HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS OUT OF MESSES

Several years ago there was a book by the author Patsy Clairmont  entitled "God Uses Cracked Pots". Great title for a book about normal people with normal issues in life that aren't perfect but God uses them for His purposes. Some people who at one time have been the furthest away from God are now working mightily for his kingdom.  It is through these "cracks" or imperfections in life we often learn to grow closer to the Lord. Mistakes often teach us valuable lessons. One of the greatest illustrations I can think of is former Watergate insider, the late Chuck Colson,  who went to prison for several years as a result of his crimes and later started Prison Fellowship Ministries.

Sometimes it takes complete brokenness to get someone to see their need for Christ.  When many think God is being hard on them, maybe He in fact has you on His "potter's wheel" shaping you and molding you so you can be more effective for Him.

You may recall the verse in Romans 3:23 (NIV) which says 'All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.' Don't  think you are beyond hope no matter what you have done. That is a lie from the pit of hell. He turns scars into stars.  From your mess He creates your "message". So no matter what, God can use you if only you will let Him. 

PRAYER: Lord I realize the enemy, Satan, is the one who lies to me to make me feel beyond redemption. I know Lord you are the great redeemer and came to set the captives free. You have forgiven my sins and remember them no more. For that I thank you. Help me lead a life pleasing unto you. In Jesus' name.Amen. 

FOOTBALL COACHES COME AND GO BUT....

 Many people all over America are football fans or fanatics. I am not one of them so may be considered an oddity. During college and professional football season one thing I take note of is how fickle the fans and school can be. If a coach loses one or two games and can not get the team to a bowl game his multi million dollar contract is in jeopardy. It is like the world is revolving around the almighty "pigskin". Quarterback Tim Tebow brought the Christian emphasis to the game in the past couple years but now you hardly hear anything about him since going from the Denver Broncos to New York Jets. So whether a player or a coach, watch out if you aren't doing everything right.

In life if we are not 'winning' Jesus does not look for a replacement. He does not sit there with a statistics card in hand evaluating your performance and then saying 'next'. No Jesus is loving, gracious, and kind and loves us no matter what. Our sins sadden him but he gives us a second chance. If we accept Him and ask Him to be Lord of our life we will then have eternal life in heaven once our time on earth is over.

For instance, in the story found in the book of John Chapter 8 verse 11 concerning the woman caught in the act of adultery who the Pharisees wanted to stone this verse says 'go and sin no more.' He forgave her and set her on her way to have another chance. In 2 Peter 3:9(ESV) it says 'The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.'

Aren't you glad our God is not going to discard us for making a mistake? Unlike fickle fans and those in charge of hiring and firing, Jesus alone is waiting at the door of your heart. He is knocking. Want you let Him come in today?

Revelation 3:20(KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

PRAYER: Father thank you for accepting me with all my problems and mistakes I have made in life. Your love for me is unconditional. Forgive me Lord when I have ignored you. I know I need you in my life and need to make you first priority. Help me Lord resist the temptation to make other things more important. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Once again I have included a link below to an awesome and appropriate song. Hope you have time to listen and worship God.

http://youtu.be/J-hHW5SYMXc

RESTORATION NOT CONDEMNATION

 Are you perfect? Never ever messed up? Then if so no need to read any further. Most of us would admit we have done something stupid and not really holy at one time or another.The saying goes when you point your finger condemning someone or judging them, look out as your other fingers are left pointing back at you.

The good news is God allows second chances, third chances and even more chances to get it right. He wants you to restored, refreshed, renewed, and redeemed. Do not allow the lies of the enemy to defeat you making you feel you can not start over and get close to God. Even when human relationships fail us God is there. He loves you with an everlasting love.

1 Peter 5:10 is one of my favorite verses given to me during a hard time in my life and it says "After you have suffered a little while the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you." If that is not a verse of promise what is? 1 Corinthians 6:10-11 says "nor thieves,nor the greedy,nor drunkards, nor reviles,nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. But such were some of you but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of God." Basically this verse is warning us to not be so high and mighty thinking we have 'arrived' but let's us know God can set us free and heal our brokenness.

Let me conclude with Psalm 107:20 which says "He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction."

 Do you need a touch from God today? He is only a prayer away.

 PRAYER: Lord thank you so much for the times you are there to pick me up when I fall and you set me back on the right path. I choose to believe you and not the lies of Satan. In Jesus name. Amen.

Click on link to worship the Lord in song. Be blessed.
http://youtu.be/UzK5y5T5v64