FROM THE KEYBOARD

Attending church on Sunday may be about lifting Jesus up. But being the church every other day should be about living Jesus out. You see, the world needs to witness the love of Jesus from the pulpit of our lives in order for them to want Jesus to come into their own lives. In other words, if you talk it, be the first to walk it so the world can see it.

What the Lord requires of us is to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Him. To do justly is to live by integrity regardless of the consequences. To love mercy is to see others the way Jesus views them. And to walk humbly is to be poised by gentleness and powered by God's faithfulness. These are the Christian's requirements, not out of responsibility, but purely out of response to Calvary.

We pursue what we value. As does God. And since He pursued us by going to the cross and still pursues us with His grace, then what does that say about our value?

O Lord, Your forgiveness has set me free. Your amazing grace has made my heart a bended knee. And I thank you for Your relentless love that pursues me, for it changes me and altogether soothes me. You are a gracious God and a merciful Master, in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

The greatest power on earth is the power of the Holy Spirit. And the effectiveness of such power is only as great as your surrender to the Lord. Thus, when we yield to Him, this spiritual power becomes real to us. Because His power in you is greater than any power this world will ever offer you.

The fruitful life often needs rain just as much as sunshine. Thus, when we are connected to Jesus--the Vine--even the storms of life become useful in the process of becoming fruitful. Accept the rain then, knowing the sun is right on the other side of the clouds.