A Prayer for Guidance

Psalm 95:1 Come, let us sing to the Lord!  Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come to him with thanksgiving.  Let us sing psalms of praise to him. 3 For the Lord is a great God,  a great King above all gods. 4 He holds in his hands the depths of the earth  and the mightiest mountains. 5 The sea belongs to him, for he made it.  His hands formed the dry land, too. 6 Come, let us worship and bow down.  Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, 7   for he is our God. We are the people he watches over,  the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! 8 The Lord says, "Don't harden your hearts as Israel did at Meribah,  as they did at Massah in the wilderness. 9 For there your ancestors tested and tried my patience,  even though they saw everything I did. 10 For forty years I was angry with them, and I said,`They are a people whose hearts turn away from me.  They refuse to do what I tell them.' 11 So in my anger I took an oath:  `They will never enter my place of rest.'"

Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Heavenly Father, thank You that by the power of Your Holy Spirit we may enter Your rest. Thank You for offering that rest in Jesus Christ.

Please lead us in paths of righteousness this day for Your glory. Keep us from sin. May our hearts be patiently yielded to Your leading. Show each of us his or her yoke and free us from yokes that we should not bear.

Thank You we can trust Your guidance.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Don't confuse patience and rebellion

Psalm 32:1 Oh, what joy for those  whose disobedience is forgiven,  whose sin is put out of sight! 2 Yes, what joy for those  whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt,  whose lives are lived in complete honesty! 3 When I refused to confess my sin,  my body wasted away,  and I groaned all day long. 4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.    Interlude 5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you  and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the Lord."  And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.    Interlude 6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,  that they may not drown in the flood waters of judgment. 7 For you are my hiding place;  you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.    Interlude 8 The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you. 9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule  that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control." 10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,  but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. 11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!  Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

I am so very grateful for God's patience with me. I've been that guy in verse 4. God's giving me the truth and I'm giving Him excuses, hoping that if I can hold out long enough He won't really make me give up my pet sin. That's not patience on my part, it's rebellion.

The truth is the truth and what is right is right. You can choose to believe truth and when you do so, confessing your rebellion for what it is, then you have all the promises in the Psalm above as your own.

What is God dealing with you about? Is it forgiveness, something you need to forsake, or perhaps it is to believe His Word as truth?

Today you have a choice, yield to God's leading or be like a mule that has to have a bit and bridle with which to be led.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Choose Shining over Whining.

2Thess 1:4 We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance (patience)* and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering. 5 And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. 6 In his justice he will pay back those who persecute you. 7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. (NLT) *my note.

Could other people say about you what Paul said of the Thessolonians? We proudly tell God's other churches about your endurance (patience)* and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

The truth is that most of us in this country know very little about suffering. Our lives have not been threatened. We've not been imprisoned for proclaiming the Gospel. Oh our jobs may be less than desirable, or we have had some sickness, but suffering? I think not.

Phil 2:14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Today, when troubles arise:
1. Check your attitude.
2. Don't whine, Shine.
3. Walk in the Spirit's fruit of patience.
4. Rejoice.
5. Watch for God:
A. to increase your patience.
B. to take care of the situation.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Patience is not a dirty word.

Jas 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (patience)* has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
Jas 5:7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord's return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Don't grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look "the Judge is standing at the door! 10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. (NLT) * my note.

"Whatever you do, don't pray for patience." If you've been around the American church long you have heard that statement. It's usually said as if the person saying it prayed for patience and they heard God in heaven respond, "MUHAHAHAHAHA, I've just been waiting for some fool to pray that prayer so I can show just how cruel I can be."

We've been discussing the fruit of the Spirit and this week we we've reached "patience". Keep in mind that this is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit and therefore it is already in you. So again we ask the question, "If it is in me what will it take to unlock the door to get at it?" The answer is "trials, troubles, tribulations".

Does that frighten you? James told us to consider it an opportunity for joy. Why? Because in the troubles our endurance (patience) grows; is made complete or mature or perfect. When patience is fully grown we will have need of nothing. In other words, we will be completely content with God and His provision. We won't be whining, we will be trusting.

When we cringe with fear at the prospect of gaining patience we show that we do not fully trust that God is full of tenderness and mercy. (James 5:11)

Today, when troubles come, rejoice because that means God is perfecting your patience. Trust Him because He is full of tenderness and mercy.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Glad God is Patient

2 Peter 3:1 This is my second letter to you, dear friends, and in both of them I have tried to stimulate your wholesome thinking and refresh your memory. 2 I want you to remember what the holy prophets said long ago and what our Lord and Savior commanded through your apostles. 3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, "What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created." 5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed. 8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. 11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness. 14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. 15 And remember, our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—...

As we look at the world about us and see sin running rampant we sometimes wonder, "Lord, are you ever going to put a stop to the sin?"

If you need a reminder of the patience of our loving God read the passage above again.

First note His patience is for the salvation of souls.

Second note our responsibility. We are to live holy and godly lives.

Third note the reward that lies ahead for the believer, New Heavens and a New Earth.

Today live holy and godly lives, thank God for His patience, and be encouraged by the fact that He is not slack concerning His promise.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Prayer of Peace for You

Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, Bless all Your children this day. You are our source of hope. Fill us completely with that Joy and Peace that is in us through Your Holy Spirit. We trust You, Father. Cause us to overflow with confident hope through the power of your Holy Spirit.

In us, Father, be glorified.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

The key that unlocks Peace

Philippians 4:6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace,...

I repeat, since you have the Holy Spirit His fruit is already in you. For some of us it seems to be like a coconut in the top of a tree. We see it but how do we get to it? For others it's more like a piece of fruit lost in the foliage of a plant. The troubles of life can make us forget the fruit is there. How do we clear away all the stuff that keeps us from seeing and appropriating the fruit of the Spirit, specifically, Peace?

According to our first passage today, we pray. Don't worry, pray. People tell me, "Oh I pray all the time, but it just doesn't seem to work for me." What they want is for all their troubles to go away. That wasn't in the promise. The promise is for peace in the midst of the trouble. John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Today pray, and then trust that Father really is still in control. He knows your pain and suffering, and He has a plan He is working out of it. 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.

The peace is already in you through the Holy Spirit. Let it rule.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Different Kind of Peace

John 14:23 Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. 27 "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.

A friend sent me a picture of a sign out in front of a church. The sign says ,"Evenings at 7pm in the fellowship hall." Under that it had the following:
"Monday - Alcoholics Anonymous
Tuesday - Abused Spouses Support
Wednesday - Eating disorders
Thursday - Say No to Drugs
Friday - Teen Suicide Watch
Saturday - Soup Kitchen"

Under that list it had the title for Sunday's sermon, "America's Joyous Future".

This may cause us to chuckle, but haven't you looked around at our world and wondered if there is any hope or peace to be had? Well, there is and it is found in the Jesus left us in verse 27 above. He left us His peace. A peace that the world cannot give. The world lives in fear and worry. We have the promise of His peace and His return. There is also the promise of His constant presence and that all things work together for our good. (Rom 8:28) We could go on like this all day. He is God, He is good He loves us and has given us His Peace.

Today let that rule your heart and mind.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Fw: Pursuing Peace or Peace Man! Really.

Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good.  Search for peace, and work to maintain it.

Romans 12:17 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. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,"I will take revenge;  I will pay them back,"  says the Lord. 20 Instead,"If your enemies are hungry, feed them.  If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.In doing this, you will heap  burning coals of shame on their heads." 21 Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Verse 18 above is surrounded on both sides, "Don't hit em back" statements.

As believers we are to seek peace in all situations. Peace is another part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is already in us. I think that is why Paul tells us in 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.

Today let the peace of Christ rule you heart and mind, then allow that peace to rule your words and actions toward others.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Peace

Mark 4:35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

Have you ever wondered why Jesus rebuked the disciples here. Who among us has never been frightened by a powerful storm?

Look at vs 35 again. You see the Word made flesh said, "We're going to the other side". He didn't say, "We're going part way across the lake and then die by storm."

That is why God cannot lie. What He says happens.

Today, may His overwhelming peace flood your soul. Take time to think about some of the other things He said would happen, ie., His promises.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Joyful Prayer for us!

1Thess 5:10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 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. 19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 20 Do not
scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending Your Son that might have life eternal.

Please open our eyes today to these things; opportunities to encourage, to honor our spiritual leaders and pray for them. Help us see the path to peace with each other. Grant us wisdom and Grace in warning the lazy and in strengthening the timid and caring for the weak.

May we constantly see Jesus and hear him saying, "Father forgive them...", of those who nailed Him to the cross. Cause that fruit, patieince, we so carelessly mock, to flow through us in all our dealings with others.

Fill us with Your Joy. Remind us when we allow anything to cover it up. Cause it to be evident in our lives. Remind us to pray instead of worrying. At all times remind us to count our blessings.

Father forgive us for grieving your Holy Spirit. We yield to you today. Speak to us and grant us clarity of thought. Keep us from evil and make us Holy in every way.

We praise You that we can trust You in all areas of our lives.

In Christ our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

The path to Joy & a definition.

John 15:1 "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 3 You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples
. This brings great glory to my Father. 9 "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Keep in mind, joy is a part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), so if the Holy Spirit is in you, joy is in you.
In John 15:1-11 Jesus offers the path to that Joy, or if you will, the way to unlock what God has placed in you through His Spirit.

Strong's defines the Greek word "chara" for joy this way:
"Cheerfulness, that is, calm delight: - gladness..."

After looking at many other passages and definitions I have formed my own definition for Christian Joy: Calm delightful confidence in my Creator, God and Lord.

Today abide in Christ and His Word. And may your Joy be full.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Joy because of His heart.

Psalm 2:1 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?  How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,  with sorrow in my heart every day?  How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!  Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. 4 Don't let my enemies gloat, saying, "We have defeated him!"  Don't let them rejoice at my downfall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love.  I will rejoice because you have rescued me. 6 I will sing to the Lord  because he is good to me. (NLT)

My wife put these words on our kitchen wall, "When you can't see God's hand, trust His heart." Read verse 5 again. It says His love is unfailing.

Dear brothers & precious sisters, rejoice because He has saved your soul. Sing because He is good to you. When you begin to do these things you will sense His joy. It may be in small ways at first, but continue to praise Him. Continue to rejoice in His goodness and continue to sing about His goodness.

Today "Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done."

I count you among my blessings.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Joy inexpressible!

1Peter 1:2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  May God give you more and more grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 5 And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see. 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 8 You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. (NLT)

How are you handling the trials of life? The fiery trials you face test your faith.

I'm reminded of Yukon Cornelius on Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. He would toss his pick-ax into the air and then test it for gold by licking it. Now whether one can taste gold or not Yukon's reaction was always the same, "Nothin'".

You either have gone through trials, are in one right now or soon will face one. If God were to speak out about the results of your fiery test what would be the conclusion? "Nothin'?"

Do you take Peter's suggestion above and look forward to the joy ahead? Vs 6. Do you rejoice in your salvation with inexpressible joy?

Can you, do you believe Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Today focus on the joy ahead and let that guide you into inexpressible joy now, no matter what you are going through.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Joy

Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. (NLT)

If you are a child of God His Holy Spirit is at work in you. Romans 8:9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

Part of the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is Joy. Paul tells us to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. He produces joy, if we are to follow Him we should allow that joy to rise to the surface of our attitude. We should allow joy to be one of the buffers in our responses.

I believe it was Warren Wiersbe who I first heard say, "Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Jesus who is the same yesterday, today and forever." In other words, our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, rather firmly planted in our immutable God and the assurance of the promises of God in Christ. 2Cor 1:20 For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding "Yes!" And through Christ, our "Amen" (which means "Yes") ascends to God for his glory.

The fruit is there for the picking. It is a by-product of the Holy Spirit, so joy in Christ. Rejoice!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

A Prayer for us!

Isaiah 40:10 Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.  He will rule with a powerful arm.  See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.  He will carry the lambs in his arms,holding them close to his heart.  He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. 12 Who else has held the oceans in his hand?  Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers?Who else knows the weight of the earth  or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? 13 Who is able to advise the Spirit of the Lord?  Who knows enough to give him advice or teach him? 14 Has the Lord ever needed anyone's advice?  Does he need instruction about what is good?Did someone teach him what is right  or show him the path of justice? 15 No, for all the nations of the world  are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more  than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth  as though it were a grain of sand. 16 All the wood in Lebanon's forests  and all Lebanon's animals would not be enough  to make a burnt offering worthy of our God. 17 The nations of the world are worth nothing to him.  In his eyes they count for less than nothing—  mere emptiness and froth.

Oh Great and powerful sovereign God,

In the midst of this passage about Your Greatness is a single verse describing Your care for Your sheep. Wow! The God who created it all will care for us like a loving shepherd cares for his sheep. Thank You, Father!

Today, fill us with the knowledge of Your constant watch care. Open our eyes that we will see You at work around and in us. Increase our faith to trust You fully. Forgive us for failing to yield to Your Holy Spirit in the past. Re-sensitize us that we may feel, hear, see and know His loving guidance.

In Christ Our Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Earthquake or a whisper?

1Kings 19:11 "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

What makes us think that God wll be seen in us if approach unbelievers like a human earthquake, storm or fire?

Pro 15:4a Gentle words are a tree of life; 

Today ask the Father to remind you to be gentle in all your dealings with others.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Like Gentle Showers

Deut 32:1 "Listen, O heavens, and I will speak!  Hear, O earth, the words that I say! 2 Let my teaching fall on you like rain;  let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass,  like gentle showers on young plants. 3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord;  how glorious is our God! 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.  Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! (NLT)

Take a moment to re-read the above passage. As you do follow the instructions in vs 2.

How great is our God, how precious His Word.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Gentleness

1Peter 3:13 Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't worry or be afraid of their threats. 15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. (NLT)

Look at this part again, 15b "And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16a But do this in a gentle and respectful way."

The scripture has a great deal to say about being gentle. Gentleness is even one of the fruits of the Spirit. Yet we make heroes of tough, get the job done no matter who gets hurt in the process type people.

In sharing our faith Peter tells us to be gentle. We cannot force anyone to become a believer. If we live in such a way that our "hope" shows others will want to know about that. They may not receive it, but they won't be able to deny its authenticity in our lives.

Today live like the Hope of Heaven really is yours. Live gently as if Christ really is in charge. Show His gentleness to others and be prepared to share that hope.

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

This day!

Psalm 118:19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter,  and I will go in and thank the Lord. 20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord,  and the godly enter there. 21 I thank you for answering my prayer  and giving me victory! 22 The stone that the builders rejected  has now become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord's doing,  and it is wonderful to see. 24 This is the day the Lord has made.  We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Praise God! He has made Jesus Christ the corner stone. Through Christ we have the victory, even in this day for He has made this day along with everything else. He is God and we can trust Him.

REJOICE!!!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

Friend of God

Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. 6 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be
willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. 11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. (NLT)

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for sending your Son to take our place in death that we might have life abundant. How much more abundant could it be than to be called the children of God and the friends of God?

On this day that we remember the death of your Son, may we be encouraged to live more fervently for You.

In Christ, our Savior and Lord, AMEN!

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr

I'm dead.

Sorry for missing yesterday. I had a wonderful, but necessary interruption in my day. I got to baby sit my oldest grandson for a couple of hours.

2Cor 5:14 Either way, Christ's love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

The 83 year old man rolled over and touched his aged wife's face. She said, "Don't touch me, I'm dead."
He said, "Why would you say that and how could you say that if you are dead?"
She replied, "I woke up an hour ago and nothing hurts this morning. I must be dead."

Today dwell on these questions. Have I died to my old life? Do I still live for me? Am I really living for Christ who died and was raised for me?

Love in Christ,
Steve Sherwood Sr