Luke 14: 25-33, Psalm 139: 1-6, 13:18, Philemon

Intro and Prayer:  We want what we want when we want it and we want Jesus to agree with our timeline.  That is not a bad thing to want what Jesus wants when we have yielded unto God’s plans for our lives.  However, many times we really want our will to be done more than the will of God.  Because there is a struggle of obedience between our human heart and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, acceptance of our spiritual journey is not always easy.  We want what we want and Jesus has other plans.  Jesus paid the price for our salvation and that is not a cost we are asked to repay.  Sometimes, we live as though there are additional costs that Jesus is asking us to pay but in reality our disobedience has a price tag that can be rather costly if we are honest with ourselves.  Thank God for grace!   

Today, I invite you to hear God’s word through Psalm 139, Luke 14: 25-33 and the expression reading of Philemon by the Bible Experience to help us connect with a greater understanding of Life Tips from God.  Thanks be to God for the reading and hearing of his word.  Let us pray.
Gracious Father we come to you this day saying thank you for your mercy, love and grace.  On this day we ask for a special blessing for families and students in school.  Help me to call upon our Lord for guidance; call upon Jesus Christ for his undying love and call upon the Holy Spirit for wisdom.  Cover us with your Spirit and open our ears so that we might receive your Holy Word.  Gracious Lord, nurture us through your Word, teach us to accept the freedom, which is granted to us through salvation and release us from fear and unforgiveness so that we may receive your Power.  O’ Lord, allow this reflection to add a blessing to all who seek you this day.  Let us know that your love is enough. In your precious son Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.