5/9/2013 A Fresh Perspective

Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

It's interesting - I've received this verse multiple times over the past few weeks as my verse to write about for the day. I think God is trying to get my attention! Thanks for joining me as we take a deeper look.

Lord, please give us ears to hear your Word for us today. What is it that you want each of us to take away and put into practice today? How do we live today with our eyes focused on You? Amen.

A number of analogies come to mind today, as usual, but I don't think God wants me to compare His word today to something I've already experienced in my walk with Him. He keeps giving me this piece of scripture, so I really need to stop and see what else it contains.

"So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it." Wow. Okay, so I need to take a heart stand on if I'm seriously committing to honoring this New Identity I've been given in Christ. Where does my heart stand? My head get it, knows what it means to live a new life and have new actions, but does my heart follow through? Delton spoke a few weeks ago about a 10-second rule - if a "New Action" is prompted from me by the Holy Spirit, then I need to act on it in 10-seconds or chances are good that I will overthink it away. This applies to not only big things, but little things - saying hello to a neighbor, giving a word of kindness to my children when they are frustrated - loving my husband in the midst of his busy day in a way that he least expects. Sharing a blessing with a friend who is desperately searching for God in the midst of a life of tough stuff. Big AND little things.

"Pursue things over which Christ presides." So if I am ACTING like it, how will I know if my actions are of the Holy Spirit? Because they stem from the ways of Christ. What are those ways? All through the New Testament we can find explanations, but we can always also go directly to the source by watching how Jesus lived and taught. Spending some time in the Gospels and absorbing Jesus words will give me clarity.

"Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you." Oh, I'm so glad that Christ opens up my vision. If that didn't happen, I don't think I would want to simply live what I see right in front of me. It can be so....small. And sometimes it contains a great deal of hurt, frustration, confusion, and loneliness.

"Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is." When I expand my field of vision, I see so much more. I see the beauty of Creation in my natural environment. I see the love of Christ in the people around me. I find the peace of the Holy Spirit and the long-term outcome in the difficult spots.

"See things from his perspective." Keeping my head up and seeing the world in focus from His perspective opens my heart to more grace, mercy, and opportunities to BE like Christ - to live and act from my New Identity - than I ever thought possible. What can I do? How can I do it? What's really cool is that through His perspective, I don't get tired. I mean - sure - this is hard work. And yes, I need rest to continue. But I don't get weary from doing the New Actions. I get energized, excited, and hungry for more.

I think that's it - that's what He wanted me to see today - that He wants me to be hungry for MORE. MORE of Him and less of me. MORE of the person He created me to be, gifted me to be, "passioned" me to be and less of me in control with my head looking down.

I think I'm "getting it" a bit better yet again with another reading of this verse, Lord. Thank you for not ever giving up on me. Please continue to lead me on this journey. Amen

Lisa

5.8.13 "Knowing What You Have!"

Welcome to the POG Blog! Glad you are here!

Today's scripture is: Ephesians 1 ¹⁸ I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

I love when Paul prays.  He is letting us in on his heart for the Ephesian Christians.   He has deep desires for them.  His prayer in some sense casts vision for where they are moving spiritually.

He prays for them to KNOW  - Hope,  Riches and Power

Notice Paul is already confident that these things are theirs - he is praying that they might "KNOW" what they already have!

This reminds me of old Aggie joke. (Sorry Aggies!) The Aggie came into the hardware store to return a chainsaw he had previously purchased with the complaint, "You said this saw could cut three cords of wood a day.  I have worked hard all day and only cut a half a cord!"  "Well" the store attendant replied, "Let me check it out for you to see what is wrong!" The attendant took the saw, pull the rope and the engine started as designed!  The Aggie jumped back exclaiming, "What's that noise?"

He didn't "know" the power he held in his hands.  He was just working real hard - but never started the engine- never accessed the power!

Read the prayer again.  Jesus has already purchased and won Hope, Spiritual Riches and Power with our name on it - Paul is praying that we might come to "know" what is already ours!

It's like several months ago I was helping my son do a deep clean of his room and discovered a birthday card from grandma behind his desk.  It had $40 in it!  It was over a year old.

He had riches - and didn't "know" it!

I am more and more convinced that God has already provided abundantly for all that I need to live fully alive for Him everyday.  He deeply desires that I come to know it - and in knowing it to act like it.  That I sense is living by faith.  To live like God and His promises are real.

I hope this truth oozes throughout my being today and infiltrates every moment, every thought and every action!

I get to discover (know) all the resources (hope,riches, power) God has already purchased for me to live exceptionally alive today!  That makes today sort of an adventure into the love and presence of God.

What about you?  How does this "knowing thing" grab you today? How about a day of getting to know what is already yours?

Enjoy!

delton

5.7.13 "Knowing God Better!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! Today's scripture reading is short - it is kind of a set up for the next several days readings.

Ephesians 1 ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ¹⁷ I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

Several years ago I was reading a book on prayer that since has become one of my all time favorites - Richard Fosters, Prayer:Finding the Heart's True Home!  I was reading along and dropped down to a footnote that read something like this, "You may have noticed in this book I have included chapters on all kinds of ways to pray and yet not included a chapter on knowing the will of God for your life - even though that is one of the most often felt needs to go to God in prayer.  I have done this because knowing God's will for your life is not a separate category of prayer.  The key to knowing God's will is simply to get to know God better - then you will know His will!"

That statement strikes me as uniquely now as I repeat it to you as it did the day I read it.  I think God was calling me on that day to begin a journey to seek to know Him not just His will.  This scripture takes me back to that day!  I am realizing that when I am seeking to know His will without just getting to know Him I am still in charge of the journey.  Paul's is praying in this text that a guy like me would receive a wisdom and revelation so that I might know God - not just about God.

This scripture calls me back to relationship with Jesus!  It calls me back to spending time with God in prayer, His word and just reflecting on His presence and my need for Him as I go about my day.  God is calling me out in this verse to not look for short cuts to godliness or the good life - there is only one path - knowing God through Jesus by the power of His Spirit.

So today - I get to "know God better"! I get to access the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I can know God better - for I have never lived this day with Him before and my hunch is He has got some stuff to show me this day through which I will know Him better!

It is going to be a good day - a "getting to know God better day!"

How does all this strike you?

What is your "knowing God" journey like?  What has it been like?  How do you deal with the "know God vs. know His will thing?

Let's talk!

Enjoy!

delton

5.6.13 "A GIFT in the way of Jesus!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! Notice the scripture today and how it flows with the theme of being God's "authorized agents" in our world!

John 20 ¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders,Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” ²⁰ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

²¹ Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³ If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

So Jesus has just risen from the dead earlier on the day recorded above.  It is evening and He appears to His disciples who were scared, worried, dismayed, confused and Jesus-less.  He appears to them and speaks short succinct sentences!  He is doing His Jesus thing.  And at the heart of His "Jesus thing" is "giving"!  He comes giving - its a Jesus thing.  He brings what they need the most - Peace -Power and Purpose - to do what He has taught them to do.  The disciples were now to go into the world "giving"  - literally being gifts to a broken world.  "As the Father sent me - so I send you!"

That is an amazing sentence - "As the Father sent Me so I send you!"  That is an awe inspiring calling and empowerment.  Jesus was sent as and divine gift to a fallen broken world.  Jesus came to bring restoration and wholeness by making a restored life with  God possible.  Jesus is now sending His disciples as "gifts" just as He was sent.

It gives me a great sense of purpose and identity today as I consider myself a "gift" from God to the world of people I live with - a gift in the way of Jesus!  I have the authority and commissioning to be a "gift in the way of Jesus" in my little corner of the world.

Last night my wife had a terrible sinus headache that woke her up during the night.  It was one of those debilitating kinds of headaches so she woke me up to help her get some medicine to take.  I remember  thinking "I don't want to wake up!  Can't she read the bottle on her own!" (I am not proud of those thoughts - but they just happen)  THEN some of the words from yesterday's message came to mind.  "We have the authority to say "No" to sin and "YES" to righteousness.  I remember my half asleep mind say "YES! YES! YES!"  Their was some power and authority in that mental conversation that moved me out of the state of negotiation into the place of "doing a good thing".  I got up and figured the medicine thing out for my wife.

Now I realize I was not doing anything exceptional here but I do believe I am called to be a "gift in the way of Jesus" to the world around me.  I  have missed way too many opportunities be who I really am "a gift in the way of Jesus"!

This is an aspect of my new identity in Christ!  I am a "gift in the way of Jesus!"  Now I get to live like who I am!

What do you think about being "a gift in the way of Jesus" to the people and world you live in? How does this identity affect how you live today?

Enjoy being the "gift" you are!

delton

5.4.13 "Saturday's Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog!

Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Today’s Scripture Reading is : Psalm 1

¹ Happy are those     who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread,     or sit in the seat of scoffers; ² but their delight is in the law of the Lord,     and on his law they meditate day and night. ³ They are like trees     planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season,     and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.

⁴ The wicked are not so,     but are like chaff that the wind drives away. ⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,     nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; ⁶ for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,     but the way of the wicked will perish.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you through this Scripture today?

5.3.13 "Looking at the Vine!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! Let's pray!

Lord, I come to you now to be restored in You, to be renewed in You to receive Your life and Your love and all the grace and mercy I so desperately need this day.  I give You my life today, the good and the not so good, I surrender myself and my agenda to You Jesus and I ask You to restore me in You and renew me in You today!  Amen

The text for today is from John 15!

John 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

On Sunday we talked about the fruit of the Spirit-led life.  In this passage we see Jesus using the same metaphor of fruit.  I can just see Jesus walking through a garden with His disciples, seeing a grapevine and building this incredible teaching out of a simple nature metaphor.

We are the branches in the picture.  Notice our job!  We are to "remain in Jesus" like a branch remains in the vine.  The fruit is not our job - it is the result.  The key is remaining in Jesus!  Everything flows from there!  It may sound simple and to some degree it is - "remain in Jesus"!  It is a big job in many ways.  There are so many things and people and situations that cry out with a loud voice "remain in me", "no, remain in me", "no, over here remain in me"!

What are those voices in your life?

I think in my life - worry, anxiety, mind-numbing entertainment, a morning news program, maybe even a book, fear of failure, negative thinking ... ... ... all kinds of things can cry out to me, "remain in me!"

So today I get to hear Jesus say (above all the other voices), "REMAIN IN ME!!!"

The prayer at the top of the page is a helpful tool for me to "remain in Jesus"!  I try to pray it often and slow!

Enjoy!

delton

How does this amazing passage grab you today?

5.2.13 "From a Slave to a Daughter"

Today’s Scripture is:  Galatians 4:4-7     (MSG)

^4-7 But when the time arrived that was set by God the Father, God sent his Son, born among us of a woman, born under the conditions of the law so that he might redeem those of us who have been kidnapped by the law. Thus we have been set free to experience our rightful heritage. You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as his own children because God sent the Spirit of his Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

Do you ever get totally exhausted with fighting the flesh?  My flesh is so strong, sometimes I feel like I’m losing the battle.  So the words “redeem”, “set free”, “rightful heritage”, “fully adopted”, and  “not a slave” are so powerful for me in this passage.    What on earth (literally) would I have to look forward to without the promise of freedom through Christ?  Freedom to cry out to a  Dad who will help me fight the battle, encourage me, forgive me and strengthen me to do better even  after I fail.   I have no right to claim any inheritance after how I behave most of the time – and yet because I am a child of His and He loves me, I receive….I inherit.   This is my identity…an identity that is secure, simply because I believe in a God that has set me free.  How humbling and amazing is that?

I also think of Samantha, a young 22 year old girl who is like a daughter to me.  She grew up in multiple foster homes from the time she was 6 years old until she graduated from high school – and then she was on her own.  Samantha is just now coming to know who Jesus is and what He means for her life… but can you imagine the good news for her in this?  Knowing that she has a real Father in heaven that has adopted her and loves her for who she is… for the first time ever?  Because of this identity she has in Christ now, her current life situation (unmarried, food stamps, no drivers license, challenging living situation) does NOT DEFINE her.  Christ defines her!   And she can live a “hope-filled” life because part of her inheritance is the peace, strength, power, authority, and wisdom that she is receiving right NOW from God as her loving heavenly Father!

We have an inheritance that we can claim now because of our access to the Father.  He’s ready to give it to us freely.  We need to not think of ourselves as slaves any longer, but accept the inheritance of all the gifts He wants to give us now… before the final inheritance of life with Him forever!  He’s not going to adopt us and leave us… He wants a relationship and intimate conversation with us now.  He wants us to live life fully and with the authority and power that comes from having God as our Dad!   That identity is so humbling, yet so freeing and exciting.  It is for me… and I know it is for Samantha…..  how about you?

Father, thank you for adopting me, for sending your Spirit to live in me, and for giving me the privilege of intimate conversations with you.   Thank you for changing my identity from a slave to a daughter and for giving me an inheritance beyond my wildest imagination or worthiness.   Help me Lord to never take that for granted and to live in it fully!    I love you,  Amen.

What are your thoughts for today?  I would love to hear!

Denise

5.1.13 Secure

Galatians 3:26-29You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Msg: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe – Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise. In Christ’s family there can be no division into Jew and non-Jew, slave and free, male and female. Among us you are all equal. That is, we are all in a common relationship with Jesus Christ. Also, since you are Christ’s family, then you are Abraham’s famous “descendant,” heirs according to the covenant promises.

When I pondered today’s reading two thoughts kept popping into my mind.

First, this section of Scripture makes me feel secure.

To be “somebody” by the world’s standards is measured by how much money we have, what we “do” for a living, what car we drive, how thin we are, the clothes we wear, our hair style, the square footage of our homes, where we vacation, etc.    We will never be “good enough” because there will always be someone wealthier, with a better car, bigger house, nicer clothes, and more toys.  I feel so insecure compared to the world’s definition of “somebody.”

According to the measuring sticks provided by the world – I am nothing but a poor, middle-aged woman, whose wardrobe is out of style, with ugly hair, living in a shack, driving a jalopy, and badly in need of liposuction and a facelift.

By God’s standards, because of Jesus Christ, I am perfect!  I am Somebody!  I am equal to the First Lady, I am a bazillionaire, I am free, and am on a first-name basis with the God of the Universe!

The second thing I pondered is how awesome to realize that when God promised Abraham descendents more numerous than the stars in the sky – that He was talking about you and me!   We are famous descendants of Abraham!  Now, for all of you who have had genealogies and ancestries done – tracing back your family tree – just bask in that reality for a moment – you are also a descendant of Abraham!  And we are heirs to the covenant promise of the God of the Universe!

So -  take that, world!  We can walk with our heads held high –heirs– with wealth beyond the riches of this world – secure in the promise that we are sons and daughters of the Most High!

Now,doesn't THIS good news just make your day?

-dawn

4.30.2013 OLD IDENTITY-Impatient & Angry….. NEW IDENTITY-Patient & IT’S IN HIS HANDS

BEFORE WE GET STARTED, LET’S ALL FOCUS ON OUR FATHER, SEEKING HIM & THEN PRAY FOR A CLEAR MIND & SPIRIT AS WE CONTINUE TO RID OURSELVES OF OUR OLD IDENTITY & ACTIONS & MOVE TOWARDS OUR NEW IDENTITY, NEW ACTIONS & RECEIVE HIS WORD. Galatians 5:22-26

New Living Translation (NLT)

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.

Wow!  GOD always has a way of hitting home.  Cindy & I were out of town yesterday, so we missed the message.  But Sunday night our small group study dealt with Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes & whether money, success, women etc. offered joy, love, peace etc.  We discussed how none of this satisfied Solomon & life was meaningless.  Many of us in the small group could relate.

Then I discover that I am supposed to write the Blog on Galatians 5:22-26.  I go to my Bible & see that it is completely marked up & highlighted.  It related to the same thing that we had discussed & confessed in our small group.  My old identity is convicted.

My old identity was/is not patient, kind, gentle or peaceful; nor was/is it satisfying.  I admit that I have not always shown the joy, love, self control that being in the Spirit provides.  Many of you that know me know that  patience has not been/is not 1 of my virtues.

I also remember my wife asking me a while back why I was angry all of the time.  I did not know that I was angry, but because I was not satisfied I could not enjoy the life that GOD surrounded me with.  I realized that I was not enjoying the fruits of the Spirit, nor the love of Jesus Christ.  I figured out that I was getting up, going to work, coming home, working out, eating dinner, watching TV & going to bed so that I would be ready to do it again tomorrow.

I have since started praying & asking GOD to give me patience, love, joy, peace & satisfaction in my life.  I continually thank HIM for being patient with me, even though I have not always been patient with others, or HIM.

I am developing my new identity.  Is it complete-No Definitely Not (ask my wife).  It is an ongoing process.  But through this developing new identity, I am acting different (I think, I hope).  I have placed my life in GOD’s hands.  If I am struggling with finances at work, I pray that GOD provides.  I stress over how I am going to meet my bills & guess what, HE provides.

I am sometimes a slow learner.  This leaving it in GOD’s Hands is a process that I have by no means perfected.  I have come a long way, but I have a long way to go.  I don’t know why I am always surprised when GOD comes through for me.  HE tells me if I am faithful, HE will be faithful & provide the fruits of the Spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control.

HE has done that for me (when I have let HIM).  I can’t do it myself.  It is HIS plan, HIS agenda & HIS (not mine) timeframe.

Any of this resonate with you?  Do you have any of these same struggles?  I would love to hear from you.

Blessings & Love,

Jerry

4.29.13 So what does it mean to “live by the Spirit” and how do I do it?

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.  For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:  sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.  I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Galatians 5:15-21 NIV

Paul makes it sounds so simple here.  If you live by the Spirit, the problem of sin is conquered…right?  So what does it mean to “live by the Spirit” and how do I do it?  Yesterday, Pastor suggested that we do this not by “acting right”, but by finding our identity in Christ.  He said that who we believe ourselves to be determines how we will actually live.  This I can understand. 

I find myself often writing about work on these blogs…so here I go again.  Last week I was away at a national sales meeting in Las Vegas. This is a time when all of the sales reps, VP’s and home office people come together to hone skills, politic, and show case (show off) their talent. I have said before, that I have the hardest time living out my faith when I am at work.  This could not have been more true of last week. 

Before I left on Monday, I prayed to God that I would represent him well. That I would act like someone who called Christ “Lord”….knowing that I would fail on some level once I was immersed in such a worldly environment.

When I read the list of acts associated with the sinful nature…discord, jealousy, selfish ambitions, and dissensions, I realize that these are the words that characterized many of my thoughts and some of my behaviors at my meeting.  I found myself complaining about everything that was wrong with my company and frustrated by the lack of recognition I was getting.  By Wednesday I was feeling like a big failure at being a good Christian.  Once again I had let God down.  Is this what it means to be “under the law”?

Then something cool happened.  While at dinner on Wednesday night, a lady that I work with (I’ll call her Lisa) tearfully opened up to me about her struggle with Celiac disease.    Lisa had a tough upbringing, but had overcome hardships through hard work and determination.  Her identity was in being that one person who never ran out of energy.  She could maintain a demanding but lucrative job and still be supermom.  Celiac had robbed her of that.  It seemed to me that she was grieving the loss of her old identity…..so….I found it the perfect opportunity to open the door to a conversation about Jesus, and what it’s like to live with identity in Him.  And we agreed to get together again soon and talk more! 

The reason I am bringing this up here, is after I left her that night and went to my room, instead of feeling condemned (like I did before our talk), I felt love, joy, and peace…..what’s promised when we live by the Spirit!  I remember feeling so loved by my Father. Even though I had not behaved perfectly at my meeting, He still found me worthy to share testimony with others.  I still belong to Him.  Why do I so often forget this and live as one “under the law”?

Jesus, next week help me remember who I am.  I am loved and I am yours. I pray that with that knowledge I will “bear fruit” instead of managing my behavior.  I love you!  I love you! I love you!!!

Erin 

4.27.13 "Saturday's Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog!

Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Today’s Scripture Reading is : Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation—     whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—     of whom shall I be afraid?

² When the wicked advance against me     to devour^[a] me, it is my enemies and my foes     who will stumble and fall. ³ Though an army besiege me,     my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,     even then I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord,     this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord     all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord     and to seek him in his temple. ⁵ For in the day of trouble     he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent     and set me high upon a rock.

⁶ Then my head will be exalted     above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;     I will sing and make music to the Lord.

⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord;     be merciful to me and answer me. ⁸ My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”     Your face, Lord, I will seek. ⁹ Do not hide your face from me,     do not turn your servant away in anger;     you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me,     God my Savior. ¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me,     the Lord will receive me. ¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord;     lead me in a straight path     because of my oppressors. ¹² Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,     for false witnesses rise up against me,     spouting malicious accusations.

¹³ I remain confident of this:     I will see the goodness of the Lord     in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait for the Lord;     be strong and take heart     and wait for the Lord.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you through this Scripture today?

4.26.2013 "Living our Identity in Christ!"

Happy Friday!  Before you continue reading, I encourage you to take a few moments to ask God to clear your mind and heart of anything that would get in the way of concentrating on what God might want you to hear from Him today.  May He bless your meditation! John 14:15 – 17; 25 – 27

¹⁵ “If you love me, keep my commands. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Delton has been preaching in this series about the difference between changing behavior based on Consequences vs. Identity.  We all know that real change in behavior does not come about based on Consequences.  Verse 15 hits it on the head because love for God comes straight out of our Identity.  It is saying, “If love for God is who you are, then keep God’s commands”.

Think about the people you know who have radically changed in terms of their behavior.  Was it because of a sudden appreciation for and fear of Consequences?  More likely is that there was a realization that that behavior did not really fit their Identity.

As you go through your day today, I encourage you to concentrate on who you really ARE (Identity) as opposed to what might happen (Consequences).  Remember, YOU are a child of God through Jesus Christ.  Now let’s go live like it!

mark

4.25.2013 "You cannot start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one!"

Romans 8: 12-16 The Message ^12-14 So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

^15-17 This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!

While I am reading today’s Scripture my mind is jumping all over the place regarding what to share. I chose The Message version of this Scripture because of the words – they feel like words I would use, they speak so clearly to me that my thoughts are running rampant with ideas.

First, I am so in love with verses 12-14 “So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!”

Think about that! Giving your old self a burial and getting on with your new life! How can we go through life carrying so much baggage with us? It’s time to cut the ties to our baggage and get on with our new life. God has forgiven us for our transgressions so why do we continue to hold ourselves accountable for our mistakes? We have NEW life! We have new opportunities to explore, we have new ground to cover,  we have excitement, adventure and a joyful existence in store for us! So let’s start there! How about joining me in an exercise today… Let’s write an obituary for the person we were – a physical way of disconnecting from the past. It’s my reminder, the past is gone, I don’t answer to that person anymore, and my new life awaits. And it’s a glorious life!

Remember: You cannot start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one!

Next, “This resurrection life  you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are.”

Now is the time to be bold, to be adventurous and expectant. To REALLY experience life! Maybe we procrastinate, or maybe we’re lazy, or maybe we don’t think that what God has planned is going to be exciting enough, or maybe we’re afraid that it’s going to be too exciting and might push us out of our comfort zone. But can you imagine the possibilities? Close your eyes and work your imagination…. What could you do if you weren't afraid of leaving your front doorstep, not being prepared, feeling inadequate, making eye contact with a stranger? If there was no fear in your life would you explore a new place in the city? Would you travel more? Would you join a club where you didn’t know anyone yet? Would you take up a new hobby? Would you go skydiving? When we’re not afraid to take those types of risks, God is able to use us in ways we can’t imagine – That new place in the city might be feeding homeless in the park, the travelling might be to a mission field in Africa, that club might open social opportunities to share your testimony to someone going through a similar struggle, that hobby might be knitting and now that you are knitting, you can visit a nursing home and sit and knit and talk with the elderly, going skydiving may be the opportunity to pray for everyone that’s jumping who might be afraid and prayer might be just what they need.

When we’re obedient and we use our gifts and we rely on God to be in control, these situations we were once afraid to explore can end up being the most amazing times of our lives. We may not see it at first (that’s the flesh talking!), but when we surrender our ways and go with God, we are so abundantly blessed and we GET the opportunity to bless others, to share the “secret to a happy life” – GOD.

Lastly, there isn't anything here saying our new life is going to be easy! But “If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him!” And don’t you know that the Good Times with God are the Best Times we can ever experience? Life will not be dull when we surrender it to Him fully and are open to really living for Him. Be bold friends.

Abba, Father, thank You for every day of life. Thank You for giving us another chance to live life with You. Please grant us boldness to go out into the world in our new selves and live the life You have gifted us. Nothing to hold us back, no more restraints on ourselves, we live for You. I love you Papa. Amen

Toni

04.24.13 - House guests...

Please begin with prayer for an open heart, before you read the passage below. Romans 8:9-11 – ⁹ You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. ¹¹ If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

One Sunday, about 6 years ago, my wife and I were coming to worship at POG and heard that there were some guests there that knew us.  We have both spent chunks of time doing mission work in Mexico and we were really close to a Pastor in Rio Bravo, right across from McAllen.  It turns out that the Pastor’s nephew, his wife, and a friend (with no papers) made their way to Austin to find work and knew there were connections at POG.  Well, after figuring out the story, my wife and I decided that they could stay at our place.

At that point, we lived in an 1,100 sq. ft., two-bedroom condo.  Thankfully, this was before kids, but it was still cramped living quarters for the few weeks they were with us.  We could get by with our Spanish then and the girl spoke a little English, but things were still lost in translation. The married couple used our guest bedroom and the single guy crashed on our 30 year-old couch.  I remember waking up for work and having to be quiet because I didn’t want to wake-up the guy snoring and drooling on my couch.  I remember coming home from work and there being grease all over our stove from the meals they would cook.

My wife and I engaged in an almost continuous conversation during this time---what was going well (which was basically they had a roof over their heads), what was next, how do we function now, and then how do we communicate healthy boundaries/expectations, while still attempting to be gracious and understanding of their situation.  It was challenging---these new guests radically altered our way of life.

The first and last verses in this passage talk about ‘through His Spirit who dwells in you’.  The verb for ‘dwells’ is similar to living inside or moved in and made me think of our Mexican friends staying with us and the impact it had on daily life.  Paul is appealing to the Roman Christians that their lives will be forever changed because of the new ‘houseguest’ and they are to live according to the Spirit’s reign.  This Spirit is the same that raised Christ from the dead (that’s incredible to wrap our minds around!!) and now indwells us and guides us.  If this were true, you would think there would be a change in our attitudes, speech, thoughts, relationships, daily activities, etc. that would be evident to all!

The new ‘houseguest’ is evidence of our conversion and a confirmation of our faith.  Galatians 5:16-26 talks about the evidence of the sinful nature and the fruits of the Spirit.  There is a tension between these, since our sinful nature is not eliminated until after death, but the Spirit will always produce fruit over time, if He lives in you.  According to Paul and the whole of the Bible, if there is no evidence of fruit from the Spirit, then we need to step back and assess whether we have faith.  Romans 8:9 states that ‘if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.’  So, Conversion = Receive Spirit = Fruit Production and No Fruit = No Spirit = No Conversion.

I think this change takes place over time, as we are disciple by the Spirit, but there is always change.  We are not called to compare our fruit to others or judge others fruit, but if our lives are no different than the rest of the world, it brings to question whether the Spirit really lives inside us.

Let us humbly receive our identity as children of God, walk in step with the Spirit, and allow Him to reign over our lives.  Identity always moves into action and the Spirit always produces fruit!!

Does the Spirit offer you confirmation of your faith or does this cause you to question your faith?  Have you seen a change over time in your life, because of your faith?    Do you compare your ‘fruits’ with people around you?  I would love to hear your journey and how this passage impacted you.

mike

4.23.2013 "Are you being true to your identity in Christ?"

Romans 8:1,5-8 8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Unusual weather we’re having isn’t it?  Summer one day, winter the next.  A friend of mine who gardens explained how he and his son rushed to cover some plants and veggies they had planted to protect it from the unexpected cold temperatures and light frost.   Had they not done so those plants and veggies would have been lost, condemned to the unexpected hard freeze.  This conversation is what came to my mind when I read the first lines of the Scripture passage for today.   Like those plants and veggies we are covered, shielded by the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, no longer condemned to the coldness of sin and death.   That is very good news.   But, after giving us this good news, Paul warns that there will indeed be more unexpected freezes and cold nights.   He challenges us to believe that, like my friend, our GOD will always arrive in time to cover us over and over again.  This is not easy because we often do not think and live like we are covered or that we have a GOD that will always protect us in the face of the unexpected cold and frozen nights ahead.

Reading the entire passage for the day I am reminded of a time years ago when, as an unmarried couple my future wife and I decided to live together.   This was not a very popular thing to do at the time and obviously not very popular with our parents.   It turned out to be some of the most miserable months of my life.   Nothing seemed to go right, work, school, even the relationship suffered though we loved each other deeply.  I would later attribute these issues to the absence of a real commitment.  Even though the love was there, it just wasn't enough.   But this Scripture passage and the Pastor’s recent sermon messages reveal the faultiness of our thinking.   We tried to live as something (married) that we were not.   Without claiming the identity of marriage we could not act the part, no matter how hard we tried.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires;

You would think that marriage then would solve all those problems.  Guess again.   One of the worst disagreements my wife and I ever had was when shortly after we were married several of my single friends stopped by for a visit and a party broke out.   Oops!  Just that quick I forgot my new identify (husband) and tried to act like something I was not, single.

So was GOD there for us?   Not to worry.   Through his mercy and grace GOD covered my wife and I through all our messes and not just through a few cold nights…how about more than 30 years’ worth!

¹Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,…

How about you?  Are you being true to your identity?  The songwriter said, “I know that my REDEEMER lives!”   Do you?  If so, will you act like it today?

Jim L.

4.22.2013 "Abiding in Christ's Freedom!"

John 8: 31-32:  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” My scripture notes tell me that to “abide” means to continue believing in and continue obeying.  So, if we believe in and obey His word, then we are His disciples….then we will understand the truth….and that truth will set us free.

I am always drawn to the final phrase from verse 32, “the truth will set you free.”  That sounds good, and it seems consistent with the language repeated many times throughout the New Testament.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17

“For freedom Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1

“Live as people who are free.”  1 Peter 2:16

As good as this sounds, my gut reaction is to ask for a little clarity on what this “freedom” refers to.  He’s not actually saying that life is easier if you’re a Christian, right?  But I flip back to Matthew 11 and read, “I will give you rest….For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11: 28-30) and again in 1 John, “His commands are not burdensome” (v. 3).

Seriously?

The diligent little legalist on my shoulder is chirping in my ear….’that’s not really true, and it doesn’t apply to you.  You were born a sinner, and you’ll always be a sinner.  Liar, cheater, lazy, divorced….that’s you, Jon.  If His “yoke is easy” why are you so terrible at carrying it?’

I’ve often felt like this “Christianity” thing is a really complicated game….full of so many rules that I’m constantly breaking them.  I want to do better, I really do.  But the last thing that I feel is “freedom” from my sin.  I want to know what the secret is…what it means to “abide in my word.”  Apparently that’s what it takes to get this mythical freedom.

I think that my confusion was somewhat valid.  I honestly did not know what to do.  But I also think that there is almost a universal belief that it is incredibly difficult to be a real Christian.  We believe that it’s too hard, and therefore many times we just don’t try.  G.K. Chesterton said “Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting, as it has been found difficult and left untried.”  I know that’s been the case with me.

I’m glad Mr. Chesterton has it all figured out…because I sure don’t.  But if there is one truth I’ve taken from my 30+ years of professing Christianity, it’s this:  When I step out onto the field, in the game of life, if I haven’t been “training” like a disciple, I won’t play (live) like one.  If I can take the sports analogy a bit further….I wouldn’t expect it to be easy to play like an athlete in a game if I hadn’t been practicing like an athlete prior to the game.  For me, it’s the same in my faith journey.  In pressure situations I will consistently fail to be Christ-like…unless I’ve been putting in my practice.  (through prayer, Scripture reading, service, etc.) That seems to be the only way for me to feel “free” from the bondage of sin.

Lord, please give me the will and the strength to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action I know to be right.  I know that I can’t behave “on the spot” like you if I live the rest of my life like a non believer.  Thank you for forgiving me when I fail, and loving me as I grow.  Bless me by making me more like you.  I love you.  Amen.

Jon

4.19.13 "Real Rescue!"

Welcome to the PoG Blog! As I write this I see a world in the midst of struggle!  Boston, West, bombs, explosions, shootouts! WOW!

The struggle between good and evil is a world wide one and a very personal one - even for Christ followers!  The world is in some sense "at war with itself" and a Christian is in a very real sense "at war with himself!"

Notice how the Apostle Paul struggles with "good and evil, right and wrong" even in the midst of his own being!

Romans 7

 ¹⁸ I know that nothing good lives in me; that is, nothing good lives in my corrupt nature. Although I have the desire to do what is right, I don’t do it. ¹⁹ I don’t do the good I want to do. Instead, I do the evil that I don’t want to do. ²⁰ Now, when I do what I don’t want to do, I am no longer the one who is doing it. Sin that lives in me is doing it.

²¹ So I’ve discovered this truth: Evil is present with me even when I want to do what God’s standards say is good. ²² I take pleasure in God’s standards in my inner being. ²³ However, I see a different standard at work throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin’s standards which still exist throughout my body. ²⁴ What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? ²⁵ I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me!

I like the way Paul describes the war that is going on inside of him.  Christ has given him a new identity that is in conflict with his old identity.  The old identity is trying to do what it wants to do - the new identity is trying to do what it wants to do.  The new identity wants to follow God's will the old identity wants to follow (in my case) delton's will.

Perhaps the most refreshing statement in the whole section is the last one.   "²⁴ What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body? ²⁵ I thank God that our Lord Jesus Christ rescues me!"

The reality is Jesus rescues me in the midst of this dilemma.  He comes in my war and rescues.  He doesn't sit on the sidelines and wait for me to figure out this "following Jesus thing" and then connects with me.  He "rescues" me.

Perhaps this is the key to living this very real Christ-life.  When I come into a relationship God through Jesus I enter an identity war.  I am a new creation with an old corrupt nature always trying to get the best of me.  How do I live through this?  I trust Jesus!  Pray to Jesus!  Follow Jesus!  Listen to Jesus!  Focus on Jesus! Obey Jesus! Seek Jesus - All day - Every day!

Who will rescue me?   JESUS!

Enjoy Jesus in the struggle today!

delton

What do you all think of feel about the struggle?  Let's talk!

4.18.2013 "Life in the Spirit"

Lord, send your Spirit to guide and direct out thoughts as we meditate on your word today. Galatians 5:13-17 (NIV)

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

Our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus has given us a new freedom.  The passage for today raises the question, how do we live in the new freedom that Jesus has secured for us.  Are we going to use it to destroy one another or to serve one another in love?  The text commands the way of love.  How is it possible to love one another while we continue to live in a world and in a body tainted by sin?

Paul is a great help here as he encourages us to keep our eyes on the internal conflict at the root of it all, the struggle between the sinful flesh and the Spirit of God.  While all of us suffer from this sinful nature, all of us are invited into a life in the power of the Spirit.

We have a choice!  We can choose to live either by the Spirit or by the sinful desires of our old nature.  Making the right choice is wrapped up in whom, or better, whose we are. It is about our new personal identity in Christ.  I love the way theologian N.T. Wright puts it in his commentary on this passage.  He writes, ‘It is a matter of where your true identity lies, where your deepest motivation comes from, and where the power that rules your life is really found.’

When our deepest motivations come from our new identity in Christ, powered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have this amazing power to live as Jesus guides and directs.  Each day as we walk with Jesus, He is there, guiding our steps and giving us everything we need to live a life pleasing to Him.  I praise and thank God each day for the new identity that I have in Him.  How about you?

Lord, thank you for this insightful passage.  Thank you that you have given each one of us a new identity.  Thanks you for your precious Spirit that enables us to walk not according to our sinful nature but according to your Holy Spirit.  Amen

John

4.16.2013 "Be Prepared for the Struggle!"

Father, only You truly know my heart.  Please empty it of ALL things that are not You.  Show me Your way, Your Words for this day.  Amen  

Good morning brothers and sisters. A brand new day, the light of day may not of appeared yet as you are reading this, but the one true Light is always ON!!!! Hallelujah!

Today’s reading is:

John 1:10-14   The Message (MSG)

9-13

The Life-Light was the real thing:

Every person entering Life

he brings into Light.

He was in the world,

the world was there through him,

and yet the world didn’t even notice.

He came to his own people,

but they didn’t want him.

But whoever did want him,

who believed he was who he claimed

and would do what he said,

He made to be their true selves,

their child-of-God selves.

These are the God-begotten,

not blood-begotten,

not flesh-begotten,

not sex-begotten.

14

The Word became flesh and blood,

and moved into the neighborhood.

We saw the glory with our own eyes,

the one-of-a-kind glory,

like Father, like Son,

Generous inside and out,

true from start to finish.

The title the Message gives to the first part of Chapter 1 of the book of John is “The Life-Light” explaining that Jesus came into existence as the Life, and the Life was Light to live by and also that the darkness COULDN’T PUT IT OUT. I wasn’t able to attend worship, but my husband did bring home the bulletin to me. I know it was Confirmation Sunday and also noticed on the front to the bulletin - Resurrection Life...The Reality of Struggle. Struggle, there’s that word, the one that represents so much heartache, hardship, etc. And then there was that wonderful image beneath the cross on the cover of the bulletin, showing blinding Light coming out of the tomb. (Dawn does such a great job at finding those images) All of this going through my head before I even start today’s scripture.

Today (writing blog Monday night) was a busy day as most days are. Joyous things like grandchildren, wonderful weather and praises from spending a weekend celebrating with sisters in Christ seeing God’s Blessings after years of struggles (there’s that word again). Hard things like keeping up with a 4 year old and 5 month old as a grandmother :), trying to truly follow Christ in this crazy world and then there are the heart-wrenching prayer needs including the bombs at the Boston Marathon that took the life of a little 8 yr old....

Verse 19 - The Life-Light was the REAL thing - Praise God that Jesus is real, He is the Truth, He is the conqueror of all - especially darkness, evil, Satan.  Thank You God that this scripture can be all about Hope if we believe and have faith in Jesus, our Life (new) - Light. If I wasn't writing this blog and reading the Word and listening for the Spirit, I know my night would be way different - right? He brings all good and TRUE things.

And that’s another word that rang clear in my heart tonight from this scripture - True.  He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. The ones who believed, that is -  Again Good News!!! Not our old yucky selves, but our unconditionally loved by God selves. Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. This scripture ends with reminding us that Christ will remain constant, true, to us into eternity.

There will always be disappointments, heart-wrenching struggles, I could go on and on. I cannot be totally without sin. Evil will remain a huge part of this world, BUUUUUUUT, I have a new identity because of the Risen Jesus Christ, who is my HOPE, He is my Life-Light for eternity and He promises His true love forever and ever to those who believe.

Oh, Father, I want to believe, I want to act, I want to believe.  Help me Jesus, through Your Spirit this day.  Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done!!!! Amen.

How do these verses speak to you?  What do you hear from the Spirit?

Love to all,

cindy

4.13.13 "Saturday Blog"

Welcome to the POG Blog! Instead of a staff person or lay leader beginning the discussion, we are asking that YOU begin the discussion on what today’s Scripture is saying to you and how it relates to Sunday’s message. Enjoy praying, digging in, sharing thoughts and responding!

Have a great Saturday!   Denise

Today’s Scripture Reading is : Psalm 100

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy^(A) to the Lord, all the earth. ²     Worship the Lord^(B) with gladness; come before him^(C) with joyful songs. ³ Know that the Lord is God.^(D) It is he who made us,^(E) and we are his^[a]; we are his people,^(F) the sheep of his pasture.^(G)

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving^(H) and his courts^(I) with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.^{(J) 5} For the Lord is good^(K) and his love endures forever;^(L) his faithfulness^(M) continues through all generations.

Share your thoughts!  What is God saying to you through this Scripture today?