GOD HAS THE LAST WORD!

Posted on September 12, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Last words. What will yours be? Sometimes we are asked what will we be thinking about on our last day on earth. What will our last words be to those we love most? Since it is Friday morning, the last day of my work week, I am laughing at a few “famous last words” I have heard from friends and relatives…

*No, these windows are okay to lean on.
*Dont worry it has airbags.
*Hey what’s that buzzing noise?
*Dont worry its not that deep.
*No, he does not bite.
*Hey look a light at the end of the tunnel.
*I can pass this guy.
*My brakes are fine.

And my all time favorite…”Hey, watch this!”

Yes, we are an unstable people at times, aren’t we? Peter reminds us that God has the real last word and because of this we must stay alert. ALWAYS!

“Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.” 1 Peter 5, Msg

“The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ–eternal and glorious plans they are!–will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.”
1 Peter 5, Msg

“This is God’s generous truth; embrace it with both arms!”
1 Peter 5, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You have heard many last words of your people. Some make you smile. Some make you grieve. I pray that we will make you smile today with our words and our deeds. We are indeed embracing your Truth with both arms, and with heart, mind and soul. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we will have Your Power working in us to stay alert and at the ready to defeat evil’s plans to destroy us. Help us keep that firm grip on our faith with Your Hand firmly placed over ours. Thank you, dear Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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GOD’S DELIGHT? JUST PLAIN PEOPLE!

Posted on September 11, 2014 by randscallawayffm

I will always remember one of the first trips to the ice cream shop with one of our granddaughters. I was showing and telling my little granddaughter, who was about two years old at the time all about the wonderful flavors of ice cream one hot day. I was excitedly telling her the virtues of rocky road, strawberry swirl with nuts, peppermint with all the pretty colors and great taste.

She listened with wide eyes to her passionate grandma who would have given her whatever she wanted. At the end of my ice cream preaching, she quietly said, “Gamma, I dis want white”. Well okay, then. If that’s what the girl wants, that’s what she gets…just plain white. This little girl is now a teen and still prefers plain white to all the other showy flavors. Mm.

I think of this as we read God’s Word through Peter who gives encouragement to leaders and followers alike with the wisdom of how we should think and behave…without airs…but to be ourselves…just plain, simple. Be encouraged with these words as I am this morning. God takes delight in plain people!

“I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it’s like to be a leader, in on Christ’s sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here’s my concern: that you care for God’s flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way.”

“When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he’ll see that you’ve done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for–
‘God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people.’

“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.” 1 Peter 5, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us for those times when in our own insecurities we put on airs, dress our lives up in ridiculous ways to be noticed and to just feel better about ourselves when your true delight is in our simplicity. Plain people who honestly seek You is what You desire. Here I am, plain and simple, before You. Have Your own way with me, guiding and directing and I commit to simply and spontaneously follow You. In Jesus Name, Amen

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TRUST GOD…HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!

Posted on September 10, 2014 by randscallawayffm

God is encouraging us through Peter once again with the following passage that brings hope, peace and joy for whatever you and I are going through at present. I have my own difficulties that I must continue to walk through, learning and growing as I go. I am sure you do, too. We are God’s people who battle the world with life’s circumstances but we can do it with the assurance that God is with us with every step AND with remembering that He has already won through His Son Jesus Christ. I know!…Right? We ARE more than conquerors!

“If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If’ they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!” 1 Peter 4, Msg

“It’s judgment time for Christians. We’re first in line. If it starts with us, think what it”s going to be like for those who refuse God’s Message! ‘If good people barely make it, What’s in store for the bad?'” 1 Peter 4, Msg

“So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it.” 1 Peter 4, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with us every day. We know we are not alone in our daily struggles as well as in our rejoicing over small victories. You are with us. There is comfort in knowing that You keep on being with us. Thank you for Your word that encourages us to keep moving forward…
In Jesus Name, Amen

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IT’S A WRAP! WITH GLORY JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Posted on September 9, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Where we teach science to at risk 5th graders each day, we show them how inattentive people can be with a research video about “change blindness”demonstrated by a two men who look similar but dressed differently. One of the men stop people on the street and ask for simple directions to get to another building in town.

While the person on the street is giving directions, two “workmen” carrying a sheet of plywood walk between them. The first person walks away behind the moving plywood, while another man who was carrying the plywood replaces the first man asking for directions. The person giving directions did not notice and kept giving the directions as if no change occurred. It happened over 70% of the time!

We are a self-absorbed, busy, inattentive people. We don’t really see what is happening all around us! That’s also why the court system does not take eye-witnesses very seriously! We cannot be relied on for what we think we see. Whoa!

Peter reminds us in God’s Word to us to stay alert! More than ever we need to stay alert! Put down that phone and look around you! At least STOP and smell the roses!

“Listen to the Message.” Peter cries out!

“Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”

IF WE LOOK, WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK!
“Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless–cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it; if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and HE”LL get all the credit as the One mighty in everything–encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!”

BE ENCOURAGED!
“Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner!”
1 Peter 4, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word to us is amazing us once again. What a great reminder to stay on our toes and look around for ways to bless because you have blessed us! Thank you for loving us. We love you back. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that guides, opens our eyes and gives us power to love, show mercy, and walk humbly with You. Every. Day. In Jesus Name, Amen

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WHAT ARE WE THINKING??

Posted on September 8, 2014 by randscallawayffm
We are bombarded with the message of media that we “must have it our way”, that we “deserve the best”, and we “must command that our needs be met” in political arenas. We are caught up in it unless we can see it for what is…lies. Jesus taught us how to think so that Christ-like actions would follow. Our behavior follows our thinking. What are we thinking?

Peter helps us this morning to focus on Jesus in the midst of the lies of this world…

“Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like him.” 1 Peter 4, Msg

STOP…did we get that? “Learn to think like him”…not like the world tells us to think. This is usually opposite, upside down thinking. Know that.

“Think of your suffering as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.” 1 Peter 4, Msg

It seems we terrorize ourselves with…ourselves! It is a lie to think that we must live trouble free just because we are Christians! It is a lie to think we must be comfortable at all times. It is a lie to think our needs are more important than someone else’s needs. It is a lie to reward ourselves with what we think we need after a long day’s work. Then if the man-made reward does not come, we feel bad, trapped even, in our own prison of selfishness. Wow, there is so much to think about when your focus shifts to Jesus!

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Dear Heavenly Father, Forgive us of our selfish thinking. I commit to stop and think more like Jesus today so I will BEHAVE in ways that please You, set me free from my own selfishness, and maybe help others get a glimpse of You in the process. Thank you for this “wake-up” call to more righteous thinking and behaving. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit’s power that will guide us and help us to focus and to think like You. In Jesus Name, Amen
 

 

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HE WENT THROUGH IT ALL

Posted on September 7, 2014 by randscallawayffm

My worst day ever does not come close to what our Jesus went through for us. As we worship corporately this morning, wherever you are…and whatever is on your mind…lay those thoughts down and think on this:

“Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that THEY’RE the ones who need a bath. It’s better to suffer for doing good, if that’s what God wants, than to be punished for doing bad. That’s what Christ did definitively: suffered because of others’ sins, the Righteous One for the unrighteous ones. He went through it all-was put to death and then made alive–to bring us to God.”
1 Peter 3, Msg

WE are the unrighteous ones this passage is talking about. You and me. He went through it all…to bring us to God.

NOW, let us worship our God, our Savior, the Lord of our lives with all that is within us…heart, mind and soul! Let all our worries turn to praise and worship! Allow God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, permeating every dark place within our souls and filling us with Light, the Light of our salvation! In Jesus Name, Amen!

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Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow…

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SHINE…MAKE ‘EM WONDER WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

Posted on September 6, 2014 by randscallawayffm

“If with heart and soul you’re doing good, do you think you can be stopped? Even if you suffer for it, you’re still better off. Don’t give the opposition a second thought. Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way your are, and ALWAYS with the utmost courtesy.”

I Peter 3, Msg

Probably one of my favorite all time contemporary Christian songs is SHINE!, by the Newsboys. I’m singing it now as I read Peter’s words from God to us about keeping our hearts “at attention” in adoration of Christ, our Master. If we truly live in complete adoration of Jesus Christ, it will show in our lives. We will shine!

I love how Steve Sjogren (Conspiracy of Kindness) said it…”Witness for Christ each day, and if necessary use words.” Yes, preach the gospel and then when necessary, use words. But use God’s Word to express it. Christ in us draws others to the Light in us, God’s Word opens the door to the Light for those seeking Life eternal.

Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, (for the moon has no light of it’s own), we are reflectors of the Light of God’s Son! So SHINE!

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Shine
Make ’em wonder what you’ve got
Make ’em wish that they were not
On the outside, looking bored

Shine
Let it shine before all men
Let’em see good works and then
Let ’em glorify the Lord

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Read more: Newsboys – Shine Lyrics | MetroLyrics

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BLESSED…TO BLESS!

Posted on September 5, 2014 by randscallawayffm

BLESSED…TO BLESS!.

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BLESSED…TO BLESS!

Posted on September 5, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Peter has a way of getting to the point rather quickly and concisely with his lessons on thinking and living more like Jesus. Jesus, Peter’s Master taught him…and now Jesus, through God’s Word teaches us. We are blessed with this way of thinking and living in order to bless others. It’s our “job”…our mission. This works must permeate who we are and what we do. Every. Day.

“Summing up: Be a agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless–that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” 1 Peter 3, Msg

So, for this day, this Friday which ends the week for some of us, be a blessing to someone. When we stop to count all the blessings God has given us, we are humbled. When we live humbly we will quickly see more ways to bless others because our focus and attention will be off of us.

EMBRACE LIFE!
“Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good,
Here’s what you do: Say nothing evil or hurtful; Snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; But he turns his back on those who do evil things.”
1 Peter 3, Msg

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Dear Heavenly Father, You sent your Son, Jesus Christ to die and rise again, paying the debt of our sins. That is more than enough for us to be blessed to bless! It is more than enough for us to be fully devoted to You, to love You back and to love and bless others with the lives You have given us. Allow Your resurrection power to work in and through us to bless others today by living and loving in Your most excellent ways. In Jesus Name, Amen

 
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WHAT COUNTS WITH GOD

Posted on September 4, 2014 by randscallawayffm

WHAT COUNTS WITH GOD.

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