Bottom Line

Perfect Peace

2012-02-03T10:35:00.002-05:00

February 2012

Isaiah 26:3-4

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. – (NIV)

Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. – (KJV)

Two words that stand out to me in this scripture are “peace” and “trust”. He promises to keep us in “perfect peace” if we completely trust in Him. If our “mind is stayed” – focus, fixed on Him.

Day in and day out our mind can get to wondering and worrying about a lot of stuff. However, by trusting in Him, “the Rock eternal” all the worrying about this or that or whatever just fades into the background. And we come to rely on and we come to know Him -- The One and Only – who can handle it all.

Peace of mind is a wonderful thing to experience but so often it is hard to shut down our thought-life and worry begins to creep back in – doesn’t it.

My prayer is, “God, LORD JEHOVAH, the Rock eternal, in You alone is everlasting strength. Help us to trust in You for and in all things! May we keep our minds fixed not on our circumstances but on You, the Creator of heaven and earth. Amen.”

Hebrews 12:2 – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. (NIV)

Bottom Line: May God’s perfect peace be a part of our everyday life, as we fully trust in Him – the Rock eternal.

Love in Christ,

MG

The Lord Speaks in Many Ways

2011-12-07T13:24:00.001-05:00

Bottom Line
“The Lord Speaks in Many Ways”
December 2011

Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?” ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.’ -- Acts 26:15-16

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” --- “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. -- Luke 1:30-31 & 38

Paul’s conversion and call into service of the Lord Jesus Christ was nothing short of dramatic. Mary’s encounter with the angel Gabriel was dramatic.

I somehow believe that if we all encountered the Lord in these dramatic ways that we would not hesitate one moment to get up and do His will. But, He doesn’t always speak to us so dramatically, does He? Now do not take me wrong He will do things to get our attention. For Paul it was “a light from heaven, brighter than the sun…” Acts 26:13. For Mary it was the angel Gabriel. For Balaam it was his donkey talking (Numbers 22:28). For Peter, it was a vision (Acts 10:9-22). For Joseph it was dreams (Genesis 37:1-11). For Elijah it was a powerful wind, an earthquake, a fire then “a gentle whisper” (I Kings 19:11-12).

For us today I believe it could be any of the above ways or it could be through a number of other ways like: His Word, a friend, a message on Sunday morning, His Spirit to your spirit while you are in prayer. The point I am trying to make is that God is speaking to us 24/7 and it is not always “sky-writing” or so dramatic that we cannot miss it. I do miss it! I know I do. I admit it. Mainly because it is not always “sky-writing” or very dramatic! Lord, help me to hear You in the simplest of ways. That recently happened to a lady I know. She was ordering inside at a McDonalds and the little register girl commented on her purse. While the lady was waiting for her food to be brought up the Lord spoke to her Spirit to spirit and very simple said, “I want you to give that girl your purse.” There was no blazing light, no angel Gabriel, no powerful wind, or earthquake or fire to get her attention just a simple gentle nudge of the indwelling Holy Spirit -- and she heard. The lady emptied the personal contents of her purse into the bag that her food came in and then presented the girl with her purse. Wow!

There was no dramatic manifestation of the Lord but the result were dramatic and there is no telling how dramatic an impact it had on the girl who was the recipient of the purse. Listen, because of history – recorded through the power of the Holy Spirit -- we now know that the results of Paul’s conversion and obedience to serve the Lord brought the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. And that Mary’s response brought forth the Christ child. However, we may never know the results and we may never see the history written concerning our obedience to His Holy Spirit speaking to us. But I firmly believe as we respond positively to the Lord speaking to us in the simplest of ways that over time there is a dramatic result that reverberates down through the ages to come.

Bottom Line: Listen for the still small voice of the Lord. Even at the most unusual times and in the most unusual of places. Listen and be obedient.

Love in Christ,
MG

And Do Not Forget To Do Good

2011-11-05T11:51:00.003-04:00

Bottom Line

“And Do Not Forget To Do Good”
November 2011

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise --- the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
-- Hebrews 13:15-16

We are about to come into a season of giving and thanksgiving. The latter has to do with us giving recognition (thanks) to someone who has done something for us. In effect they have given to us. The former has to do with us giving to someone else. In all of our giving and giving thanks, I hope we remember not just this season but all year long that God is our source of everything. The conduit may be your neighbor or a friend or a brother or sister in the Lord, but the Source is God.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that we are to continually (give) “offer to God a sacrifice of praise” and we do that by “the fruit of our lips” confessing His name. Will you do this for me?

Say out loud: “Praise God!”
“Praise God the Maker of heaven and earth!”
“Bless the Lord O my soul!”

You do that with your lips. Praise and thanksgiving should be abundantly upon our lips -- daily!

The writer of Hebrew also tells us, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others”. Why? Because it pleases God. He is pleased with a sacrifice of (giving) sharing and doing good to others.

Man! Can you believe that? By just doing good and sharing with others I am doing something that God likes – that pleases Him – that gives Him joy.

And all of this is “through Jesus”. We do it all in the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Bottom Line: May we offer a sacrifice of praise to God with our lips and may we “not forget to do good and to share with others”. And, let it not be just for this season but daily -- through the name of Jesus.

Love in Christ,

MG

A Now Word -- Stay the Course

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

A Now Word for the Church at CCC
July 2011

Stay the Course

Stay the course I have mapped out and planned for you
individually and corporately as a body.

Do not veer to the right or to the left. Do not try to out plan Me. Do not try to shorten the pathway I have for you.

For you are in a season of being patient. A season of trusting in My plans as I reveal them. A season of trusting the place I have put you. Walk through this season with patience and with endurance and in My timing the season will change and you will see that My plans for you do not fail. And, My plans and pathways do not and will not lead you astray.

Do not listen to the spirit of darkness who would try to mislead you and cause you to stumble. Do not listen to the spirit of darkness that would have you pity yourself.

Know that you are a child of the King. A child of the Creator of heaven and earth. Follow My Word of Truth and My Holy Spirit and My plans for you will be fulfilled.
Stay the course.

We Welcome You Jesus

2011-10-11T10:20:00.000-04:00

September 2011

So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. – Luke 19:6

I shared this scripture at the beginning of the church service several weeks ago. They are words describing Zacchaeus, the tax collector after Jesus commanded him to “… come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Two things I want to briefly mention:

First, Zacchaeus obeyed and came down at once and welcomed Jesus into his home. We are not told that there was any hesitation whatsoever. The words “at once” indicate to me that he took Jesus’ “immediately” to mean just that – immediately. Not later, not when he felt like it, not when it was convenient, not when there was less attention on him – but immediately.

Second, is the welcome part. Zacchaeus, a very well known and wealthy tax collector probably got rich by over charging people and/or withholding what was due to the Romans. His fellow Jews considered him a “sinner”. Yet, Jesus chose to go to his house and Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus gladly. That tells me Zacchaeus probably had a sense of happiness about himself, a sense of joy, a sense of excitement.

Questions, (and I am asking these of myself) would you obey immediately if asked by the Lord to do something? And, would you welcome Him gladly into your home knowing the condition of your heart at any given moment?

I believe Jesus knows us from the inside out and at any given moment he definitely knows the condition of our heart, our attitude, our behavior and yet He desires to be with us just as he desired to be with the “sinner” tax collector, Zacchaeus. Yes, He lives within our heart but do we welcome him daily into every aspect of our lives.

Bottom Line: May we be obedient to the Lord when he speaks and may we gladly on a daily basis welcome Him into every part of our life.

Love in Christ,

MG

There was a Sacrifice on Calvary

2011-10-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

April 2011

Luke 23:33-34 – And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

Mark 15:25-26; 33-34; 38-39 -- It was the third hour when they crucified him. The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. … At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” --- which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”… The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”…

John 19:31-34 -- Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.

Luke 23:50-56 -- Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Matthew 28:1-6b -- After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, May Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.

Bottom Line: There was a sacrifice on Calvary. A sacrifice for you, a sacrifice for me, a sacrifice -- “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

Love in Christ,

MG

Be Still

2011-10-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

August 2011

“Be still, and know that I am God;” – Psalm 46:10a

About two and a half years ago I composed a monthly Bottom Line on this scripture. I would like to take it from a different perspective this time.

I awoke on Saturday morning May 28 of this year with this scripture in my mind and my heart and I spoke it out loud. I think that is good to do with scripture that comes into our hearts and minds. Speak it out loud. Let it resonate throughout our being as it is spoken.

Sometimes God just wants us to “be still”. To calm down. To become inactive for a period of time. In a sense to just turn everything “off”. Sounds, phones, I-Phones, Blackberrys, computers, TVs, radios, to turn “off” worrying thoughts, to lay schedules aside --- to just sit still for a few moments. Even if it is only five or ten minutes or maybe an hour or longer. I think He deserve that much of our time at some point in our day or week.

And to realize within that moment of time, however long it maybe, that Christ reigns supreme over all and He holds all creation together. It is thorough Christ that God made everything in heaven and earth. Things we see and things we don’t see. Even the kings, and kingdoms, and rulers and authorities are made by Him. And that goes for this present day right here and now this very moment the world over! You do realize that He is still in control of everything? Just take time to read Colossians 1:15-23.

Bottom Line: May we all come to a place in our day or week where we choose to be still. And, may we come to know that “I AM” is God over all things.

Love in Christ

MG

Be Glad

2011-10-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

July 2011

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
-- Psalm 118:24

It takes action on our part to be glad and we do have so much to be glad about. Allow me to mention a few things:

Be glad that you have health and life.
Be glad in knowing that your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Be glad that you can praise His name.
Be glad that you live in a country where you can freely worship Him.
Be glad that you have covenant friends.
Be glad that you are able to serve the Lord.
Be glad in knowing that God loves and cares for you.
Be glad in knowing that your strength, your hope, your security, and your rest is in the Lord God Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Be glad for His mercy.
Be glad for His grace.
Be glad for His faithfulness.
Be glad for His patience.
Be glad for His justice.
Be glad for His forgiveness.
Be glad that this is the day the Lord has made.
Be glad! Be glad! Be glad!

Bottom Line: Take action – Be glad! And let it show!

Love in Christ,

MG

The One Who Is In You Is Greater

2011-10-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

June 2011

If you have forgiven anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven --- if there was anything to forgive --- I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. – II Corinthians 2:10-11

“in order that Satan might not outwit [get the advantage of] us. For we are not unaware of his schemes [devices, plots, intentions].”

Satan desires to trick us and trip us up. He will lie to us. He will deceive us. He will make sure we get wrong information. He will scheme, plot and plan things against us. He will do anything, anything to try and outwit us. To get the advantage over us.

However, if we are “aware” of all that then we can be prepared to withstand and fight against his schemes. God gives us the strength, the courage and the armor to stand against Satan’s schemes.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11

This next verse from I John has been on my heart all week and I have been referencing it in my correspondence with different ones, even this week’s Sunday’s Coming!

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. – I John 4:4

Bottom Line: May you daily be aware of Satan’s schemes, but may you also daily “put on the full armor of God” knowing that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Love in Christ,

MG

Whom Are You Living For?

2011-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

May 2011

“yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
-- I Corinthians 8:6

Two questions for us: First, whom are we living for? Second, through whom are we living? What I see as answers in this scripture from Paul is that we are living for “God, the Father.” And, we live through the “one Lord, Jesus Christ.”

In Acts17:28 we again see Paul stating something similar, “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” That is -- our very existence comes from God, the Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ. And, in Christ we have a new life: II Corinthians 5:17 – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

This month we are about to witness nine people who have chosen a new way of life. They are “a new creation”, they will make a public profession of their faith in Jesus Christ, they will be baptized on May 1, and they will then be living for God, the Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen! And Hallelujah!

Bottom Line: Whom are you living for and through whom are you living? May it be for God, the Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Love in Christ,

MG

He Who Is In You Is Greater

2011-09-29T00:00:00.002-04:00

March 2011

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
-- I John 4:4

I think we sometimes give the enemy too much credit. I am not saying he is not out there trying to trick us, trip us, and cause trouble for us. I’m saying The Word says he has already been defeated. (John 16:33)

The Word states that when the enemy tempts us that God gives a way out. (I Corinthians 10:13)

The Word states that, “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (I John 4:4)

The Word states that we overcome the accuser “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of” our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)

The Word states that, “He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(I Corinthians 15:57)

We do not need to give in to a defeatist attitude of, “I’ll never get out of this.” Or, “I’ll always be this way.” No! We have a choice. We have a way out! By His help we can overcome.

There is not a person among us that has not at some time faltered and failed but listen to this with your ears as you read:

“My heart and my flesh may fall, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26

Hallelujah! Forever He is with us! Forever He is faithful!

Bottom Line: May we come to a complete understanding of the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.

Love in Christ,

MG

"... he who humbles himself ..."

2011-09-24T14:32:00.002-04:00

October 2011

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11

What we are talking about, in a sense, is bragging about how good we are –- at anything. We are good at building ourselves up. In 1992 a popular shoe company ran a series of ads leading up to the 1992 Summer Olympics. The ads featured two men, Dan and Dave (Dan O’Brien and Dave Johnson). They were touted to be the next Gold and Silver winners of the Decathlon event in the Olympics. However, Dan never qualified and Dave came in third to win the Bronze. Exalting ourselves can have some devastating effects.

Moses was a very humble man (Numbers 12:3). He never wanted a position of leadership over God’s people. But, God saw a humble man and exalted Moses to a position of leading the Israelites out of Egypt and toward the Promise Land.

Paul thought of himself as a very important man. He had letters from the high priest that would allow him to arrest anyone “who belonged to the Way.” (Acts 9:2). God humbled Paul on the road to Damascus and Paul accepted it. He then became a believer and worked tirelessly the rest of His life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It does us no good to exalt our self. God can and will humble us. If we accept it and accept our weaknesses and not promote our self --- God, in His timing will come and exalt us. And, where we are weak – His power comes through. (I Corinthians 12:9).

Bottom Line: Do not exalt yourself in anything. Be humble and let God exalt you in His timing.

Love in Christ,

MG

P.S. In 1996 Dan O’Brien won the Gold for the Decathlon in the Summer Olympics. Makes you wonder if being humbled fours years before played a part in his Gold Medal win.

Who Is Directing Your Heart?

2011-02-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Bottom Line
“Who is Directing Your Heart?”
February 2011

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

– 2 Thessalonians 3:5

The above verse is just a very simple one that caught my eye as I was reading His Word a few months back. So, who should be directing our heart? Man? The world? TV? Radio? The news? Our favorite author? Our friends? Who?

The scripture makes it clear that it should be the Lord directing our heart. And then the follow-up is – Into what? The answer is again clear – “God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

To me that speaks of two things:

First, we are to view things from the love of God. We love because He first loved us. (I John 4:19) God is love. (I John 4:16) We should be viewing others around us through the love of God.

Second, “Christ’s perseverance” speaks to me of staying the course. Do not be distracted by the world and worldly things. It speaks of standing firm in godly convictions, standing firm on His Word, doing the right thing.

Bottom Line: May our hearts be directed by the Lord and may that directing lead us into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance so we can view others through His love and so we can stand firm, stand strong in the faith and not wavier in our walk with Him. Amen? Amen!

Love in Christ

MG

Be Bold

2011-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. – Proverbs 28:1[NIV]

So Saul (later Paul) stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. – Acts 9:28 [NIV]

So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” – Hebrews 13:6 [NKJV]

I have been saying for a few months that the Lord has been speaking to me about boldness and being bold. I believe this is something we are to take to heart as we enter the 2011 New Year. The scriptures are repleat with examples of being bold, of exhibiting boldness, and encouraging others to be bold – all in and for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I pray that this New Year brings a “boldness” into your daily walk with Him that you have never experienced before. And, that as we recognize His activity around us (wherever it may be – home, work, publicly, privately) we will be “bold” to enter in and be a part of it for the sake of His Kingdom purposes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! AND LET’S BE BOLD FOR HIM!

MG

Now Word -- Be Bold

2011-02-10T12:25:00.002-05:00

A Now Word for CCC
Be Bold

Be bold in letting your light shine so that His light shines through you to others.
Be bold to speak His truth in love.
Be bold to uphold His standard of righteousness.
Be bold for the Lord Your God is with you.
Therefore, do not hold back.
Do not hold back your joy.
Do not hold back your excitement.
Do not hold back your gifting.
Do not hold back your service, your giving, His tithe.
Do not hold back the love, grace and mercy in your heart.
Do not hold back your transformed life in Christ Jesus.
Be bold in Him and in His calling upon your life.

Let your light shine so that His light shines through you to others.
Be bold in Christ Jesus.

Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength

2010-10-10T20:59:00.001-04:00

Bottom Line

October 2010

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice … Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength, ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name. Bring an offering and come before Him; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. –
I Chronicles 16:10 & 28-29

These are some of the words from David’s Psalm of Thanks after the ark of the LORD was brought into the City of David. There was great rejoicing over the name and the presence of the LORD that day.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit His presence now dwells within us [Eph. 2:22]. Just plain and simply this month I want to encourage us to rejoice in the LORD and to give Him the glory everyday. To be able to say when we wake up every morning, “Glory to God! This is Your day, LORD. I am going to rejoice in it.”

Shout it in the shower. Proclaim it in your car on the way to work and do the same on your way home. “Glory to God! This is Your day, LORD. I am going to rejoice in it.”

He is Creator of heaven and earth [Gen 14:22]. He created our inmost being [Ps. 139:13]. There is not anything that is hidden from Him [Heb. 4:13]. He is light and in Him there is no darkness [I John. 1:5] He is the Alpha and the Omega [Rev. 21:6].

Bottom Line: May we give the indwelling God of all creation the glory due His name each and every day.

Love in Christ,

MG

Do Not Put Out The Spirit's Fire

2010-09-28T20:50:00.001-04:00

Bottom Line
September 2010

“Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;” – I Thessalonians 5:19

Several things speak to me concerning these seven words:

1. Spirit denotes God’s Presence as we read in Acts 2:1-4 concerning Pentecost and the outpouring of His Spirit just as He promised (Acts 1:4-5).

2. The Spirit represents God’s Presence in the life of the believer.

3. If God’s Presence is with us then others around us should want to be around us.

4. Do my actions, my words, my deeds, my attitude, etc. (as a Spirit filled believer) draw people to Christ?

5. Or, because I have “put out the Spirit’s fire” do my actions, my words, my deeds, my attitude, etc. repel people so that they say, “Well! If that is what being a ‘Christian’ is about, I want no part of it.”?

6. When we do not represent God’s Presence – “the Spirit’s fire” – we repel not attract people to the life of Christ.

Bottom Line: Let us not quench God’s Presence in our lives. Let “the Spirit’s fire” be evident in our lives so others may want to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

Love in Christ,

MG

A Now Word -- Be Transformed

2010-08-12T12:05:00.002-04:00

A Now Word for CCC

Given on August 8, 2010

Be willing to be transformed.

Transformed by His Spirit.

Transformed into His likeness and all that involves.

Transformed to produce the fruit of His Kingdom.

(His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His kindness,

His goodness, His faithfulness, His gentleness, His self-control)

Transformed to have eyes to see as He sees.

Transformed to have ears to hear as He hears.

Transformed to speak the Father's words.

Transformed to know the mind of Christ.

Transformed to go and do as He directs.

Be willing to be transformed.

Transformed by His Spirit.

Set Your Hearts and Minds on Things Above

2010-08-04T21:15:00.000-04:00

August 1, 2010

Since, then, you have been raise with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. -- Colossians 3:1-2

I do not claim to understand all there is to this scripture, but some time last summer God began to reveal some things to me. Some of the key phrases here are: "set your hearts on things above", "set your minds on things above", "where Christ is seated at the right hand of God".

That tells me that my heart and my mind need to be pondering, thinking about and praying about things from a heavenly perspective. There is so much happening around us in this world that can be absolutely distracting to our daily walk. We become burdened by events, news articles, news reports, disasters, wars, lack of peace and the list could go on and on. I am not saying we are to stick our head in the sand and ignore national and world events but our perspective on those national and world events should be viewed "against the background of eternity".* We so often (and this is a natural thing to do) view our life and this world through only our natural eyes. I believe that Paul is encouraging us that there is more than meets our natural eyes. Our hearts and our minds need to view things from a heavenly perspective. That's not easy but we need to try and do it daily.

Jesus himself states in John 14:33 -- In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

BOTTOM LINE: Ask for a spiritual heart and a spiritual mind so that you may view events, circumstances, situations (national and worldly) from a heavenly perspective and not just your natural eyes.

* William Barclay, The Daily Bible Study Series, Colossians, p. 147

"Reflect On What I Am Saying"

2010-07-15T01:00:00.001-04:00

“Reflect On What I Am Saying”
July 2010

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.” – 2 Timothy 2:7

The month of July usually brings about a time of reflecting and remembering the foundation of our great country, reflecting and remembering the founding Fathers (Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Franklin, even Abraham Baldwin (Georgia), etc.). It is a time to reflect not only on the resources sacrificed for this country’s independence but also the lives sacrificed for our independence. I hope you all will take time to not just look at The Fourth of July as a holiday and a time off of work but as a truly tremendous moment in the history of the United States of America. And, I hope you will gain insight into the making of our great nation as you reflect.

Paul, too, calls on us to reflect as we just read in 2 Timothy 2:7. So, what is it that we are reflecting on? Let’s look very briefly at the verses leading up to this statement by Paul.

-- Fan into flame the gift of God – I Tim. 1:6
-- Do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord – 2 Tim. 1:8
-- Keep to the pattern of sound teaching – 2 Tim. 1:13
-- Guard the good deposit – 2 Tim. 1:14
-- Be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus – 2 Tim. 2:1
-- Teach others – 2 Tim. 2:2
-- Endure hardships – 2 Tim. 2:3
-- Compete according to the rules – 2 Tim. 2:5

A lot to reflect on and that is just looking through about 22 verses in the Bible.

Bottom Line: May we come to realize that reflecting on God’s Word is a good thing and ask Him to give us insight as we do reflect.

MG

A Now Word -- I AM

2010-07-12T01:00:00.000-04:00

A Now Word for CCC
Given on May 2, 2010

I AM

Do not forget My Love for you
Do not forget My Faithfulness to you
Do not forget My Word deposited in you
Do not forget My Name established
within you and before you.

No one will ever love you more than, I AM
No one will be more faithful to you than, I AM
No one will ever deposit more in you than, I AM
No one will ever establish a name more worthy
within and before you than, I AM

I AM – your Friend
I AM – your Advocate
I AM – your Sword
I AM – your Refuge
I AM – your Security
I AM – your Hope
I AM – your Promise
I AM – your Purpose
I AM – your Source of everything
I AM – your All in All
I AM – your connection to a Glorious Eternity

A Now Word -- Prepare Your Hearts for Plowing

2010-07-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

A Now Word for CCC
Given March 7, 2010

Prepare Your Hearts for Plowing

"Prepare your hearts for plowing! Prepare your hearts for plowing! Prepare your hearts to receive My Word that it may take root. That it may multiply and bring forth My desired fruit in your life. Prepare your hearts for plowing. See those rocks and stones -- those hard places? Remove the rocks and stones. Allow My Holy Spirit within you (My Indwelling Presence) to soften any hardness and plow up the fallow ground of your heart that My Word may be planted, that My Word may be watered, that My Word may break forth, that My Word may establish strong roots and good fruit in your heart. Prepare your hearts for plowing!"

A Now Word - I Have Given You Gifts

2010-06-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

A Now Word for CCC
Given November 12, 2009

I Have Given You Gifts

"I have provided you -- given you gifts freely. It is time to open your gifts, to embrace them. For each one has a purpose and a use. Each one has a place among you. Do not keep staring at the wrapping and wonder and admire the wrapping. Do not stare at the gifts and wonder what they are. It is time to open the gifts I have given you and begin to see how they will add to you. It is time to open your gifts and put them to proper use in My kingdom and for My kingdom purposes. It is time to let your gifts properly and orderly edify My body -- the Body of Christ. Unwrap your gifts. Unwrap your gifts. Unwrap your gifts."

A Now Word -- A Fresh Wind

2010-06-21T01:00:00.003-04:00

A Now Word for CCC
Given June 16, 2009

A Fresh Wind

"A fresh wind is coming to CCC -- for the people of CCC. A fresh wind blowing in new opportunities for work in the natural and the spiritual. You will be praying and the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit will begin revealing new life giving things to you. His Word will take on new meaning in your life as you read and meditate. Your conversations with others in and outside the church will be seasoned with the salt (flavor) of the Lord. People you come in contact with will witness a newness and a freshness about you and wonder, "What is this?" People will seek you out and ask how to get the freshness you have. When they do --- do not be afraid to reveal God to them. The Triune God -- The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit."

Now Words

2010-06-17T01:00:00.004-04:00

From time to time as the Lord directs I will post Now Words. This came to me last June during a worship service as I was attending the CFN (Church Foundational Network) Conference in Carrollton, Georgia.

During the Wednesday morning meeting on June 10, 2009 the Lord began to speak to my spirit the following (which I immediately wrote down): Morris it is important that you tune yourself to hear My voice. Listen carefully -- be attentive to My instructions. You will begin to speak into new situations and circumstances as you hear from Me. Listen - listen - listen - listen - listen - listen - listen very carefully. In the midst of storms I will be speaking. In the coolness and calmness of the evening I will be speaking. I will give you a "Now Word" for your family, your city, your nation. I will speak to you as I do to a friend.

The next night (Thursday, June 11, 2009) Apostle L.A. Joiner was giving the evening message. He spoke out of Acts 27 concerning Paul's journey by ship to Rome after he had appealed his case to Caesar (Acts 26:32). As the ship followed the shore line of Crete a hurricane force wind came and the ship was caught in it. L.A. pointed out that in Acts 27:23-26 Paul had a "Now Word" for the men on the ship. L.A. went on to share that as pastors we need "Now Words" today. To hear the truth in the midst of the storms. And that if we are not receiving "Now Words" we are probably not spending enough time with Jesus. Sometimes we have to step out of the comfort of the crowd and lead. And to begin declaring what you hear from God.

I'm sitting there at this Thursday night meeting listening to L.A. and saying to myself, "Wow!" I elbow my wife, Sarah, who is sitting beside me and turn back to what I had written down Wednesday morning. And, I am whispering in her ear, "The Lord told me the same thing yesterday morning. Look at what I wrote down that the Lord gave me."

Since then I have received four "Now Words" for the people I pastor at Christian Covenant Church (CCC). I believe they are indeed words for us as a congregational "family" and for us to claim individually in our lives.

What I would like to do is to begin sharing those "Now Words" with all who would want to hear. So I will begin posting them on my blog page for those who wish to read them and claim them within your own life or the lives of others. The first will be published on Monday, June 21 and will continue weekly on every Monday until all four have been published. From then on as the Lord releases new "Now Words" for us at CCC I will post them shortly there after on my blog page.

The scriptures clearly state that, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part." -- I Corinthians 13:9. I ask you to please keep that in mind as you read and claim or not claim these "Now Words".

What we as a church (the body of Believers at CCC) have seen is that as we claim these words they keep on being fertile "Now Words". That is we continue to see His fruit come forth and great manifestation of His Presence in the life of the church.

God Bless,

MG

My Father is I AM

2010-06-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

June 20 is Father’s Day. On that day we are to honor fathers and celebrate fatherhood. I am sure that everyone at CCC (husband, wives, mothers, children) will be participating in that. Perhaps cooking a favorite meal, presenting cards and maybe gifts, making phone calls, etc. I will for sure be calling my dad and thanking him for being in my life.

But, also, I want to remember the Dad, the Father of all creation in a special way on that day. In thinking about Father’s Day I was reminded by the Lord about His conversation with Moses. Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them? God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” – Exodus 3:13-14 The more literal translation is: I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE. God was actually saying to Moses and the Israelites that He would be whatever they needed Him to be at any given time in any given situation. And, for us, as true believers, as Christians – our Father is I AM. I have tried to express that in the Now Word for CCC that has been in the bulletin the last few weeks. God our Father wants us to know that every single day of our existence here and for eternity He is – I AM. Our Father is – I AM.

My Father WILL BE WHAT HE WILL BE in each and every situation and circumstance of my life. I really believe that! If I need a deliverer, my Father, I AM is there; if I need provision, my Father, I AM is there; if I need a front guard or a rear guard or a side guard, my Father, I AM is there!

I could go on and on but I think you get the picture. Reread the Now Word for CCC. Reread the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. Verse 20: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” Our Father, I AM is even there to receive us back when we go astray.

Bottom Line: Yes, definitely celebrate fatherhood and honor fathers. But let us not forget The Father of all creation – my Father is I AM, your Father is I AM.

Love in Christ Jesus,

MG

Whom Are You Living For?

2010-05-19T15:24:00.000-04:00

A very simple question, “Whom are you living for?” The answer is in His Word.

“And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again”. – II Corinthians 5:15

If we are true believers, true disciples of Jesus Christ, true followers --- then the answer is as simple as the question: we no longer live for our self but for Him (Jesus) who died for us.

Are we living for Jesus? Or, are we living for someone or something else. Are we living for Jesus and His kingdom purposes? Or, are we living for other purposes. Are we living just to get from paycheck to paycheck to pay the bills, to pay the “man”? Are we living to have more? Are we living to ___________ --- you fill in the blank. I’m not saying we should not work to provide for our needs and wants. That’s a given. We have a responsibility to provide for our families and to not let our debts go unpaid (Rom. 13:8). However, I believe our attitude toward that objective comes into play as we examine – “Whom are we living for?” Yes, we are in the world. A world created by God Almighty. But this will not be the final resting place of our souls. Paul also states in II Corinthians 4:18, “For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

So, while we are here let us remember that we are to live for Christ who died for us. Let us live for His kingdom and His kingdom purposes. Let us live that others may see Christ in us that they too may come to live for Him.

Bottom Line: Whom are you living for? May it be for Him who died for you and was raised again to set you free from sin and death. Amen? Amen!

MG

Rolled Away To Let Us In

2010-04-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground but the men said to them. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words. – Luke 24:1-8

Although the above passage of scripture concerning the empty tomb is from the book of Luke, I love reading the account in the other three gospels, too. Please take time to look them up and read: Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-7; John 20:1-18.

There are several things we could talk about and dwell on in these passages: (1) Jesus was true to His word – He rose on the third day; (2) The tomb is empty – We serve a risen and living Lord and Savior. I like the fact that the stone was rolled away. The women and the disciples were able to see for themselves that their Lord had risen “just as He said.” You see the stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out it was rolled away to let us in. What a testimony (witness) the women and the first disciple had in telling of that experience.

Bottom Line: May we all know that the stone was rolled away for us to look in and to see that indeed – “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” Hallelujah!

Love in Christ,

Morris

P.S. I want to share with you the words of a hymn I remember singing as a child.

He Lives
By Alfred H. Ackley

I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today;
I know that he is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho’ my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro’ all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

His Word

2010-03-31T21:33:00.000-04:00

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:10-11

A very familiar passage of scripture to us that I personally feel we need to return to every so often to remind us of the sovereignty of God’s Word. Which is why we need to be in some type of daily Bible reading and why we need to hear His Word shared.

Week after week, month after month, year after year His Word is shared on Sunday mornings at CCC. If I did not believe that this passage was true, others and myself would not be here sharing from His Word on Sundays. But, I do believe it! And, whether it is me or Lamar or Bill or Buck or L.A. or others that are sharing His Word it does not matter – because seeds of His Word are being planted into hearts, souls, minds, and spirits of all who hear. And, it will not return empty! It will accomplish (achieve) its purpose. Amen? Amen!

So, I encourage you to get into His Word – read His Word – hear His Word – let those seeds be planted and bring forth the fruit that He desires so that His purposes may be accomplished in your life.

Bottom Line: Get into His Word, read His Word, hear His word – it will not return empty.

Love in Christ,

Morris

Whatever is Lovely

2010-02-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8

To me there is no doubt that there is a battle going on for our minds. Paul is giving us instructions here about what our minds should be thinking about. There is so much negative stuff to be thinking about these days. Hardly any news agency reports on what is noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Some do. Every now and then you will see a story about such things but they really are just every now and then.

Sometimes I think we need to put out of our mind all the ignoble, wrong, impure, ugly, and abhorrent things we hear and see, claim this verse of scripture and let it just kind of clean us up. Let it soak in, let it wash us, and let it clean out our thought life.

Can we agree that this February, the “love” month, we will think of whatever is lovely? Let’s just begin there. It's a good starting point. I hope you will.

Bottom Line: Where are your thoughts? What are you thinking? May we all think on what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.

Love in Christ,

MG

Starting Off on the Right Foot

2010-01-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” – Isaiah 30:21

We are all about to begin a New Year and we will all be walking in some direction. My prayer for all of us is that we start off on the right foot heading in the direction the Lord has for us -- both individually and corporately as His body --the Church.

We are all on a journey here on earth and, yes, we will be physically walking on the earth in our homes, in our work places, in schools, out in the public but, we also walk a spiritual journey with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit we will be directed in our physical journey and our spiritual journey with Him. Every new day of 2010 brings about the opportunity to hear from Him. We just have to listen for Him. We need to learn to discern His voice above all the other voices clamoring for our attention. We need to know His voice (John 10:3-5) -- In the midst of a storm? Yes. But also as a gentle whisper as He did in speaking to Elijah (I Kings 19:12).

So, along with the prayer of us starting off the New Year on the right foot and in the right direction I will be praying that our ears will hear the voice behind us saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Bottom Line: May your New Year start off on the right foot and may your ears hear His voice directing you every step of the way as you journey through 2010.

Love in Christ,

MG

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. – John 12:44-46

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” What a wonderful truth for us to receive, take in and meditate on. Have you ever tried to imagine complete darkness? (Personally, I do not want to go there even in my imagination. I like the light! I like it when on December 22 the daylight hours start becoming a longer part of our day.) But, have you ever tried to imagine no stars, no moon, no sun, no street lights, no lights from a neighbor’s house, not even a single match striking to light a single candle? To me, complete darkness – total absence of light – does not depict a very inviting place to be.

Which is why I love this scripture so much! Jesus, sent by Father, came to show the Way, to light our path, to bring us out of darkness into his wonderful and marvelous light (I Peter 2:9) and to eternal life.

During this season of thanksgiving, where we usually give thanks for a lot of things in our life, let us not forget to give thanks for the most wonderful and greatest gift of all -- Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Let’s give thanks to God our Father for sending (giving – John 3:16) us His One and Only Son --- the Light of the world who has taken us from dreadful darkness into lighted pathways where we can walk hand-in-hand with Him.

Bottom Line: Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all is the Light of the world and everyday for those who believe in Him, He faithfully lights up the pathways for us to follow.

MG

Be Active

2009-11-09T15:56:00.000-05:00

I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. – Philemon 4-6

To be active in our faith requires some type of action on our part. It is not enough just to go to church on Sundays. It is on each one of us individually to share our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with others. It is so easy to say, “That’s the role of the pastor or the evangelist.” I may not have actually said that in past years but I have certainly thought it.

This scripture was not written to a pastor or an evangelist. It was written to Philemon, a business owner in Colosse, whom Paul had converted to the Way. Philemon hosted the local home church there. It could have been you.

The point to me is that we need to be constantly emptying ourselves so that more of Christ can come in and then we begin emptying ourselves again and more of Christ comes in. By being willing to be “active in sharing our faith” we make room for more of Christ in our own life. And then we begin having a “full understanding” of all we have in Christ.

Let me ask us all some questions. And I do mean all so that includes myself.

Are you actively sharing your faith? Are you telling of the changes He has brought about in your life? Are you sharing what He has done for you? Are you telling of His goodness and mercy and grace in your life? Are you gaining in the “full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ”? I believe we all need to seriously be in the process of answering those questions.

Bottom Line: Are you active in sharing your faith in Christ Jesus?

MG

P.S. Let's be thankful this Thanksgiving season for our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and that we live in a country where we are allowed to be active in the sharing of our faith.

Press In

2009-10-18T15:10:00.000-04:00

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you -- James 4:8

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. -- Hebrews 10:22-23

A few Sunday mornings ago I delivered a word I received from the Lord for us to, "Press In". I want to encourage us in that again for this month's Bottom Line. The actual words I wrote down from the Lord are as follows:

Press in. Do not be afraid to press in. Get close to Me. Inquire of Me. Listen to Me. Receive from Me. Press in. Press in. Press in. I do not reject you. I receive you. Press in.

With all that is happening around us in the world this day and time, be it in our homes, in our work places, in our cities, in our states, in the nations -- which encompasses His world that He created -- let us be ever-the-more mindful to "press in" to "draw near" to Him. Let us get even closer in our walk with Him, in our conversations with Him, in our worship of Him, in our thoughts of Him than ever before. He is our source of strength, our source of wealth, our source of faith, our source of salvation. He is our connection to all we need or ever will need.

Bottom Line: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Press in! Press in! Press in!

M.G.

A New Beginning

2009-10-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

Can hardly believe I am doing this -- blogging that is. My daughter, Aimee is a pro at this and is absolutely great at writing (blogging) about her family. She helped me get this whole thing set up. So, this is my first blog -- a new beginning for me.

Aimee is also into Facebook. Me? I'm into Facebook, too -- well, kind of, sort of? -- I just do not know what to do with all these invitations of being friends so at this point all those emails of invitations are stored in an email folder called "Facebook". I'll get to them eventually. Aimee said she would help me. Like I said she is the pro. As a matter of fact, if you are on this blog reading this -- you know that whole thing to the side of the page -- About Morris Gurr? I lost it. I completely removed it and could not find it. It was no where on my blog page! Thank goodness Aimee was here and could help. Like I said, she is a pro and within less than two minutes of clicking here and clicking there she found it.

Hopefully, I will put out a blog at least once a month. At least that is the plan at this time. So --- here's to happy blogging! Wish me well. It is definitely a new beginning for me. And Aimee, if you are reading this -- I'll try not to lose anything else.