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"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Matthew 5:6, TLV

TODAY'S WORD:

Sometimes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in taking care of the people around us. You may find that you’re always giving, taking care of the children, working overtime at the office, or helping that friend who is struggling. And that’s all good. But if you’re not careful, you can end up feeling rundown. That’s why you have to take time every day to get filled back up. Your first priority should be taking care of yourself and making time to get into the presence of Jesus.

Throughout Scripture, we see that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, fullness of peace and fullness of victory. In His presence, you’re refreshed and restored. That’s why it’s so important to take time every day to read your Bible and meditate on His promises. We have to be diligent to have that quiet time with Him. Today, take time to get alone with God and just say, “God, I love You today. Thank You for my life, for my family, for the opportunities You’ve given me. Lord, I know every good thing comes from You.” When you live like that, with your mind filled with His Word and His thoughts toward you, you’ll be refreshed, restored, re-energized and filled up for the journey of life!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Father, thank you for filling me with Your strength. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that I can be righteous in You. I hunger for Your truth and seek You first. Draw me to You and keep me close to You always in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jesus says that there is one way people will know whether we belong to Him or not, and that is our love for one another. 

I like to say that love is the trademark, the distinguishing sign or characteristic, of a Christian. It's what sets us apart from the rest of the world.

Before you buy something, do you read labels or look for certain trademarks (brand names) that have a reputation for being good? That is what people should be able to do with us because we are disciples of Jesus Christ.

They should be able to look at us and say, "This is good. This is a person of quality!" People should be able to identify us not only by our talk, but also by our walk.

The world is looking for something to believe in, something real, something tangible. They are looking for love, and God is love (see 1 John 4:8).

Those of us who are Christians need to show them Jesus, and we do that not by merely wearing Christian jewelry or putting bumper stickers with Christian messages on our cars, but by walking in His love and demonstrating that love to others.

Many people have gone to church looking for God and instead been met with the rules and regulations of religion, and not even so much as a friendly smile. They left without encountering God.

Countless people are hungry for God, and God needs us to be His ambassadors, representing Him in every way, starting with His trade¬mark characteristic, which is love.

Prayer Starter: Lord, Your Word says we are Your representatives here on earth (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). I ask for Your help to display Your character—Your love—to everyone I meet. Let my life draw others to Your goodness every single day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

FRIDAY
01
Matthew 25:14-30

Are you living as if what you do today will affect you in eternity? After “walking the aisle” and “saying the prayer,” some Christians consider that moment of salvation the beginning and end of the matter. They assume, Since my eternal destination is secure, I can simply relax and wait for heaven.

However, that is not what today’s parable teaches. Yes, heaven is secure for those who have truly repented and believe in Christ’s substitutionary death for their sins. But the way we live matters. When Jesus returns, we’ll have to give an account of what we have done with whatever He has entrusted to us.

In my youth I was told that one day, as I stood before Christ, my life would be replayed on a big screen for everyone to see all my sins. That really scared me—but now I know it’s completely unbiblical. For those who belong to Christ, the “certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us” has been nailed to the cross, and all our transgressions are forgiven (Col. 2:13-14). They will never again be dredged up, because God will remember them no more (Heb. 10:17).

What’s at stake is not salvation but rewards. And it won’t be a judgment of comparison with others. As in the parable, God entrusts each of us with talents according to our individual abilities. Everything we have is a gift from Him—time, treasure, skills, spiritual gifts, work, relationships, and His Word. Are you investing these in a way that will result in commendation from Christ when you stand before Him?

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 8-10

Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

An invitation to be with someone is a wonderful thing. When we receive an invitation, we suddenly recognize that someone has requested our presence; therefore, they must value us as important to them. Amazingly, our God has cordially invited us to enter into His presence to worship Him. Indeed,Jesus tells us that “the Father is seeking such to worship Him” (John 4:23), meaning those who worship Him “in spirit and truth.” And because Jesus has conquered and is now our High Priest before the throne of God, we have the opportunity to enter into the King’s presence and worship anytime and anywhere!

But we must remember that this is our privilege. We have become such a self-serving society that we sometimes forget that it is our privilege to enter into the presence of the King. Whenever we come into His presence, our purpose should be to magnify Him, not gratify us. When it comes to worship, it doesn’t matter if you’ve had a bad week, a bad month, or even a terrible decade—you’re not coming for you; you’re coming for Him. Remember, you have been cordially invited to enter His courts. Don’t ever take worship for granted.

Blessing:

Father, bless us and keep us, and make Your face to shine upon us. Be gracious unto us and give us peace that passes all understanding. Let our homes be saturated with the presence of the living God and let us each seek to serve one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, as husbands and as wives, that our children may recognize that God’s plan is perfect and His truth endures forever. It’s in Your name that we pray and ask.

Today's Bible Reading:

Old Testament

Exodus 13:17-15:19

New Testament

Matthew 21:23-46

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 26:1-12

Proverbs 6:16-19

Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: “Behold, you despisers, marvel and perish! For I will work a work in your days, a work which you will by no means believe, though one were to declare it to you” (Acts 13:40-41 NKJV).

When Paul spoke these words to a group of worshipers in Antioch, citing the words written by the prophet Habakkuk (see Habakkuk 1:5), he was referring to the recent death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was clearly the most extraordinary demonstration of God’s love and goodness the world had ever seen.

Although God’s love has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (see Romans 5:5), God continues to look for opportunities to pour out His love and goodness in many other extraordinary ways. However, we oftentimes limit Him by setting our expectations only on what is common in our lives.

The word common means “general, ordinary, familiar.” It can also mean “mediocre or inferior quality.” On the other hand, one of the meanings of the word extraordinary is “beyond the common method and beyond the common course of things.”

God is saying, “What once was rare is going to become the norm.” I believe things that were once rare—breakthroughs in finances, in healing, and in the restoration of relationships—are going to become the norm. God said He is going to do a work that will be so marvelous, so wonderful, and so extraordinary that some people will not be able to believe it, even if it is clearly described to them in detail.

Now is the time to stretch our faith, stretch our imagination, and think bigger than we’ve ever thought before. Now is the time to believe beyond the common, and see God pour out His love and goodness in extraordinary ways.

Confession: I choose to raise my vision and my expectations above what is common in my life. I declare that what was once rare will become the norm as I see breakthroughs in every area of my life. I expect God’s marvelous work in my life to manifest, and I believe that I receive it now.

Author: Jerry Savelle

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Are you facing a lack in any area of your life, be it finances, health or relationships? Know that in that very same area, God has already prepared His superabundant supply which will abound toward you, and on top of that, His grace and more of His grace!

In John 6:1–13, Jesus was with a large crowd of people who were hungry. The problem then was a lack of food. But Jesus knew that where there is lack, there is superabundant supply in His Father’s kingdom to overcome that lack.

His disciples, however, did not know that. They did not think the same way as Jesus did. They told Him that there was a boy with five loaves and two small fish, but they did not think that that would amount to anything. They said, “What are the five loaves and two fish among so many?” (John 6:9).

They saw only the problem, the lack. But Jesus took the little, lifted it up as He looked to heaven and gave thanks to His Father, whose supply is so much more than we can ever ask for.

When Jesus started distributing the little that was in His hands, a miracle happened. Five thousand men, not counting women and children, ate as much as they wanted and for as long as they were hungry!

The supply kept flowing as long as the need was there. And after they were so filled, there were 12 baskets full of leftovers! That is God’s superabundant supply. In God’s kingdom, there is no such thing as the Father not having enough or not wanting to give abundantly to His children. No, He promises that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus!

My friend, God wants us to always be conscious of His grace abounding toward us and enveloping us. So let us, like Jesus, acknowledge God’s superabundant supply by thanking Him for it and for whatever is in our hands. Let us believe that His superabundant supply will flow and multiply the little that we have, and fill us up to overflowing!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Psalm 23:1-2

Have you ever thought about David and wondered how a shepherd boy could become a man after God's own heart—a man so strong in spirit that God chose him to be king of Israel? I have.

In fact, I asked God about it, and He showed me that revelation was what turned David into such a spiritual powerhouse—revelation that came to him through hours of thinking about the things of God. I imagine the day he wrote Psalm 23 he was just sitting and singing praises to God and meditating on His goodness. Just fellowshipping with Him when suddenly the anointing of the Lord came upon him and he said, "The Lord is my Shepherd!"

Suddenly he thought about the sheep he watched over as a boy, I faced death for those sheep. I led them where pastures were green and waters were cool, clean, deep, and peaceful. He kept on meditating on that until it started to thrill him. When the lion and the bear came, didn't He prepare a table before me in the presence of those enemies? He gave me victory. My God! My God will fight for me. The Lord is my Shepherd! I shall not want!

That revelation welled up in David so strong that the devil couldn't beat it out of him. So when Goliath tried to make a fool out of Israel, David went after him. Goliath was able to scare off everyone else, but he couldn't shake David because he had a revelation inside him that said, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for my God is with me. That revelation enabled David to say, "I come against you in the name of the Lord of Hosts" and to send a rock sailing into that giant's brain.

Is the devil out to destroy you? Do what David did. Meditate on God and His Word. Sing praises to your King. Fellowship with Him until the revelation of who He is in you starts to thrill your soul. Then tell the devil, "You're not going to kill me. The Lord is my Shepherd!" Hit him with the rock of revelation knowledge, and you'll knock him flat every time.

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 23

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God . . . 
—Romans 8:28

We might never have had the songs of Fanny Crosby had she not been afflicted with blindness. George Matheson would never have given the world his immortal song, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go,” had it not been for his passing through the furnace of affliction. The “Hallelujah Chorus” was written by George Frederick Handel when he was poverty-stricken and suffering from a paralyzed right side and right arm. Affliction may be for our edification and Christian development. Sickness is one of the “all things” which work together for good to them that love God. Don’t resent it. Don’t be embittered by it.

Why did God let me get sick? Read Billy Graham’s answer.

Prayer for the day
You do not make mistakes, Father. If sorrow comes into my life, let me use it to help others know about You.

Spirit Of Praise 5 feat. The Dube Brothers - Thank You

Sermon presented by Ken Martin on June 8, 2014 in the Columbus, Georgia United Church of God congregation.

Lukewarm No More by Mark Cahill

The Village Church exists to bring glory to God by making disciples through gospel-centered worship, gospel-centered community, gospel-centered service and gospel-centered multiplication.

Since we know not the day nor the hour when we will take our last breath Brother Dwight encourages us to be ready!

Relentless Church, “Where Purpose Comes Alive.”
Led by Pastor John Gray.

For with the heart man believeth… (Romans 10:10)

Being born again, you received the life and nature of God into your heart, that is, your spirit.

The eventual transformation and glory evident in your soul and body are the result of the impact and influence of the life and nature of God in your spirit. This is why God wants you to nurture and develop your spirit.

Your spirit is God’s temple; His dwelling place: that’s where the Kingdom of God is (Luke 17:20-21). No wonder we’re counselled to guard our hearts with all diligence: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). Everything you require for your life is in your heart. The house you’ll live in is in your heart; the money you require is in your heart; the health of your body is in your heart! Life in its fullness is in your heart; therefore, learn to live from your heart.

When you live from your heart, that is, from the inside out, you wouldn’t be bothered about the happenings outside; your experiences wouldn’t determine your response to situations. The economy of the world or of the country where you live may be in shambles, but you’re unmoved, because you’ve learnt how to enjoy your prosperity and turn it on from within you.

Learn to see from your heart. What you see with your heart is more real than what you see with your physical eyes. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” Seeing with your heart means envisioning and apprehending the realities of the Gospel and of our Kingdom-life with your spirit.

The more important things of life — the eternal things — are all in your heart; therefore, look inwards, and live from there. Isaiah 12:3 says, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” ; where are these wells? They’re in the deep recesses of your heart!

PRAYER:
Blessed Lord, in you I put my trust, living the higher life, which you preordained for me to live, following the light and guidance of your Spirit from within me. I’m making progress with giant strides, triumphing all the way, because you’ve set me on high, and established my path in glory, and prosperity, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY:
Ecclesiastes 3:11; Proverbs 23:26; Luke 6:45

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 22:15-46 & Exodus 22-23

2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 11:21-30 & Genesis 32  

I saw a vision of the Lord and I side-by-side. We both had our swords raised and advanced step-by-step. 

He then said, “Rememberer how I showed you to cut off the head of the serpent!”

I then saw us both put our foot upon his neck and sever his head with our sword. I then heard the words, Faith, prayer, love and again I say, faith, prayer and love. I then saw us with shields in our hands as we turned in a circle, to stop all the fiery darts from every direction.

Your shield of faith is your greatest protection as you are bombarded north, south, east and west. Lord we thank you that you have placed angels at every gateway of our destiny.

That you have covered every doorway in heaven with the blood of Jesus. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Romans 18:18). I hear a great call from heaven for watchmen on the wall and God‘s mighty intercessors to arise. God said for me to ask his people, Are you praying about it or complaining about it, and which thing do you think God will honor?

All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly said to them. If only we had died in Egypt! Are in the wilderness! (Numbers 14:2). Now the people complained about their hardships and the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp (Numbers 11:1). Now the Lord is pleased when his people pray and he honors their request. The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:10).

And all things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive (Matthew 21:22). Cry out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, cry out to the one true living God. This is the confidence which we have before him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 John 5:14). There is power in our unity, there is power in touching and agreeing. Remember the Lord sent them out two-by-two, to do the Father’s work. And greater works than I have done, shall you also do. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

My ways are higher than your ways, and so are my thoughts higher than your thoughts. I need simple obedience in this hour, the ability to trust me when you don’t have all the answers. A dogged determination to live in my will, not your own. I will come about in all the land. Declares the Lord. That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it. And I would bring the third part through the fire, refined them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them; I will say, they are my people and they will say, the Lord is my God (Zechariah 13:8-9).

It is here that the Lord showed me 333 in the spirit realm. He said for those of you that have been seeing 333, there is something in this scripture in Zechariah for you. In the days ahead there will be much warfare, but this is going to bring a greater intimacy and interdependence upon the Lord. Those who come away to the secret place will boldly say, “THIS IS HOW I FIGHT MY BATTLES!”....

Tammy Lang Jensen

Conversation: "Father, this is the worse news I could have gotten." "My Child, sometimes the worst news is the best news."

 Child of God, "How can this be?" Here is a word for us all, no matter what you are going through, God has got you!

"Beloved. My ways are not your ways. My thoughts are higher than yours, My Child. My understanding of your circumstances goes way beyond what you can see, feel, hear, sense, and understand in the natural. Know this, Precious One, it is the devil who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came to bring you life and life abundantly. Nothing can change this. No matter what the enemy says or does, My Truth prevails.

The darker the night, the brighter My Face shines into your heart. The deeper the depths you find yourself in, the farther My Hand reaches out for you to pull you to Me. There is nowhere you can go that I will not come to rescue you. The harder the enemy fights against you, the more My Grace abounds to bring you the victory. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from My Love.

I know exactly how to turn your trial into your triumph, your mess into a message, your vexation into victory, your crisis into a celebration. I bestow upon you a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, I wrap you in My Garment of Praise instead of a spirit of fainting. When you face the impossible, the God of the Impossible is your Deliverer. The worst news will become the BEST news because where trouble abounds, MY GRACE MUCH MORE ABOUNDS! My eyes roam throughout the earth to show Myself MIGHTY on your behalf. I am He who makes a way where there is no way.

I CREATE ways, Dear One. And the world will be astounded at what I will do for My Own. They will declare that "Only God could have done this." I will turn this around for your good, Dear One. Have no doubt. This momentary affliction shall be OVERWHELMED by the weight of My Glory, which shall surpass the plans of the enemy beyond all earthly measure, a vast and transcendent GLORY and BLESSEDNESS never to cease. I will not fail you, Beloved. Your resurrected King is resurrecting you. GREAT is MY FAITHFULNESS."

...Romans 8:37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
more verses in first comments
amazing artwork by Ricardo Colon

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

What things are you worried about? The economy? Your health? Your bills? Your kids? Are you worried about the future?

You can find lots of reasons to be afraid in today’s world, but God promises that even in your darkest valleys, he is walking beside you.

There are about 365 verses in the Bible that say, “Fear not.” God provided us with one “fear not” message for every day of the year! Perhaps God is saying, “Get the message. Don’t be afraid.” It’s interesting that almost every time God talks to someone in the Bible, the first thing he says is, “Don’t be afraid!”

Why? Because our hurts and hang-ups can often cause us to think that God is out to get us, that all he wants to do is condemn us and punish us. But that simply isn’t true, and Jesus is the proof of that.

When we understand God’s grace and mercy, we have no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus has taken the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think that God’s getting even with you; instead, remember this: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NLT).

Talk It Over

What things tend to worry you? How can you respond in faith to these worries?
Why do people sometimes think that God is out to get them? How does today’s verse help you see that isn’t true?
When God speaks to someone in the Bible, why do you think he often says, “Don’t be afraid”?

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."
Mark 11:24, NIV

TODAY'S WORD:

Has God spoken things to your heart that haven't come to pass yet? Sometimes when we are believing for things, it’s easy to become discouraged when it doesn’t happen according to our timetable. But when you make the choice to receive your promise by picturing it in your mind's eye and declaring it with the words of your mouth, your faith becomes stronger. You begin to have joy and peace because you know God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. What are you believing for God to do in your life? See it in your mind's eye. See yourself healed. See yourself paying off that last debt. As you allow God's thoughts to become your thoughts and receive His promises by faith, just like it says in today's verse, whatever you ask for in prayer will be yours!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Heavenly Father, thank You for another day to serve You. Thank You for the gift of faith. I ask that you search my heart and mind and remove anything that does not please you. Give me your thoughts of peace and joy today so that I can learn to receive all you have for me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

— Matthew 7:13-14


Here in this passage, Jesus speaks of two different ways: the broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life.

As I was meditating on this passage, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Joyce, on the broad way there is room for all kinds of fleshly things like bitterness and unforgiveness and resentment and vindictiveness. But on the narrow way there is only room for the Spirit."

In the flesh it is easy to take the broad path, but the end result is destruction. Emotions move us to take the easy way, to do what feels good for the moment. Wisdom moves us to take the hard way that leads to life. The question is: Which will we choose?

No matter what has happened to you in your lifetime, even if you have been abandoned by your spouse or abused by your parents or hurt by your children or others, if you'll stay on that narrow path and leave all your excess baggage behind, sooner or later you will find the peace, joy, and fulfillment you seek.

We must keep walking in the ways of the Lord: And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint (Galatians 6:9 AMPC).

Jesus is the Way, and He has shown us the way in which we are to walk. The Lord has sent upon us His Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the way we are to go, the narrow way that leads to life and not the broad way that leads to destruction.

Prayer Starter: Father, help me to choose the narrow path today—in my thoughts, with my words, and through my actions. When my feelings rise up and I’m tempted to take the broad path, please strengthen me by Your Spirit and help me to make wise decisions I will be happy with later. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Mark 7:28
And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.”

This woman’s statement is a cultural statement. She was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and because she was not of the children of Israel, she was an idol worshipper and considered to be a dog. In her desperation for her demon-possessed daughter, she recognized her great need for Jesus, and she would not let the cultural barrier stop her from establishing a relationship with Him. But Jesus tests her faith in Him by stating that it’s not good to give the children’s bread to the dogs.

Her response, “Yes, Lord” was a remarkable declaration of faith. Do you know that those are the two most powerful words you’ll ever learn to say? “Yes, Lord” is the response of a disciple who in following Jesus must deny himself and take up his cross when it’s hard. She agrees to His terms, and in that moment, Jesus felt her faith in agreement with His, and He knew that she was ready to receive the power of God in her life. She said, “If I can get a crumb from You, it is enough to bring deliverance.” Whatever you need, you have it in Jesus. You will receive that mountain-moving miracle when you believe that He is the only One who can make that miracle move.

Blessing:

And now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you His peace. May you walk today knowing the faith that God has given you and the initiative that you take on that faith will lead you into success for tomorrow in every adventure. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord that we serve. Put your hands in the nail-scarred hand of the Son of God and walk with Him to achieve your destiny. For great is the Lord God of heaven, who saves us all through His precious blood in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today's Bible Reading:

Old Testament

Exodus 12:14-13:17

New Testament

Matthew 20:29-21:22

Psalms & Proverbs

Psalm 25:12-22

Proverbs 6:12-15

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THURSDAY
31
Ephesians 2:1-10

Whether we realize it or not, our thoughts are usually centered on what we want—but have you ever considered what God desires? Why did He create us, and what is His goal for us? The answer is found in 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord ... is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” But why does God want mankind saved?

Because He loves us (Eph. 2:4). His love isn’t based on any worthiness in us but on His nature. As 1 John 4:16 says, “God is love,” and His attributes never change.

Because of His grace (Eph. 2:5). We can’t do anything to earn salvation, because it’s obtained only through God’s grace. And throughout our time on earth and into eternity, the lives of God’s children should exhibit evidence of His grace (Eph. 2:7).

For His glory (Eph. 1:5-6). God’s glory is displayed as He saves sinners and changes them into saints. Then as we each live obediently before Him, others will see our good works and glorify the God who transformed us.

Sometimes we’re shortsighted and think we’re the center of salvation, but it’s really all about our amazing God, who sent His Son to rescue us from sin, death, and eternal punishment. Jesus died and suffered the chastisement we deserved, and He offers us forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father. And all we have to do is believe and receive Christ’s payment for our sins. What a gracious God we have, who wants us to be with Him forever so He may continue to shower His kindness upon us.

Bible in One Year: Leviticus 5-7

Men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed … they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you”(Luke 5:18-20 NKJV).

The Bible says Jesus saw the faith of the men who were lowering their paralyzed friend through a hole in the roof. He saw that these men were so convinced He would heal, they were willing to risk tearing apart someone’s roof just to get their friend before Him.

One definition of faith is “simply acting like the Bible is true.” What you really believe can be seen in what you do.

True faith always acts in line with what it believes.
True faith never acts contrary to its belief.
True faith is always accompanied by corresponding action.

Many people say they believe the Word of God, but when it comes down to it, their actions reveal they are not completely convinced God’s Word is true. If you are unsure about what you really believe, ask yourself questions about your actions. For instance …

If I really believe God is faithful, why am I walking around in a state of depression?
If I really believe God said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay” (see Romans 12:19), why am I struggling to clear my own name?
If I really believe I am healed, why am I not out of bed and getting ready for work?

Today, take a look at what you are doing and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Your answer will reveal what you really believe. And remember, true faith is simply acting like the Bible is true.

Confession: I believe what the Bible says is true. Regardless of my circumstances, I will act in line with what the Word of God says. I will demonstrate my true faith to God and others by my actions.

Author: Jerry Savelle

Matthew 7:11

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

Let me tell you a true story I heard. There was a pastor whose young child was diagnosed with cancer. The day his boy was scheduled for an operation, this father cried out to God, “God, I’m almost 30 years old, but my boy is only about three months old. Why don’t you just take some years off my life and give them to my boy?”

Then, from deep within him, he heard the voice of God say, “I am not like that.” When the man heard that, he realized immediately that his son’s sickness was not from God. He also realized that if he, who has faults, could want his child well, how much more his heavenly Father. So he changed his prayer and said, “Father God, I come against this sickness and I ask you for healing for my child.” That day, on the operating table, the surgeons could find no trace of cancer in the child!

Today, God wants you to know that He is not the kind of Father who wants you sick and defeated, keeps you poor and wanting, refuses to provide for your needs and denies you your blessings.

When my daughter Jessica was younger, I bought a beautiful teddy bear for her. Teddy bears are her favorite toys and I could not wait to see her joy when she saw it. My joy is to see her happy. When she is sick and has difficulty sleeping at night, it hurts me to hear her cry. When she is crying, I cannot ignore her cries. I enter into her discomfort and pain even though I know that her sickness is something that will pass shortly. When she is in pain, I feel the pain too. When she is sad, I am sad too.

I believe that God gives us children to help us understand what His Father-heart is like. His joy is to enter into your joy and see you happy. If you, in spite of your faults, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to you when you ask Him! My prayer today is that you will know just how much your Father loves you!

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