Grace Fellowship

Looking for additional thoughts from Pastor Phillip? You’re in the right place!

Many are thinking about their New Year’s resolutions!  Physical fitness and weight control will be among the top of our lists.  Joe Bunch had a word from the Lord this past Sunday. Part of it went something like this, “2011 can be like heaven with a decision from you.” 

How does God address the New Year?

In preparation of the Passover, God gave the Children of Israel some instruction. 

Exodus 12: (NAS), ²“This month shall be the beginning of months for you; it is to be the first month of the year to you.

 The New Year pictures New Life, being Born Again or a new start!  This is not an external change but internally of the heart!  We may try through self-performance to bring about change, but when the Word is written upon our heart the change seems effortless.

The Passover Lamb was to be a male without blemish in the prime of it’s life.  This is a perfect picture of Jesus.  The flesh of the Lamb was to be eaten while the blood applied to the door post.  As the flesh was eaten, it became a part of the Israelites.  This is a picture of the Body of Christ.  The Lord’s Body, spiritually speaking, is one.  We need to cultivate unity within the Body.  Offenses are one of the top reasons many are sickly and die prematurely.  Many tolerate offenses until it FEELS normal.  Before long, they don’t know how to live without offenses because their senses tell them it is normal. It becomes a silent killer. 

When the Children of Israel ate of the Lamb’s flesh, it gave them strength for the journey.  They discovered that all their sicknesses, feebleness and infirmities had vanished.  Everyone among them was strong!  Estimates say there were some three million people.  This was supernatural.  The flesh was broken and eaten for their physical sustenance.  When coming to the Communion table, we are to remember that “It is by Jesus’ stripes we are healed.” His body gives us strength for our journey.

Psalm 105: (NLT), ³⁷  But he brought his people safely out of Egypt, loaded with silver and gold; there were no sick or feeble people among them.

The blood upon the door post delivered them from pending judgment by the death angel.  Jesus’ blood delivers us from judgment.  In the New Testament the blood doesn’t merely cover sin, it wipes it out.  Through the blood of Jesus our sins are remitted.  This is wiping out the fact that we had a past.  Everything is new.  Under the Old Testament their sins were covered up, pardoned or forgiven without remission.  So, they had to come back year after year to make sacrifices on behalf of their sins. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, conquered sin with His blood once for all time. Our past was remitted and we became a New Creation in Christ.  Remission is for the sinner and forgiveness is for the believer.  We have forgiveness because our sins have been remitted or wiped out! 

If there is any debt left for us to pay we are in serious trouble.  We are spiritually bankrupt without Christ.  No, the price was paid in full for us by Jesus the Lamb of God. 

The Spirit Filled Life Bible says, “This passage (1 Cor.11:32) warns against meaningless participation in the Eucharist.  The message is “Remember, Jesus has borne your judgment!”  Thus, come with humility, confession and worship and be strengthened in Him.”

What are God’s plans in 2011?

 Jeremiah 29: (NIV), ¹¹For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Through His blood our sin has been remitted and we have forgiveness.  Through His body we are strengthened and by His stripes we are healed.  Jesus has given us strength for the journey in 2011!  Let’s make a decision to activate faith for the Blood and Body given for us in this New Year.                 

“2011 can be like heaven with a decision from you.”

Isn’t fall a beautiful time of year?  Time for reflecting and giving thanks to God for the abundant blessings of life!  Have you ever been in a place where all you could think of was what’s wrong with everything?  The word of God says, in Phil. 4:8, to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, a good report and of virtue.  So, we need to change our thinking to things that are positive and build up.  Sometimes the most simple things are things we should be most thankful for.  The National Lung Association a few years ago had a slogan that said, “When you can’t breathe…NOTHING else matters!”  Think about it…that’s the truth!  One thing we can all be thankful for is we are breathing!  Another thing is the pleasure of movement.  Walking, turning over in bed to get comfortable, being able to speak and communicate.  These are all very simple things that we take for granted every day.

My precious mother-in-law was moved to an assisted living facility last month.  She struggles with some of the things that we so frequently take for granted.  I look at her so many times and think of all the work her hands have done providing for her family over the past 60 years.  She had 6 children and a husband in her care.  Being a homemaker was her life.  Have you ever stopped to think about the work that it took to provide for 6 children in her generation?  Most of the time, she cooked at least 2 if not 3 full meals a day!  Cakes were from scratch!  Coconut cake  began with the brown hard   coconut and was drilled for the milk, then scraped for the coconut!  I was telling someone in front of her the other day about how she cooked.  Mrs. Hamilton looked at me and said, “Who did that?”  I said, “You did!”  She said, “Well, I might just do it again in a little bit!”  How thankful I am to be part of her life!  What a blessing she has been to me!

It is getting close to Thanksgiving and everyone has his or her own traditions.  Let me encourage you to remember those who have provided for you.  If they are still here, let them know how much you appreciate them.  Think about the time they spent doing for your family and remind them.  If they are in heaven, like my mom, do something for someone in her name.  There are many people who may not remember on their own the things they have done.  You can help to remind them!  Be a blessing and be thankful!  Happy Thanksgiving!                                  

~Diana Hamilton

In order for one to have “fellowship” with God, they must first be in “relationship” with Him. Fellowship is birthed from relationship. Through Jesus, God is our Father and we are His children (John 1:12)! Sins do not affect the believers’ relationship with the Lord but left unattended they can affect their fellowship or communion with Him (1 Peter 2:11)!

This is why we are told in Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” (NLT)

In the early days of our ministry, I knew a dear saint of God who loved me and she was excited about the teaching of faith, grace and being at peace with God. She asked to speak with me before they moved away to retire near their children. During our conversation she asked, “Do you remember a certain sermon?” I said, “Why yes, that has been about two years ago hasn’t it?” She responded in the affirmative. I thought she might say how it had blessed her in some way but instead she asked if I had subtly corrected her with a story I told. Taken back, I said, “No sister, you weren’t on my mind at all. I didn’t even know you could relate to that story personally.” She said, “I didn’t think so, I just wanted to be sure and needed to get it off my chest.” I assured her the story had nothing to do with her! I asked, “Why didn’t you come to me two years ago? This could have been settled right away. I am so sorry you have lived with this concern!” Like many, she had no answer. Although it took her a while, at least she did ask and her mind was set at ease.

Many would rather just “handle it” themselves than attempt to resolve it like Jesus taught. All that is left is judgment. Judgment is when we presume to know why one does what they do without talking to them. It is judging ones motives without really knowing why they did or didn’t do something. Resolution comes through a teachable spirit, a willingness to listen, and a desire to be restored by loving confrontation. When acting as judge and jury we condemn them in our mind while hardening the heart. This may manifest itself in the form of the silent treatment, avoidance, separation, or for many married couples, living together while being emotionally divorced.

Luke 6:36-38 says we will receive what we have given out, mercy or judgment but it isn’t from God. No, it will be from the people we encounter! Many have problems relating to others because they are continuously passing emotional judgments on them. What do they get back? They get back exactly what they have given out, judgment and condemnation.

The Lord said, “He would never leave or forsake us.” (Hebrews 13:5) The truth is, He is never far from us but we can “feel” far from Him. Like a person in chronic pain, when offenses are merely accepted they subtly affect every relationship we incur especially the Lord’s.

This infection of the soul creates all manner of emotional pain and physical illnesses. It dulls ones ability to hear the voice of the Lord. Their spiritual eyes are tainted with the lens of offense so the focus is on their pain rather than helping others. But, the Father knows how to navigate us from unbelief to faith if we will just turn to His Word! He is not withholding His blessing. Brother Kenneth E. Hagin said, “Be quick to repent and quick to forgive and you’ll never be far from God.”

In Romans 5:5, the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. He not only wants us to possess it, He wants us to experience it too. In 2 Peter 2:2-3, the Father has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. When we lay aside our pride and yield to His Word we begin to experience all He intends us to enjoy in this life free from offenses.

Backsliding is an Old Testament term used to describe one who is moving away from the Lord.  I heard a preacher say, “If you were ever closer to the Lord than you are right now, then you are backslidden.” 

When Adam moved away from the Lord, he blamed God when things didn’t go his way saying, “It was the woman YOU gave me!”  Moving away from God, His Word, church attendance and blaming Him, are all symptoms that one is moving away instead of getting closer to the Lord.  This comes with some very legitimate “reasons” why they are not doing these things saying, “Me and the Lord are okay, it’s all good.”      

The first funeral I assisted with was a young man who was full of life, very personable and one we dearly loved.  He made a decision for Jesus early in his life; but like many young people, he wanted to “sow some wild oats”.  He and his friends had been drinking and Scott was in the back seat of a car when the accident happened. We waited at the hospital several days, praying for a miracle, when it was determined there was no brain activity.  Scott was a very outgoing, fun-loving guy who had plenty of girlfriends.  At the body viewing, I over heard a beautiful young girl say, “He was so handsome.”  His mother replied confidently, “Yes, he was.” giving a slight sad chuckle.          

The issue of sin was handled at the cross through Jesus – past, present and future.  He is such an awesome Lord.  Satan was completely defeated and the only power he has is deceit.  I am sure Scott is at home with the Lord, but I watched his family go through hell trying to make sense out of something so senseless.  “I can handle this” have been the words of young people for generations – believing they are bullet proof and invincible.

My brother, now a chaplain, wept bitter tears when, as a teen, his pot-smoking buddy was found alone in the woods hung by the neck.  He bemoaned, “If I had been living for the Lord, could I have helped him?”  We can forfeit our ability to influence people positively for Christ while living a life without consideration of God’s will. 

This is for Candace, a beautiful young senior from Fox Creek High School and her friends.  She had been drinking and driving when she rolled her car.  Many of the doctor’s reports are uncertain about her condition, but we have the report of the Lord and we are trusting Him for a full recovery.  She made a definite decision for Christ in the eighth grade at Victory Baptist Church.  Her parents are standing faithfully with her believing for a good outcome while enduring the various reports. They are in it for the long haul.  We thank the Lord for His mercy and healing power. 

She was awake when we went in to pray the other day.  Her hands were tied to the bed to prevent her from accidentally harming herself, but she could lift them up about 8 inches on both sides.  At the present, she has a difficult time formulating words, but we believe this is going to change.  Diana and Candace’s parents, Tera and Robert, were on one side of her and I stood on the other.  We asked Candace if we could pray with her, she lifted her hands so we could hold them saying, “Let us, let us, let us!” 

Although we may make a decision out of God’s will, He never leaves or forsakes us! Thank God Candace is here to pray with.  This enables us to have faith for better days.  Many of her well-meaning friends, having pledged their undying allegiance, will go on with their lives while she recovers.  Some have already dared to drink and drive while rationalizing, “That happened to her but it won’t happen to me.” They would prefer to blame God before blaming their “friend” alcohol or drugs saying, “Why did God let this happen?”  Our prayer is that it won’t happen to anyone and many will dare to realize that God has a life planned for them that is so much better than alcohol and/or drugs.   

Jesus came that we might have abundance of life!  Let’s trust Him for it!!  I believe Candace will testify of the Lord’s goodness one day soon.  This is our continual prayer.

One of the most difficult concepts for believers to grasp is that loving God does not begin with us.  It begins with Him.  Many sincere people say things like, “If we would all just love God more the world would be a better place.”  The statement implies that we should work harder at loving Him. The truth is we do not have the ability to love God more without His help. Our capacity to love Him increases as we receive a revelation of how much He loves us. We love Him because He first loved us!                                                                           (1 John 4:19)                                                              

 His love is not stingy, petty, self-centered or self-serving.  The love of God is extravagant.  What does it mean to be extravagant?  Webster’s dictionary says, “Exceeding the limits of reason or necessity.  Lacking in moderation, balance, and restraint, excessively elaborate.”  Religion teaches that God wants to give us just enough to meet our basic needs. But the truth is, when it comes to love — God is over-the-top, exceeding-the-limits-of-reason, in love with us!                                                     

When I was seven years old I went “up the country” with my Grandmother to visit my great Uncle Henry and Aunt Myrtle.  I couldn’t wait to see them.  Uncle Henry had a wooden leg with a hole in it, and he claimed a mouse lived in that hole.  One evening we went to visit my great Uncle Boyd.   Being retired, he and his wife loved children, but there wasn’t much for a little boy to do.  He was persistent in attempting to entertain me.  Coming from a large family, I really enjoyed the personalized attention.  He brought out, probably the only toy in the house, a battery-operated monkey that played cymbals.        

Finally, he asked if I would like to have some milk and cookies.  After that there was ice cream, hmmm a kid’s heaven, sweets with adult encouragement!! Then there was my favorite banana pudding, and finally ended with lemon meringue pie!  I literally thought I would throw up if I took another bite.  I didn’t want to hurt his feelings by saying no, but I was so full my stomach hurt!  Uncle Boyd said, “Boy, you like watermelon?”  Slowly I answered, “Uh-huh, yes sir” as the perspiration beaded on my head. Thank the Lord, Grandmother spoke up saying, “Maybe we better take that with us!”  While putting two melons in the car, Uncle Boyd asked, “Are you sure you have had enough to eat, are you full?” 

I had barely known my great Uncle Boyd and for the remainder of his life I do not remember spending a whole afternoon with him. Sitting in the back seat of the car that evening as my stomach ached, I felt accepted, validated and loved! He was over-the-top, out-of-control and extravagant!  This is how God lavishes His extravagant love upon us!                                                                                                                                                  

In Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Moses tries to explain the unexplainable — God’s love.  It certainly wasn’t because they were a great nation or fine specimens of humanity. So, why did God love them?  Verse 8 reads, “It was simply because the LORD loves you.” (NLT)  Trying to answer “why” causes us to enter into a performance-based mentality.  The quality of God’s love proceeds out of Him to us and not the other way around.  It isn’t based on anything we do.  It proceeds totally from Him.                             

God not only wants us to know His love academically, but He wants us to “experience” the love of Christ. (Eph. 3:19, NLT)  When we feel loved of God, in our emotions, we will share that love with others!  1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God has for us…”

Don’t try and find a reason why, just accept and believe it!