Christ Alone

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

                                                                                       Col 1:28-29 NIV

You're kidding right?! There's that look I have whenever anyone lifts up their own good works. Over and over and over again I remind people, through proclamation in the pulpit and out of the pulpit, that without Christ we can do nothing to glorify God. We can do nothing to save ourselves! Our striving is useless without the energy; without the power of the Spirit of Christ that works in and through us. 

Get over it! Without Christ we are nothing.  With him we can do all things through him who strengthens us. (Phil 4:13) It is Christ who lives in us who does all things. (Gal 2:20)

It is time to give it up and trust God in Christ Jesus to lead you and be the strength that is required to follow wherever he will lead you; as the Good News is proclaimed through you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Your Children Will Return To The Lord

Persevere in faith for the Lord is with you and for you

through the rockiest of times.

But this is what the Lord says:

“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors,
    and plunder retrieved from the fierce;
I will contend with those who contend with you,
    and your children I will save. Isaiah 49:25 NIV

Do not doubt; but, believe. Believe that the evil one has no power over you or your children. I often hear the stories of parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles whose hearts are breaking as they wonder what will happen to the children that they love. Many parents heart break as their children go astray led captive by the ways of the world which the devil has made to look so alluring. What can be done to save your child?

You cannot save your child. But, God can. Pray to the One who can rip your child from the clutches from the enemy. Ask the One who is our Lord and Savior to open his ears and eyes and heart that he might see a better way. The child may be obstinate and refuse at first. But, do no lose hope. Persevere in faith, patiently. The Lord will not give up on your child, nor should you. This enemy of God may have attempted to steal your child; but, he will not prevail. The Lord, our God, prevails. He will retrieve your child from the clutches of the fierce warrior who would steal their lives from them.

Do not doubt; but, believe. Trust that God will contend with those who contend with His children; and your children He will save making them His own.

God's Peace - Pr. J