Have you received the Grace of God?

He, Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 4:25 – Romans 5:2 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Jesus was delivered for our offences (He was an innocent man), He was raised for our justification (something we can’t do for ourselves), and then He provided us access into the Grace of the Father! Jesus stands before Father God and declares to the Father: “This one (Pastor Duane) is mine Father, He has believed in Me.” How much more could He love us than this? And this He did when we were yet sinners! Are you still yet a sinner? Before we had made Him our Lord and Savior. Jesus has actually saved every man women and child in the earth already by His death on the Cross. They just haven’t all received that salvation yet. We only need, by our faith to reach out and take that which He has already provided. Don’t ask Him to do it again, He’s already done it once and made it available to us. Just receive it!

MY PRAYER…
Most Holy Father, Your love for us could not have been displayed in any better way than what You did for us. Taking on flesh, laying aside Your Deity, and becoming a human spirit, a human soul, and a human body, so that as one man’s disobedience (Adam in the garden) brought sin and death to us all, one Man’s obedience (Jesus at the Cross) could bring us righteousness, justification, abundance of grace, and that we might reign in life through Your Holy son Jesus. In the all powerful name of Jesus I praise you and glorify you forever.
Amen

Do you have access to the Grace of God?

Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:2 New King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Our access to the grace of God is through our faith in Jesus. Nothing else we do can provide us with access to that grace. Not our works, not our church attendance, not our denominational beliefs, and definitely not how ‘good’ we are. The only way we have access to the grace of God, the only way we can come to know God is through Jesus Christ and our faith in Him. In reality it is only Jesus Christ and Him crucified for you and your believe in that, that will give you entrance to God’s Grace. Do what you may, do what you will, but if you don’t have faith in God through Jesus Christ. If you haven’t made Jesus “The Lord” of your life, you’ll not enter in to God’s grace and His rest, nor shall you see or enter into the Kingdom of God and eternal life.

MY PRAYER…
Most Holy Father, thank You for Your Grace and Your mercy through Your Son Jesus. No other way is open to You except through Him. You made it so clear in Your Word. Spoken by the very mouth of Your own Son Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) I thank You Father for giving me the way, the truth, and the Life through Jesus Christ. For I, who was once dead in sin, have been made alive through Jesus, my Lord and my Savior. I give Him all the glory and honor, that in Him I may also glorify You. In Jesus’ name, Father, I pray.
Amen

Do you know the Redeemer personally?

I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
We, the Children of God, should know that our Redeemer will return in triumph and victory for His Bride, the Church. Hallelujah, what a day that will be! But only for those who have known and fellowshipped with Him regularly. Those who have had a day to day personal relationship with Him. He’s not coming back for someone who has just known of Him or about Him or even someone who has done much works in His name unless they have known Him personally day to day. There are many church goers who fit this category, that He is NOT coming back for. They go to a service now and then and they know about Him, but they don’t know Him. There are even some ministers in the pulpit who only know about Him from seminary, you need to know Him. Remember He said: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devil, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Mathew 7:21-23) No, only those who have spent time in His Presence everyday will witness His Glory at His return. Only those who have a personal relationship with Him will be received into His Presence on that day and be taken up in the air to meet Him and to their new home in His Father’s house. You must know Him personally! Going to church does NOT make you a Christian, just like being in the garage does not make you an automobile! Being in the presence of and knowing Jesus as your Lord and then being like Him in all you do and say, makes you a Christian.

MY PRAYER…
Glorious Father, I look forward to the day of Your victorious and triumphant return to this world. Until that day, I pray that Your Kingdom will be reflected in my church, my family and my life for Your glory. Lord I ask that You help me to be all You have called me to be and that You will empower me to be able to walk worthy of Your calling. A vessel fit for the Master’s use. In Jesus mighty name, I pray.
Amen

Do you know the “Friend of sinners”?

The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
Luke 19:10 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
“The Friend of Sinners.” Of all the things Jesus was called, I believe that possibly this was His favorite. Jesus answered them and said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” Now while Jesus said sick, He was actually referring to those who did not know Him and His redemptive power. How will the sinners hear about Jesus and His mighty work on the Cross unless we befriend them and tell them the Good News, that Jesus loves them! We need to be known also as “the friend of sinners”. This does not mean that we need to be like them, just that we show them the Love of God/Jesus and tell them the “Good News.” That we introduce them to Jesus. That we make sure they know the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

MY PRAYER…
Father, while I know You hate sin and the havoc it creates in our lives, I am so thankful that when You came to earth You were not our judge but You were our friend. You came to be our Savior, to buy back that which was lost. I promise to live today more aware of Your love for the lost because I know what it means to be found, to be bought with a price. Lord I pray that You would anoint me with the oil of Your Holy Spirit and with Your fire and the power that comes from the Holy Spirit, that I might be worthy to go forth into Your harvest and labor for You. Lord increase my territory, make my path to cross with those who need to know about You and give me mighty boldness by Your Holy Spirit just like You did in the book of Acts. Lord I know that Your Word says You are the same yesterday, today, and forever, therefore I know that this same Holy Ghost power is available to me also, just as it was to those in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. I thank You Father for giving me the power to change and to be a powerful witness for You. Through Jesus my Lord, I pray.
Amen

Are you in the River of God yet?

And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Ezekiel 47:3-5 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Are you in the river yet? Come on, step into The River of God. The waters are refreshing, they are never ending, and they bring forth life. Have you taken the step of Faith yet? He’s calling you into the river, don’t stand on the bank. Come on, jump in, the river is here. As you begin to wade into The River of God you will soon discover something. There is no limit to God’s River! His River has a beginning, but no end. A river so vast that you cannot pass over to the other side. You have to learn to swim and allow your self to be carried away in the flow of His River. It has no limits, it has no end, it never finishes, it just goes on forever. Come on in, God’s waiting for You.

MY PRAYER…
Holy Father in heaven help me to appreciate Your River. Father, by Your grace, let me not be a dry bank setter, help me Lord to just get in and get wet. Lord I know Your river is here, and I know its for me, Lord help me to take that first step and get in. Lord I know, that once I’m in I’ll not want to get out. Father I thank You that You have not asked us to do something that You have not already equipped us to do. For You have given us Your grace and Your strength to cope with the things of this world. All You ask is that we trust in You. You have given us a river of life if only we will just step in. Help us to step in, In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen

Have you experienced the healing waters of the river of God?

And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.
Ezekiel 47:6-8 King James Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Are you looking for healing? It’s in God’s River. Are you looking for prosperity? It’s in God’s River. Are you looking for peace? It’s in God’s River. Are you looking for love? It’s in God’s River.
The River that comes forth from the Throne of God and passes through the deserts and continues on to the sea and every where it passes it brings life and heals the land and the sea. The River of God is here, don’t dam it’s flow, don’t stand and watch it flow by, just get in and get wet! In it you find all that you need in life. Let the waters of the River of God sweep over you and carry you where it flows. Don’t struggle just flow. The river of God is one place that it’s okay to just go with the flow!

MY PRAYER…
Precious Father, thank You for giving me Your River of healing. Thank You Lord, for Your River that cleanses me of all unrighteousness and heals me of all my afflictions. Help me Father, to understand that I must come to Your River and partake of it’s life giving substance. For that is where I will find life. Help me Lord to accept Your ways and to flow with them. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen

Are you a conqueror through Jesus?

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:35-37 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Conquerors! We win!! But, not just conquerors, God says we are more than conquerors!! When you open up the final book of the Bible, Revelation, and read and study it, that is the message put forth. Christians win because Jesus is The One true Conqueror, and HE has already won for us. No matter how the battle is going for you right now, remember that in the end, we win! If you will not give up, you can not lose, Jesus already won for you! If you give up you lose be default, but if you do NOT give up you will WIN! Nothing, let me repeat that ‘NOTHING’ can separate us from the Love of God – you can only refuse to accept it!

MY PRAYER…
El Shaddai, God Almighty, Father of more than enough, thank You for securing the ultimate victory for me by raising Jesus from the dead. I know He is coming with victory on the day You have appointed, but I pray that I may live victoriously for You until that day. Jesus told us when we pray: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” I know that there is victory in heaven, so Father I thank You that Your will be done now, here on earth, in my life. That I AM victorious now through the Blood of Christ.
As Jesus told us to pray, I pray now through Jesus my conquering King, in His Name, the name of Jesus.
Amen

Giving thanks always, there is always a reason to give thanks!

I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way in all your speaking and in all your knowledge.
1 Corinthians 1:4-5 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
You can always give thanks for someone because of the grace given to you by the Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul was writing to one of the most fleshly, worldly immoral churches of the day. They loved God, but they lived like the rest of the world around them day to day. It was difficult to distinguish between them and the heathens around them. They did Not display Godly fruit! But notice that he still finds reasons to give thanks for them. In Paul’s letter to them, he is thankful for them because Jesus died for them. Later he recognizes the areas of their abuse are also a reason to give thanks – they may have distorted their giftings, but when reigned in to where they honor God, these gifts will bless their church. Even though Paul followed these thanks with some really tough words, Paul’s example reminds us that a child of God is something to be cherished, even if they have problems. We need to show them the love of God even when we are correcting them. “For whom He loves, He chastens.” Remember, babies need to be taught how to act and behave, they don’t automatically know just because they are born.

MY PRAYER…
Precious Father, increase within me the heart to see reasons to be thankful for all of Your children. I confess that it is often so easy for me to view others based on how they view me, or whether they share my opinions, or how much trouble they cause me. Father forgive me for this, I know if You had done the same with me, I would have never been one of Your children. Please help me to change the way I view others. Help me to see them as You see them, through the Blood of Jesus. Please help me rejoice in Your children. Through Jesus I pray.
Amen

Do you show the fruit of God’s love in your life?

(Jesus said) “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”
John 15:10 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Love is more than an emotional feeling, it is action, it is a way of living. As believers, the action, the way of living, that most shows our love for Jesus is our obedience to His Words and His example. God tells us in His Word that to remain in His Love you MUST obey His commands. What are His commands? Every Word in His Word! The Bible relates men as being like trees. A tree does NOT have to verbally tell you what kind of tree it is, it’s fruit lets you know what kind of tree it is. We, as Christians, need to be like trees and let our fruit tell people who we are. His Word says to walk in love and His example to us was He walked in love. Do you live the example of Jesus? Do you bear the fruit of love? If we remain in His love, then we remain also in the Father’s love. And if we remain in the Father’s Love then we are His children and if children then heirs to the Kingdom of God and all that is therein!

MY PRAYER
Father, thank You for showing your love in and through Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for showing us how to love our Father by being obedient to His will and His Word. Today, Lord I pledge to consciously try to live in obedience to Your will. Please receive my actions, my words, and my thoughts today as an offering of praise to You. Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit living within me provide me the power and grace necessary for me to fulfill Your will in my life. In Jesus name, I pray.
Amen

Have you answered the call?

God has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
2 Timothy 1:9 New International Version

THOUGHTS ABOUT TODAY’S VERSE…
Before the beginning of time! How do we understand when that was? God first thought of us at a time we cannot even relate to or begin to understand! Before we were formed in our mother’s womb! His reason for thinking of us was to demonstrate His grace and to call others to His side. Jesus has always been God’s plan, and we have always been his goal. Let’s make sure we respond by receiving His son Jesus as our Lord and by living that holy life that He has called us to! It doesn’t mean I’m better than you and it isn’t something that is unattainable (except without Christ). To be holy means to be consecrated unto God AND set apart from the world and it’s immoral, unethical ways. It is God’s power working in your daily life. To give yourself totally unto God body, soul, and spirit; to give Him your heart! To let Him lead and direct your life day to day, minute by minute.

MY PRAYER…
Thank You so much, Father, for knowing me and thinking of my needs, even before there was a world. I dedicate this day to Your honor and pledge to live a life that reflects Your righteousness and grace. Only through the grace You have given me and the power of Your Holy Spirit residing in me will this be possible. For I know that I can of my own self do nothing. But Father, today, I once again consecrate myself to You, I separate myself from the things of this world and devote myself unto the things of You. Through Jesus, the one who had no sin, I pray.
Amen