
That will change things!
I struggle with the broken relationships. I personally struggle from two past marriages and how they hurt my children though I had “no say” in the finality. (I could not do those 4 things above either.) I would not wish broken relationships on anyone.
And God has changed me…immensely! I get that “things happen” but folks we are believers! We are subject to change because of Him!
How do we get there?
I am a “grace” guy. I believe in allowing people the freedom to make choices, even when they are not healthy or good. I believe grace and truth are found in the person of Jesus Christ, and that grace is a person and His name is Jesus. I believe in extending grace, mercy and forgiveness.
His desire is to restore. Restoration can occur in many places but I believe first and foremost it is the heart of the Father to restore families. Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse
Restoration is defined as: the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.: the act of bringing back something that existed before: the act of returning something that was stolen or taken
If we say we believe in grace. That we believe in love. Well, I hate to be the bearer of “sad tidings” but we ought to walk it. You have to allow God to change you and move through you. You can have all the freedom you want and call it grace, but if it is trampling on others, hurting others and more, you are not operating in grace, and God is extending you mercy. Grace is the empowerment in your life to love, to forgive and to change.
Do not step up to the plate unless you are ready to hit!
A word on restoration speaks to the atmospheres and the powers of the enemy, but the reality of that word ought to bring change in us as well.
Too often I see well-meaning people complicate simple things. It can be a recipe, a task even the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Frequently church has become a place of “higher education” only to be challenged in circumstances or situations where the rubber meets the road. Continue reading Simple Is Good
The culture of grace is at hand…
This morning I received an amazing letter from a friend of mine. He has not be around that long. It was pretty amazing. Over the last few weeks, He has seen the blessing of God and His hand move. Last night he wrote me to tell me of many new blessings, but here is the last part.
“So last night for the first time in 17 years I ran 2 miles . When I got off the treadmill I was sweating but hardly winded. AMAZING .I realize that 2 miles may not seem like much but for me with all my “issues” that was like running a marathon. God is amazing , his word is true, and he is always faithful. Thanks for listenin.”
Frankly , I needed to hear it. The last few days have been rough. Lots of amazing things have been happening. But lots of difficult things have happened too. I have felt like “lots” has been on fire. Finances, health, etc.. But you can never give up or stop contending. God did not promise you a rose garden. I rejoice in the fiery trial because there is a promise at the end. 1 Peter 4 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. Continue reading The Garden Culture Of His Grace
