Sometimes we need to stop and marvel at what happened to us when we gave our lives to the Lord and asked Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior. Our inner man (our spirit, conscience or spiritual heart) was recreated or born again (2 Cor 5:17; John 3:3-8; Ezek 11:19).

Our sins were forgiven: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7; KJV). We were redeemed from the curse of the law, (poverty, sickness and death; Gal 3:13-14). We were sanctified (1 Cor 1:30) or set apart for God, justified or made as if we had never sinned (Rom 3:23-24) and made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:21). Righteousness means to be made in right standing with God.

Christ came to live in us as the Holy Spirit (Gal 2:20; 1 Cor 6:19). We became God’s children (Rom 8:15), joint heirs with Jesus (Rom 8:17), and were taken out of satan’s control and placed in God’s kingdom of light (Col 1:13-14).

The bible tells us that the Holy Spirit in us is greater than any satanic force in the world (1 John 4:4). “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13; KJV). In fact, we are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37). Are you getting the picture? We are family, Jesus our brother (Rom 8:29); we have the same Father as Jesus. The same power (the Holy Spirit) that anointed Jesus for ministry on this earth lives in us.

We can do anything with Jesus. Let’s do it, let’s be salt and light, let’s turn our world right side up.

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How often do we consider the impact of our words? In the book of Proverbs chapter 18 and verse 21 we read: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (KJV). Wow, that’s powerful. Our words can bring life or death to the hearer. Not only that but in this this verse we also see that we shall reap a harvest from what we say to others.

Words are packages that leave our lips and float through the air exploding on the ears of people. However, much we may try to argue our way out of what we said we can never negate the impact of our words. In the bible we also read that our words show what is in our hearts. (Matt 12:34). The apostle James in his epistle, wrote much about the potential evils of our tongues (James 3:1-12), those verses are worth reading. There are many other scriptures about our words; here are a couple: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Prov 25:11), now that speaks volumes. “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Prov 15:1).

God wants our words to be pleasing to him (Ps 19:14), they should be full of grace and seasoned with salt (Col 4:6), words that build up and not tear down (Eph 4:29). In fact, Paul admonishes us to speak to each other in spiritual songs, hymns and psalms songs (Eph 5:19). The Psalmist asked God to put a guard over his mouth (Ps 141:3); we would be wise to do the same. Let’s watch our words, seek to edify people and allow the Spirit to guide our conversations. God always tells me that he is not interested in my opinions but my obedience. I don’t know about you but I said a few “ouches” today over these scriptures above but “ouches” are good if they change us for the better. Yes? or was that just an ouch!

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The word joy is found throughout the Old Testament. There are several Hebrew words for joy. Meanings range from gladness, happiness and joy to mirth, rejoicing, singing, shouting and dancing. In the Greek of the New Testament the words for joy encompass the sense of cheerfulness, gladness and of having greet joyfulness.

God wants our joy to be full: “Hitherto have ye asked me nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24; KJV). Nehemiah tells us that: “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh 8:10).

Things in our daily life may cause us joy but our true joy comes from God (Ps 16:11); in fact, as Christians, we can enter into God’s joy (Ps 51:12; 1 Peter 1:8; Matt 25:21).

This joy is founded in knowing who we are in Christ (2 Cor 5:21), our security in him (Heb 13:5), what we have in him (2 Cor 5:17), his love (Eph 3:19). “In thy presence is fullness of joy” (Ps 16:11).

Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). As we spend time with God, in his word and in prayer, drawing close to him and surrendering to him, the Holy Spirit works in us to bring this joy. No one can take our joy from us (John 16:22), unless we allow them to. This joy will under gird us in trials (James 1:2). Jesus went to the cross for the joy of knowing what his sacrifice would achieve (Heb  12:2).

Spend time with God today and let his joy rise up and overwhelm you.

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“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor 10:13; KJV).

The word “temptation “in this verse does involve being tempted to sin but it also includes the broader sense of the tests and trials (pressures, circumstances around us) that come against us every day. So often the devil tries to make people feel that it is only them as individuals that have a particular problem. What’s the matter with me? How come everyone else has no problem with this? But praise God this passage from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, goes on to show us that all our tests and trials are common to man, in other words we all experience the same tests and trials.

Even more exciting is the last part of the verse where God says he won’t allow the pressure to get beyond what we can bear and he will provide the way of escape. Not any way but the right way, his way. So often we try to dig our way out of situations with our own efforts, or is that only me that does that? In 2 Cor 12:9, God tells us his grace is sufficient for us and when we are weak, he can be strong in our lives. In other words, when we back off and say God, I can’t deal with this, you are going to have to take care of it, he can come in and show us the way.

Be at peace today and be sensitive to his voice: “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). He will show you the way and lift you up. Hallelujah, I think I just preached myself happy.

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Have you read Psalm 139 recently? You should, it is so encouraging and brims with God’s love for us. Let’s look at some of what King David wrote for us in this Psalm. God knows us, our thoughts, and our words before we say them; he understands us and all we go through. He knows where we are, we cannot hide from him and he will never leave us or forsake us (Heb 13:5).

He formed us before we were born; we were: “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14; KJV). God designed a plan for each of our lives. We are his workmanship (Eph 2:10). Workmanship in that verse can be expanded to mean work of art or his poem. Our Father thinks only good for us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jer 29:11). God desires to hem us in and guide and direct us into all he has for us: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov 3:5-6).

We need to still ourselves before God and hear his voice (Ps 46:10) so we can walk in his ways. His ways are perfect and only living the life he has for us will satisfy. We need to stop our strivings in the flesh, cast our cares on him (Peter 5:6-7), draw near to him (James 4:8) and allow his fullness (Eph 3:19) to flow through us. Now that’s abundant life (John 10:10).

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Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.