37 Days – A Promise to Finish His Work in Us

Pastor Randy’s devotional:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6

February 1^st Prayer:
Father, You promised that I would be transformed into the image of Jesus. You predestined it at the point of my salvation. Thank You for changing me from the inside out. I get off sometimes and wonder if I’m going ever get back on track. But You have promised to get me to the finish line looking like Jesus. I receive Your promise today and cooperate with Your spirit’s work to finish what You’ve begun in me . . . in Jesus’ name!

My thoughts:
So many of us have disqualified ourselves from the grace and salvation of our Lord because of something we have said or done.  Even those of us who claim to be “saved” and part of His Kingdom will find ourselves discounting our salvation because we find ourselves in the act of sinning again.  We need to realize that God has called us to salvation, not in order to expel us once we have slipped, but to bring us to an eternal peace with Him.  God created you, He knows your inner thoughts and weaknesses.  He also has provided the Holy Spirit to dwell within you as you Counselor, Comforter and Advocate (as we discussed yesterday). 

The Holy Spirit is strengthening and growing your wisdom, your courage, your resolve and your ability to stand firm in the righteousness of the Father.  In 1 Peter 2:2-3, we learn that all Christians grow up in our salvation; ”Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good”  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:2 “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it.”, letting us know that we are all going to learn, grow and mature in our salvation. 

My friend, do not be discouraged when you fall.  You will fall.  The key is to realize God’s love doesn’t change because you make a mistake.  He can’t love you more tomorrow than He does today.  His plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is infinitely designed.  You will always fit under the umbrella of His grace and loving forgiveness; and one day when Christ returns, we will be found holy and righteous enough to enter into His presence.  He will finish what He has started in you.

Be Blessed,

Rich

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The Purpose – Stay the Course

October 20, 2014

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” – Philippians 1:6

Frustration often abounds as we look forward with anticipation of what is to come.  There is often nothing but bad or disappointing news in the media.   Let’s face it, we spend way too much time listening to other’s talk about how hard things, rather than focusing on how we can make it better.  People like to complain, they like to tell of their difficulties and struggles rather than the goodness that happens every day.  It is common that people look for sympathy from others, rather than looking for areas where they can help others and be of service.  We move at such a fast pace in this life that we often times take for granted the hundreds of small wins each day.  In addition, we often lose sight of the purpose we are put here to accomplish and we lose sight of the greater good that we can provide in this world because we become overwhelmed with our smallness.

It’s important to remind yourself and those around you how big and how great our God is.  Don’t lose sight that you are working on His plan in this life and that you are called to serve Him right where you are.  It is often easy to miss the small accomplishments each day if you can’t get your eyes off of the negative around you.  God does not work on our timetable and although there are times we wish Jesus would come back today, He realizes there is still much work to do.  Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, that what God has started inside of us, will come to pass in due time.  He has not forsaken or forgotten us, and we need to be strong in staying the course, standing for His righteousness and glory, and spreading His love and message to those in need.  Do not allow the negativity of the world’s news influence the goodness of the Good News.  You are an overcomer through Christ Jesus and you are destined for an eternity with the King.  Stand for His principles, His truth and refuse the tolerance of unrighteousness perpetrated by society.  For on that day, when He comes again, you will be in His glory and serving His Kingdom.


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Patientily Strong

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”   - Philippians 1:6

I for one have a really hard time with patience.  I watch the news at night and say to myself, “It can’t get any worse.”  and then it does.  In the last 30 years, yes I’m old enough to remember the 80’s, I have watched the world become more and more accepting and tolerant of the very unrighteousness that God warns us about continually throughout scripture.  People just seem to not care, or they do not want to get involved or rock the boat.  We have gradually become a society of complacent Christians, concerned solely about our own self righteousness.  The old story of how to boil a frog comes to mind, perhaps you’ve heard it before.

To boil a frog you must first catch one.  Place a pot of water on the stove, but do not light the burner yet.   Place the frog into the pot, and secure the lid (this is important because those little suckers like to jump).  You’ll find the frog relaxed in the water.  Light the burner and put it on a low temperature.  The water will begin to slowly get warm, turn the burner up to 50% after 10 minutes and let the water warm up again, then finally turn the burner up to 100% and bring the water to a boil.  The gradual warming of the water is unnoticed by the frog until such time that it is too late and his defenses are gone.

The rise and adoption of a worldly view in society has slowly and gradually removed the knowledge and understanding of what it means to serve God.  My fear is that we are drifting farther from the coast without any understanding that the tide is taking us out to sea, because it is so gradual.  If you have ever been to the ocean, you know what I mean.  There is an undercurrent, not visible to the swimmer or those on the beach.  The beachcomber sees the waves crashing in and perceives that all things will wash back to shore.  The swimmer who might be 50 feet off of the shoreline may have the same perspective as they frolic and play in the surf.  It doesn’t take long for one to realize, that while in the ocean you are actually being drawn away from the shore though.  Under the water’s surface is a current that results from the rolling waves, and this current will push an unaware swimmer down the beach and out to sea.  Suddenly, the swimmer is no longer 50 feet, but 75, then 100 and then the water begins to get deeper and it becomes harder to swim back against the current. 
 

We must remain diligent in our efforts and purpose in serving the Lord.  He has placed us on this earth for this very point in time, with the ability and the gifts to serve His Kingdom right where we are.  It requires patience and persistence though.  God does not work on our timetable and although there are times we wish Jesus would come back today, He realizes there is still much work to do.  Paul reminds us in Philippians 1:6, that what God has started inside of us, will come to pass in due time.  He has not forsaken or forgotten us, and we need to be strong in staying the course, standing for His righteousness and glory, and spreading His love and message to those in need.  Do not allow the slow dulling of the world’s opinion influence the strength of yours.  You are an overcomer through Christ Jesus and you are destined for an eternity with the King.  Stand for His principles, His truth and refuse the tolerance of unrighteousness perpetrated by society.  For on that day, when He comes again, you will be in His glory and serving His Kingdom.


 

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