The Daily Breath of God Friday, June 29 2012
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28,29Grace in Jesus the Christ brings a freedom and a joy that is contagious throughout our journey. Grace does not just forgive and save us from our sins, it saves us from ourselves. If salvation in Jesus the Christ means anything, it must work where sin begins, not merely where it ends. It changes us at our very foundation so that we are no longer suspicious, hateful, jealous, stingy or moody. God's grace does not just deal with a record book; it refreshes, renews and gives freedom to the foundation of our character. On this new day may you feel the freedom of grace in every detail of your journey. May your hope and encouragement cause you to delight in the freedom of being conformed to the character of Christ. Thursday, June 28 2012
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. Proverbs 12:14As we mature along our journey through life we learn the value and joy of working hard. Our labor can provide us with income that will bless us and our families. But sometimes along our journey we forget the income that comes from our mouth. With it we express through words, tones and expressions the attitude of our heart. It is here where grace can be experienced with great refreshment. Grace changes everything, in that it reveals our motives about ourselves and others. We can then become aware of words, tones and expressions that are less than outstanding. We then have the wonderful opportunity to have our attitudes be expressions of grace. On this new day may you rejoice in the work of your hands, but especially rejoice in what grace sounds like as it is being spoken and expressed through your life and character. You will like it and it will put a smile on your face as well as those around you. Wednesday, June 27 2012
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. my brothers, this should not be. James 3:9,10The grace that has been given in and through our Lord Jesus the Christ is meant to refresh how we feel and respond to our world. Since grace is filled with kindness and encouragement, we are given opportunities to speak words of grace to others. Expressions of blessings, encouragement and refreshment become not just what we say but actually who we are in the grace of our Lord. Today may you enjoy the freedom of his grace. May the expressions on your face, the tones of your voice and the words from your mouth bring encouragement and refreshment to everyone you meet. Grace gives you the joy to express yourself in such a way that it brings delight to you and delight to others. Words of grace never have any regret. Wednesday, June 27 2012
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21,22It is one thing to believe that there is a God or to believe in God. The beauty of grace, which is God's love given without condemnation, is meant to change how we view God and therefore how we feel and think about ourselves. Grace lets us know God in a way that refreshes and it fills us thanksgiving. The man or woman that lives thankful automatically gives glory to God. On this new day may you delight in finding ways to be thankful. Let God's grace express through your words the beauty of a thankful heart. In this place you will always be known as an encourager and a blessing. Some of the most difficult situations are changed with a heart of thanksgiving. Monday, June 25 2012
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:2,3 NLTWe are not expected to count pain and sorrow as good things in themselves and therefore the source of joy. These disappointments and sorrows that come into our life are opportunities for our development in our life of grace and faith. We are to rejoice not because troubles come, but because of their possible benefits. George Muller of Bristol put it this way - "When trials come, we should say - My heavenly Father puts this cup of trial into my hands, that I may have something sweet afterwards." We are told that when a grain of sand presents itself into the oyster, the irritation that is caused is stopped by encrusting it with a pearly formation. A true pearl is therefore simply a victory over irritations. On this new day may you cover all the details of your life with that which has no irritation, the grace of God that is in Jesus the Christ. Your attitude, your thoughts and your emotions will be overwhelmed with delight and those around you will see the beauty of grace through you. Friday, June 22 2012
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1Think of all the moments and relationships that could have been refreshed if someone was willing to speak with kindness and gentleness. Think of how many fights, quarrels and divorces that would not have happened if words and actions of grace had been heard and seen. Imagine how many relationships could start to be healed if someone who is acquainted with God’s grace begins go act like it. God’s grace is his power in the human soul to live in the freedom of life that is called eternal. Today may you choose to live your life in the freedom of his grace. Everything around you will begin a new journey when you are the image of His grace. Your day will be renewing and will begin to refresh those who come in contact with you. There will be no regret or sorrow because of your actions of kindness, mercy and grace. Thursday, June 21 2012
May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O LORD, the LORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me. Psalm 69:6Our lives really do make a difference to our family, our friends and those around us. Our response to situations has a great impact on those who know us. The beauty of God’s grace in Jesus Christ is the freedom of response to situations that are less than desirable. When grace is free to express emotions and thoughts in us, we experience a freedom that looks like and feels like relief. Then those around us are inspired to react to life’s opportunities in a much more enjoyable way which is called freedom. There is no regret of any kind when we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Today enjoy the power of eternal life that is in you, it is called God’s grace. Here you will have no condemnation of any kind; in fact what you will experience is life that is rejoicing, light hearted and a sweet relief to you and those around you. Our Lord has given this to you and now it is yours. Wednesday, June 20 2012
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13,14In the Word of God, we are described as being born into a kingdom of darkness and at the very beginning we can see and experience the nature of that kingdom. Without anyone teaching us we learn and begin to express fits of frustration, anger, dissatisfaction and the desire to have our own way. As this nature matures we learn to express ourselves at times with words and actions that are less than outstanding and this has many times led to relationships that begin to disintegrate. Grace changes all these things by giving us the freedom from the mastery of our old nature. We then begin to learn and put into practice the beauty of grace which continually lives and expresses itself with words and actions that are refreshing to us as well as those around us. As we see and experience this grace our thinking and emotions are refreshed and we begin to actually become an encouragement to those we meet of the love of God that is in Jesus the Christ. On this new day may you experience the relaxing joy of being rescued by the grace of God. Let his uncondemning love cast all your fears and frustration away and enjoy the freedom of praise and thanksgiving. Grace heals the hurts and the fears; it refreshes our thinking and emotions which put a smile on our face. This will not only impact you, but those around you. Living in the nature of grace beats living in the dominion of darkness every minute of every day. Tuesday, June 19 2012
Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:14,15Life itself is just an amazing journey, when you think we all start off in the same place, as babies. No matter what nationality or language we start off being cared for and begin to learn our worth, which gives expression to our relationships. As we grow, many of our relationships become tense, so we continue to change relationships. But the beauty of God's grace is that we receive his love without condemnation and this starts us off again in a new place where we learn the joy of being loved and learning how to cover others in Christ's love. This leads us to the freedom in our attitude and emotions of esteeming others as better than ourselves. It is here where relationships can be healed and come to peace. Today may you relax in the love that our Lord has for you. May the attitude of your heart be refreshed and give you expressions, attitudes and words that bring encouragement to others and to you. May you be refreshed in the peace of Christ that gives you the confidence of thanksgiving. You will like this expression of worth and you will enjoy today. Thursday, June 14 2012
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations. For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Psalm 57:9,10If we start our day with thanksgiving and praise, in the quiet of the morning before the noise of our world gets to us, we will find beauty even in the midst of opportunity (sometimes called difficulties). It is refreshing to be aware of God's grace and experience it's by-product in and through our lives at the beginning of each new day. Today before everything else starts to get your attention, open your mouth and express your thanksgiving to the one who is always faithful and watch what happens. (Psalm 37:4) Wednesday, June 13 2012
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9It is amazing how with just a few words people's lives can be changed. God's grace allows us the joy of covering the offenses of others so that they may begin to hear and see the power of God's love. His grace, which we know as his love given without condemnation, will give us many opportunities along our journey to bless instead of curse, to give instead of take, to honor instead of revile. Today may you enjoy the freedom of his grace as it is expressed from your heart and mind through that wonderful gift of your mouth. Your day will be refreshing and anyone who meets you today will be blessed. Tuesday, June 12 2012
The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the simple hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me. Psalm 116:5-6When our heart is full of thanksgiving we are refreshed in our journey and our emotions and desires seem to be able to see in the details of our life the beauty of our God. Today may you enjoy being refreshed by his grace which leads naturally to living with a thankful attitude. You will have the opportunity of being a special blessing on this day to someone. Their life will be encouraged and you will be blessed. Enjoy! Monday, June 11 2012
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21Sin is the damnation of the soul. It is self-seeking, all-consuming condemnation and its goal is death. It cannot and will not bless any relationships. God's grace is his love given without condemnation so that we may live without fear, guilt, shame, or a constant bad self-image. Grace gives joy and freedom in our relationship with God and man and provides a life that is called eternal. Here, eternal is not a length of time, but a quality of life. It is life as our Lord knows life, fresh, relaxing, new every morning. Today may you rejoice in knowing that grace is more than a word. It is God's life and love expressed in and through you. The life you live is given to you on this day to refresh and bless your journey. Grace along with thanksgiving lets you bless others along their journey, even if they do not deserve it. Friday, June 08 2012
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4 NLTFor many who believe in Jesus the Christ there is still feelings that God is not pleased with them. That he is disappointed or angry or condemning them along their journey. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Not only are we free from the penalty of sin, but we are free from the condemnation of it, as far as God is concerned. It is his gentle voice of kindness that brings us to an awakening of our actions that are less than outstanding. When awakened by his kindness repentance becomes an act of worship with joy, without feelings of guilt and shame. On this new day rejoice in who you are because of the grace and kindness of our Lord. Feelings of worthlessness are gone along with all the emotions of being judged. This is a good day to sing and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. His kindness is new every morning and he is in love with you. Thursday, June 07 2012
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! I John 3:1Talk about grace and kindness, God has lavished his love onto us so that we may know, not guess or wish for, but know that we are loved and children of God. This is not a theorical concept but a real life. On this new day that has never been before, enjoy your journey as a man or woman of God. Let his peace, joy, kindness and encouragement have its way in your thinking, actions and emotions. Bless his name and allow yourself to be overwhelmed by his grace. Wednesday, June 06 2012
For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins. Romans 3:23,24 NLTIt seems that for most of us as we begin to grow and mature from birth we develop attitudes and therefore have actions that are often condemning. So to survive, we set up our own standards as to what we think is good and right for us. If we keep them we then have moments of feeling well about ourselves and when others do the opposite of our standards we find ourselves condemning them. Well here is some great news. In grace all of that is now over. Grace gives a sweet freedom of life without any condemnation because of the gift of Jesus the Christ. In this place the standard is giving undeserved kindness to everyone in our journey as we have received it from our Lord. On this new day enjoy the freedom in your emotions of his kindness and grace. You will not have to penalize anyone anymore for their less than outstanding attitudes. You will find it quite freeing. Tuesday, June 05 2012
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord... who 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. 2 Timothy 1:8,9When God's grace touches our life the freedom of not being condemned leads to not being ashamed. We then begin to experience in our daily life the joy of living without the feelings of comparing ourselves to those around us, guilt and shame. Now, even our past failures bring an opportunity to encourage others which gives glory to God. On this new day, enjoy being relaxed in the grace of God's love for you. Living and enjoying his grace will bring refreshment to your journey which will be a blessing for others who live and work around you. Your very breath today will bring praise to God. Enjoy! Monday, June 04 2012
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3-5 NLTIt seems that most everything that will bring some joy and satisfaction requires endurance of some kind. Endurance seems to go hand in hand with at least some form of pain. It may be the fine tuning of our physical body, it may be the challenge of education for the right career and even a good marriage requires the working of a love that at times looks like pain. When God’s grace is allowed to impact our thinking and emotions our journey through problems and trials produce an attitude that will be a blessing to us as well as those around us. On this new day trust his Word so that you will not have that horrible feeling of disappointment and overall depression. Grace will let you not only believe but experience his love for you on this brand new day. And his love is refreshing in some of the most unbelievable circumstances. Take a good deep breath of his grace and then verbalize your thanksgiving and praise. Friday, June 01 2012
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17Here we have a beautiful description of the freedom that takes place through the details of our life when we are overwhelmed by his grace. Instead of words, tones of voice or deeds that are less than outstanding we have the joy of demonstrating with words, tones and actions that will refresh, uplift and encourage others along their journey. This is one of those wonderful moments we have as we experience his grace in the emotions of our lives. On this new day, that has never been nor will come again, may you let this freedom of grace come out of your mouth and your face. The joy you will experience and the refreshment it will bring will absolutely delight you. You will have an outstanding day, God will be glorified and your relationships will have a freedom called happy. |