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 1:13,14

In 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.

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 3:14,15

Life 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.

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 57:9,10

If 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)

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. Proverbs 17:9

It 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.

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 116:5-6

When 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!

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 5:20-21

Sin 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.

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 NLT

For 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.

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 3:1

Talk 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.

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 NLT

It 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.

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 1:8,9

When 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!