grace – Brian Friedl https://brianfriedl.com Making Your Life's Mission Possible Mon, 11 Jun 2018 13:50:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 64732294 Give Them Coal For Christmas https://brianfriedl.com/give-them-coal-for-christmas/ Wed, 20 Dec 2017 13:36:24 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/give-them-coal-for-christmas/ Holidays, unfortunately, can sometimes bring out the worst in us. Strained family relationships, drama, and even hurtful comments can take an awesome time of worshipping our Savior and turn it into a desire to give coal out of revenge. God’s Word advises us it’s ok to give coal, but in a different way that brings God glory:

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ” VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. ” BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:14-21‬ ‭NASB‬‬

When we let go of our vengeance and cling to love, 4 results come to mind

Others see who God is.

God is Love. No place do we see this more clearly than the cross. He intentionally sent His son to us, while we were yet sinners, to become sin on our behalf, to die in our place, that we might be reconciled to Him in righteousness. We deserved His wrath and were given His righteousness. This show who God really is. He is love!

We are free to watch Him work:

Our Vengeance by its very nature binds us from experiencing joy. It is an all consuming power that leaves no room for grace. When we leave room for God’s wrath, we can be sure that it will be carried out properly and we are free to watch both God’s grace and justice without being emotionally distraught.

Evil is overcome:

Our Vengeance does not produce anything good. We are to bless those who persecute and seek to meet their needs. For good overcomes evil. Evil never overcomes evil. Again we find ourselves at the foot of the cross. God’s goodness prevails and conquers death, securing us an eternity with Him.

Coal is heaped:

When we carry out our Father’s instruction and overcome evil with good, lives are eternally impacted and He is glorified. Scripture also tell us that if you meet your enemies needs, “you will heap burning coals on his head”. So when the wounds and stinging comments come this Christmas, heap those burning coals of grace and be free to watch the power of God unleashed. ReflectionWho in your life needs some of those burning coals of love and grace heaped on Him/her?Where have you not left room for God’s wrath and already carried out your vengeance instead? Apologize and Make it right. PrayerFather, you have instructed us rightfully to bless those who persecute us, to love our enemies, and to overcome evil with good. Help us to carry this out and give you glory. May many come to know You as a result. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

]]> 1498 The Power Of Grace https://brianfriedl.com/the-power-of-grace/ https://brianfriedl.com/the-power-of-grace/#comments Wed, 15 Nov 2017 12:49:04 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/the-power-of-grace/ There’s no question that grace is powerful. For we know that where sin abounds grace abounds all the more. By grace we have been saved, this is not something that we have earned, but instead a beautiful gift from Our Father in heaven.

While we remember grace’s power to save, we often forget it’s power to instruct us. As we reflect on the cross, our disdain towards sin multiplies and grace raises in us a desire to deny our flesh and all its lusts. Not only that, but It sets a fire under us to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly manner.

Grace by its nature was designed to rescue and lead us to godly living. If you think of grace and guilt rushes in, you’re missing something. Let grace have its full power in you. Let it be your rescuer and instructor that spurs you to Living for Christ!

Reflection

Name all the things Grace can do in this passage.

Have you seen Grace do these things in your life?

Have you surrender to God and allowed His grace to instruct you? If not, do so today!

Prayer

Father, Your grace is sufficient for us in Christ. Thank you for its power to save and its power to instruct us. Remind us every moment of the victory won by our Savior at the cross. Renew in us a desire to be taught by grace. May it lead to righteousness in Jesus, Amen!

]]> https://brianfriedl.com/the-power-of-grace/feed/ 4 1485 How To Walk Through Grief And Suffering https://brianfriedl.com/how-to-walk-through-grief-and-suffering/ https://brianfriedl.com/how-to-walk-through-grief-and-suffering/#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2017 10:58:20 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/how-to-walk-through-grief-and-suffering/ We can’t escape grief and suffering in this life. I have found that it actually increases in frequency the longer I live.  Part of that could be that my eyes are more aware of it, but also because I meet and invest in more and more lives every day.  I suppose one could live as a hermit and try to limit the damage, yet the loneliness itself would be a Grief to me.  In light of this, we must learn to walk through grief and suffering.  

David was a man well-acquainted with the pains of this life; physical and emotional especially.  I listened to a sermon this weekend from Pastor John Nett as he shared from Psalm 40.   In that Psalm we see David suffering  greatly and also how he walks in the midst of it.  John shared 3 steps that David took that are simple(not easy) and effective:

  1. Call to mind God’s grace and faithfulness in the past
  2. Praise and Proclaim the goodness of God to anyone who will listen. 
  3. Committing or recommitting to the LORD

We must master placing our focus on God and letting our minds dwell in His faithfulness if we are to keep walking in the toughest of storms.  This week I have seen friends lose homes, a child, jobs, and hope.  What do They have to cling to in the midst of all this grief?  A faithful father who comforts us that We may in turn comfort others.  A Father who is worthy of our praise from now into eternity.  Our lips will forever be filled with His praise!

Reflection

How do you usually deal with grievous news?

The next time you see or hear of a suffering, recall as quickly as possible a time when God has faithfullly led you throughor met your need. 

How does this change your thoughts and emotions?

Our greatest platform is suffering.  When we praise Him from that platform people are encouraged, they see He is real, and they can come to know Him.  For it is Romans 8:28 at its finest.  Don’t miss that opportunity to glorify our Father in heaven.  

Prayer

Gracious God, You are good in joy and in trial.  For we count it all joy  because we know You are making us complete and lacking nothing.  Use us to full measure for Your glory. Even in the darkest of times, let us remember Your goodness and shout Your praises to all who can hear.   Bring us through the valley of mourning to Your mountains of joy.  Thank you for Your faithfulness and grace through Jesus, Amen!

]]> https://brianfriedl.com/how-to-walk-through-grief-and-suffering/feed/ 2 1419 Choose To Love https://brianfriedl.com/choose-to-love/ Sat, 12 Aug 2017 10:18:35 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/?p=1391 When you choose to invest in the lives of the broken, you can expect some of the brokenness to come out at you. Harsh words, loud voices and anger are common. Don’t let that anger guide your response. Instead, let it fuel a passion to win them over with love. 

Often times, they have never experienced true love even if they’ve been convinced they have. We have an excellent definition of love in first Corinthian’s 13. This is not easy. In fact, I would say it’s impossible apart from Christ.  All things, including this, are possible with Him!

So the next time the insults are hurled, remember their need of love. For love covers a multitude of sins.  Surely this would be a greater blow to their heart than any sharp answer.  #ChooseToLove

Reflection

Who in your life tempts you to respond in anger or hurt? 

What has been your response so far?

How can you show them love today?

Prayer

Father, you have shown us a greater love than any we’ve ever seen. Let us in turn give that love to those that are in need. Reach their hearts by Your power through our actions in Jesus name, amen!

]]> 1391 How To Be Rich https://brianfriedl.com/how-to-be-rich/ Fri, 11 Aug 2017 11:14:32 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/how-to-be-rich/ As a high school graduate, I set off to make my way. I had been working since I was twelve and now armed with an education, I was ready to conquer the world. Little did I know the path I was on was really the world conquering me.  I was pursuing wealth and title above all else because that’s what I was educated to do. 

Thankfully, God had different plans in mind.  He had already brought me into a relationship with Him, but backsliding had begun do to a lack of God’s vision for my life.  I let the world’s system guide my steps instead of the LORD.  In the midst of that I kept serving Him in volunteer ministry and He faithfully and patiently continued to reveal who He is. 

Through the great joys and tragedies of this life, He has always been there educating me and showing me that true riches are His grace and mercy! I have not arrived but I’m definitely pressing on deep into His love every day.  My goals and pursuits have changed from storing on earth to building up treasure for my LORD in heaven.  What great joy it is to know the LORD and His salvation!!!

Reflection

What does your heart treasure most?

What riches are you pursuing…The world’s or God’s?

Do you have a grasp on the depth of blessing you have in salvation?
Prayer

Gracious God, you have given us more treasure in Christ than our hearts can hold. His beautiful work at the cross has set us free from the bounds of sin and death forever!  Your sacrificial love is to big to comprehend with our minds.  May our lives be a living sacrifice to You and a blessed thank you for all You have done! In Jesus’ name, Amen!

]]> 1390 Acts Bible Study 21:15-26 https://brianfriedl.com/acts-bible-study-2115-26/ Thu, 03 Nov 2016 10:30:53 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/?p=882   

You can almost feel the tension building in Jerusalem as Paul returns.  Culture, traditions and people’s way of life stirred up and at odds now concerning teaching from those who were part of The Way. 
Read Acts 21:15-26

1) What stands out in the text?

2) What questions need to be answered so you have understanding?

3) What is the main theme?

4) What is the application for the original readers?

5) How does his passage apply to believers today and to you personally?

May His word be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path today!

]]> 882 Powerful Grace https://brianfriedl.com/powerful-grace/ Tue, 14 Jun 2016 11:17:16 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/powerful-grace/ God’s grace is nothing short of amazing just as the great hymn proclaims.  It rescues us from inborn death and willful disobedience. God, has given us the promise that if we walk in the light as He is in the light, the blood of Jesus not only justifies, but cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Grace is not just a reset button for our lives.  It is an ongoing powerful change agent reminding us of God’s love for us.  It strengthens our heart, is part of God’s gifting a to us, and is unleashed by faith.  It  holds arms with truth and our Savior was found full of both.  True grace increases our desire for righteousness spurred on by our love for the One who has given it to us.

Personal Reflection

In a world with disregard for God and seemingly increasing wickedness, it’s tempting to run only to truth and point out the sin and error all around us.  Yet we are administers of grace also.  Think of some times you’ve been given grace.

How did it change you?

Who do you know that needs grace today?

In what ways can you give them grace?

What impact might that have on their walk with God and others?

Prayer Focus

Gracious Father, thank you that your grace never ends and that it instructs us as we are being conformed to the image of Christ. Your plan is perfect and your grace is sufficient. May we be like Christ, full of grace and truth, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

]]> 724 Why Paul? Why You? https://brianfriedl.com/why-paul-why-you/ Tue, 17 May 2016 12:55:04 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/why-paul-why-you/ Have you ever wondered why God chose Saul(Paul) to follow Him?  It certainly was no accident.  Paul, himself, teaches that the grace of the Lord was more abundant with faith and love in Christ Jesus (vs. 14) and that Jesus might demonstrate His perfect patience for those who would believe(vs. 16).  Paul believed and trusted that God was revealing Himself through the power He worked in his own life.

If God could love Paul, certainly He could have patience for me, right?  The Lord wants to make sure you know Him.  He chooses to do that through the broken ones; like Paul, you and me.  It is the love of Christ that compels us.  The law points us to our need of Him.  For we cannot keep it as hard as we try, but when we love Him, a shift takes place and the law is no longer a burden but a delight to us. Yet we stumble here and there; ever thankful for the grip of our Savior holding us.

Personal Reflection

 I marvel at the LORD’s patience with me. It is easy to get frustrated when people don’t do what I expect, especially as a parent.  The LORD deals with that on the scale of the entire planet and yet He loves and moves patiently to reveal the Truth to each of us at every moment.  How has God used your conversion to show His character to others?  Are you actively sharing that with friends, family and acquaintances?  Praise God for what He has done in your life and ask Him to give you opportunity to share your story with others

Prayer Focus

Father, you have done so many mighty works in the lives of so many including each of us.  May we reflect on each one in our own lives and see your marvelous hand.  Let us tell of your might and equip us to share who you are with others.  Go before us and tune ears to your truth. May you be glorified now and forevermore, in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#gospelpower #livestransformed #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl

]]> 683 Truth And Grace Even In The Old Testament https://brianfriedl.com/truth-and-grace-even-in-the-old-testament/ Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:01:40 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/truth-and-grace-even-in-the-old-testament/ What a powerful verse!  3 things slammed into my brain this morning on when I read this.

1. Lovingkindness

2. Truth

3. Fear (the good kind)

Hebrews 9:22b tells us “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”.  This passage clearly states that lovingkindness and truth are necessary for the atonement of our iniquity.

So whose blood is able to satisfy all of this? There is only one whose blood is full of grace and truth, the son of God and the son of man, the risen Lord, Jesus Christ!

Proverbs 9:10 states that “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”.

The Lord Jesus is who He said He was, obeyed the Father perfectly, and rescued you from your iniquity.  The power displayed at the cross is reason enough to fear Him!  He sits as judge over all. May we not forget that as we seek to walk in the light as He is in the light.

Often times we envision the Old Testament as a time of Fear and the New Testament as a period of grace, when in fact our LORD has always been the same and has not changed. He is a loving and just Father !

Personal Reflection

Read John 1:1-14.  Meditate on all of who Jesus is. Make a list of every attribute you see represented.  Have you been living life according to these truths?  How will you live differently today?

Prayer Focus

LORD in heaven, thank you for the gift of your Son, full of grace and truth.  We praise you for your mercy that has reached into the depths and has provide a cover of grace through Jesus.  Let us live today in the same manner as Christ, knowing Him, fearing Him, and serving Him with joy and peace forevermore, in Jesus Name, Amen!

]]> 623 Full Of Grace And Truth https://brianfriedl.com/full-of-grace-and-truth/ Sat, 02 Apr 2016 12:49:39 +0000 http://brianfriedl.com/full-of-grace-and-truth/ John Chapter 1 contains so many theological treasures that help us to know Him!  Here are just a few:

Verse 1:1

– Jesus is the Word

– Jesus is eternal

– Jesus is God (supports trinity)

Verse 1:3

– All things were created through Jesus

Verse 1:12

– Jesus gave the right to become children of God

Verse 1:14

– Jesus desired to dwell with us

– Jesus is full of grace and truth

So who is God?  He is our creator, who gracefully desires to dwell with us, grant us entry into His family, and lead us into truth.

Personal Reflection

Have you stopped to explore the implications of God being full of grace and truth?

His grace has the power to forgive the most hideous violations against Him and cleanse the most vile sins that grip us so that we may walk in truth. His truth is unwavering and never misses the mark. He sees and knows all and lives perfectly according to truth and is able to judge accordingly. Nothing escapes Him.

Take time to thank God for who He is and that He is conforming you to the image of Christ.

Prayer Focus

Mighty God, full of grace and truth, may we never grow tired of reflecting on who you are and may our lips never run out of praise.  Thank you for shaping every facet of our lives!  We especially thank you for rescuing us according to your grace and truth. May your light shine in and through us that all may see your glory!  In Jesus Name, Amen!!!

@brianfriedl

#fullofgraceandtruth

#jesuscreator

#truthtalk4life

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