Romans 6:14

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

Sometimes a gentle reminder is all that is needed. We are NOT the old person we use to be, we are new. We have put on the new man since God’s grace came in, when we received the free gift of salvation.

Because we are still wrapped in this flesh and are constantly bombarded with temptation, and the distractions of daily living, we have a tendency to forget who we now are in God.

We forget that we have been delivered and set free. We forget that we are no longer that old person we use to be before God came in.

I am reminded, when God parted the Red Sea for the children of Israel, he told them to bring stones out with them to build a memorial. They needed that so they would not forget what God had done. For God knew just how short our memory can be.

We must do the same. We need a daily reminder of the goodness of God.

What do you have to remind you of just how far God has brought you?

What is your memorial?

It can be as simple as looking in the mirror each morning and specifically thanking God for the things he has delivered you from. Naming them one by one. Making this a part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth.

The purpose is not to glory in the past, but to remember that you are no longer that person.

Then you go on with your day, walking in the newness of life, rather than wallowing in the guilt of sin.

Be free, because God has made you free through Jesus.

You are NOT who you use to be.

This is Good News indeed!!

Romans 5:2

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.“

By definition, grace is

⁃ the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

⁃ a divinely given talent or blessing.

⁃ the condition or fact of being favored by someone.

There is nothing like God’s amazing grace. It is a freely given byproduct of salvation. And it is only obtained by faith.

What I find very interesting is that grace is something that we have to enter into. According to Romans, we have access to grace. By faith. This implies that it is something that we have to choose to walk in. Once we decide to walk in the grace of God, we must also choose to stand (stay) therein.

By definition, favor is

⁃ approval, support, or liking for someone or something.

⁃ an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.

⁃ feel or show approval or preference for.

God is the ultimate gentleman. He does not force anything on his people. He sets things before you and allows you the honor of making a choice.

But he is also faithful that when we make wrong choices, and later choose to repent by asking for forgiveness. He is faithful to receive us back.

Just by choosing to access and stand in God’s grace we obtain benefits that are priceless. God’s approval, support, and abundant blessings are priceless. Amazingly enough, others are blessed just by being in our presence. They can experience God’s favor to a degree. Because our blessings overflow on them.

It is amazing to see that by choosing to access and stand in the grace of God, our life becomes a witness. We serve the great God, the creator of the world. We should live a life that exhibits our God. A life that draws people to the God abiding on the inside of us.

Most of the time the things we go though in life are not just about us. It is for the people who are around us. For those that may not be strong enough to make different choices, and find themselves stuck in bad situations. They are able to see you, watch the choices you make, and see the results of those choices. It is inspiring, and will speak volumes. It will speak louder than any words you utter.

Let your life be a witness. Just by walking in the grace (favor) of God.

Romans 5:1

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

On today, make it a point to rest in the peace of God. Consciously make the choice not to allow people or situations impact the peace of God on your life.

Choose to share this peace. Be that light to someone else to see that even though tough situations arise they should not alter the temperature of your life. For the peace of God is controlling the thermostat.

The issues that occur in life happen on the “outside” of your peace. Therefore it cannot (should not) hinder the inner peace that God has given.

In Ephesians the 6 chapter explains that the armor we wear has a foundation of peace. Our feet are clothed in peace so that wherever we walk we do so in peace. When we enter a room that was before chaotic, it should settle because of the peace wherein we walk.

You CAN have a great day – everyday.

It is a choice that you must make. The peace of God is a constant. Something we always have access too. We just have to choose it daily.

Even with the peace of God, hard or even devastating things occur. But with the peace of God, we can stand. We can calmly react. We can make it.

So, have a great day and do great things.

Walk in the peace of God.

Romans 4:21

“And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

Are you fully persuaded?

By definition “fully” is completely or entirely; to the furthest extent.

Persuaded is to cause (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument. To cause (someone) to believe something, especially after a sustained effort; convince.

Proper understanding of these words are important to gage where we are in our faith walk. It is possible to be fully persuaded in some things, but not in others.

There are some areas in our walk where we do not have any issues with trusting God completely. However, there are also areas in our lives where we constantly struggle to believe God. The ultimate goal is to be fully persuaded in all things. For without question, God IS able.

The struggle has to do with control. There are some things and areas where we do not want to relinquish our control over to God. We want to say with our lips that God is in control, but in reality we are not ready to let go of the tight hold we have on the situation. Because of this we struggle.

The struggle is not actually over the situation, but it is in our ability to trust God. To say it bluntly, there are just some areas in our lives where we don’t want God to have control. What we want is “input” from God in the form of blessings, but we do not want God to have control

How can be move from the struggle to being fully persuaded?

We have to come to the point in our walk that we want God more than we want our own way.

This takes time.

– It takes time for the desire for God to filter down through every aspect of our lives.

– It takes time for God to deal with every part of us.

– It takes time for us to realize that there are areas we are holding to tightly that we prevent God from addressing.

– But once realization has come, it is time to loosen the hold and allow God to work on us.

This is a faith thing.

– We are justified through faith.

– It takes faith to let go, and it takes faith to put things in God’s hands.

– It takes faith to leave them there and allow God the space and time to work on them.

Not that God needs the time. The time is for us. This time is how long it takes us to become fully persuaded in the thing. To know that the God who promised is same God who is able to perform it.

To be fully persuaded is to be so certain, so sure, that there is no physical room for anything else. Especially doubt.

Understand that being fully persuaded must be 100% established on the word of God. You cannot stand on a foundation that is not biblical sound. Any such foundation will crumble when the trials of life hit it. But a foundation with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone will stand and withstand through any storm.

It is time to become fully persuaded and receive the fullness of what God has promised us!

Romans 2:10-11

“10. But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11. For there is no respect of persons with God. ”

Have an excellent day! Go forth and conquer, accomplish, excel, share peace and wisdom.

If it is in your heart to do good and be good God has extended his arm to you. He is given you every thing you need. Just accept it and “do.” Without apprehension, fear or doubt. Don’t hear naysayers. Don’t accept negativity.

Speak your world into existence by faith. Walk in it!

Have a blessed day!!

Matthew 24:22

“And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened ”

The times we live in many are concerned about government leadership, the safety and equality of being stopped by the police, and being able to provide for their families. These are important and justifiable concerns. But don’t let your concern translate to fear. But rather allow it to exercise and increase your faith in God.

The times we live in is nothing new for God. He was always aware of the evilness of the hearts of men and what they are capable of. But God has always had provision for his people built into his plan.

For you (for us all), God has shortened the days so that we can make it.

In the mean time, do your best (your civic duty) by making yourself aware, voting, praying for our leadership of every kind, and by praying in general.

Yes, God is in control and is working on our behalf. But this does not excuse us from the responsibility he placed on us. We must (as never before) fast, pray, seek God, spend time with God, and show the love of God to everyone. Especially to those who would rather see you dead. We are the only reflection of God people will ever see.

We do not have the luxury of giving up or giving in to despair.

In the times we live in, we need to truly be that light – set up on a hill that cannot be hid. Shining that beacon of (love) light to everyone. Letting the world know, that even in the times we live, there is still hope.

Hope in God!

Have a great day!!

Romans 1:32 (but read entire chapter for context).

“Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. ”

It is sad, but true…

We all have encountered people who know God. The understand the basic truth about what God requires and expects from his people. Yet, this knowledge does not change the way they live their lives.

Before you jump on the judgement bandwagon, understand that you were there before too, and (from time to time) you may visit there again.

The difference between us and them is grace.

Somewhere along the line, we chose God. We chose to live for him. Ands we must continue to make this choice everyday. Why? Because everyday we face temptations or opportunities that would take us into a wrong direction. Remember, this scripture talks about people who knew the truth of God at one point, but then changed it into a lie. Sad, but true.

Who we are in Christ

It is important that we not rundown the person who is in this downward spiral. We are called to restore, to reconciliation. The Bible tells us that when we have been strengthened to turn around and strengthen our brother. And to restore in the spirit of meekness.

We may not be able to change this type of person’s mind with the words we say. However, we can pray for them. Understand there is power in prayer. The same God that changed us can change anyone. God is able to move on the hearts of people to cause a change that will astonish those who knew the “before” and witness the “after.”

We serve a God who is able to do the impossible.

Sad, but true…

We live in a world that is evil continually. This world needs us to be the people of God that we profess to be.

It’s time to live up to who we are in Christ.

Have a blessed night!

Psalms 34:15

“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,

and his ears are open unto their cry. “

When my day has been crazy and life is busy and hectic, it is a blessing to know that God is there. He hears my cry. He understands every groan.

Even when I cannot verbalize my feelings, he already knows and has formulated a plan to deliver me.

There are those who do not want an intimate relationship with God. But the truth is I cannot live without it. Our God knows how we feel and what we go through. Because of that we are instructed to come to him boldly to obtain mercy and help when it is needed (Hebrew 4:15-16).

His desire is for us (his children) to come to him about and with everything. No secrets and nothing hidden. By being open and transparent before him, we are free. And can stand before him with clean hands and a pure heart.

What a great God we serve!

Now that is something that increases peace. Have a great night.

Psalms 34:4

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me,

and delivered me from all my fears. “

The best way to get over your road/stumbling block is to talk to God. Tell God about your fears, your weaknesses, your temptations, your failures, your sins, etc.

Yes, God already knows all about them. But the act of your uncovering yourself before God accomplishes some important things.

1. It tells God you acknowledge your wrong.

2. It shows you are not trying to hide from him.

3. It reflects your understanding of the importance of your mission. Your willingness not to let anything stop you.

4. It shows God that you need help, and are ready to be delivered.

5. (Because nothing is truly done in secret), it shows the world that even though we fall, we do not have to stay there.

Once you have uncovered yourself before God he is now able to touch your issues and deliver you. Fear is rebuked, during the uncovering process. For it is fear that keeps us from doing the will of God.

As we talk to God about everything we are going through, it is our trust in that perfect love of God that brings our deliverance. God’s perfect love casts fear and her torments (1 John 4:18). Whether we realize it or not, it is the torments of fear that we restless with. It is the torments of fear that we allow to hold us back.

So seek God, and be free.

Once you are free there is nothing that can stop you from doing the will of God.

Mark 11:23

Proverbs 18:10

There are times in our lives when we go through heave battle. Our emotions are high, stress is kicking in, threatening to overwhelm us.

Be encouraged, because the God we serve understands exactly what it feels like to be wrapped in this fleshly body (Hebrews 4:15). He hungered, thirst, got angry (Matthew 21:12-13), experienced sorrow and grief (John 11:35-36), and felt overwhelmed (Matthew 26:39). Jesus was our example. Even in the throws of such emotions, he relied on the father, the truth/power of his word and promise, and his will being done. Jesus never from his mission. He went on with what he was came here to accomplish – to redeem lost man.

Just as Jesus went on, so must we. We all have callings, anointing, and assignments that we must fulfil for the cause of Christ. We do not have the luxury of giving up, or running away. God has called us to stand and fight. He always causes us to triumph. We are guaranteed the victory, God just needs us to remain willing soldiers. He gave us the armor – told us to put on daily – to stand and withstand the attack of the enemy.

Just as Just example showed us, when trouble comes and emotions rise, we are to fall back on the Word of God! Why, because it strengthens us and provides instruction in righteousness. Because we are not allowed to fall apart during the test, God gave us is awesome name. Proverbs 18:10 lets us know that the awesome name of Jesus is a strong tower. Where we are able to run into and find safety. I can call on his name and the peace of God that passes all understanding, keeps my heart and mind. Combine that with the armor that God has given (Ephesian 6:10-18), we are set up for victory. All that remains to do is SPEAK.

We speak the word. Just as Jesus used the holy scriptures to rebuke Satan, we must do the same. The bible tells us that we should (John 8:32, John 17:17). We must know the word of God to be effective in battle. We must speak to our circumstances. Every situation in our lives that does not line up with God’s will, we must speak to it and command. Just has Jesus commanded in Mark 11:23, we must do just that. These situations that have become mountains to us, we must speak the word of God and command them to obey. This requires our faith to be in action. 

Why? Because the circumstance may not change right away. Our faith is required to see beyond our “right now”, and see the promise of God in action. We must stand in expectation. We expect (by faith) that the things we have spoken will come to pass. We speak, the stand in expectation through praise, until God brings it to pass. You must stand assured that God WILL bring it to pass, no doubt. So speak, and don’t stop! Speak to your body, command health. Speak to you finances, command wealth, speak to your city, command those that God called you to be receptive and responsive. Speak to your ministry, command increase because God adds to the church daily such as should be saved. Keep speaking, and do not stop. As long as there is breath in your body, there are things that you need to speak to. 

Do not choose to settle for less than that which God has promised.

Do not settle for less that God’s will for your life.

Speak and live!