"Iniquities" 
 
Psalm 130:3 "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?"

I am often grateful for Grace. (Getting what l don't deserve.) An acronym for G.R.A.C.E. is "God's Riches At Christ's Expense". If God responded without grace and mercy to our iniquities, there would only be scorch marks left where we were once standing or sitting. Definition of iniquity: guilt worthy of punishment, sin at its worst, premeditated, continuing and escalating sin. Awful definition huh? I am capable and culpable of such sin. Whether in word, thought or deed, l am aware of where l have been and where l can go. I am so grateful that His forgiveness washes me clean. I am so glad that Christ's sacrifice on the cross settles my debt. Wipes my slate clean and evens out my score. His victory overcomes my defeat. Otherwise, l could not stand before Him, nobody could. I am free of guilt and shame today. His grace is sufficient. Because of Him, l am snatching victory from the jaws of certain defeat.

Praise God!
Pastor Fred 

"According to Scripture" 
By Greg Metcalf

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)

Accord-homothymadon (G3661) 

Vines Expository-with one mind, with one accord, with one passion
A unique Greek word, used 10 of its 12 New Testament occurrences in the Book of Acts, helps us understand the uniqueness of the Christian community. Homothumadon is a compound of two words meaning to "rush along" and "in unison". The image is almost musical; a number of notes are sounded which, while different, harmonize in pitch and tone. As the instruments of a great concert under the direction of a concert master, so the Holy Spirit blends together the lives of members of Christ's church.
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Phil 2:1-2)

Accord-sympsychos (G4861)

Vines Expository-of one mind, of one accord
This word is made up of two words syn (together with) and psychos (soul, self, inner life, or the seat of the feelings, desires, affections). So the word refers to being 'united in spirit' or harmonious (BDAG). Paul desired the Philippians to be united in their affections—one in Christ in all desires! Phil 2:2 is the only occurrence of this word in the NT.

"Comfort, Comforts, Comforted" 

2 Cor.1:3-4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Indeed, what a blessing it is to be comforted by God, who is the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. The Greek word for "comfort" is related to the familiar word Paraclete, "one who comes alongside to help", another name for the Holy Spirit. Comfort often connotes softness and ease, but that is not the meaning here. Paul is saying that God came to him in the middle of his sufferings and troubles to strengthen him and give him courage and boldness. We are not only blessed to be a blessing. We are comforted to be comforter. I hope this comforts you, to know He is emboldening you to comfort others.

With His grace,
Pastor Fred 

 "Too Important?" 

"If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important."
Galatians 6:3 

Sometimes the Word of God is very clear. The context of this is Paul exhorting believers when they see other believers straying or getting into bad habits to "gently and humbly" help them back into His will. He warns them not to dwell on sin or get caught up in it. The focus is on the move back not on the straying. And he reminds us to keep on the ministry we are called to, help others but not dwell in their business or compare ourselves to others. Our standard is Christ, not others in the church.

And remember we are not too important or above sharing each other's burdens and lending a helping hand.

Feeling humbled,
Angie Wahl

"Persuaded"  Acts 16:13-15 "On the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made, and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us saying, "lf you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us." Let me list a few insights to give some deeper understanding to this passage and to better illustrate lessons from it. 1. The Sabbath is Saturday 2. We is Paul, Timothy, and Silas 3. The city is Philippi 4. Women's prayer meeting 5. Lydia is a prominent businesswoman. 6. Lydia desired the truth. 7. Paul shares the gospel truth. 8. Lydia believed, received and was baptized along with her household. 9. Lydia passionately desires to be hospitable and have more fellowship. 10. Paul, Timothy, and Silas accept her hospitality. Lessons today...Be hospitable and accept hospitality. Desire more truth. Share the truth wherever you go. Allow yourself to be persuaded when the Spirit is leading. God makes good stuff happen when we go with His flow. Don't miss that. What opportunities will God give you today?      In His Service with you, Pastor Fred

"Psalm 146" 

The Word of God is just good to read without commentary. After all, it is The Word of God. Here is an example.

Psalm 146 "Praise the LORD O my soul. While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.  Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit departs, he returns to his earth, and that very day his plans perish. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them, Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The LORD gives freedom to the prisoners. The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow;  But the way of the wicked he turns upside down. The LORD shall reign forever, Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!

In His Word, 
Pastor Fred 

"Generations" 

Lamentations 5:19 "You O LORD remain forever; Your throne from generation to generation."

Nothing else remains. Only God has no beginning or end. Everything else is transitory. Can you imagine though? He, eternal God, has invited us to join Him in eternity. Amazing. What a gift! He has been on His throne from eternity past. He will remain on His throne forever. No one or anything will replace or supplant Him.

We must pass this truth from generation to generation. Only The LORD is on His throne, Only He will remain. Tell someone. Particularly someone in the next generation. The LORD and His throne have always been and are forever. That should affect your choices today. Make an eternal difference with your choices. The next generation needs to know this truth. The consequences of knowing and not knowing are eternal. Share today.

With His blessings,
Pastor Fred