BRING JOY THROUGH UNITY
VOTD Focus: Looking At Unity Through The Philippian Letter
GOD LEADS BY USING EVERYTHING
Verse Of The Day Focus: Let God Lead
JESUS TELLS IT STRAIGHT
Verse Of The Day Focus: Peace In Jesus
JESUS TELLS IT STRAIGHT
Meditation Focus: Peace In Jesus
(John 16: 29-33 AMP)
His disciples said, Ah, now You are speaking plainly to us and not in parables (veiled language and figures of speech)! Now we know that You are acquainted with everything and have no need to be asked questions. Because of this we believe that you [really] came from God.
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Keep Building Your Relationship With Jesus And Demonstrating It Through Application
SOMETIMES IT GETS TO YOU
Verse Of The Day Focus: Truth
I DIDN'T COUNT THE COST
CONSEQUENCES OF NOT COUNTING THE COST
I DIDN'T COUNT THE COST
Meditation Focus: Counting The Cost Of Discipleship
(Luke 117-31 [17-20] ESV)
When he [the wayward son] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
We might not understand our opportunities and discipleship lessons. So, making decisions that demonstrates we haven't learned our lessons can put us in painful situations. What's been taught remains. Remember our lessons and stay on our personal path.
Understanding and Counting The Cost Of Discipleship Can Keep Us From Bad Situations.
HOW IS OUR WORTH PERCEIVED
HOW IS OUR WORTH PERCEIVED
Meditation Focus: Jesus On The Move
(Luke 7: 2-10 [4,6,9] CEV)
After Jesus had finished teaching the people, he went to Capernaum. 2 In this town an army officer's servant was sick and about to die. The officer liked his servant very much. 3 And when he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish leaders to ask him to come and heal the servant. 4 The leaders went to Jesus and begged him to do something. They said, “This man deserves your help! 5 He loves our nation and even built us a synagogue.” 6 So Jesus went with them. When Jesus wasn't far from the house, the officer sent some friends to tell him, “Lord, don't go to any trouble for me! I am not good enough for you to come into my house. 7 And I am certainly not worthy to come to you. Just say the word, and my servant will get well... 9 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “In all of Israel I've never found anyone with this much faith!” 10 The officer's friends returned and found the servant well.
Let's have a mindset and see ourselves in a way that pleases Jesus.
Walking with Jesus to the Cross and Beyond!
FROM FORGIVENESS TO FREEDOM
WHAT'S YOUR MEASURE OF FORGIVENESS
Meditation Focus: From Forgiveness To Freedom
(Luke 6: 37-38 AMP, Proverbs 21: 2 NET, Luke 23:34 AMP)
Jesus said, "Judge not [neither pronouncing judgment nor subjecting to censure], and you will not be judged; do not condemn and pronounce guilty, and you will not be condemned and pronounced guilty; acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released... For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you."
Keep in mind that, "All of a person's ways seem right in his own opinion, but the LORD evaluates the heart.
Let's Forgive And Live Free!
ACCEPT THE FACT THAT WE'RE FORGIVEN WITH GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST
Romans 7:13- 8:4 [7;15, 24, 8: 1-2] AMP
... For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I want to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness-my sinful capacity].... O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord ... There is therefore now no condemnation [no judgement or someone pointing a finger against] to those who are in Christ Jesus, who[a] do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
In Christ, we're forgiven, not condemned. So, we can forgive ourselves, accept God's forgiveness and move forward.
Let's Forgive And Live Free!
FORGIVENESS DEMONSTRATES YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Matthew 5:43-47 MSG
Jesus said, “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.
Use the power and strength that's demonstrated in love and prayer to demonstrate forgiveness.
Let's Forgive And Live Free!
FORGIVENESS KEEPS US IN FELLOWSHIP WITH EACH OTHER
Proverbs 17:8 NRSVA, Colossians 3:13 EXB
One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend. Bear with [Make allowances for; Be patient with] each other, and forgive each other. If someone .does wrong to you [has a grievance/complaint against someone], forgive that person because the Lord forgave you.
When we forgive each other, as well as ourselves in the same way that Christ forgives each of us, it frees us to move forward in our relationships.
Let's Forgive And Live Free!
FORGIVENESS KEEPS US IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
Matthew 6: 9, 12,14, 15 ERV
12. Forgive [let go of] our sins [and restore our relationship], just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us... 14 Yes, if you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, then your Father in heaven will also forgive your wrongs. 15 But if you don't forgive others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you do.
Our relationship/fellowship with each other is a gauge to our relationship with God. Not forgiving others for wrongs that they've done to us demonstrates an unbelief that man is in the image of God and He can help people be better.
Let's Forgive And Live Free!
A FOCUS ON HOPE
Proverbs 3: 5-6
HOPE KEEPS US ON OUR LIFE'S PATH
Trust [Hope] in the Lord with all your heart [soul] and lean not [don't rest and rely fully] on your own understanding [discernment]; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Putting our hope in God and submitting out goals and plans to Him enables us to stay on the right path for our lives. Relying on our natural discernment can take us off of our life's true path.
DON'T LOSE HOPE IN A FAITHFUL GOD
Hebrews 10:22-24 [23] NIV
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. [Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful]. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds...
We should: 1) Hold on to the hope that we claim because, God is faithful and will keep any and every promise that He's made. 2). Get close to God with a sincere heart. 3). Help each other to love others and do good.
There's Always Hope
THE SPIRIT GIVES US HOPE
Romans 8: 23-39 [23, 38-39] CEV)
The Spirit makes us sure [gives us Hope] about what we will be in the future....38 I am sure that nothing can separate us from God's love-not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord! Romans
The Spirit gives us a hope that assures us that, in Christ, absolutely nothing can ever separate us from God's love.
There's Always Hope
GOD WILL NOT LEAVE YOU
WITHOUT HOPE
Psalm 9: 18-20 ERV
It may seem that those who are poor and needy have been forgotten, but God will not forget them. He will not leave them without hope. Lord, get up [God, confirm that you are with us] and [You will] judge the nations [people]. Don t let anyone think they can win against You. Teach them reverence, Lord. Let them know they are only human. Selah
Remember, God will not leave us without hope and He will demonstrate that no one can win against Him and those He cares about.
There's Always Hope
TALKING TO YOURSELF ABOUT HOPE
Psalm 42: 1-11 [11] ICB
Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God. I should keep praising him, my Savior and my God.
When circumstances, people and even ourselves seem to be our enemies, we can know that God is not our enemy. Through Jesus Christ, regardless of what may happen, we can confidently put our hope in God, knowing that He is on our side.
There's Always Hope
KEEPING HOPE WHEN YOU'RE OUT
OF PLACE
Jeremiah 29: 1-32 [5, 10,11] ESV
Live Your Life In Spite Of What's Happening: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce, seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Why? Because, when the time comes, "... I [God] will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
There's Always Hope
BUILDING YOUR LEVEL OF HOPE
Psalm 42: 1-11 [11] ICB
By putting our trust in God, He has given us His loving-favor and has received us. We are happy for the hope we have of sharing the shining-greatness of God. We are glad for [exhilarated by] our troubles also. We know that troubles help us learn not to give up. When we have learned not to give up, it shows we have stood the test. When we have stood the test, it gives us hope.
Like exercising our muscles, each challenge that we endure and make it through strengthens and builds our level of hope. And, this can help others to endure their challenges and build their hope as well.
There's Always Hope
A FOCUS ON PEACE
Jesus Defeated The World
John 16: 33
LIVING IN A WORLD OF TURMOIL
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
In the midst of the world's challenges, find your peace through Jesus.
Move Forward In Peace
James 3:18 NCV/AMPC
People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living [righteousness]
And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
Moving forward in peace in a way that produces peace will set you up to produce an upright lifestyle.
Leave The Pass Behind
Philippians 4:18-20 EXB
18 And now I, Paul have ·everything [or received full payment], and more. I have all I need [or am fully supplied/filled up], because Epaphroditus brought your gifts to me. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God [a fragrant aroma], a sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to him. 19 [And] My God will ·meet [supply; fulfill] all of your needs from [ according to] his wonderful riches [glorious riches; or riches in heaven/glory] in Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.
Our needs are met through the riches that Christ has given to people, which is demonstrated in the help and support shown by His followers.
Help meet the needs of others
Just Go! Help Others
Jonah 1: 1-3 NKJV
1 Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish
Jonah 1: 1-3 Modified
Now, God impressed on Jonah’s spirit to go to Nineveh and preach to them so that they can have the opportunity to repent and turn from their wickedness. God didn't want the people destroyed. But Jonah rejected God’s request and tried to run from God’s presence by going to the port city of Joppa He was looking for a ship going to Tarshish. (Jonah 1: 1-3 Modified)
If God impresses on you to do something, just do it - especially when it's to help others.
Aim For Restoration
Philippians 4:18-20 EXB
18 And now I, Paul have ·everything [or received full payment], and more. I have all I need [or am fully supplied/filled up], because Epaphroditus brought your gifts to me. They are like a sweet-smelling offering to God [a fragrant aroma], a sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to him. 19 [And] My God will ·meet [supply; fulfill] all of your needs from [ according to] his wonderful riches [glorious riches; or riches in heaven/glory] in Christ Jesus. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.
Our needs are met through the riches that Christ has given to people, which is demonstrated in the help and support shown by His followers.
Help meet the needs of others
Take Time To Be Alone
The Strength Of Patience
Proverbs 16:32 EXB
Patience is better than strength, that is, a patient person is better than a warrior. Controlling your temper is better than capturing/overtaking a city [a place or person that's guarded].
Genesis 4: 3-11 CEVB
The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, but not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings. The Lord said to Cain: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy [capture] you, but don't let it
Be patient and chose to control yourself, stay on the mark and don't be a captive to anger and impatience.
Hiding In Plain Sight
Trying To Get Away From God
Genesis 3:1-8 KJV
And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Genesis 3:8 Modified
Adam and Eve perceived the call of the Lord God throughout the garden of Eden in the late afternoon. So, Adam and his wife hid [withdrew] themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.
Be open to what He wants to tell you. Using what's in your natural life to get away from God when you perceive His presence doesn't work.
You're Stronger Than You Think
Take Control Through Patience
Proverbs 16:32 EXB
Patience is better than strength, that is, a patient person is better than a warrior. Controlling your temper is better than capturing/overtaking a city [a place or person that's guarded].
Genesis 4: 3-11 CEVB
The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, but not with Cain and his offering. This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings. The Lord said to Cain: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy [capture] you, but don't let it
Be patient and chose to control yourself, stay on the mark and don't be a captive to anger and impatience.
Living Intentional
Be Engaged
James 1:19 NIV & Modified
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry!
James 1:19 Modified
Understand this, my close brothers and sisters. Let's all be quick to hear, that is, be a careful, thoughtful listener. Be slow to speak, that is, be a speaker of carefully chosen words. And be, slow to anger, that is be patient, reflective, forgiving...!
In The Same Way That God Is Engaged With Us, Be Engaged With Others!
More Than We Can Ask Or Imagine
Glorify God Through His Power In Us
Ephesians 3:20 NKJV
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us...
Ephesians 3:20 CEB
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine, by His power at work within us...
God's grace will make things happen that we haven't asked for or even thought about. So, glorify God by letting His power that's already in us, do its work.
Preparing To Give
Gotta Be Prepared To Give
Ephesians 5:20 NKJV
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians 5:20 AMP (modified)
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
Abound In Love
Filled With Peace - Filled With Hope
Romans 15: 13 NKJV (personalized)
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in as we believe, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15: 13 AMP
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe. Have a great weekend....
Preparing To Give
Gotta Be Prepared To Give
Ephesians 5:20 NKJV
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Ephesians 5:20 AMP (modified)
At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
A Focus On Bearing Others
You Who Are Strong - Help The Weak
Romans 15: 1-4 NKJV
15 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to [b]edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15: 1-4 CEV
15 If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord’s followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them up by doing what will build them up. 3 Even Christ did not try to please Himself. But as the Scriptures say, speaking of Jesus, “The people who insulted you also insulted Me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe. Have a great weekend....
You Made It
Take a breath, look up and say Thank You!
Joshua 24:15 NKJV
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of [a]the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15 NIV (modified)
Now, if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then make your choice today whom you will serve. That is, chose whether you're going to serve the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites [be under the authority and obey the rules that others gods command you], in whose land you are living. But, when it comes to me and my household, we will serve the Lord God, Almighty.
Build Up Each Other! Stay safe and help others stay safe.
A Focus On Bearing Others
Restore In Humility, Bear With Love,
Prove With Self Examination
Galatians 6: 1-5 ESV
1. Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.
Galatians 6: 1-5 Personalized
1. Brothers and Sisters, if anyone of us is caught up in some type of error or offense, if we are walking in the spirit (ch 5: 22-25), we, should try to restore that person in a spirit of humility. However, stay mindful and keep yourself under control, so that you're not moved off track, bearing each other's burdens. This fulfills Christ's law which is the law of love. 3 But, if we think we're more than what we are, we're lacking self awareness and deceiving ourselves. 4 So, let each of us prove our own work and then we'll have a reason to boast in ourselves alone and not on what our brother or sister does. 5 Because, each of us still have to carry out the tasks that we're supposed to do.
As we take care of our own business, pray for one another and help one another! Keep victims of Hatti, Ida, Covid and daily life in prayer and if possible give to those in need....
A Focus On Bearing Others
While On Earth Jesus Bore Our Sins
He Is Returning As Sinless Deliverer
Hebrews 9: 27-28 NKJV
27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 9: 27-28 CEV
27 We die only once physically, and then we are judged. 28 So Christ died only once to take away the sins of many people. But when He comes again, it will not be to take away sin. And for us who are waiting for Him, He will come to deliver us from the second death and eternal judgement.
We Can Live In Freedom Apart From Judgement. Stay safe and help others.
A Focus On Grace
Come To The Throne Of Grace
Hebrews 4: 14-16 KJV
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4: 14-16 NIV (modified)
Now, since we have a great High Priest, that is, someone who offers sacrifices and performs duties of reconciliation, who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. Because we don't have a High Priest Who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have One Who has been tempted in every way, just like us—but He didn't sin [miss the mark, do the wrong thing]. So then, let's come to God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
We can Receive Mercy and Find Grace When We Need Help! Make it a great day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Watch How We Live, We're Children of Light
Ephesians 5: 8-21 [15-18] NKJV
15. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16. redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit...
Ephesians 5: 8-21 [15-18]
Since we're no longer darkness, but are children of light, be careful to live your life wisely and not foolishly. We have to take advantage of every opportunity because these are evil times. So, don’t be ignorant, but understand the Lord’s will. And don't get intoxicated by things that lead to being out of control, such as wine. But, be controlled by the Spirit.
Live Wisely Through The Control Of The Spirit! Live safely and help others. Please share.
A Focus On Grace
Stand Firm In Grace
Galatians 5: 1: 1-10 NKJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage... 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is [b]a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace... 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Galatians 5: 1: 1-10 The Message
Christ set us free to live a life of freedom. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of bondage on you... because the moment any of us submits to "circumcision" or any other rule-keeping system, that's the moment, Christ’s hard-won gift of freedom is squandered... we have to realize that it only takes a very small amount of yeast or influential suggestions, to permeate or take over, an entire loaf of bread - our entire lives.
We Are Free People In God's Grace, So Stand Your Ground Against Legalistic Influences. Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Sufficiency For Every Good Work
2 Corinthians 9: 1 -14 [7,8] NKJV
7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9: 1 -14 [7,8] CEB (modified)
Whenever and whatever we give, we should do it based on what we've decided in our hearts to give. Knowing that God loves a cheerful giver, let's give happily and with confidence, not because of some internal or external pressure. And also, whenever and whatever we give, know that God has the power to bless [grace] us with more than enough of what we need to do the good work that He's given us to do.
We Have Been God's People Before The World Was Created! Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
We Are Saved By Grace
Ephesians 2: 1- 10 [5, 8-10] KJV
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)... 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2: 1- 10 [5, 8-10] CEB (modified)
Because of the great love that God has for us, He saved safe from death, keeps us from death and made us people of life. And, He saved us by His grace!... 8 We are saved by God’s grace because of our faith. This salvation, is God’s gift, it’s not something that we could on our own and through our own power. That makes it something that we can't be proud of doing for ourselves. Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things - good things that God planned for us to do and to be as our way of life.
We Are People Of Life Made By God's Grace! Have a great weekend. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
We've Been Given Grace
2 Timothy 1: 6-9 [6-9] NKJV
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.... 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 1: 6-9 [6-9] CEB (modified)
We have to remember to fully use the gifts that God gave us. We're to use them well, to not be ashamed to speak about our Lord and to share in each other's sufferings, because God's Spirit doesn't make us fearful, but powerful, loving and self-controlled. Keep in mind that, God saved us by grace and chose us to be His holy - set apart people, through Jesus Christ as He planned before time even began.
We Have Been God's People Before The World Was Created! Enjoy the day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Jesus - The Glory Of Grace
John 1: 1-18 [14, 16-17] KJV
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld [learned about through perception or personal interaction] His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth... 16 And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
John 1: 1-18 [14, 16-17] Modified
The Word [Jesus] became flesh and made His earthly home, living among us, as a fully Human Man. We, the people of His day, have seen His glory, the glory like that of a Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth... Now, from His fullness we have all received an over abundance of grace; and as the Law was given through Moses, so grace and truth came to us in both fullness and accessibility through Jesus Christ.
Live in the Glory of Grace and Truth! Make it a great day. Stay safe and help keep others safe.
A Focus On Grace
Living A Lifestyle Of Grace
