"The Truth" - A Devotional for Thursday

Matthew 5:5 (TM): “You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.”

I was in the grocery store the other day and saw the magazine "Men's Health". The guy on the cover had ripped abs and incredibly large, muscular arms. I looked down at my own stomach and realized that, while I wanted "six-pack" abs...I was going to have to settle for the "party keg" body shape for now. It's amazing how we can go from feeling extremely happy about ourselves to something much less. Sometimes we can feel downright miserable about who we are...our appearance, our abilities and gifts...even our brain power... all seem as though we are less than what we want to or should be.

I've got news once again that should make you happy...you can change that. I'm not talking about losing weight, sit-ups, plastic surgery, or the like. What I'm talking about is reality. Realizing that who you are is who God made you to be. You are His best work...

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."

We could all change something about ourselves...all of us...whether it is a physical trait or something inside our own personality or thought-life. Some of you today reading this devotional are disappointed that God made you the way He did. Don't be. Every hair on your head is intentional...the way you smile, think, and blink are all part of God's plan for your life. You are His masterpiece...the best God can do...

What is in you right now is extremely valuable...your gifts (and everybody has at least one) are meant for you to use to help others...to share with the world. You ARE somebody Christ can use...you ARE meant to be happy with His creation in you...you ARE valuable...you ARE important...you ARE blessed...and you ARE His child. No matter how you feel right now...that is the truth.

Want to live a happy life? Remember who you are in Christ...that's where your value is.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian

Wednesday

Greetings Internet Campus...

Thanks for joining me this morning..I am so glad that you have taken a few minutes from your busy day to spend some time here on the internet campus...I pray that today's verse and devotional brings you closer to Him as you walk through life.

Ephesians 2:8-9

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Don't you love to get gifts? I sure do. One of my favorite things in the world is to get a surprise gift. Not because it's my birthday...or Christmas...but just because. No reason...only that the person giving the gift loves me.

Today...never forget that the reason Heaven is possible for us is because of a gift with no strings attached. Given to us by Someone who loves us immeasurably. There is nothing you or I can do to earn our way into Heaven. We all fall short. God has chosen to make eternal life possible...not because we are good...not because we work hard...not even because we go to church... We can live forever together in Heaven because of His grace and our faith.

He showers His grace on us each and every morning. Even right now as you read this...your sins are already forgiven. Yesterday's shame is erased. The blemish from your past that won't shake loose...gone from the mind of our Graceful God.

All that this requires is our faith. Faith in God as Savior. Faith in God as King. Faith in Christ as Lord. If you've made this decision...you have received the gift. If you haven't yet and you'd like to...leave a comment with your phone number below and I will contact you via telephone to lead you as you make that decision.

Don't live today as a defeated and beaten person. Remember...if you are a Christ-follower....you have a special gift...your eternity is secured...your sins forgiven. Go after it today! You are a child of God....He loves you...no strings attached.

Pastor Brian