God is Good!

Give this a try. Sit in a chair, and then try to sit in the chair. I know it sounds a bit silly because you are already sitting in the chair. Once you are in the chair, you cannot get into it any more than you already are. The same idea applies to Christ and His righteousness. Jesus has made us right with God through His sacrifice and we cannot do anything to make ourselves more righteous than He has made us. Our behavior can improve, but not until we fully accept our righteousness through Jesus. Jesus puts us in the seat of righteousness and we need to learn to relax and stop trying to be what we already are. No amount of right actions can ever make us right with God apart from Christ. Affirming this, the apostle Paul prayed that he would be found and known as being in Christ, having no righteousness of his own, but only that right standing that comes through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:9 When we truly understand that we cannot do anything to make ourselves righteous and that we do not have to prove anything to God, we are able to rest in the gift of righteousness Jesus gives to us and that will make us bold in our petitions and confident in God's desire to answer us. I know that God does not hear or answer my prayers because I am good; He hears and answers because He is good! Keep the Faith Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6

Yes, Im a Proud Mom!

Where is that instruction manual on raising kids? You know, the one the hospital gives you just before you leave with your new baby? What do you mean, there isn't one? Raising a child is such an important, seriously sobering task, it should at least come with a manual, don't you think? What do you suppose this instruction manual would look like? Can't you just see it? It would contain some great categories like, "How to Stop the Whining," and "How to Get Your Kids to Listen When You Talk." A huge part of that challenge is passing on your faith to kids whose priorities are more focused on video games, sporting events, and the latest trends in clothes. And let's not forget to mention peer pressure and media pressure that offers temptations to kids to do drugs, drink alcohol and get involved sexually. Today's kids face an overall absence of godly examples and moral living in a society that is moving toward "freedom from religion" instead of "freedom of religion." But the good news is that there are things you can do to raise godly kids and even share your faith with them along the way. I have used them and Freedom and Reign are well on their way! First, as a parent you must live out your faith in your own life. It is impossible to give away something you don't have. Kids can spot a phony from a mile away. They're looking for the real deal from their parents. Living your faith can start with simple things, like showing love, kindness, and generosity. If your kids see you finding ways to "be a blessing," it will become a natural and normal way of life for them too. Second, start sharing your faith early in the lives of your kids. Being a part of an active Christian church shows your kids that you think spending time with God is important. Make it a point to let them hear you talk about the great things happening in the church. Let them hear how much you've been helped by being in the midst of people with similar beliefs who pray for you and you for them. Lastly, sharing your faith also means reading the Bible with your children in a way that causes it to come alive for them. I just wanted to share a few things that you can take with you this mother’s day. I pray this day is especially special for YOU and that raising your children will continue to be one of lifes greatest gifts! Many Smiles & Much Laughter Keep the Faith Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6

Trust God!

Faith is more than positive thinking. Positive thinking will NOT produce faith. Faith is trust in God, and the only way to develop faith is to learn to know God. Since He is trustworthy, as we learn to know Him, we spontaneously learn to trust Him. Faith is trusting God when things don't turn out the way we expect. Hebrews 11:6 is the classic text: "Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (that God exists), and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." God IS a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Not those who seek merely His blessings, but those who seek Him, are the ones who find their reward. For He is the reward! Only two things are necessary in order to trust someone. First you must find someone who is trustworthy. Second, you must get to know him. But when it comes to the Christian life, only one thing is required; that you come to Jesus, and that you keep coming to Him day by day. If you will keep coming to Him, God has made Himself responsible for taking care of everything else that needs to happen in your life. "If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit does not cease until the soul is conformed to God's image." Have Faith. Trust God. Everyday with Him gets sweeter than the day before. Elder Bert Hebrews 11:6