Remarkable love relationship

Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country. Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. Click on heading above to link to "Team Hoyt" and learn more about this remarkable son and father team.

Called to be set apart

Today's message comes compliments of my daughter Kirsten's Facebook file, a new technology option she uses consistently to share her faith. I don't even need her permission to post this. She shares ALWAYS, to the glory of Jesus Christ:

Christ is the one who saves us when we place our trust in Him; that is a matter of justification (declared righteous). Justification is a legal matter in which Christ paid our debt, for He died in our place. Sin separates, but salvation brings us into right relationship with the Almighty God, not by works, but by FAITH.

But the relationship with the Lord doesn't stop there. He has given us His Spirit. We have been supplied with everything we need through His Son. He calls us to be set apart. That is the "sanctification" part -- the part in which we need to YIELD to Him moment by moment.

I decrease so that HE may increase. The lack of fruit in our lives is due to our lack of surrender to Him. He wants the whole of us. We face hardships in order that He may prove us, that our faith and trust is in Him and Him alone.

This is why we are called to REJOICE in suffering. We don't rejoice because of the trial, but we rejoice because of the outcome of Christ’s work in our lives as He provides us strength to endure, to stand firm.

His word tells us in Romans 5:2 “We exult in hope of the glory of God.” He is our hope. “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations.” Knowing what? “Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope. And hope does not disappoint.” Why? Because “the love of God has been poured out with in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

“Rejoice in the Lord! Again I say rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!” Philippians 4:4-7

Your words a joy and delight

Jeremiah 15:16
"Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts."

I recall as a young man traveling to a neighboring city to take an "in depth" course on a book of the Bible. I do not recall which book it was, but I remember experiencing a strong sense of frustration that I had not been exposed to that depth of instruction in weekly sermons.

Years later (too many years!) I sat in the front row of our new church, literally weeping with joy to be blessed in a "through the Bible" fellowship that offered a steady diet of "meat" rather than "baby's milk."

Are many churches guilty of offering a watered down gospel, delivered in bite size portions to a body of believers eager to move on from "church" to the adventures of the day? Certainly. But am I to be "absolved" of personal responsibility if I choose to make such a place my church home? Absolutely not.

I was reminded in mid-week Bible study this week of Jeremiah 15, which compares the Scriptures to a delightful meal. Who among us does not take every opportunity for a delicious snack or meal? Yet another verse compares God's Word to sweet honey.

"To develop an appetite for the Word, eat it!" our pastor suggested. "Chew on it, enjoy it, and you will develop a craving for more." The snack will turn into a banquet.

I encourage you to join me in praying for increased desire and opportunity to reap the rewards of God's precious word. From milk ... to meat ... to honey!