Richard Craig, Author at GraceAndWorks - Page 9 of 59

The story , in Luke Chapter 15, of the prodigal son has three different characters. Which one are you?

The younger son asked, and received, his inheritance early from his father. After a few days, he gathered his things and left. He had what he wanted–money and no cares. We refer to it as “Wine, Women, and Song.” He was living the “Life.” Eventually he spent all he had, and there came a famine in the country where he was residing, and found himself wanting. He found a job feeding a man’s swine out in the field, yet no one would give him anything. He thought to himself that even his fathers servants had more to eat than they needed, so he decided to go home and apologize to his father. As he was nearing home, the father saw him, ran to meet him, and called for a welcome home party.

The father showed his undying love for his son and welcomed him back with open arms. The kind of love that we wish we all had.

The older son, who stayed home, worked with his father, and did what he was expected to do, got angry when he found out what was going on. He was so angry that he wouldn’t even go inside to join the party. His father came outside and pleaded with him to come inside. Then the older son said, “I’ve stayed home with you and followed your every command and yet you never gave me a young goat that I might party with my friends.” The father told him, You never left my side and what I have you also have.”

The point of this story, as Jesus told it is this, our Father, God, will show us the love that the father showed and forgive us as the father forgave his son. All we have to do is say, “I have sinned and I need to repent.” I’m thankful that I have a forgiving, loving, and merciful Father.

So…..the question is this–Are you the mess up that the younger son was, the angry son that didn’t understand, or the father with happiness, love, and forgiveness for his son?

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.

Parents taken for granted. Kids think they will be around forever, then, one day they are gone. I hear people say, “I wish I would have…………”

Kids are taken for granted. Parents think they will always be OK. Then something goes wrong and the parents ask, “Where did we go wrong?”

Jobs are taken for granted. We think we can’t be replaced and everything is going to be OK forever. Then we come to work and find something has happened and we no longer have a job.

Everyday things are taken for granted.We turn the hot water on and expect it to be hot. Then one day it isn’t. When we touch the on button for the remote we expect the TV to come on. Then one day it doesn’t. We turn the light switch on and expect the room to light up.Then one day it doesn’t. We go to the car and put the key in the ignition and expect the car to start. Then one day it doesn’t.

We take marriage for granted. We think we’ll always get along and there will be no problems.Then one day there are problems.

We take our health for granted. We think we are invincible and nothing can go wrong. Then one day we have to see the Doctor and there are problems.

We take God for granted. Life is going along smooth. The road becomes bumpy and it’s full of curves. Then we find ourselves off course and in the “Ditch.”

Most of the things I have listed, we can fix by ourselves. Except when life derails. Then we  talk to God and ask for His help. He gives the help and we go on like nothing happened until the next time we need His help. I wonder what has happened in between “happenings.” Do we still talk to God? Do we thank Him for all the good we have? Or do we take Him for granted that He will always be there for help. This reminds me of the story about the Israelites when they came out of Egyptian captivity and were in the middle of the desert. Things would be going along just fine and they would forget about God. Suddenly things would go sideways and then they would bow down and ask God for help. This type of behavior cycles over and over.

Don’t get yourself in a position where you take God for granted.

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.

When I was still in the work force, I heard, a lot, “It’s not my job.” Maybe it isn’t, but helping out with something never hurt anyone. If you are being paid an hourly rate or a monthly salary, does it really matter what you do to earn your money? For instance: If you’re working fast food and your “job” is to cook, when things are slow, does that mean you can’t help with the cleaning? Doesn’t it all pay the same? So why not help others when you have the time? Society has somehow set definitions on duties of the husband and wife in the marriage. So let me ask this: Does that mean if the wife is a homemaker and doesn’t work outside the home, the husband doesn’t have to help her? Or visa-versus. I think not!! Maybe that is a cause of tension and makes for a troubled marriage. I know of several married couples that have set their own rules and get along just fine. Each helping out when and where they can. My wife works in an Insurance office where there are different teams. When her producers need help, she helps them. Not saying, “But that’s not my job” but pitching in and doing whatever it takes to create a cohesion that keeps the team clicking on all cylinders and running smoothly. There are five players, for each team, on the court at one time in basketball. Each have their own responsibility, but not afraid or unwilling to help out where needed. That, my friends, is team play.

In the church, Ephesians chapter four, we are told that God has given each of different talents to use. I submit to you, that one of those God given talents is to learn. The more we grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, the more talents we accrue. Some will sit back and say, “That’s not my job-I don’t have the talent to do that.” The most common I hear is, “I can’t teach.” REALLY?? The way you conduct yourself and the way you walk with Christ is teaching others about what being a Christian is all about. I had a person once tell me, when you say NO to doing something in the Church, you actually are saying NO to God. Think about that for a moment!! Many, as they get older, will basically sit back and do nothing, saying, “been there, done that, and I’m not doing it any more.” Did the Apostle Paul ever quit? What an example he is/was.

“It’s Not My Job!!” YES it is, if you want to be a team player.

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.

There are two major categories of disappointment:

Has a Person Disappointed You?

When we place our expectations on people, we are usually disappointed. Has a close friend turned away from you? Has someone betrayed you? If you have set your hopes on your children being all you want them to be, you could be headed for a huge letdown. Did you marry, thinking your husband would meet all your needs? I have to tell you something: No man can meet all of a woman’s needs, and no woman can meet all of a man’s needs. God made us with a vacant space in our innermost being that only He can fill. So He will always let us experience disappointment with people so that we are driven to find fulfillment in Him.

Are You Disappointed in Your Circumstances?

If our joy depends on circumstances, we are in trouble, because circumstances are always changing. There are too many variables for them to remain the same. Did you expect a promotion, and someone less qualified got the job instead? Has illness interrupted and permanently altered the plans you had for your family? Has a divorce you never wanted radically changed your circumstances?

2nd Corinthians 1:3-4–God will comfort us in our afflictions.

Romans 8:31-39–No matter how bad things seem, nothing can separate us from God’s love.

Hebrews 13:5-6–God will not forsake you.

Philippians 4:4-7–Have no anxiety about anything, PRAY.

James 1:12–Blessed is the man who endures trials.

God has an open communication line, through prayer, that we can talk to Him. He will never give up on us or forsake us. He will be there in time of need. Talk to Him, let Him speak through his word, you’ll be amazed how quick your life will turn around!! You have cried the tears, gathered yourself, and got your life fixed. All is well!!

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.

The Apostle Paul was an amazing man. In his early years, he persecuted Christians. Then on his way to Damascus his life took a 180% turn. He went from persecuting Christians to teaching and preaching Christianity. While working in God’s Kingdom, he was left for dead, shipwrecked, imprisoned, afflicted, and persecuted. At the end of his life (66-67 A.D.) he wrote 2nd Timothy. Timothy was one of the workers that helped Paul and was a close friend of Paul’s. The instruction that Paul gives Timothy had a lot of insight and applies to us as Christians today.

In the 3rd Chapter of 2nd Timothy, Paul tells Timothy what was coming in the last days. It is truly astonishing how accurate he was for today’s world.

Paul starts this Chapter off by saying, “Know this that in the last days perilous times will come.” He leaves no doubt about what was to come. In verse 2, Paul lays out exactly what he was talking about. 1) Men will be Lovers of themselves, 2) Men will be lovers of money, 3) Men will be boasters,  4) Men will be proud, 5) Men will be blasphemers, 6) Men will be disobedient to parents (And God the Father), 7) Men will be unthankful, 8) Men will be unholy, 9) Men will be unloving, 10) Men will be unforgiving, 11) Men will be slanderers, 12) Men will be without self-control, 13) Men will be brutal, 14) Men will be despisers of good, 15) Men will be traitors, 16) Men will be headstrong, 17 Men will be haughty, 18) Men will be lovers of pleasure, rather that lovers of God, 19) Men will have a form of godliness, but denying it’s power. Then Paul gives the instruction to: “Turn away from such people!” In verse 7 he says, “Men will always be learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of truth.” These men will resist the truth; Men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith.

Verse 10, Paul tells us how not to get entrapped in foolish ways. He tells us to, “Carefully follow my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and perseverance.”

Verses 12,13, and 14 states that Christians who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. We must, as Christians, continue in the things we have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom we learned them.

Written 1950 years ago, this is the world today. Don’t get caught up in it!!

Have a good day all. SMILE God loves YOU!!

I wish it was that easy, don’t you? How many times have you said “I’m sorry” and got no response? Completely disregarded. Blown off. No response. No action. No reaction. You think to yourself, what just happened? It takes a big person to know they are wrong and an even bigger person to say “I was wrong and I’m sorry.” It has come to me that it is almost surprising to hear, “You’re forgiven.” We are all imperfect and make mistakes. We hurt feelings of others, sometimes, without even knowing. There are times we hurt someone on purpose-“To get even.” Scriptures tell us that God says, “Revenge is Mine.” So why do we take it upon ourselves? It has also come to me that it is surprising to hear, “I’m sorry.” It seems people think to themselves–yeah right! Maybe they don’t believe the person saying “I’m sorry.” The scriptures tell us, “If you can’t forgive, how do you expect your Father to forgive?”

I’ve had a couple instances recently where I’ve told someone “I’m sorry” and got no response. I don’t understand why. It hurts me to know or find out later my actions have hurt someone. I was raised to care about others and their feelings. I’ve been told I’m too sensitive. Really?? I wonder what that means. Are YOU not sensitive when you’ve been wronged or you have wronged someone else? Maybe it’s the society we live in today. Maybe it’s the all for me and I don’t care about you, that’s going on in the world today. One, I apologized for offending them and they told me they weren’t offended. However, a few moments later they turned their back on me and wouldn’t even say goodbye. I sent an e-mail later on and apologized again and got no response. What more can I do? Wash my hands of the situation and move on is all I can see to do. I know some or all of you have been in these types of situations before and it is heartbreaking and extremely frustrating . I don’t have an answer. I wish I did. I wanted to share this, so those of you in similar situations know you are not alone. This happens more regularly than one thinks.

The greatest command God gave us is to love your neighbor as you love yourself. God also says, “If you don’t love your brother, how can you love Me?”

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.

Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. Human anger does not achieve God’s righteous purpose. (James 1:19-20)

Don’t give in to worry or anger;
it only leads to trouble.
(Psalm 37:8)

People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble. (Proverbs 29:22)

Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbor a grudge. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. (Colossians 3:8)

If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. (Ephesians 4:26)

People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm. (Proverbs 14:17)

But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell. (Matthew 5:22)

Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. (Ephesians 4:31)

But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. As the Lord’s servant, you must not quarrel. You must be kind toward all, a good and patient teacher, who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth. (2 Timothy 2:23-25)

Is it time to put away sin in our lives? It’s hard to do that if we don’t understand what sin is. The following verses deal with what sin is:

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;

1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

1Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

2Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2Timothy 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1 Peter 2:1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

1 John 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

3John 1:11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Don’t let sin get between you and God.

SMILE God loves YOU!!
Have a good day all.

There are over 1000 commands in over 600 passages from God in the new Testament. I had no idea there were this many commands when I started to research this subject. Most times when we think of commands, we tend to just think of the 10 Commandments. However, in the New Testament, God lines out exactly what he wants and expects from us as Christians. This has changed the way I study. I have shared these passages from Galatians and Ephesians.

Galatians 5:1 STAND FAST therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only USE NOT LIBERTY for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; THOU SHALT LOVE HIS NEIGHBOR AS HIMSELF.

Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, TAKE HEED that ye be not consumed one of another.

Galatians 5:16 This I say then, WALK IN THE SPIRIT, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Galatians 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also WALK in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not be DESIROUS of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, RESTORE such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2 BEAR ye one another’s burdens, and so FULFILL the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:4 But let every man PROVE his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Galatians 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that TEACHETH in all good things.

Galatians 6:7 BE NOT DECEIVED; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Galatians 6:9 And let us NOT BE WEARY in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us DO GOOD unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Ephesians 2:11-12 Wherefore REMEMBER, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; (12) That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Ephesians 4:17 This I say therefore, and TESTIFY in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye PUT OFF concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be RENEWED in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye PUT ON the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore PUTTING AWAY lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:26-27 Be ye angry, and SIN NOT: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (27) Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 4:28 LET HIM that stole steal no more: but rather LET HIM labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Ephesians 4:29 LET NO corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Ephesians 4:30 And GRIEVE NOT the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31 LET all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Ephesians 4:32 And BE YE KIND one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore FOLLOWERS of God as dear children: (2) And WALK in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.

Ephesians 5:3-4 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, LET it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; (4) Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather GIVING of thanks.

Ephesians 5:6-7 LET no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) BE NOT ye therefore partakers with them.

Ephesians 5:8-10 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: WALK as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) PROVING what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Ephesians 5:11 And HAVE NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather REPROVE them.

Ephesians 5:14 Wherefore he saith, AWAKE thou that sleepest, and ARISE from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye WALK circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 REDEEMING the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore BE YE NOT unwise, but UNDERSTANDING what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5:18 And BE NOT drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED with the Spirit;

Ephesians 5:18-20 And BE NOT drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but BE FILLED with the Spirit; (19) SPEAKING to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (20) GIVING THANKS always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:21 SUBMITTING yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, SUBMIT yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (23) For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:25-28 Husbands, LOVE your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (28) So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so LOVE his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Ephesians 6:1-2 Children, OBEY your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) HONOR thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, PROVOKE NOT your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:5 Servants, be OBEDIENT to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, DO the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, BE STRONG in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6:11-18 PUT ON the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore TAKE unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) STAND therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, TAKING the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And TAKE the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) PRAYING ALWAYS with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and WATCHING thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

God tells us to obey His commands and He will prepare for us a place (Heaven). Obviously, this goes much farther than just the 10 Commandments. 2nd Timothy 2:15 and following–Study to show yourselves approved. Make yourself a better Christian and the child God will approve of.

Have a good day all!!
SMILE God loves YOU.