Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Applying God's Grace to Our Lives

From Pastor Rex Holt, Mercy Chapel:

Ok everyone, let's get back to the 50 days of grace daily devotionals.  I had a great time in Haiti and look forward to sharing with you some of the exciting stories and events of this past week. It has been thrilling to see God at work in the poorest country in the western hemisphere.

The past two days I have talked about "G" and "R" using the acrostic GRACE. Today let's look at the last three.

The doctrines of grace have been expressed through he acrostic TULIP.  But how are these dynamic doctrines of grace expressed practically in our lives? Try another acrostic. GRACE. I have summarized below each of these five practical expressions of grace. Each point has a key scripture and a symbolic element to help us better understand and apply it to our lives. Since I have already talked about the first two in previous posts, I will expand more on the last three.

God’s glory above all else  - A passion for God’s glory is the heart that pumps life into the entire body.

Scripture: “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, (truth) we (eagerly) wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)

Element: Fire – Fire is a symbol for us of the glory of God.
“Our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:29

Relationships are more important than rules. Grace flows through relationships. We grow best in the context of relationships. Growth takes place not in isolation but in connection with others.

Scripture: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (NKJV)

Element: Wood - Trees in a forest illustrate this. Aspens, for example, grow as a community; they are interconnected by their roots and share nutrients and resources to support each other.

Acceptance of others - Acceptance of others is not mindless tolerance of sin. It is an attitude that looks beyond the externals and the masks people wear to cover their real needs. Acceptance is seeing people the way God sees them. When Samuel was told to anoint David as king, God said to him, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature … For the Lord does not see as man sees: for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  If we are to live in grace then we must look beyond outward appearances and see the needs of the heart.

Scripture: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Romans 15:7 (NIV)

Element: Earth – The ground reminds us that we were formed from the dust of the earth and that we are all of equal value and worth to God.

Compassion - Before the world will care what we know they must know that we care.  We have the great honor of sharing the water of life with thirsty souls. Someone said, “The greatest sin of the desert is to know where water is found and not to tell others.”

Scripture: “Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  John 4:13-14

Element: Water

Encouragement - People need hope like a suffocating person needs air. We must breathe the air of encouragement into those who have had the wind knocked out of them by the blows of life.

Scripture“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 

There was a man named Barnabas who constantly encouraged the early church. The name Barnabas means “Son of encouragement”. He amazed people by his generosity and attitude of encouraging others. (Acts 4:36-37)

Nobody wanted anything to do with the madman Saul of Tarsus after his conversion. The apostles were all afraid of him. Was it genuine? Is this a ploy? But Barnabas believed in him and brought him to the other apostles and thus Paul the Apostle, the greatest missionary who ever lived got his start. (Acts 9:26-27)

When young John Mark dropped out of his first missionary journey, leaving Paul and Barnabas, it looked like the end for John Mark. Paul refused to take him on the second missionary journey but Barnabas, Mr. Encourager, took Mark with him. (Acts 15:36-40) Because of Barnabas’ encouragement we have today the Gospel of Mark.

Ask God today to make you a person of grace and encouragement. How many lives are hanging in the balance waiting for their Barnabas to show up and give them the fresh wind of encouragement.

Element: Wind

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Know How Much You Are Loved


God fully forgives and forgets our sins

From Pastor Rex Holt, Mercy Chapel....

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.” - Isaiah 43:25 NIV

Spurgeon wrote for all of us, “None but God would ever have thought of justifying me. I am a wonder to myself. I doubt not that grace is equally seen in others. Look at Saul of Tarsus, who foamed at the mouth, against God's servants. Like a hungry wolf, he worried the lambs and the sheep right and left; and yet God struck him down on the road to Damascus, and changed his heart, and so fully justified him that before long, this man became the greatest preacher of justification by faith that ever lived. He must often have marveled that he was justified by faith in Christ Jesus; for he was once a determined stickler for salvation by the works of the law. None but God would have ever thought of justifying such a man as Saul the persecutor; but the Lord God is glorious in grace.”

God fully forgives and forgets our sins. He blots them out. They are no more. Read carefully the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) and see how the forgiving father received the returning wanderer with as much love as if he had never gone away, never wasted his fortune, and had never defiled himself with harlots. So far did he carry this that the elder brother began to grumble at it; but the father never withdrew his love. If you will only come back to your Father, He will treat you as if you had never done wrong! He will regard you as just, and deal with you as a beloved son.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

It's Not Enough to Have Faith --- It's WHO Your Faith Is In That Makes the Difference

Faith is a channel (from Pastor Rex Holt, Mercy Chapel)


Faith is a channel or conduit pipe. Grace is the fountain and the stream; faith is the aqueduct along which the flood of mercy flows down to refresh thirsty souls. We must never elevate faith above grace, but see faith as the hand that appropriates the gift of God’s grace. Today many have faith in faith and work feverously to crank the engine of faith in order to move mountains or do the impossible. But faith is only as strong as the object of that faith. You can have a large amount of faith on very thin ice and drown. Or you could have a small amount of faith in very thick ice and walk on frozen water. So the object of faith is more important than the amount of faith. What then is the object of faith? Or better, who is the object of your faith? 

Do not allow the weakness of your faith to cause you to stumble. A trembling hand may receive a golden gift. Salvation comes to us though we have only faith as a grain of mustard seed. The power lies in the grace of God, and not in our faith. Great messages can be sent along slender wires, and the peace-giving witness of the Holy Spirit can reach the heart by means of a thread-like faith. Do not focus on your faith. Look away from yourself and see nothing but Jesus and the grace of God revealed in Him. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” – Hebrews 12:2(a)

Look to Him by faith and His saving grace will reach your heart. 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Lie Down In Green Pastures of Peace. Learn to unwind...

"LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES of Peace.  Learn to unwind whenever possible, resting in the Presence of your Shepherd!  This electronic age keeps My children "wired" much of the time, too tense to find Me in the midst of their moments.  I build into your very being the need for rest.  How twisted the world has become when people feel guilty about meeting that basic need!  How much time and energy they waste by being always on the go, rather than taking time to seek My direction for their lives.

I have called you to walk with Me down paths of Peace.  I want you to blaze a trail for others who desire to live in My peaceful Presence.  I have chosen you less for your strengths than for your weaknesses, which amplify your need for Me.  Depend on Me more and more, and I will shower Peace on all your paths. (Bible reference: Psalm 23:1-3; Genesis 2:2-3, Luke 1:79)"

From book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young, affirmation for October 24.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

The Love of God: He Is King Over All - Praise the LORD!

Psalm 103:19-22 (GNT) The LORD placed His throne in Heaven; He is King over all.  Praise the LORD, you strong and mighty angels, who obey His commands, who listen to what He says.  Praise the LORD, all you heavenly powers, you servants of His, who do His will!  Praise the LORD, all His creatures in all the places He rules.

Praise the LORD, my soul!

(The LORD as a man...Jesus.  A painted depiction based on the imprint of His face on the shroud that covered it in the tomb)

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

The Love of God: For Those Who Honor the Lord, His Love Lasts Forever

Psalm 103:15-18 (GNT) As for us, our life is like grass.  We grow and flourish like a wild flower; then the wind blows on it, and it is gone - no one see it again.  But for those who honor the LORD, His Love lasts forever, and His goodness endures for all generations of those who are true to His covenant and who faithfully obey His commands.

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

The Love of God: So Great Is His Love For Those Who Have Reverence For Him

Psalm 103:11-14 (GNT) As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is His Love for those who have reverence for Him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our sins from us.  As kind as a father is to his children, so kind is the LORD to those who honor Him.  He knows what we are made of; He remembers that we are dust.

Monday, October 6, 2014

The Love of God: The Lord Is Full of Constant Love

Psalm 103:8-10 (GNT) The LORD is merciful and loving, slow to become angry and full of constant Love. He does not keep on rebuking; He is not angry forever.  He does not punish us as we deserve or repay us for our sins and wrongs.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

The Love of God: He Let the People of Israel See His Mighty Deeds

Psalm 103: 6-7 (GNT) The LORD judges in favor of the oppressed and gives them their rights.  He revealed His plans to Moses and let the people of Israel see His mighty deeds.

(Think of the things they saw and experienced, things we've never been able to today!  They walked through a parted sea, their clothes and shoes never wore out on this whole trek that spanned 40 years, they always found food (manna) and saw water come out of a rock at Moses command)

Saturday, October 4, 2014

The Love of God: He Forgives All My Sins and Heals All My Diseases

Psalm 103: 3-5 (GNT) He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.  He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.

Friday, October 3, 2014

The Love of God: Do Not Forget How Kind He Is

Psalm 103:1- 2 (GNT) Praise the LORD, my soul!  All my being, praise His Holy Name!  Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind He is.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

We Are Healed By the Punishment He Suffered

Isaiah 53: 5-6 (GNT) "We are healed by the punishment He suffered, made whole by the blows He received.  All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way.  But the Lord made the punishment fall on Him, the punishment all of us deserved."

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

We Thought That He Was Being Punished By God - Not Us! Good Grief!

Isaiah 53: 4-5 (GNT) "But He endured the suffering that should have been ours, the pain that we should have borne.  All the while we thought that His suffering was punishment sent by God.  But because of our sins He was wounded, beaten because of the evil we did.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Who Would Have Believed?

Isaiah 53:1-4 (GNT) The people reply, "Who would have believed what we now report? Who could have seen the LORD's hand in this?  It was the will of the LORD that His Servant grow like a plant taking root in dry ground.

He had no dignity or beauty to make us take notice of Him.  There was nothing attractive about Him, nothing that would draw us to Him.  We despised Him and rejected Him; He endured suffering and pain.  No one would even look at Him - we ignored Him as if He were nothing."

Monday, September 29, 2014

The Suffering Servant - What Jesus Did For Us

Isaiah 52:13 - 15 (GNT) The Lord says, "My Servant will succeed in His task; He will be highly honored. Many people were shocked when they saw Him; He was so disfigured that He hardly looked human.  But now many nations will marvel at Him, and the kings will be speechless with amazement.

They will see and understand something they had never known."

Sunday, September 28, 2014

It Was Supernatural

Really read the details of what happened when Jesus died on the cross in the book of Matthew (Good News Translation)

Matthew 27:50-54 Jesus again gave a loud cry and breathed His last breath.

Then the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  The earth shook, the rocks split apart, the graves broke open and many of God's people who had died were raised to life.  They left the graves, and after Jesus rose from death, they went into the Holy City, where many people saw them.

When the army officer and the soldiers with him who were watching Jesus saw the earthquake and everything else that happened, they were terrified and said, "He really was the Son of God!"

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Our Constant Companion

He is our CONSTANT COMPANION - really think about this.  The King of all kings. Lord of all lords. The Creator of the Universe!

"When I cried out from the cross, 'It is finished!' the curtain of the temple was torn in two  from top to bottom.  This opened the way for you to meet Me face to Face, with no need for protocol or priests.  I, the King of kings, am your Constant Companion"  (Sarah Young's "Jesus Calling)

Reference: John 19:30 and Matthew 27:50-51




Sunday, September 21, 2014

Come To Me, All You Who Are Weary & Carry Heavy Burdens

Mathew 11:28 (NLT) Then Jesus said, "Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Saturday, September 20, 2014

God's Grace Given to You In Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 2:1 "...be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus."

Friday, September 19, 2014

You Will Show Me the Path of Life

Psalm 16:11 "You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."



Thursday, September 18, 2014

With All His Abundant Wealth Through Jesus Christ

Philippians 4:19 "And with all His abundant wealth through Jesus Christ, my God will supply all your needs."

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

In Christ You Have Been Made Rich In Every Way

1 Corinthians 1:5 "I thank God because in Christ you have been made rich in every way..."

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

He Who Believes in Me

John 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."

Monday, September 15, 2014

For God Is Working In You

Philippians 2:13 "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him."

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Need escape? Read a fun story!

Enjoy a fun read? Check out my new book "The Branded Heart" by Michele Fischer, available on Amazon.com.  Read the first four chapters, posted in bits daily, at:
http://thebrandedheartbook.blogspot.com/

God's Grace is Abundant Through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us..."

A Prayer To End Evil Acts In Our Time

Dearest Lord and Savior, I/we come to you in prayer lifting up the innocents and helpless who are harmed and murdered by the most evil of acts in defiance of Your Word.  I/we have faith, trust and great expectation that Your holy power will shine forth to defeat and destroy evil intent in our time.  I/we pray for the evil doers that they may know Your name and follow Your Word, rejecting hate and evil acts.   I/we pray for signs that You are working and for signs of what You ask from me/us.  Through the name of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

(good to pray in groups also)

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

My Grace Is All You Need

2 Corinthians 12:9 (GNT) But His (the Lord's) answer was: "My Grace is all you need, for My Power is strongest when you are weak."

Sunday, April 13, 2014

I Am Always In Your Care

Psalm 31:14 (GNT) But my trust is in You, O Lord; You are my God.  I am always in Your care.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

I Will Be With You And Protect You Wherever You Go

Genesis 28:15 (GNT) (the Lord says) "Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go,..."

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

How Precious, O God, Is Your Constant Love!

"How precious, O God, is your Constant Love!  We find protection under the shadow of Your wings.  We feast on the abundant food You provide; You let us drink from the river of Your Goodness.  You are the source of all life, and because of Your Light, we see the Light."  Psalms 36:7-9 (GNT)

Monday, March 3, 2014

"Son of God" $25.6 Million Weekend Box Office

Just to show you how God is moving in this world!  A great film about Jesus' life ministry.   See "Son of God" at your local theatre.


Box Office

1.Non-Stop$28.9M
2.Son of God$25.6M
3.The Lego Movie$20.8M
4.3 Days to Kill$4.95M
5.The Monuments Men$4.94M

Saturday, March 1, 2014

"Son of God" movie grosses $9.5 MILLION Friday, Feb. 28! #2 In the Box Office! But the #1 Movie!


"Son of God" movie opened Feb. 28 and made $9.5 Million Dollars USD it's first day rating 2nd highest in box office sales! I told you it's an AWESOME MOVIE!!!!  Take family and friends and go see it!  We went with a dozen people - I think we had the half of the row of seats!

To see where it is showing near you, visit: 
http://www.sonofgodmovie.com/advance-tickets.html

Questions? Call their ticket line: 800-970-1858

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Do Good to One Another and To All People

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 (GNT) (the apostle Paul writes)  We urge you, our brothers, to warn the idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.  This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

John 16:24 (GNT) (Jesus said) "Until now you have not asked for anything in  My name; ask and you will receive, so that your happiness may be complete."


The Son of God movie opens in theatres February 28 released by 20th Century Fox.   Don't miss the chance to see the Lord's story again on the big screen.   Tell everyone!  www.sonofgodmovie.com

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

I Saw the "SON OF GOD" MOVIE! Now Showing!

Saw it last night.   AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!  A MUST SEE!

One of my favourite things Jesus says in the movie is "Put God first and everything else will follow."

To see where it is showing near you, visit: 
http://www.sonofgodmovie.com/advance-tickets.html
Questions? Call their ticket line: 800-970-1858

Jesus said, "Forgive Them, Father!"

Luke 23:32-34  (GNT) Two other men, both of them criminals, were also led out to be put to death with Jesus.  When they came to the place called "The Skull," they crucified Jesus there, and the two criminals, one on His right and the other on His left.   Jesus said, "Forgive them, Father!  They don't know what they are doing."

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Testimonies of Jesus That Took My Breath Away


He Will Give You the Strength To Endure...Provide You With a Way Out

1 Corinthians 10:13 (GNT) Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people.  But God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, He will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

Monday, February 3, 2014

God's Offer of Mercy

Isaiah 55:1-2 (GNT) The LORD says, "Come, everyone who is thirsty - here is water!  Come, you that have no money - buy grain and eat!  Come! Buy wine and milk - it will cost you nothing! Why spend money on what does not satisfy?  Why spend your wages and still be hungry?  Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all."

This film clip from " The Visual Bible: The Gospel of John" is of another scripture but about the same thing for further meaning.


Thursday, January 30, 2014

Book of Luke (continued) Jesus Is Crucified - "Don't Cry For Me..."

Luke 23:26-31 (GNT) The soldiers led Jesus away, and as they were going, they met a man from Cyrene named Simon who was coming into the city from the country.   They seized him, put the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus.

A large crowd of people followed Him; among them were some women who were weeping and wailing for Him.  Jesus turned to them and said, "Women of Jerusalem! Don't cry for Me, but for yourselves and your children.  For the days are coming when people will say, 'How lucky are the women who never had children, who never bore babies, who never nursed them!'  That will be the time when people will say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and to the hills, 'Hide us!' For if such things as these are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?"

See the "Son of God" movie! And let others know to go!   Opens in movie theatres February 28, 2014

"I Am Your God, The One Who Rescues You..."

1 Samuel 10:19 (GNT) (The Lord says) "I am your God, the one who rescues you from all your troubles and difficulties,..."

Monday, January 27, 2014

Do Not Conform Yourselves to the Standards of This World, But Let God Transform You...

Romans 12:1-2 (GNT) So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us, I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him.  This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.  Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

God Is My Strength; He Is All I Ever Need

Psalm 73:22-26 (GNT) I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand You. Yet I always stay close to You, and You hold me by the hand.  You guide me with Your instruction and at the end You will receive me with honor.  What else do I have in Heaven but You?  Since I have You, what else could I want on earth?  My mind and body may grow weak, but God is my strength; He is all I ever need.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

I Trust In His Constant Love

Psalms 52:8 (GNT) But I am like an olive tree growing in the house of God.   I trust in His constant love forever and ever.

Monday, January 20, 2014

"My Thoughts," Says the LORD, "Are Not Like Yours"

Isaiah 55:8-9 (GNT) "My thoughts," says the Lord, "are not like yours, and My ways are different from yours.  As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are My ways and thoughts above yours."

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Trust In God - Psalm 49:13

Psalm 49:13 (GNT) See what happens to those who trust in themselves, the fate of those who are satisfied with their wealth - they are doomed to die like sheep.

Monday, January 13, 2014

TRUST IN & GRATITUDE TO GOD - Psalm 52:8-9

Psalm 52:8-9 (GNT) But I am like an olive tree growing in the house of God.  I trust in His Constant Love forever and ever.  I will always thank you, God, for what You have done; in the presence of Your people I will proclaim that You are good.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Your Constant Love

Psalm 63:3 (GNT) Your constant love is better than life itself, and so I will praise You.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Let God Transform You Inwardly - Then You Will Be Able to Know the Will of God

Romans 12:1-2 (GNT) So then, my brothers, because of God's great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him. This is the true worship that you should offer.  Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.  Then you will be able to know the will of God - what is good and is pleasing to Him and is perfect.

Monday, January 6, 2014

"I Alone Know the Plans I Have For You"

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Lord says) "I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for."

Sunday, January 5, 2014

"Peace Is What I Leave With you"

John 14:25-27 (GNT) (Jesus said) "I have told you this while I am still with you.  The Helper, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you.  Peace is what I leave with you; it is My own peace that I give you, I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid."

Saturday, January 4, 2014

The Way To Become Wise

Psalm 111:10 (GNT) The way to become wise is to have reverence for the LORD, He gives sound judgment to all who obey His commands.  He is to be praised forever.

Friday, January 3, 2014

A Child Is Born to Us!

Isaiah 9:6-7 (GNT) A Child is born to us! A Son is given to us! And He will be our Ruler.  He will be called, "Wonderful Counselor", "Mighty God," "Eternal Father", "Prince of Peace". His Royal Power will continue to grow; His kingdom will always be at peace.  He will rule as King David's Successor, basing His power on right and justice, from now until the end of time.  The Lord Almighty is determined to do all this.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

What We Find In Jesus (by Roy Lessin)

We find peace, and the Prince of Peace.
We find righteousness, and the Righteous One
We find counsel, and the Counselor
We find wonders, and the Wonderful One
We find salvation, and the Savior
We find the Kingdom, and the King.

Have a Blessed New Year!