from religion to reality

From Religion to Reality

For [God] hath made [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

When you were born again, you weren't half-reborn, you weren't made half-righteous or a quarter righteous. You were made the righteousness of God in Christ! You were made a "joint-heir with Him." According to Strong's Concordance that word joint-heir refers to a personal equality based on an equality of possession. Jesus went to the Cross to give you what He already possessed. He rose again so you could be recreated in His image. You are the victory of Almighty God! You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. You are everything to the Father that Jesus is. John 17:23 actually says that God loves you as much as He loves Jesus. Once you dare to accept that fact, your life will forever be changed. You'll no longer be satisfied to just sit around whining and wishing things were different. You'll want to step up to the position of authority that Jesus has given you, to take your rightful place beside Him and learn to operate the way He does. As His people, we are everything to God that Jesus is. If you'll receive that message, if you'll dare to believe it, if you'll dare to put it into action, it will radically alter your life. It will take you from religion to reality!

who do you believe ?

who do you believe?

“They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either.” Mark 16:13 NASB We hear messages constantly. The claims of advertisements. The conclusions of politicians. Rumors and gossip. Opinions and speeches. Amidst this swirl of voices, the question remains: Who do we really believe? Recent studies show the growing influence of individuals known as “information brokers.” These are people who “have a wealth of knowledge and know how to share it.” Because of this knowledge, they are able to gain influence for themselves, and those who employ their insights. Studies have shown that the key reason for their influence is because they “have their audience’s trust.” In fact, most of those who receive recommendations from an influencer are highly likely to follow their recommendations. And a ripple effect is created, as consumers share the insights they’ve received from friends and family. In many ways, the same principles apply to our spiritual lives. In our world, many claim to know the truth, to have answers. Do we believe the politicians whose statements sound convincing? Do we believe celebrities who try to convince us of their worldview? Do we follow the latest trends and fads? The disciples of Jesus faced the same kinds of decisions. At one time, many decided to stop following Him because His teachings were too “difficult.” But Peter put the issue in context. He told Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:60-68). In this world believers are also called “information brokers.” We’ve been changed through our relationship with Jesus and by obeying God’s Word. By being filled with His Spirit. We gain the trust of others through the consistency of our testimony and the fact that we know God and the Truth. Prayer Father, I seek Your wisdom. Help me to be an example to others. Use me to impact others with the Gospel. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

John 20:31 (AMP)  But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name .

Tune in to the Spirit of Grace

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, TEACHING US that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Titus 2:11

Grace teaches us! The "Spirit of grace" instructs us from the inside. Let the Holy Spirit of God counsel you and teach you how to live in this present world. If you listen to the voice of the world, you will be worldly minded, or carnally minded, which is death. But, if you tune in to the voice of the Spirit of grace, you can become spiritually minded; and, according to the Word, that is life and peace. So, when the Spirit of God speaks to you through that still small voice inside your heart, listen and obey Him. His way works! Trust Him and remember that He's got your well-being in mind. Maybe He's asking you to eliminate some activity that's consuming too much of your time and attention. Or maybe He's prompting you to get up a little earlier and spend more time in the Word and in prayer. Whatever it is He is telling you to do, if you'll do it, you'll be stronger in the grace of God, and consequently, in the blessing of God. Don't hesitate another moment. DO IT! If you want a change, make a change.

time and place to worship

Time and Place

There are no rules on the time and place to meet with God, but I have found that it is best for me to set aside time in the morning. Every day is a new day with new challenges and opportunities. I want to start my day plugged into the Power Source for my life. I want to inhale the presence of the Spirit in order to better exhale His love and service all day. I want my will to be aligned with God from the very start. I want to tell the one who is all-worthy how much I love Him at the beginning of the day. 

I want to be in the front of the line to receive God’s mercies that are new every morning: “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23).

Corrie ten Boom said, “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.  A man is powerful on his knees.”

E. M. Bounds, a spiritual giant on the subject of prayer, said this about morning prayer:

“The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early on their knees. He who fritters away the early morning, its opportunity and freshness, in other pursuits than seeking God will make poor headway seeking Him the rest of the day. If God is not first in our thoughts and efforts in the morning, He will be in the last place the remainder of the day.”

Of course, we are to remember God - to acknowledge and thank and praise Him - throughout the day. David loved to greet God in the morning, but He was attuned to His presence at every moment of the day, including when He lay down to sleep: “I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night” (Psalm 63:6).
Where and how you worship God is also up to you. Its something we do continually AND intentionally. Jesus taught that we are to have a private place. I think it’s important that there is a time and place that is free from distractions when we bring our hearts before God. No radio. No television. No smartphone— especially no smartphone! Just you and God.

Why don’t you begin today by making time with God your top priority. Take a deep drink from the living water.. this well will never run dry.

Through the Lord ’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They  are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23 NKJV