How would you respond?

I’ve been going through the book of Acts on my “60 Seconds with PJ” videos on Facebook & Instagram. I share one verse, but encourage people to read the whole chapter. For example, today I’m in Acts 16.

Paul and Silas are arrested for preaching the Gospel and thrown in jail. While there, God makes an earthquake occur and miraculously, the jailor is saved as he asks about how to follow Jesus.

The pivotal moment happens before the earthquake. Paul and Silas’ example of singing praise while stuck in prison opens the door of the jailor’s heart.

I’m just wondering…would I respond like that if I were stuck in prison? Or, what if it was something else? Do I respond with praise when things don’t seem to go my way???

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25 NIV)

Is this a Super Power?

There is one thing any of us can do…and when we do, it changes everything. This one thing unleashes God’s amazing grace in a powerful, practical and personal way directly into our life. This one thing is THE difference maker on our end. It’s up to us, but when we do this…it’s incredible.

This one thing??? CONFESS our sins. Come clean. Admit our part in our mess.

Now read this passage from Psalm 32 and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Then you can spend some time talking to your Creator.

“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’ — and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” (Psalm 32:1-5 NIV)

Can you help with this?

I usually try to post helpful and inspirational blogs, but today I’m challenging YOU to be helpful and inspirational. Here are a few things you could help with:

We need underwear and socks…As many of you know, we collect these every January for the Hemet Unified School District-Clothes Closet. This is our last weekend coming up and we really need your help.

We need plastic grocery bags for wet clothes after someone’s baptism…I know California is “unique” and we don’t get plastic bags at the store anymore, but we NEED THEM! We use them to put people’s wet clothes in after their baptism. This is a simple thing, but makes a big difference.

I appreciate you all! If you’re able to help with these two things…THANK YOU!!!

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV)

How Poor Are You?

Last weekend Donnie introduced our Sermon on the Mount series, and this weekend Joe introduced the first part of this series: The Beatitudes.

While Poor in Spirit isn’t about our bank account, it is about understanding what we bring to the table when it comes to our salvation. I don’t know about you, but I loved this quote from Joe: “When Self Runs Out, Grace Steps In!”

That sums it up well. Joe then gave us a bunch to think about. Today I thought I’d share the four application points so you can spend a little time thinking through your next steps:

     1-Stop pretending you’re fine.

     2-Replace self-reliance with daily dependence.

     3-Let need lead you to Jesus.

     4-Come together now: Stop doing life alone!

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NIV)

Why is HE so slow?

More than once God’s timing was much slower than I wanted. Of course, His timing in any situation is always right…even though I want it at my own speed/pace.

How long though do we have to wait for His return? It seems like all the signs are right for His return to be just around the corner…but they’ve been saying that for centuries! When is He coming back???

While that’s a question only God can answer, we do know this…we have a mission in the meantime! While He waits for the right time…we still have time to tell more people. So, who are you inviting this Sunday?

“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:8-9 ESV)