Good News - you're included.

Romans 1:1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. 2 God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. 3 The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. 6 And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ.

Read verse 6 again. You are included. Have you ever been left out of something? All your friends are getting together, but somehow your name was not on the guest list. That's a pretty devastating feeling.

Well there is a party coming to our universe. It is the biggest deal ever and your name is on the guest list. You've been invited to believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and to start following Him by being obedient to Him. So what's the party part?

1. The glory of God for all eternity.

2. Not being left out.

3. The biggest wedding bash ever.

4. And many more benefits too numerous to post here. They can be found in God's Holy Word, the Bible.

And you've been included!

Should the above information generate an emotional response in your soul, take into consideration your present surroundings and fellow inhabitants. Please shout responsibly.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Fw: Bless the Children

Matt 19:13 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children." 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left.

In an attempt to quote Psalm 23 a 5 year old girl said, "The Lord is my shepherd, that's all I want."

In the early 1960's a tradition in this country came to a halt due to liberal legislation. Prayer in our public schools was banned. Part of that prayer included a phrase about blessing the children. I won't take the time to name all the social and moral declines since that fateful day. My point is this. Jesus said to allow the children to come to Him. Then He blessed them.

In your travels today as you see children or pass a school pray for God's blessing on the children. And may He bless you mightily this day as well.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Prayer for You

2Thess 3:1 Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we ask you to pray for us. Pray that the Lord's message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes, just as when it came to you. 2 Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. 3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. 5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Dear Heavenly Father,

May Your Word continue to spread through out the world. Make us useable and work through us. May Your Word be honored in us and where ever it goes. Rescue us and all your servants in the earth from evil doers.

We thank You for Your faithfulness, Your protection and Your continued work in us.

Lead us into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. May Your love so shine forth from us that all who see us will get a glimpse of You.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Words of my mouth

Eph 5:1-12  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children.  2  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.  3  Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people.  4  Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.  5  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.  6  Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey Him.  7  Don't participate in the things these people do.  8  For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  9  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.  10  Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.  11  Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.  12  It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.

Yesterday we looked at Col 4 and discussed the need to have gracious, attractive conversation. Today I want to take that further. We know that in the presence of unbelievers our speech can hurt our testimony. However, some of us find it funny to be course within our circle of "Christian" friends. Read vs 4 and vs 12 again. Our Heavenly Father does not find sin funny. He says it is "shameful".

My wife is involved with an organization named, "Blush". The goal of this group is to reach young girls (3rd - 12th) grade with the truth and need for modesty. Our young people do not know what it is to blush. They feel no shame and so we have children taking pictures of themselves naked and posting them on the internet and sending them via phone messages. We have grade schoolers participating in orgies and all kinds of sexual perversion. We have church going children doing these things and seeing nothing wrong with them. The point here is not to lay blame, but it is a fact that children mimic what they see and hear. What are they hearing in your conversation? Is adultery, homosexuality, fornication all just a joke? God says it's shameful. If your children perceive it is funny to you, in other words, if you make jokes about it, how far will they carry it in their lives?

Today, pray with the Psalmist Psa 19:14  "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." And in your prayers pray for our children. Pray for holiness and godly desire to be restored to our families and churches.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

The most of every opportunity

Col 4:52 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Within the context of the passage I believe the opportunities Paul is speaking of in verse 5 are witnessing opportunities. So we are still speaking of our relationships as a representative of Christ.

In verse 6 he gives us some guidelines, "gracious, attractive conversation." It is easy to let our conversation slip to the depths at which the world speaks. This includes crude language, complaining, criticism and harshness.

Today think before you speak, "Will this represent Christ?"

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Rep for Heaven in the work place

Col 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father...
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.
Eph 6:9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don't threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

Now you might think I'm trying to be funny by using theses passages and comparing them to work in the USA. Though that may be my personality, humor is not the goal here.

I thank God that slavery has been abolished in our country. The Bible neither condemns nor commends slavery. It was and in some countries still is a fact of life on planet earth. The point is this, if God expects slaves to do their duties in such a way as to represent Him, how much more should we who draw a pay check work as though we are working for Christ Himself?

You'll note I included a verse from Ephesians dealing with "Masters". If you are in a position of authority you are just as responsible to deal with those under your authority with grace, for you too are representatives of Christ.

Now "slaves" don't take that last paragraph as an excuse to when you are disciplined for not doing your job.
1Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Rep for Heaven at Home

Col 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

When teaching from this passage I don't know that I've heard anyone start anywhere but verse 18. I've heard many a sermon on verse 17, but look at it along with 18-21.

What I see is Paul telling us, "In your home live as a representative of Jesus Christ." He speaks to wives, husbands, fathers and children. In these times some mothers need to apply the statements to fathers to themselves as well.

Think about it. Does your family see you as a representative of Christ at home? Or would they be likely to say of you, "Hypocrite! One thing out and about, quite another at home."

Today ask God to help you apply Col 3:17-21 to your life at home.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Rep for Heaven at Home

Col 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

When teaching from this passage I don't know that I've heard anyone start anywhere but verse 18. I've heard many a sermon on verse 17, but look at it along with 18-21.

What I see is Paul telling us, "In your home live as a representative of Jesus Christ." He speaks to wives, husbands, fathers and children. In these times some mothers need to apply the statements to fathers to themselves as well.

Think about it. Does your family see you as a representative of Christ at home? Or would they be likely to say of you, "Hypocrite! One thing out and about, quite another at home."

Today ask God to help you apply Col 3:17-21 to your life at home.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Prayer for you

John 17: 20 "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! 25 "O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them."

Dear Heavenly Father God, Creator of all,
May we be unified as Your Son, Jesus Christ the Righteous prayed. Grant that the world would see that unity and be drawn to You for salvation.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Acknowledge admit to be true.

Psalm 100:1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! 2   Worship the Lord with gladness.  Come before him, singing with joy. 3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!  He made us, and we are his.  We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;  go into his courts with praise.  Give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good.  His unfailing love continues forever,  and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

You know it in your head and it probably is brewing on the back burner of your mind. "The Lord? He is God!" Today acknowledge it. Take it off the back burner and pour it all over your life. Pour it on those you communicate with. Let it rule your thoughts, actions and words. The Lord is God.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

How to do what you do.

Col 3:17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

"What-EV-errrrr." -- Valley Girl Groan.

I don't know who first said, "Whatever" in such a sarcastic tone, but it has drawn many laughs and many rolled eyes from parents.

The "whatever" in our verse today is an all inclusive "whatever". It calls us to surrender every conversation and every action to God. This call is not to be answered grudgingly. Rather, every word and every action is to be carried out with a grateful heart to God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, today take on every task with this attitude, "Yes my Lord, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve You. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit that You will be glorified through my words and actions."

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

What are you full of?

Col 3:16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

"You're full of prunes." -- my grandmother, Bertina Sherwood

I never knew what that meant for sure, but grandma seemed to say it when she didn't believe what I was telling her.

Does the message of Christ fill your life in such a way that others believe you believe that message to be true?

Have you ever been caught talking to yourself? What did the other person
hear? Was it psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with a thankful heart?

Today, let the message of Christ fill your life. Start by picking a song and sing it whenever you can throughout the day. Don't be full of prunes. Be full of Christ and be thankful.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Attitude

Phil 2:1 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God,  he did not think of equality with God  as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;  he took the humble position of a slave  and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, 8   he humbled himself in obedience to God  and died a criminal's death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor  and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,  in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,  to the glory of God the Father. (NLT)

My doctor told me I needed to get in shape. I said, "I'm in shape. Round is a shape!" -Author unknown

There are many things that can effect our attitude. If we are not careful we justify selfish acts and words out of a sense of entitlement. We say things like, "Well, I've had a bad day." Let's take a peek at the definition of a bad day. Phil 2:8 He ... died a criminal's death on a cross.

Now that's a bad day. Ever had one like that? Ever been beaten with a whip until your ribs showed, blind folded and beaten, spit upon, falsely accused, crowned with thorns, mocked, nailed to a cross, hung up for all to see your nakedness, and had your joints pulled out of socket all in the same day?

Like the guy in the "shape" joke above we like to compare ourselves to things that make us look better than we really are. Today compare your attitude to that of Christ. Look into the mirror that will not lie, His Holy Word, and then fashion your attitude after His.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Prayer for you

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Nough said!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Peace as the manager.

Col 3:15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

There is a quiet, unassuming manager waiting patiently for you to look his direction. He is the peace that comes from Christ. He has the ability to rule your heart with grace under fire. When trials threaten to ruin your day he can step in with assurance that all is well, God is still on the throne, large and in charge.

The key word in this verse is a small word, "Let". In other words, allow it to happen. Allow the peace that is already present, because Christ is present, have the first & last word in every conversation of your heart. Allow him to be the chairman of the board in the meetings of your mind.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Kindness

Col 3:12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

A good melody line is nice, but there is something so very pleasant when the melody is joined by perfect harmony. For those who enjoy music the harmony brings a completeness to a song.

Yesterday, I met with some loving brothers in Christ and I shared a burden that had been weighing me down. They showed tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. They prayed with me and encouraged me. While in that place I heard the harmony. When I left there my heart was light and the word of Christ was dwelling in me richly once again.

I thank God for those dear brothers and their willingness to show tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Today, look for opportunities to do the same for someone else.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Romans 3:20 For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. 21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. 27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law. 29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.

Have you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for your sin? If so you are right with God, not by your own merit, but by His grace.

Psalm 32:1 Oh, what joy for those  whose disobedience is forgiven,  whose sin is put out of sight!

Today, rejoice!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

It is the song that does not end.

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,  and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. 3 He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed.  They will put their trust in the Lord. 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,  who have no confidence in the proud  or in those who worship idols. 5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.  Your plans for us are too numerous to list.  You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,  I would never come to the end of them.

One evening I was the guest speaker in a small city church. I asked if anyone would like to share how God had been good to them. One gentleman, I'm guessing him to be in his 70's or 80's, stood and with tears streaming down his face said, "Preacher, if I were to start sharing all the ways God has been good to me we never would get to go home."

He got it. He understood that there is no end to God's goodness.

The world likes to complain. Today you can choose to join the world in their old worn out song of griping and complaining, or you can choose to sing the new song. This new song is about Him and His grace. It is truly the song that does not end, for His mercies are new every day.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A prayer for us!

Psalm 19:1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak;  night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word;  their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,  and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.  It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens  and follows its course to the other end.  Nothing can hide from its heat. 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,  reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,  making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right,  bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear,  giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,  lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true;  each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold,  even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey,  even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant,  a great reward for those who obey them. 12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?  Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!  Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt  and innocent of great sin. 14 May the words of my mouth  and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,  O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Today, read this Psalm and rejoice.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Revive our souls and make us wise. Fill us with Your joy and grant us insight for living. Increase our desire for Your Word. Cleanse us of any secret sins. Keep us from deliberate sins. Don't let any sin control us, but fill us with Your Spirit and may we yield willingly to Him. And May the words of our mouths  and the meditations of our hearts be pleasing to you,  O Lord, our rock and our redeemer.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN.

LOVE IN CHRIST,

Steve Sherwood Sr

Good to me!

Psalm 142:1 I cry out to the Lord;  I plead for the Lord's mercy. 2 I pour out my complaints before him  and tell him all my troubles. 3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. 4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. 5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, "You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. 6 Hear my cry,  for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. 7 Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me,  for you are good to me."

Today, say what the Psalmist says in verse 7. Tell your Heavenly Father, "You are good to me." Okay, now this time say it like you mean it.

In the garden the serpent asked Eve, "Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?" Today he says to believers, "Did God really say He is good, or He is faithful, or He will work all things together for good to those who love Him?" And sometimes we allow our circumstances to say the same things. Stop listening to the serpent and your circumstances and proclaim with the Psalmist, "God, You are good to me."

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Remember whose you are!

Phil 1:27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

When our children were in school I would drive them most mornings. As they got out I would pray for them and tell them, "Remember Whose you are, and I'm not talking about Steve and Evelyn." I wanted them to always remember that they were children of Jesus Christ and therefore act accordingly.

Today, live as citizens of heaven, as children of your King. Remember Whose you are.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr