The Great Gift of Grace

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

The post “Wisdom’s Call“ highlights the difference between wisdom and folly. One way leads to much despair and the other way leads us to God’s blessings.

Many may say that God’s Word is outdated and not useful in today’s world but it’s a lie. Insight is gained from reading the Bible and God’s plan for us is revealed. By accepting what Jesus did for us on the Cross, we receive the greatest gift of all and we can step out in faith.

Like the song Holy Spirit – Francesca Battistelli gives attention to, by accepting Christ as Savior we also welcome the guidance of the Holy Spirit to fill every aspect of our life. We accept the great reward of God’s presence and guidance.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Doers of the Word

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. - James 1:22

Explained in the post “The Power of the Gospel” is that Paul wanted to share the Gospel with the Roman Christians because he knew the Gospel would meet their needs and the Gospel message would spread faster to all parts of the world.

 Today, we look around us in this world and see poverty, sickness, and pain. We may ask God why He doesn’t do something. The thing is, He did by giving us the power of the Gospel to be His hands and feet to the world.

The Gospel message is so powerful because it continues to grow and can never be taken away or depleted. It has a beautiful and refreshing simplicity about it that sets us free and never lets us down. It is like our fuel to energize us to do good works.

Maybe today it’s time for us to take to heart the song Do Something by Matthew West and be doers of the Word.  As the song says, if not us then who?

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The Presence of the Lord is Our Great Reward

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

Shared in the post “Immanuel” was the purpose of the tent of meeting which was to have a place where people could meet with God. The Lord’s presence back then and today is our great reward.

In present times, believers can meet with God at any time or any place because of Christ’s atonement of sins on the Cross. This day with God, rejoice in this great gift of God that has been given to us. 

The thoughts shared above can turn a bad day into a good one. Suddenly, our attitude changes because we realize that God is with us at any time or any place. We can watch videos and listen to inspiring music like this: Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli.

Each day we can build memories. We can take pictures of His Creation like an amazing rainbow stretching from one end of the sky to the next. We can use technology to take virtual vacations by using the Internet. We can share with others around the world that God is with us today. 

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Hunting for Spiritual Food

I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. – John 17:4

In the post “Detailed Instructions”, are thoughts about the specific instructions for the offerings made in order to consecrate priests. Today, we identify with Christ as our sin offering and the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Since Christ came and died on the Cross, we have a direct relationship with God.

By accepting Christ into our life; taking note of His teachings and by reading God’s Word, we get specific instructions in how to live.  Reading God’s word is much like hunting or fishing because we have to be patient, quite, and focused as we search for our daily spiritual food.

My grandfather loved to hunt. He had dogs that he trained for the purpose of finding raccoons. They would smell the trail and follow. Usually this led to a big tree where the raccoon would climb to the very top. Along the way, the dog would bark until you could then hear a different bark. It was a very excited bark in the same location and there was bark after bark after bark. When the hunter heard this bark, he knew the dog had the raccoon cornered.

Like these trained dogs of my grandfather, we trail what we are passionate about for our Master. As a person of faith, we find great truths that provide spiritual food and share these truths with others. Here is a truth to share today in a song: Stop the World by Matthew West. This day with God, remember that He is listening and is pleased when we have done our job for Him.

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The Place of Grace

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

The main point as written in the post “The Greatest Sacrifice Ever” is that God’s Plan for us makes it much easier today because of what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for our eternal victory.

We can be a great person but without Christ, the victory is out of reach. I remember watching the NFL induction ceremony when Brett Favre was inducted into the Hall of Fame. With all his greatness, few people know that he is leader in one negative stat. As a quarterback, he had the most interceptions.

We all make mistakes but we can turn mistakes into a victory if we take in the lessons learned. Because of the grace of God, blessings can be received even from our past mistakes. Take inspiration from today’s video: Your Grace Is Enough by Matt Maher and believe you have all you need to build for an amazing future.

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Guide Me in Your Truth

are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

As shared in the post “The ONE True”, knowing and trusting God makes a difference in how we treat others. God’s love for us as demonstrated on the Cross began the healing process for His people. We are brought together as one in Christ and our attitudes toward others are changed.  

If the past has been one in which we were careless in our relationships or have said or done things that hurt others, we can make things right by being honest with ourselves and with others. As in the song “If We’re Honest by Francesca Battistelli", we can set out on a new path which God has provided for all. 

Things of the world lead down a long and winding path to nowhere but the path of God leads to a glorious future. His promised future is laid out on the solid foundation of Truth and we can rest assured that the promise will be fulfilled.

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Crucified with Christ

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

One thing is for sure and creates true joy for the future; by accepting Christ as Savior, things only get better. The negative past is washed away, the joy of the present is highlighted, and the future is brighter each and every day.

These thoughts were also brought out in the post “The Promise Of The Spirit” and give us a lift for each day. The memories we make today will give us a lift, the weather can give us a lift, and the ultimate lift is knowing that the future is bright because of the reward God has for all that believe in His Son.

Enjoy today’s song Multiplied by Need to Breath and receive the multiplied effect of the Spirit inside which is like radiant diamonds bursting inside with the promise of a great future filled with the never ending flow of grace.

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Clear Way To Our Victory

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. - Ephesians 2:8

In the post “Discover the Freedom In Christ”, Paul reemphasized the importance of Christ in our heart for there is great power in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His death on the Cross and resurrection became the clear way to our victory. 

This day with God, take in the Word to fortify. Remain optimistic because with God, we are highly favored and as pointed out in the song My Victory by Crowder, the Cross which was meant to kill became our victory and makes us live again.

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Be One of the Branches

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

As noted in the post “Spirit Is Received By Those Who Have Believed “, we are justified by faith in Christ. Each day, we can count our blessings and turn our whole life around. Nothing is impossible if we believe that Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches.

Be one of the branches today. As in the song Be One by Natalie Grant, be the light in the dark, be the change, and be the hope.

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Always Hope

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. – Romans 8:25

In the post “On this Journey to a Brighter Day”, written about was how Joshua reviews Israel’s history, he emphasizes how God was involved in bringing them from the land of oppression to the Promised Land.

There is always hope for a brighter day when we are with God and He is with us. That is why we should always examine our hopes and dreams and let God take them to a level that we never dreamed. Even if faced with dark times, His light will illuminate the path to a brighter future.

Like Joshua, let us determine the purpose God has for us, let us carry out this purpose, and finish well. When we serve the Lord, there is always hope for a brighter future just like in this song: Chain Breaker by Zach Williams.

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Who Can Be Against Us

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31

In the post “When Life Falls Apart”, shared were thoughts after reading Joshua 7 and how Joshua gained a great victory at Jericho but then found out that past victories do not guarantee future victories. He had a soldier that disobeyed a command and this caused God to turn away from the Israelites.

The result was a defeat at the next battle. Back in the day of Joshua, atonement was the death of the soldier and his whole family. In current times, we have the luxury of a much easier way because through Jesus, God has smoothed out the path so that returning back to Him is much easier. All we have to do is be humble, accept Jesus in our heart, and let God provide the power. Then there is a freedom and we can get the most out of life.

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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An Instant Lift Higher

For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16

As shared in the post “The Loving Father”, David was in distress but appealed to the quality of God’s character known as love. The Father gives guidance, instruction, and security. The only requirement from us to receive an instant lift higher today by accepting His gift of love.

Our mood can be instantly lifted by the positive affirmation God gives us through the gift of His Son who was sacrificed for us on the Cross. No matter what has happened in the past, the downward trend can be reversed because the Cross is a big plus. Receive this gift from God and be lifted higher today as you listen to this song of praise: At the Cross – Chris Tomlin.

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Seek More Patience and Make Christ More Than an Acquaintance

Many may think following God’s way is boring and there is no liberty or the ability for amazing success but in reality, there is freedom and great success in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. He understands our needs more than we do.

We should strive to be prepared daily through His Word in order to receive His divine power. The first priority is seeking more patience in making Christ more than an acquaintance which is one thought from today’s video: Lead me to the Cross - Hillsongs.

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

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