Thanks? Trust? What's This All About, Anyway?

Our pastor spoke on Trust and Forgiveness on Sunday. He emphasized the trust that must exist between a pastor and the congregation for the body to function like it must. He emphasized that sometimes we don't hear all the gory details about an issue because the staff is charged with doing what's right in EVERY circumstance...with EVERYone's concerns, reputation, and dignity in the balance.

As I reflect on many significant events in my life over the last 2 - 3 years, I am reminded to be thankful. Thankful for a God who loves me, in spite of who I have often been (or, how I have often acted). Thankful for wonderful children. Thankful for a loving and caring wife, even though we're no longer together.

But, today I am also very thankful that I serve a risen Savior, under leadership that works really hard at following His leading. I am thankful that, in spite of so many negative opinions and thoughts, the leadership at our church stays focused on what GOD wants...and does their best to help the rest of us do the same.

How about you? Are you THANKFUL for your church's leadership? Do you crtitique and criticize, or do you remind them that you appreciate their service and dedication? If you've struggled to understand and support them, maybe you can try to SUPPORT them first. Then, you might find that God will help you UNDERSTAND them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Are You Under the Law, or Under Grace?

I know I've probably posted on this before, but I was reminded again this morning of a few simple truths about God's Grace vs. The Law....namely:

1) The law leads to only one place. Death.

2) The U.S. has more "laws" than any country in Europe, but yet cannot build jails fast enough to meet the need. What better evidence that the "law" accomplishes nothing in and of itself?

3) The Bible speaks of the believer being "In Christ" TEN TIMES MORE OFTEN than it speaks of Christ "being in us."

4) As Neil Anderson has so eloquently put it in his book, "Victory Over The Darkness", we are NOT sinners saved by Grace...we are now Saints who occasionally sin.

Are you still burdened with the need to fulfill the law? Are you still trying to be "good enough?" Do you really accept that NOTHING you can do will ever EARN God's Grace? Jesus did all the "doing" necessary! Are you living a victorious, grateful, and energetic life in the knowledge that His Grace is enough for you? Don't let Satan steal this truth from you, dear friend! Go in Victory today!