Rev. Jim Hollis

May 8, 2012

But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us,  by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

Paul is letting the Corinthian Christians that it is God who has established him with them, in Christ.  God has also anointed him, putting his seal on him and giving him the Holy Spirit as a first installment.  At first glance, this may sound a little strange and foreign to us today – at least the wording.

But the concept is crucially important!  When Christians form friendships there is a spiritual bond between them.  If we are in a relationship with Jesus, then we are anointed by God.  We have his seal on us and God has given us his Holy Spirit as a first installment in our eternal lives. 

What a way to see “Christian community” in a new perspective.  It is this kind of bond that Christ desires for all of us to have as friends in His Love.  Let’s reflect on this and live it out.  I love you all.

In Celebration of the Christian bond,

Jim

We praise you Lord for loving us so completely.  You ask us to open the door of our heart and receive You as Savior (who saves us from our sins) and to receive You as Lord (to guide us each day).  We praise You that when we do this, we enter the true community of faith.  Help us to focus on Your Love in all things.   In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

May 7, 2012

Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.  If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;  but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.  Isaiah 1:18-20

When we choose to deny the truth of God’s Holy Word for us, we hit the height of rebelliousness and arrogance!  When we make declarations based on our own EMOTIONS, rather than the truth of the Bible, we are denying the authority of Scripture and in effect, renouncing the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is a SERIOUS thing.  So let us turn again to the TRUTH of Scripture, rather than trusting in our own fickle moods and emotions or our infinitely tiny intellect.  Here is the absolute truth:

THERE IS COMPLETE FORGIVENESS FOR ANYONE WHO CALLS ON THE LORD FOR MERCY!  No sin is too great, no offense has been hanging out too long and The Lord Jesus IS able to forgive us to the uttermost.  This is truth, regardless of how we feel. 

But at the same time let us be crystal clear – there will be no reality of forgiveness without sincere REPENTANCE – our own decision to accept that forgiveness and pray for it.  Let’s share this far and wide, for many who know us, do not believe the reality of this truth.  And that is sad, indeed.  I love you all.

In Celebration of the Reality of Forgiveness,

Jim

Lord, forgive us of our sins, for they are many.  But forgive us most of all for doubting the absolute truth of Your Inspired Word.  I want to turn right now and trust Your Truth, not my own emotions,  which will fail me.  Please come and make my sins white as snow!   In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen and Amen.

May 3, 2012

Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. Proverbs 11:21

Our Prayers lead to going free…      

Today is the National Day of Prayer across America.  Millions of Christians will gather at various times on this day to pray and celebrate the power of prayer in our lives.  Prayer does change things. 

Most of all our prayers are the shortest path to freedom and going free from the bondage of sin, guilt, grief and pain of all kinds.  When we turn over our burdens, cares and concerns to the Lord, and leave them at the foot of the Cross in prayer, we can literally walk away NEW and lighter.  We are freed from the oppression of those things. 

Let’s remember today the centrality of prayer in our lives and churches. Prayer can bring on an entire new life for each of us, starting today!  I love you all. 

In Christ’s Grace,

Jim

Lord thank You for giving us prayer as our first and greatest tool in communicating with You.  We love You and want to stay in constant communication with You as we pray and live our lives.   In Your Name we pray.  Amen.

May 2, 2012

“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”  Zechariah 4:6

We come to fully know our Lord’s strength when we place ourselves in a position of RISK to carry out a cause of Christ. This means that we fully trust in His Spirit to guide us, lead us and give us the supernatural ability to do what we would not be able to do on our own power.

I constantly hear claims by all kinds of popular pop-psychology GURUS who claim that the “real power” is within ourselves. It is already part of us and all we have to do is utilize it to do amazing things. What an immense LIE.

We CAN make good choices, but even at that point, it is possible because before the foundations of time the Lord gave us the Gift of Free Choice and the power it contains. Accomplishing great and holy goals in life require us to trust fully the Presence and Power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Like I often say and will say again, “It’s not all about US, it’s really about Jesus!” When we focus on Him, trust Him and lean into His Spirit with us, we can see amazing things take place in our lives. Let’s go for it. I love you all.

In Recognition of the Source of Real Strength,

Jim

Dear Lord, so often we seek to accomplish the impossible with our own limited strength. We know that to carry out Your Plans and accomplish Your Will, we need to lean into the power of Your Holy Spirit. We praise You for making that infinite, unlimited strength available to us all who love You. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen and Amen.

May 1, 2012

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12

WHAT gifts?

When we cross over from a path to eternal destruction to the path to eternal life and the abundant life here, we begin to realize that in REALITY, life is very different. From that time forward, provided that we nurture our faith and grow, we realize we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God.

Not only has our eternal destination changed, but our present relationship with God has been reversed. We are now someone who was lost, but is found. We were a sheep who was in the wilderness that has been returned to the fold. All things are new.

At that point and from then on, God will give each of us one or more supernatural gifts and abilities that we may be part of His Will being done on this earth. We will start to understand what I call, “God Incidences” and not merely credit opportunities that happen for us to minister to another person as a mere coincidence.

Have we discovered our one or more gifts that God has given to us as a Christian? Have we realized our calling from the Lord and are we living in that direction? If not, there is MUCH to look forward to! I love you all.

Praising God for His Spirit, Calling and Gifts,

 

Jim

Dear Lord, we thank You today for your love toward us. We know that You truly love everyone, but at the same time, we also are soberly aware that not everyone is going to choose to surrender their heart to You. For those of us who have entered into a personal, saving relationship with You, help us know with certainty the gifts You have given to us, that we may serve You faithfully in loving others unconditionally. In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

April 30, 2012

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;  but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Simple, but true; hard but fair…

We sing about it.  We read about it.  We write about it. We rejoice over it.  God’s love is unconditional and never ends.  No matter who we are, what we have done or how many sins may be in our lives, God loves us anyway. 

Wouldn’t it be great if forgiveness worked the same way?  Yes, we can be forgiven for any sin, sins of omission and sins of commission.  We know that when we are forgiven by God, our sin is removed completely, as far as the east is from the west, and God remembers it no more. 

At the same time though, forgiveness is CONDITIONAL.  We cannot expect God to forgive us if we do not forgive others.  This is going to be one of the greatest SHOCKERS in the end to many people in many churches.  Biblically, we don’t have a one to one relationship with God ALONE.  It is tied to our relationships with our neighbors.  Jesus said it best, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  This verse is TIED to loving the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. It is the second half of that verse. 

 Read today’s text again slowly.  Let it sink in. Now, be honest.  WHO is it that has offended us that we need to forgive, that we may be in a right relationship with God ourselves?  Maybe an acquaintance, perhaps a child – a son or a daughter – any of these may be WHO we need to be reconciled with.  Let’s get to it brothers and sisters.  I love you all.

In Sharing the Tough Stuff of God,

Jim

Lord, may I be willing to forgive ALL who have hurt me, offended me or wounded me in any way.  In so doing, may my own forgiveness in You be secure, for You have told us IF we are not willing to forgive, neither will we be forgiven by the Father.  In Your Name we Pray.  Amen.

April 26, 2012

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. Psalm 91:11-12

They ARE there, you know…

While we cannot often see them, they are right there.  When we drive down the road, they are alongside us.  When we lay down to sleep at night, they are close by, keeping watch over us.  From time to time, they do appear as human beings, without us realizing it. Sometimes little children can see them when we cannot.  I have actually had this happen in a worship service I was leading one evening! 

God loves us SO much that he created and assigned angels to be with us through this life.  We have no idea how many times during a given day that they protect us, guide us out of harm’s way or intervene on our behalf. 

And yes, they are there to carry out God’s Holy Will through following the commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are NEVER to be worshipped, but they are serving the Lord, just like us.    But they are engaged in a supernatural battle that is raging.  The Bible calls it, “spiritual warfare” and it is happening all the time.

Thank God for the angels who love us, and want only the best for us.  May the Lord Jesus keep us all from evil as His angels carry out their ministry for the Lord.  I love you all. 

Rejoicing Over Their Being Near Us,

Jim

Dear Lord, thank You for your angels all around us.  You have loved us enough to place ministering angels in our lives that we may be protected in unique ways and in a variety of situations.  In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.  

April 25, 2012

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Steady and True…

When we have an opportunity to come along in life, what are two of our most desired characteristics for new relationships, circumstances or possibilities?  “Steady and true” are probably near the top of our preferences.  These two characteristics can be HARD to find today. 

If we initiate a new friendship, these are certainly two of our greatest hopes for that new friendship – that it will prove out to be steady and true. 

The ULTIMATE relationship that we can ALWAYS trust in and count on is our own personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  God’s Word tells it plainly in today’s text:  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.  We can totally trust Jesus to always love us, care for us, strengthen us, hold us and save us.  He is always there and ready to share all of life with us. 

Here is the ONE thing we can count on most.  Let’s take heart in this truth and live in that relationship with Christ today.  I love you all. 

Rejoicing Over Jesus’ Being Steady and True,

Jim

Dear Lord, thank You for your great compassion toward us.  We love you and want to live in a personal, saving, relationship with You Lord.  We know that You are always STEADY and TRUE.   In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

April 24, 2012

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

The Greatest Gift, and it's FREE…

Over the last few days and devotionals, I recognize that the topic has been centered around salvation through Jesus Christ.  Why?  Because I am convinced it is often ASSUMED, while not taught enough, even in the context of local churches.  Hence, you now know the reason for my emphasis in this area for a few devotionals. 

Today’s text may be one of the most concise and clearest explanations for us to know and share.  We are actually saved by GRACE through FAITH.  It is not our own doing, as though we could ever be “good enough” to be acceptable in comparison to God’s Holiness. 

However, that is the point exactly.  God wants to give each of us the FREE GIFT of salvation if we accept it on His Terms.  We pray to be forgiven of our sins, invite Jesus to come into our life as Savior and Lord and transfer our trust to Christ alone.  At that point, we have truly received the FREE GIFT of God. I love you all. 

Rejoicing Over the Greatest Free Gift,

Jim

Dear Lord, thank You for your great compassion toward us.  We love You and want to see every person come into that saving relationship with You through their accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord.   In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.

April 23, 2012

For there is no distinction,  since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;  they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,  whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. Romans 3:22-25

The Divine Plan of Salvation for us ALL…

The book of Romans represents the Apostle Paul’s finest writing.  It is the mature, rather sophisticated Paul, not the earlier Paul who just tended to blurt things out. 

Paul is teaching us here once again that we have ALL sinned and fallen short of a right relationship with God and are not able to stand justified in His Glory.  But through entering into a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son, we can be justified from all sin through the grace of Christ.  He redeems us, saves us from sin and brings us into that new, relationship with God which we commonly know as salvation.  This happens through faith on our part.

We are called to pray a very simple type of prayer to ACTUALIZE this in our own life:

“Lord, I know I am an sinner.  I am not able to forgive myself and remove sin from my life.  Thank you for sending Jesus Christ into the world, who loved me and died for us all on the Cross to pay the price my sin.  I ask you to forgive me Lord, I receive you as Savior and Lord.  I transfer my trust to You alone.  Thank you Jesus.” 

It’s not hard.  Yet, praying this prayer is the most important act of faith in our lives.  For our doing that brings us into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  I love you all. 

Celebrating God’s Writing Our Names in the Book of Life,

Jim

Dear Lord, may the REALITY of Your Plan and Salvation be clear to all of us who read this.  If there is ONE who has not come into a personal, saving relationship with You, may they do so today.  May they k now Your Presence, Power and Peace.   In Your Holy Name I pray, Amen.