Choose Wisely

Ever get the feeling that someone is watching you? Someone is...your friends...your neighbors...your family...your co-workers...people you don't even know are watching. Some watch with pride and love. Some watch to learn or teach. Some watch 'cause they have nothing better to do. And there are those who watch hoping to see you stumble or fall so that they can feel better about themselves. Even God watches us with a merciful heart and a strong resolution that He will always be there for us.
So with all these watchers, it is mandatory that we "walk the walk and talk the talk" in our lives. Choose wisely Who you will serve this day! Spread the message in this Gardenfire cotton-gospel that wisdom is a choice.

Finishing Nails

My mom was big on do-it-yourself projects like refurnishing furniture. Once she recovered the seat of an antique chair after having refinished the wood. I remember when she tacked the last small nail into the bottom thus fastening the fabric, she leaned back to admire her work and claimed, "It is finished!"
When Jesus was nailed to the cross, He was finishing the work planned for Him from the beginning. God knew what it would cost to reconcile us back to Him. And Jesus also knew the cost...yet continued His course for us. "It is finished" was the cry of Jesus as He breathed His last human breath on Earth. And Heaven morned the loss of One so great. But not forever! Jesus rose victorious on the third day. Because Jesus finished His work, we are no longer condemned to an eternity of shame and disgrace. The finished work of Jesus buys us passage to an abundant life with God, our Heavenly Father. Let us rejoice this Thanksgiving for we have received a most wonderful gift. Let us tell those who do not know that they, too, are able to accept the finished work of Jesus...Salvation from sin!!!

Born Again

There is nothing more precious than a newborn. You stare in amazement wondering how you can possibly take care of this helpless little bundle. Then you start to see similarities between the baby and you or your partner. The baby has your eyes, gramma's nose, dad's smile and Uncle Harry's curly hair. Every day that the baby grows, some feature changes until you finally see the established family resemblance.
So it stands to reason that if God is Spirit and we are born again in His Spirit, then we should resemble our Heavenly Father. Oh we won't look like Him, but we should certainly display the traits of His character. And as we spend time in His Presence should we not become a reflection of His grace and love? Would our speech not reflect His and our motivations be bathed in His likeness?
As I stare at myself in the mirror, I am sad to say that I see me...covered in God's mercy... but still me. That is the journey that I am on. When people see me do they see my Abba daddy? Do they see a person who desires to reflect the God of the universe? I am born again, but I'm not finished growing....I am only a shadow of my Father...look hard, be patient...I'm developing!
As I reflect on how we use this "born again" phrase, I am reminded that birth is a labor of love. No different for God's labor of birthing us into His Kingdom. Gardenfire has reminded me that my spiritual birth has cost God. We didn't come out right the first time....this is our redemption...treat it with care.

Offer

I shop..don't we all..and tend to tarry now and then in my favorite stores. However, I have friends who have made shopping a career. They read the newspaper flyers, scour for coupons, email for rebates, and dash from store to store taking advantage of their long hours of research. I find that exhausting. But I do believe in finding a bargain.
If we were shopping for a plan of salvation with as much diligence as the shoppers mentioned earlier, would we find God's offer to be the best? Let's see: believe..repent...receive. Yeah, that sounds like a bargain to me. So, as I see it, God has the best offer for my future...eternity with Him. Now that's an offer I can not refuse!
But remember to act now...God's offer has an expiration date.

Love Is

Gardenfire has chosen to highlight one of the most quoted scriptures found in the Bible. These verses, or variations of them, can be found on napkins, pictures, decorative plates, in songs, poems, place mats and, of course, these verses can be heard at weddings. Yes, God's definition of love is plastered everywhere. But you know what's strange? You don't see alot of people living like they get these verses. Maybe that's why Gardenfire brings it to our attention. Sort of "In your face". So that we might walk the walk and talk the talk. It's pretty hard to wear an "I Love You" t-shirt and cuss somebody out or be rude to someone. This Gospel message reminds us to live as if we believe that God sent His only Son for whoever believes! Use this Gardenfire shirt to remind yourself and the rest of us, your brothers and sisters in Christ, that we are the hands...feet...and voice of God to a dying world. What say ye?