Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny

Hosea had a horrible marriage and yet he was thankful to God. We are not always grateful for the blessings that God has given us. We need to remember to have an attitude of gratitude.

We are sinful humans, redeemed through the blood of Christ. Jesus shows his love for us and models how we should treat other people.

God sent his son to die on the cross for us that we might live.  He loved us so much that he has washed away our guilt and sin and given us the promise of eternal life in heaven.

Have you lost your charge for the Lord?  Just like a rechargeable battery in your camera need to be plugged in every once in a while, we too need to be plugged in and recharged in our faith.  Paul worried about the next generation and taught God's people to shine like stars for those yet to come.  Be a shining star for Jesus and let others see that being charged up for the Lord is gift.

Accepting compliments and praise can be a challenge.  God has blessed us all with gifts that can be used in various ways.  Some of us might be gifted at talking, so we can share God's word with others.  Some of us might be good at other things and each of us can use our gifts to please God.  So don't just sit around and be insecure about your gifts, use what God has give you and get out there into the world.

Little children are often scared to be left alone without their parents.  The disciples were scared to be left on earth without Jesus here to guide them and be with them.  The time had come for Jesus to give mankind the ultimate gift; the sacrifice of himself on the cross in payment for all of our sins.  There is no need to be afraid because even though Jesus is now in heaven we have the Bible to serve as our guide.  

It might not seem like we have any gifts or talents, but God has truly blessed each and every one of us with a gift.  But our biggest gift that we have and can pass on to others is the gift of knowing about our savior.  We are armed with God's word and are gifted with the knowledge of eternal life.

We don't escape hardships just because we are believers. We share in Christ's suffering, but we are also blessed with the encouragement of eternal life.

We can't earn God's love. God loves us no matter what we do and loved us enough to send us Christ. We are wiped clean by his death.

We can be a more effective witness by first understanding the people we are trying to reach. Do not avoid people who are different. God wants us to teach others what being a Christian is all about.