Just Because

"You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is good for you. You say, 'I am allowed to do anything'—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others."
1st Corinthians 10:23-24 NLT

Grace. Unmerited favor. That which makes all things lawful. Isn't God's grace absolutely amazing? However, as our text for today so eloquently states, just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. As Christians - those who profess to follow Christ - it is no longer an option to live only for ourselves with no thought for how it will affect others. And the way we live our lives DOES affect others, whether or not we are intentional about our actions.

Christ led by example. He could have called ten thousand angels to free Himself from the whole process leading up to, and including, the cross at Calvary. He had the authority and the power and the freedom to do that. It would have been much easier on Jesus personally if He had. He would never have had to endure the beatings and the humiliation and the torture. He wouldn't have had to suffer being brutally murdered... It was an option, a choice He could have made. Instead, He chose the Father's will over His own.

He chose to lay down His life to pay the debt for our sins, so we could have eternal life with the Father. He knew it was going to be more pain than you and I can imagine. He knew He would be murdered. He chose to make a way for our salvation knowing full well that there were, and are, many who would reject Him and the provision He made. Did that stop Him? No. Does it make His incredible gift any less valuable because there are those who reject Him? No.

We are to pattern our lives after His. Everything Jesus did while on this earth was about our Father first and then for others. Should we do less just because we can?

Prayer:

Father,
            Bring Godly conviction and true repentance to our lives. Shine Your Light of Truth on our hearts and expose any lies and selfishness. By Your Grace, let us live our lives according to Your Word. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Things to Think About

Praise the Lord!
Psalm 111:1a NLT

I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails.
He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant.
He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations.
All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy.
They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.
What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!

Psalm 111:1b-10 NLT

Prayer:

Father,

           How amazing are Your deeds, O Lord! How gracious and merciful You are. Great is Your faithfulness to us! Help us to remain steadfast in our faith and to walk in love with those You have placed within our sphere of influence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

How Amazing

Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people.
Psalm 111:1-10 NLT

How amazing are the deeds of the Lord! All who delight in him should ponder them. Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty. His righteousness never fails. He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord! He gives food to those who fear him; he always remembers his covenant. He has shown his great power to his people by giving them the lands of other nations. All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity. He has paid a full ransom for his people. He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever. What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom.
All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Prayer:

Father,
           I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of Your Word - Your faithfulness to show us exactly what we need and how it can only be found in You. Open our eyes and our hearts to You, Lord. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* + Weeping with Those

Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].
Romans 12:15 The Amplified Bible

The line was long. It seemed like it wasn't moving forward at all and yet it never seemed to stop moving while we stood there in place. And when two left, three came to take their place. Too many people to count because the line wove in and out of rooms and spaces. And at times, wrapped itself around itself in the form of hugs and holding on to each other. A young man's life over too soon. Weeping with those who weep. Sharing each other's grief. 

We are to bear one another's burdens and God said that because this burden is too heavy to carry alone. Love bears all things. In that room was young love and old love and even forgotten love, but all of it came flooding to the top to comfort a loved one, to comfort a friend, to provide strength for each other, even to those friends of a friend or cousin.

Only God can work that miracle. Sad beyond our own endurance, but held together by His peace that passes understanding and His love and mercy poured out for all.  It was very simply amazing.

Prayer:

Father,
         Thank You for pouring out Your peace this evening. Thank You for Your strength flowing through and Your amazing love. I pray, Father, that You will be with the Raymundo family tonight and all their extended family and friends. Help us continue to have Your Heart of understanding and compassion and to reach out at Your gentle urging. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen