Connecting Each Other to the Power

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble - James 4:6

In the post “Power Available to All”, the mystery revealed in reading Romans 11:25-36 is that the divine power of God is available to Jew and Gentile. Understanding this mystery helps us all observe the greatness of God which takes away personal pride and makes us more apt to humbly show concern for others.

There have been several times when my vehicle would not start because of a dead battery. Jumper cables were used to recharge one battery from another. In a similar way, we can be the link that connects the power of God to people. We can get interested in them, listen to their needs, offer some help, or pray for them.

Sharing a song is a good way to connect each other to the power and recharge each other for the day. Here’s a song with that purpose in mind: Come as you are by Crowder.

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Unlimited Grace

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13

Today’s song One Thing Remains – Kristian Stanfill is about God’s love that never fails, never gives up, and never runs out.

His grace is unlimited and keeps on flowing from day to day; from year to year; from generation to generation. As long as we are attached to God’s love, we will all share from the same nourishing food that gives us strength to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

So my brother or sister in Christ, let us all have a positive attitude towards our individual role in God’s plan. As a believer in the Gospel of Christ, we share from the same nourishing food that improves our life and the life of those around us.

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Forgiven and Given

If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. - Mark 11:25-26

In the post “The Door is Opened with Grace”, pointed out is that there is a way to be forgiven and given the key to the kingdom. One of God’s qualities is that the door is open to all with eyes ready to see Him. The door is open to anyone with ears that listen to the Gospel message and receive the gift of God’s mercy.

So accept, appreciate, and affirm all who are willing to receive grace. Remember … the cross meant to kill brings the victory and as pointed out in the song Forgiven by Crowder, there is freedom in His amazing grace. His arms are open to receive those who believe.

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Flourish with His Grace

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18

When we grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we receive the nourishment needed to flourish. It’s really just that simple. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down.

Take inspiration from today’s song Grace Wins by Matthew West and gain confidence in continuing to flourish with His grace.

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Share the Evidence

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. - Psalm 89:1

In the post “Hear and Apply, discussed is Paul pointing out that all are given evidence of God’s power and divine nature but some still do not believe. There are various ways to receive knowledge of God. We can read His Word, learn from our experiences, and learn from others who have knowledge and experiences to share.

Going out in the backyard either at night before going to sleep or in the morning before sunrise with my dog Marlee, we can hear the sounds of a night. Marlee loves just lying in the grass, listening, and enjoying the cool breeze. I look up in the sky and see the stars and enjoy the amazement as God has painted another masterpiece to communicate His glory. The time in the back yard gives inspiration and hope; confidence that that God is with me and will be with me always.

Another way to receive inspiration and hope is through music as in this video: Light Up the Sky by The Afters.

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Desire and Power

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. - Philippians 2:13

As pointed out in the post “We Call Upon Your Name”, All who call upon the name of the Lord receive the way to freedom and even victory over death.

This day with God, let us call upon His name and just like in the song One Desire by Hillsong have one request and that is to be devoted to His Way.

To obtain the power the Spirit offers, let us have one desire; to call upon the name of the Lord for all of our days. To desire to hear His Word, see Christ at work, and bring the Good News to others.

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Momentum for a Victorious Day

In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. - Ephesians 3:12

As written about in the post “Way to Freedom and Confidence”, victory in life is about taking that first step toward Jesus. Like the song One Step Away by Casting Crowns, it only takes one step so just go for it!

Take the opportunity to gain momentum with one step that leads to other steps. Before long you are gaining momentum for a victorious life; you are living with passion, loving completely, learning humbly, and living boldly.

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Gain Wisdom

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. - Proverbs 2:6

The main point of the post “The Way to Righteousness” is that what is most important is not following some law or restriction but just accepting God’s grace and doing things that make a lot of sense. Everyone needs God's grace. Once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived.

The best way is God’s Way and we can enroll in God’s school of wisdom. The Bible is the text book to the course. Here’s a video to inspire us today as we follow the best way and apply the wisdom gained in our life: The Way by Jeremy Camp.

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Guided By Truth

Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Like Paul as written about in the post “Truthfulness with Facts”, be concerned about the truthfulness of what you say. Talking about something unseen like faith has its challenges but with Christ we have a model to explain the intangible qualities of our faith with integrity.

The things of this world are built like a house of cards. They may work for a while but suddenly fall apart. On the other hand, the things of God are built on the foundation of truth. We can rest assured that the promises God has given in the Bible will be fulfilled.

By accepting Christ as the Son of God, we have the distinct benefit of a promise. Receive inspiration from the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United and set out today fulfilling your purpose and your destiny with enthusiasm.

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Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for family, lots of food, and football games. Our favorite teams don’t always win but being a part of God’s team always brings the final victory.   

All winning teams have a game plan. Let us be thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Him as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this Thanksgiving Day with Him amazing!

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Steadily Towards the Victory

In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. - Romans 8:37

There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met and people start to panic. When people get in panic mode, don’t follow or listen … just keep heading steadily towards triumph just as pointed out in the post Ultimate Victory.

Have the attitude that you’ve been there, done that because when constantly relying on God’s guidance, the challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases. Then non-believers will start to notice and want to make the changes in order to be conquerors too!  

This day with God will be amazing because we have the play book to victory. The Bible gives us great advice and victory is assured through Christ. To begin our victorious day, here is a song to get us going: My Victory by Crowder.

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Called According to His Purpose

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

A key point brought out in the study of Romans 8:26-30 and written about in the post “Let the Spirit Work in Your Life” is that the Spirit gives insight into how to play your part in a preferred future and gives plans to make a difference in society.

First, pray for God’s will. One song to inspire is Thy Will  by Hillary Scott & The Scott Family. Second, discover the purpose for which God has for you. Then respond with enthusiasm to fulfill that high purpose.

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Stronger on the Other Side

Tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:3-5

Even in hard times, we can have joy. Never get down but remember what Jesus went through on the cross. Remember the many things people have gone through but came out stronger on the other side.

Hope is a major part of the Christian life because it gives patience in time of difficulty. For regardless of circumstance, hope keeps us looking forward to a day when there is no more pain, no more tears, and no more fears.

This day with God, have hope in all circumstances. As in the song There Will Be a Day by Jeremy Camp, be liberated from bondage and set free as God’s children. Someday there will be no more burdens because we will see Jesus face to face. Keep holding on to the day when there is joy and peace; keep holding on to the hope.

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Great Value in Starting New

But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. - Philippians 3:7-8

Grace received because of Christ and the Holy Spirit in you adds great value to your life. It is worth more than anything in the world because you then start new with freedom, peace, and the courage needed to face any challenge as you step ahead.

This day will be amazing because with God, we can sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress throughout each day by praising Him.

As the song Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli recommends, welcome God’s Spirit inside. Be aware of God’s presence and experience the glory of His goodness.

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Find Your Treasure

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:21

What God gives is a plan for life that is a treasure and the more you lose ourselves in this plan, the more passion we will have.

An idea pointed out in the post “Peace and True Life” is to find treasure as you gather positive thoughts, pictures, and sounds desired by the Spirit. These diamonds in the rough will fuel your actions revealing to those around you that you are a part of a group that follows Christ.

Some ideas that might help with our attitude and thought life is to start the day with uplifting positive music. Your thoughts will have a better chance to get in the right frame of mind as you take on the challenges of the day. If yesterday was a rough one, find a treasure like this song called Diamonds by Hawk Nelson to get the momentum going in the right direction.

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Refining in His Timing

Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. - Philippians 4:4

Touched upon in the post “The Law and the Fall” are two opposite laws that Paul explains. One is the law of God that is holy, just, and good. Then there is the opposite law that he calls the law of sin which the human race is under because of Adam’s fall in the garden.

Every day, we get hit with so many negatives and it is a battle to control our thought life but with Christ, there is hope because there can be refining in His timing. We can overcome and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Some ideas that might help with our attitude and thought life is to start or end the day with uplifting positive music like this one: Live Like That by Sidewalk Prophets. This will allow your thoughts to have a better chance to get in the right frame of mind as you start the day or retire for the evening. Then each day, you will be ready to show the world the love God has shown you in Christ.

Another idea for the end of each day is to write out a sentence or two on something good that happened or why the day was amazing. Think about what you are looking forward to tomorrow. Even though there is an internal spiritual war inside our soul between good and evil, we can be optimistic. With Christ by our side, the Holy Spirit will make it possible for the law of God to be in control and there are no limits to what can be accomplished.

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Directions for Our Steps

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. - Proverbs 16:9

Pointed out in the post “The Purpose for the Law”, salvation and sanctification are not obtained by keeping a list of rules but in knowing Christ. The law reveals right and wrong, initiating accurate thinking and self-discipline for the purpose of obtaining the intangible qualities of Christ.

Without God’s principles and the example given to us in Christ, we wouldn’t have much. Like this song points out Me Without You - TobyMac, we have all we need to become a champion for God.

Since we have a plan to direct our steps today, let us believe that we have a better shot at getting things done. Let us believe that things will fall in place and we will end up getting a lot more done than we ever thought we could.

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Fired Up

His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. - Jeremiah 20:9

As explained in the post “Released from the Law but Bound to Christ”, we are free from the demands of the law because Christ has given us a new Way that allows us to do some amazing things for God together.

Our past is wiped clean and there is power to fulfill our purpose for the future. I tell you what – that should get us fired up just as in this song Soul on Fire by Third Day.

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Will is More Important than Skill

For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - Colossians 1:13-14

The post “Instrument of Righteousness” was about yielding to God and using this as the catalyst to ultimate victory in life.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself in yielding to God’s will and being used as an instrument of righteousness?

You have a role to play because you have will and will is more important than skill. Choose to be on God’s side for He is always right.

In the song My Victory by Crowder, one point made is how the Cross which was meant to kill was used to bring victory for you and me. To step ahead, let us think about what the enemy uses to attack us with. Let us think about ways to turn it against the enemy and use as a means to bring victory to many lives today.

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Dear Younger Me by MercyMe

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Brought out in the post “Shared Experiences” is the thought that we are united with God through Christ who conquered death. We are a new person in Christ with the purpose of serving a great God who has given us the help of a body of believers. For a triple-braided cord is not easily broken just in the scripture above points out.

We can feed each other Spiritual food for the soul to fulfill God’s purpose. There is no need to worry or nothing to fear for we are free to be the person God wants us to be. As in the song How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, we can rejoice in our future together as we use our individual strengths for His great purpose.

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Free Indeed

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. - 2 Peter 3:18

Explained in the post “From Death to Life” is how the pattern of sin and death was broken by the free gift of Christ. The grace of God and the gift of righteousness reigns in life eternal. There’s no better deal in the world. To me, it makes good sense to take it.

Everyone needs God’s grace. Once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived. As the main point given to us in the song Dear Younger Me by MercyMe, our tomorrows can be better than our yesterdays and today can be amazing because our growing faith can never be taken away or depleted. The Gospel message has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never let us down.

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Sing of the Lord’s Great Love

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. - Psalm 89:1

This day with God, receive the peace Christ has provided. Express your joy for God’s love to you by persevering, building character, and maintaining hope. 

Just as in the song I Am Free by Newsboys, each day can be amazing because we can live out loud. We can pray, listen for instructions, and get things done now. Opportunities to do great things are right in front of us so let’s go out and give God our best.

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Impossible is Made Possible Because of the ONE Who is Greater Inside

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God”.  - Luke 18:27

The Cross has made you flawless and with God, you can passionately believe in what you are doing, let nothing hold you up in your work, and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible.

Within the post “The Promise”, highlighted was how Abraham maintained hope, believed in God’s power to fulfill the promise of a son. Even though he and Sarah had tried before and were beyond the childbearing years, Abraham had faith in God to fulfill the promise. Abraham’s faith was very strong and he passionately believed in God’s ability to make the impossible possible. The result was that a child was born and Abraham ultimately became the father of many nations.

As in the song Greater by MercyMe, bring your doubts and fears to God. Bring your hurts and your tears to Him because greater is the ONE living inside you. The cross has made it possible.

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Kingdom Wealth

Teach us to number our days aright. That we may gain a heart of wisdom. - Psalms 90:12

Explained by Paul in the post “Right Standing”, Abraham could not boast before God or claim his due because it was by faith and not by works that God did amazing things through him. The priority was more faith because it is etched eternally into God’s account. What if instead of working at building up an account like a bank account or a 401K account, we used more of our time to build up kingdom wealth.  

Faith is like uncut diamonds that are improved and made into bright gems for a useful life. One way to build up this eternal faith account is to capture thoughts from sermons or Bible Study, and from experiences that we go through or those we know go through. Another way to build up eternal faith is gathering inspiration from music or photos just like this one: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United.

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Live by Faith in the Son of God

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

As pointed out in the post “Way to Righteousness”, legal obedience does not make one acceptable to God but faith in Jesus Christ does and this is God’s way of righteousness.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God but can be justified freely by grace. Not by works but by faith in Christ. As in this song Embrace the Cross by Steve Green, let us replace every doubt or fear with a deep abiding trust in Jesus.

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Decide to Dive

Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. - Hebrews 4:16

In the post “Purpose of the Law”, brought out is the fact that it is impossible to be justified before God by our own efforts because no one is perfect. I remember from a sermon at the church I worship at the following point:

The Journey with Jesus begins with a decision (MK 1:16-17), with leaving the familiar (MK 1:12-20), with Jesus saying lets go, with a change in view (MK 1:17) and in following the real Jesus (Ac 9:10-11).*

The things that hinder us many times are self-inflicted. There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called “Dive” that inspires us to take some risk when it comes to finding what’s important in life. The Journey with Jesus requires that we dive right in and start the continual change process by following His Way.

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*"Sermons." FUMC Waco. Web. <http://fumcwaco.org>.

Celebrate Differences

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. - Romans 15:7

God has made us all for a purpose and we need to celebrate differences. According to Guinness World Records, the tallest man living is 8 ft. 3 inches. The shortest man living is 2 feet tall. A startling comparison is that if humans varied as much in height as dogs do, the smallest person would be 2 feet tall and the tallest person would stand 31 feet tall!

The picture we get from the post “Always Remains the Same” is that we all are different. Some are skilled in teaching, some are skilled in administration, and others may be skilled in encouragement. We all also have some weaknesses but let us be thankful that God always remains faithful, true, righteous, and just. 

Rather than expecting perfection from others, we can accept each other as a child of God and work in unity using our specific gifts God has given us. Then we are not competing against each other but against our enemies like doubt, bondage, and hate.

As the scripture above says, we should approach each day with the attitude of accepting one another. Take inspiration from today’s song: Come As You Are by Crowder.

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Engrained in Who We Are

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8

Emphasized in the post “Practice What You Preach” is the need to know God’s instructions from the Bible and better practice or apply these instructions until they become an effortless activity throughout our day; a positive part of our life that becomes permanently engrained in who we are.

Once God’s principles become a part of who we are, we should search for others to join us in applying our faith. We should be creative in how to apply our faith. Are there apps we can use or even develop to help people apply their faith in their daily activities? Are there songs like Lead Me to the Cross by Hillsong we can share?

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Living the Way He Teaches

Teach me Your ways, O Lord, that I may live according to Your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor You. - Psalm 86:11

The post “Integrate Faith with Actions” is about Paul pointing out that what we know in our mind needs to lead into the heart. It’s all about receiving God’s mercy and grace by accepting Christ first. Then, our hearts are transformed into committed followers of His Way.   

Every day can be amazing because we are putting the guidance of the Holy Spirit into practice. We can’t work hard enough to be saved but we can accept Christ in our heart and give it our best effort to daily show that we are saved.

Like the song Back to God by Reba McEntire, let us inspire others to begin today to integrate our faith with our actions because knowing God and accepting His grace makes our burdens lighter. Before long, the world will be changed for the better.

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Change for the Better

My child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste. In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul, If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

In the post “Riches of the Soul”, one idea brought out is to put God’s Word into practice by evaluating our life and determining the changes that need to be made.

We spend a lifetime working hard and trying to save enough to someday retire. But along the way, our greatest activities are to accept the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience to help us change for the better.

Persistently living as the Bible teaches adds to the riches of our soul which we will have not only in this life but the eternal one too! Take inspiration from this song: Live Like That – Sidewalk Prophets and give it all you have today.

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Prescription to a Clearer Vision

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8

A lie the world tells us is to do things on our own without any help from God. But why exchange the truth of God for this lie that leads to an unhealthy society? Instead, the prescription to a clearer vision is to give attention to our spiritual growth. Think of ways to feed our hearts and minds with positives from God.

Like the song Fix My Eyes by King & Country points out, we can change our course. We can accept the help God gives in Christ and accept the obvious as truth. The ways of the world always change but the character of God never does.

As a society learns how to live God’s way, individuals build up strong character, families support each other, and communities flourish. The post “Changing Course” provides an analysis from Paul about society’s issues, how to sort things out, and offers a prescription to a clearer vision. 

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