You are invited

Today is a celebration of a tradition that defines a Christian as separate from the world. Sometimes it is hard for the world to see them as a distinct group because the Scripture giving instructions for this feast is the one that causes the most division within the body. Christians can use it to unify believers and invite others to the feast as Jesus expected. All people are welcome. Jesus was even happy to have his closest friend there who he knew betrayed him. He refused to recognize a possible division. instead Jesus found joy in just knowing that His brothers and sisters were at the feast. They accepted the invite, which was more important than discussing their motive for doing so. Jesus only wanted to share the love of the Father God. will you allow him to serve you? Will you participate in the feast with him? Come as you are because he loves you exactly as you are. Make the choice on your level of RSVP using your own free will. ADDITIONAL RESOURCE http://www.renewalministries.net/?module=Events&class=Media&event=Show&mediaID=4

I can't do it myself!

I couldn't say it any better myself! TODAY’S THOUGHT FROM YOU VERSION BIBLE APP 40-DAY READING PLAN It’s been said, inviting Jesus into our lives to be our savior will be one of the easiest things we’ll ever do. However, living for Him will be one of the most difficult things we’ll ever do. We are under constant pressure from the world, other people and the culture around us to conform to it’s ways. The demands of life can easily defeat us. This is why it is so important to realize that we cannot be self-reliant in our Christian life. We need God’s mighty power to help us remain strong in our faith. We must remember the devil is out to “kill, steal and destroy.” He works overtime to design strategies that will trip us up when we least expect it. This is why we need to put on “all” of God’s armor so that we can withstand the spiritual attacks from the devil. God’s purpose is that we live a life of victory and maximize our one and only life to it’s full potential. As believers, we are called to make an impact with our lives. However, in order to do that effectively, we must “stand firm” so that we can “stand out” for our Lord. TODAY’S PRAYER Father, thank you that you have not given us a life of defeat but a life of victory. Today, I ask that you give me the strength to stand firm against all of the devil’s ways that are designed trip me up. Give me your mighty power today to make an impact for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. All of the above inspired by Ephesians 6:10-18 MSG And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

No time to lose

Two weekends in a row, I worked and attended two entirely different Christian conferences and the Word was clear; now is the time. Now is the time to take that opportunity to walk the faith, not just talk it. People heard enough; they want to see it and experience it as the witnesses claim to. Now is the time to clean up your inner heart, stir up the rocks and get out the dirt. A rejuvenated you will light up the world and draw others to Truth. Now is the time to be honest and real. Tell it like it is. Don't be afraid of how you or the Truth will be accepted. Let God take care of that. Now is the time to forgive. Make amends with people and even find ways to compliment the ones who irk you. Encourage everyone in right directions that lead to joy. Just a smile will change the world. Now is the time to reevaluate your choices. Ultimately it is what we decide is a priority that will become what our life revolves around. Now is the time to take life seriously. If you believe Jesus is the Way, then you know there is one sure route or you are on the wrong road. You know what is the right thing to do, do it. Any other way is frustrating and unfruitful. Now is the time to grow closer to God. Take those opportunities to know Him and accept his friendship. If you can't understand certain things about Him or His Word, ask Him. Now is the time to be accountable. This world will say you are your own person and have no effect on others; do your thing and carry on. Well if you are the type of Christian who believes how the salvation story even began, then you know it only took two people to bring evil to the world for eternity. There are consequences to our actions and we are called to humbly look at others before we choose for ourselves. Jesus took every opportunity to set His needs aside from stopping to talk to a loose woman at the well on a busy tiring day to continuing to pray for others while dying of breath on a bloody cross His torn skin hung from by three nails. Now is the time to be the example of Christ to a world wondering who He is. Church walls aren't helping and people with their lights cut out aren't shining as they should. Think about how many times this was brought up in the news as the world watched the Pope selection go on at the Vatican. Think of how people are in a season where they are preparing for Easter. What a perfect time to lead people to the joy a supernatural friendship brings. I think Jesus is worth it to take the time to try. How about you? Romans 13 (MSG) 11-14 But make sure that you don’t get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!