Have you ever thought I want to pray, I need to pray, but I just don’t have the words to say? As a young believer I was often in this place, and even as I have matured in God and faced difficult times, I have felt this way.  Sometimes I have had words to pray with but those words did not seem to be enough. Not pretty enough, not powerful enough, not even sufficient to express my feelings, my needs or even my appreciation for God. Over the years God has brought me through these times with a scripture from Romans 8:26-27 (NASB) “Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
The most important element of these scriptures, to me, is trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide my prayer.  I do believe in praying in tongues, or a Holy Spirit language given to us for prayer and communication with God directly from our spirit man instead of our own thinking. So, I often yield myself to the Spirit to speak in a language unknown to my mind but employed by the Holy Spirit that dwells within me.  However, I do not think these scriptures only apply to praying in an unknown language.  I think that the indwelling Holy Spirit can direct our prayers in English (or whatever native language you speak) and that He does lead us to pray in His will and according to His wisdom.
If this is so, how do I yield to the Holy Spirit in prayer?  First, don’t overcomplicate it.  Prayer is truly a conversation with God.  When we are conversing with a friend we focus upon them, listen as they speak and are not greatly concerned about how pretty and flowery our language is.  We are not there to impress but rather to share, understand them and be understood by them. God is my best friend and most of my prayer is based upon a conversation or discussion with my best friend!  I know I don’t have to sound impressive I just want to express my heart to Him. I like the Bible passage written by Paul the Apostle in 1 Cor. 2:4-5. Although it is not directly about our words in prayer it still applies to our thinking about how we “sound” when we speak. Paul describes his preaching this way “And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God.” When I am applying this idea to my conversations with God, I am asking that my prayer is not resting on my intelligence, wisdom or ability to speak well.  Rather I want the Spirit to pray with honesty, simplicity and power that comes from Him and faith in Him, not in my own strength.
I often begin my prayer time with worship and gratitude toward God.  I recall and repeat things God has already done for me and thank Him for his daily care toward me. I try to remember that He wants to speak to me as much as He want to hear from me, so I pause and listen during my prayer times. My heavenly Father loves me as His child, so He wants to help me, instruct me and hear about my concerns and needs.  But He also wants to share His love with me.  He desires me to respond with my love back toward Him.  He is also teaching me His ways of love, value and appreciation for others, so that I am not fully self-focused. Are the these not the characteristics we want our own children to grow into?
Finally, another help in prayer is the power of His Word.  When I am seeking Him to answer a need or lead me in a certain direction, I will often pray scriptures that apply to my need or desire.  I find that as I declare His Word and His promises out loud my faith increases and I remember His care for me.  I can boldly claim the promises of His Word.  I may not see them immediately come to pass but I will continue to declare them and believe that He is faithful to His Word.  His timing is perfect, and He will instruct me in my conversations with Him about any effort or change that I may need to make in order to prepare for His fulfilled promise in my life. Praying His Word keeps me aligned with His will and I can stand upon His promise of 1 John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.” We may not see an immediate answer, or one that looks exactly like our expectation, but He is faithful and He will provide, supply and lead us into the fulfillment of our prayers that are aligned with His will and His Word.

Scripture is clear that leadership in the Kingdom of God is not defined first by position, gifting, or influence, but by stewardship. The Apostle Paul writes:

“Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (NKJV)

This passage recalibrates how biblical leadership must be understood.
Servants Before Leaders

Paul begins by stripping leadership of ego. He identifies himself and other leaders not as masters, but as servants of Christ. The word Paul uses carries the idea of one who serves under authority. Leadership in the Kingdom begins with submission. A leader does not act independently; he or she answers to Christ.
Before we are ever trusted to lead people, we must be faithful to follow Christ.

Stewards, Not Owners
A steward manages what belongs to someone else. This is crucial. Leaders do not own the message, the ministry, the people, or the calling. Everything entrusted to us belongs to God. We are caretakers, not creators.

Paul specifically says we are stewards of the mysteries of God—truths once hidden but now revealed in Christ. The gospel, sound doctrine, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God are not ours to edit, dilute, or reshape for convenience or acceptance.
Our responsibility is to handle them faithfully.

The Requirement God Emphasizes
Paul says it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. That word removes all ambiguity. Faithfulness is not optional. It is not a bonus trait. It is the expectation.
God does not first evaluate leaders by:

• popularity
• visible success
• platform size
• innovation

He evaluates leaders by faithfulness.
Have we remained true to the Word?
Have we guarded what was entrusted to us?
Have we obeyed even when obedience was costly?

Faithfulness Over Outcomes
One of the most freeing truths for leaders is this: we are accountable for obedience, not outcomes. Results belong to God. Faithfulness belongs to us.
When leaders understand stewardship correctly, pressure lifts. We no longer feel the need to manipulate, perform, or compromise. We simply remain faithful to what God has entrusted, trusting Him with the fruit.

A Call to Leaders
In a time when leadership is often measured by visibility and influence, Scripture calls us back to a higher standard. Faithfulness is heaven’s metric.
The question every leader must answer is not, “Am I successful?”
The question is, “Am I faithful?”

We are told in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
According to this passage, there should never be a time when we aren't trusting in the Lord, acknowledging Him in all our ways so He can direct our paths.  When a person is blessed with a sharp mind, a strong body and ample resources, it's easy to assume that we don't always need to acknowledge God in every situation.  But when that thought, "I can handle it", comes to mind, we best be careful to acknowledge the Lord because He may have a better plan that will produce a better result.

An example of that occurred in the life of Gideon.  In Judges, chapter 7, we have the account of Gideon and his army confronting the Midianites, Amalekites and the children of the east who were gathered together to do battle against Israel.  As Gideon inquires of the Lord, the Lord tells him, "The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against Me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.  Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying,
 Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.  And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go." (Judges 7:2-4)

So, Gideon brings the remaining soldiers of his army to the water and the Lord tells Gideon that every person that laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps water, shall remain with Gideon and those that bow down upon their knees to drink water shall not. The number of those that lapped the water, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men.  The rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink.

At the outset of an impending battle, Gideon has an armed military force of 32,000 men. When God said to have the fearful go home, only 10,000 men remained.  Of those that remained, only 300 passed the "water drinking test" and remained with Gideon to face the enemy.

God then tells Gideon, "Arise, get thee down unto host; for I have delivered it into thine hand."  At that point, Gideon has a decision to make.  "Do I trust in the Lord with all my heart, or do I lean to my own understanding."  The scripture says that the Midianites, Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seaside for multitude.  Gideon chose to believe the Lord in spite of the circumstances and God gave him further instruction.

Gideon divides the 300 men into three companies putting a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.  At the sound of Gideon's trumpet, they are to blow their trumpets and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.  At nightfall, they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands.  They held up their lamps with their left hands and held their trumpets in their right hands and cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. At the sound of their voices and trumpets, many of the enemy cried and fled.  Others turned against themselves, slaying each other with their swords. The Lord wrought a mighty victory that day against a mighty army with only 300 men!

With thousands of skilled, armed soldiers, Gideon might have engaged the enemy without acknowledging the Lord.  He may have even won.  But at what price?  How many men would Gideon have lost?  How many widows and orphans would have remained in Israel.  Today, how many men have sought fortune and fame, succeeded, but only to lose their marriage and families?  How many have employed their skills and resources without seeking the Lord, only to find themselves spiritually bankrupt, "building a house", but all in vain.  Psalm 127:1 reads, "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."  According to this passage, a person can labour and succeed at building something, but their efforts will be for nought.

It always pays to trust in the Lord with all our heart, leaning not to our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways so He can direct our paths.  If we do, God will set us on a path of victory.  God will set us on a path of prosperity.  God will reveal a plan that requires a lot less effort, a lot less time and a lot better outcome!!!

I was recently confronted with a question.  Is it okay to question or doubt my faith? My first assurance in the face of this question is this...God is bigger than all our doubts, questions and lack of faith.  God is big enough to address our doubts, lack of faith and questions; He is even faithful to us when we struggle to be faith-filled toward Him.  The Word tells us that our understanding is often unclear or in part, which may lead us to doubts and questions. 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) reads: “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” Part of God’s answer or response to our doubt and questions is that although we don’t know or understand now, we will in the future.  It might be in our future on this earth, but if not now, ‘then’ in the next segment of our life—when we are with Him, face to face, we will understand. Today we must understand that He has asked us to walk by faith in this life, in the midst of questions, doubts, difficulties and seeming contradictions.  Faith is not so much believing in the face of ‘evidence’ to the contrary but rather trusting Him who know so much more than we do and is able to take care of us in the middle of our struggle over what seems to be sure evidence against our faith or hope.
What can we do in the face of our doubts and questions to enable us to trust God even when He does not answer us in the way we expect or hope? One way that I face my doubts is to rehearse times that God had helped me when I previously questioned Him or the circumstances of my life.  Scripture tells me that “we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony” (Revelations 12:11). Jesus has already provided His blood, and we must proclaim that sacrifice in the face of the attack of doubt that is often brought to us by the enemy of our soul, Satan. When we begin to declare the Jesus’ love for us that motivated Him to make the ultimate sacrifice our minds and hearts are strengthened with love, gratitude and ultimately trust in His goodness toward us, His good plan in our lives and His power to carry us through our doubts. It is beneficial to speak these things out loud, because the Word also tells us that “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” There is power in the spoken Word, it is a sword in our mouths against the doubt. 
But equally important is the word of our testimony. The Greek word for testimony is also used for witness. We are witnessing of God’s faithfulness in our past circumstances, when we couldn’t take care of a situation ourselves, but He came through for us.  Maybe He didn’t solve it in a way that we wanted, but He still walked through it with us and brought us out the other side of it. I rehearse my past victories in Him to remind myself of His goodness and faithfulness, even in the dark. Hebrew speakers will tell you that when the scriptures use the word testimony it also means that God will do it again.  When we hear the testimonies of others, we can claim that God is “no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34), so if He did it for someone else, He will do it for me too! Remind yourself that God is always good, and always has your best at heart, even when we can’t see how our circumstance will work out.  He is not the creator of bad events in our lives, but He will help us through, strengthen us in our weakness and often show up for us in miraculous ways when we trust Him.
I’m reminded of the story in Mark 9:14-29. A father had brought his son who had been afflicted from a young age by a spirit that was trying to destroy him. The father couldn’t control or solve the situation, and the disciples of Jesus could not cast out the spirit or heal the boy.  When Jesus arrived, the father begged Him to set the boy free. Christ said to the dad “all things are possible to them that believe,” and the father’s reply was “I do believe, help my unbelief” (vs.23-24). That was good enough for Jesus, the power to restore the child rested not in the father’s ability to believe but rather his trust in the One who had the power to do the work.  I have prayed this prayer more than once in my life when facing struggles that I could not solve and even in challenges so great I had trouble trusting the outcome to Jesus.  Doing the best I could, I prayed “Lord, help my unbelief, help my lack of trust.”  Then I began to remind Him, and myself, of the past circumstances that He had walked me through. That was enough for Him and that will always be enough from us if we come sincerely, honestly to Him with our struggles, doubts, fears and questions. As we pray with as much trust in Him as we can muster up, He will supply the rest and strengthen us through the dark times, our times of question and doubt.

Forgiveness: How to Forgive When It Feels Impossible

Forgiveness is one of the most commanded—and misunderstood—principles in Scripture. We often talk about forgiveness as something noble, healthy, or freeing, and while all of that is true, the Bible presents forgiveness as something even deeper:
Forgiveness is an act of obedience that positions us to encounter the grace of God.

For many believers, the struggle is not whether we should forgive, but how we forgive when the wound is deep, the betrayal is real, and the offender shows no repentance.

Why Forgiveness Feels Impossible
Some offenses don’t just hurt—they alter us.
They reshape trust.
They affect identity.
They leave emotional and spiritual bruises that don’t heal quickly.
Scripture acknowledges this reality. Forgiveness is never minimized in the Bible; it is commanded in full awareness of how costly it is.

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” — Matthew 18:21–22 (KJV)

Jesus wasn’t teaching math—He was teaching surrender. Forgiveness isn’t about keeping score; it’s about releasing control.

Forgiveness Is Not Denial or Excusing Sin
One of the greatest misconceptions about forgiveness is that it means pretending the offense didn’t matter.

Biblical forgiveness does not:

• Deny the pain
• Minimize injustice
• Excuse sin
• Remove boundaries automatically

Forgiveness acknowledges the wrong, but chooses not to demand repayment.

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” — Colossians 3:13 (KJV)

Jesus did not forgive us by denying our sin—He forgave us by absorbing its cost.

Forgiveness Is an Act of Faith, Not a Feeling
Waiting until forgiveness feels right will keep many believers stuck for years.
Forgiveness is not emotional agreement with what happened—it is faithful obedience to God’s command, even when emotions resist.

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
— Matthew 6:14–15 (KJV)

This passage isn’t about earning salvation—it’s about alignment. Unforgiveness disrupts fellowship with God because it places us in opposition to His nature.

Forgiveness Requires Grace—Not Willpower
This is where many people fail. They attempt forgiveness in their own strength.
Scripture is clear: we do not forgive by effort, but by grace.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

This is where your statement speaks directly to the heart of biblical truth:

“You will never be closer to the Lord than when you choose to walk in forgiveness towards somebody that doesn't deserve it, because you need God's grace, his ability to be able to do it, and he will be closer to you in that moment than any other.”

When forgiveness feels impossible, it becomes an invitation—not to try harder, but to draw nearer.

Forgiveness Positions Us to Experience God’s Nearness
God often meets us most intimately in places where obedience costs us deeply.

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 (KJV)

Forgiveness breaks pride, exposes dependency, and requires humility. It places us in a posture where we must rely fully on God’s ability rather than our own strength.

“God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” — James 4:6 (KJV)

Forgiveness is not weakness—it is humble reliance on divine strength.

Forgiveness Frees the One Who Forgives
Unforgiveness always promises protection but delivers bondage.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”— Hebrews 12:15 (KJV)

Bitterness doesn’t stay contained—it spreads. Forgiveness cuts the root before it poisons the heart.  Jesus described unforgiveness as a form of imprisonment (Matthew 18:34–35). Forgiveness doesn’t rewrite the past, but it redeems the present.

A Practical Path Toward Forgiveness
Forgiveness is often a process, not a moment. Here are biblical steps to walk it out:

1. Acknowledge the wound honestly (Psalm 62:8)
2. Choose obedience before emotional resolution (John 14:15)
3. Ask God for grace, not justice (Hebrews 4:16)
4. Release the offender into God’s hands (Romans 12:19)
5. Speak a blessing and prayer over the offender (Luke 6:27)
6. Repeat as needed—forgiveness may need reaffirming (Luke 17:3–4)

Final Encouragement
Forgiveness does not mean the offender deserves grace—it means God deserves your obedience.  When forgiveness feels impossible, remember this:
That moment of surrender may be the closest you experience the Lord—not because the pain is gone, but because His grace is present.

“Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” — Luke 6:36 (KJV)

Grace flows freely where forgiveness is chosen.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is." (Jeremiah 17:5,7) What does "Trusting in the Lord" look like?  God has given us natural abilities and resources that we can use to produce results and He has given us spiritual blessings through which He can perform His will in our lives.  To what extent do we rely on the natural versus the spiritual to meet our needs or as we encounter daunting difficulties and trials?  

We will look to God's Word to shed light on this question.
Luke records the account of Jesus standing by the lake of Gennesaret where people are pressing upon Him to hear the Word of God.  He sees two ships standing by the lake and He enters into Simon's ship and tells him to thrust out a little from the land.  The ship becomes a "floating pulpit" from which Jesus teaches the people.

When He finishes speaking, He says to Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught (haul)." (Luke 5:4) Jesus says this though He sees that the fisherman had gone out of their boats and were cleaning their nets and that they had just previously been fishing and caught nothing.  This is also verified because after Jesus gives command to launch out into the deep, Simon (Peter) responds, saying, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at Thy Word I will let down the net."  Simon had used all their natural resources (boats and nets) and their fishing expertise to catch fish but came up empty handed.  Notice that Simon didn't say they inquired of the Lord that night and then went fishing.

This time, at Jesus' Word, Simon leaves the shore and launches into the deep.  "And when they had done this, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.  And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship that they should come and help them.  And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.  When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.  For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken." (Luke 5:6-9) Notice that Simon recognized that the Lord had blessed him; not because he was a perfect man, but because of the mercy and goodness that God freely bestowed upon him.

In this account, God fully employed the abilities and resources of those He worked through.  Both boats, both nets and all the skilled fishermen were fully utilized to get results.  However, one fishing expedition ended up failing and the other ended up succeeding.  What made the difference?  Was the outcome all left up to God or was it all left up to men?  In one sense, we could say it was all up to God because from where did these men get their skill and their resources?  What does any person possess that they didn't ultimately receive from the Lord?

  He gives us the very air we breathe!  But notice that these men succeeded after they employed their God given talents and resources AT THE DIRECTION OF THE LORD.  God didn't do their fishing for them.  They did the fishing but they weren't working independent from Him.  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "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."
What if Simon had relied on his own understanding as Jesus gave command to launch out into the deep.  After all, they were experienced fishermen who had labored all night and caught nothing.  What did Jesus know about fishing?  He was the "carpenter's son" from Nazareth!  Simon's head would have said, "I'm tired, we've tried and Jesus knows nothing about fishing. We'll try again later."  If Simon had leaned to his own understanding, he would have by-passed a "net breaking" miracle!

Also, notice the manner in which Jesus blessed them.  When was the last time they filled both boats and nets with that many fish!  When was the last time they were "astonished" at the draught of fishes they had taken?  Before Jesus came along, it might have taken 3 or 4 fishing ventures to catch as many fish as they caught in one trip simply by acknowledging the Lord in their endeavor.  

What is the lesson to be learned from this account?  It doesn't matter how skilled we are, how smart we are or how much we own.  God wants us to look to Him in all our ways.  Our trust should always be in Him and Him alone.  As we will see in future articles, some of the greatest miracles of provision and protection were performed on behalf of God's people apart from the deployment of their resources and ability.  Sometimes, God used only a portion of what was available to them.  

One thing is for certain, if our trust is always in the Lord, He will bless us in all of our ways as He directs our paths!

 
Imagine the setting of the scene at the temple in Acts 3, Peter and John perform a miraculous healing of a man lame from birth. Amazingly a man who has never walked is leaping and praising God.  This man was known to all—everyone had passed him lying outside the Temple gate daily as they came to worship.  Not only had he never walked, but according to the law he could not enter the Temple.  So, he was excluded from faith as well as from daily living! God’s restoration and healing plan included everything—natural and spiritual life! This astounding event draws a crowd, providing Peter the perfect opportunity to deliver a challenging gospel address.
Peter's speech begins with a call to the Israelites not to marvel at the miracle as if it were by the apostles' own power. Instead, he directs their attention to Jesus, the true source of the healing. This must always be our approach when operating in the gifts, like Peter is here, Jesus is always the source, and all displays of His power are opportunities to point to Him—give Him all the glory. Peter begins with a reference to Moses and ending with Moses, bringing the Jews back to their history that had long promised the Messiah who would bring healing, salvation and restoration. He emphasizes the central point: the power and authority of Jesus' name by recalling the many titles and references to Jesus in their scriptures, which we designate as the Old Testament.
A pivotal part of the discussion is the examination of faith in this narrative. A close reading of Acts 3 poses a thought-provoking question: whose faith activated this healing? The lame man had an expectation of receiving something, but he really did not know about the power of the risen Messiah, or that He was known as Jesus.  Peter and John however had witnessed Jesus' miraculous works previously and believed in His promises. Peter with faith took action and lifted the man up. As he was lifted up his legs were strengthened and healed.  He then miraculously knew how to walk and leap.  He also knew to praise God and not Peter or John for his miracle.
Peter’s message mentions the "Suffering Servant," which connects to Isaiah 53 and the prophecy that puzzled the Hebrews. They had expected a conquering King, but their Messiah was first the willing sacrifice and substitution for to bring them into eternal life, before He would ever become the conquering King. I am reminded of His exchange for Barabbas. The name Barabbas means 'son of the Father’ (in Hebrew bar means son and abba is father). This is a profound parallel to His exchange for us—offering restoration and salvation. His righteousness in exchange or payment for our sinful lives so that we can also become children of the Father through repentance and trust upon the accomplished work of Christ. Our part is to answer the call to action that follows knowing the truth. Repentance is not just acknowledgment but an active return, paralleled by the loving actions of the Good Shepherd in Psalm 23 and the Parable of the Shepherd in Luke 15:1-7. This process of restoration is like slowly rebuilding a house, piece by piece—but faith and action must go hand in hand to see our lives fully restored. Jesus offers, both personally and universally a restoration process. He will ultimately restore everything, but He first restores His Bride—one by one. Finally, as Peter states in Acts 3:21, He will accomplish the “restoration of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began". The fulfillment of this prophetic promise will bring us (and the earth) to the comprehensive renewal and completion of God's plan for creation and humanity, culminating in Christ's return. But, there are many challenges to face before that great day. Peter and John face one of these great challenges in the next chapter of Acts.  Powerful preaching that day brought 5,000 people into the Kingdom, but it also landed Peter and John in jail.  Are we willing to take the same risks of bold preaching that these apostles took?

What have you been taught on God's Elect?  Paul is clear in the book of Romans!

When Romans 5:16–21 is contrasted with Romans 9, the difference in subject and purpose becomes clear. Romans 5 is addressing the scope of the gospel through the Adam–Christ contrast. Paul’s language is universal: polloi (“many”) used symmetrically, and pantas anthrōpous (“all men”) used explicitly. His point is that just as Adam’s single act brought death to humanity, Christ’s single righteous act made justification available to humanity. The issue in Romans 5 is provision and power — grace reigning over sin — not selection.

Romans 9, however, is not a discussion about who the gospel is for but about how God has remained faithful to His covenant promises despite widespread Jewish unbelief. Paul is explaining why many ethnic Israelites rejected Christ while Gentiles were coming to faith. The chapter deals with corporate roles, historical purpose, and covenant lineage, not individual salvation limits. When Paul speaks of Jacob and Esau, Pharaoh, or the potter and the clay, he is addressing God’s sovereign right to choose instruments, nations, and purposes in redemptive history — not declaring that God offers salvation only to a predetermined few while excluding the rest of humanity.

This is why Romans 9 must be read with Romans 10 and 11. Paul immediately moves from sovereignty to responsibility: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (10:13). The gospel is preached, faith comes by hearing, and Israel’s hardening is described as partial and temporary, not absolute or eternal. Paul even concludes that God has “consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all” (11:32), reinforcing that mercy, not exclusion, is the end goal.

Romans 5 answers the question, How far does grace reach? Romans 9 answers a different question, How is God faithful to His promises while working through human history? When Romans 9 is forced to override Romans 5, the result is a narrowed gospel Paul never preached. But when each chapter is allowed to speak in its own context, the message is consistent: humanity fell universally in Adam, salvation is provided universally in Christ, and God sovereignly works through history so that mercy may be proclaimed to the world.

Paul referred to the Second Coming of Jesus when he wrote, "Husbands, love your wives even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for her; that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word.  THAT HE MIGHT PRESENT HER TO HIMSELF A GLORIOUS CHURCH, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-26)
Notice that Jesus is coming back for a "glorious church."  Notice that He is going to "present her (the church) unto Himself."  The church He is coming back for is not preoccupied with sin.  He's coming back for a bride that is without spot, wrinkle, or blemish of any kind.  He is coming back for a bride that is eagerly awaiting His return.
Notice in the text that He will sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water BY THE WORD!
The Word of God is essential for the presentation of the bride before her Lord.  No wonder that in the chapter that proceeds our text, Paul writes that when Jesus ascended up on high, "He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  And He gave "some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:8,11-12)   What do these five ministry gifts do?  They minister the Word of God.  Notice that through their ministry the saints are "perfected."  The Amplified Translation adds that they are "fully equipped."  As we continue reading, we find that this perfecting is so that we can participate in preparing the bride for her Lord.  Paul writes that in sending ministry gifts, Jesus' intent was "the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), (that they should do) the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church), (that it might develop) until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the (full and accurate) knowledge of the Son of God THAT WE MIGHT ARRIVE AT REALLY MATURE MANHOOD (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.  SO THEN WE MAY NO LONGER BE CHILDREN..." (Ephesians 4:12-14 Amp.) 
As we are equipped by ministry gifts sent by Jesus to the church, the church then participates in the process of ministering to the body of Christ so that the church might come unto a full and accurate knowledge of the Son of God, arriving at really mature manhood, the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ!  Jesus has been given to be the "head" over all things to the church which is His "body", the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Why would Jesus want His body to mature?  Why doesn't He want us to remain children?
Imagine if tomorrow morning you woke up, got out of bed, and noticed that you had a three-year-old's body!  You had a 30-year-old's head but suddenly you are operating with a three-year-old's body!  How much could you accomplish throughout the day?  Your head is telling you to do all sorts of things but your body simply can't respond.  The potential of your head to do something is going to be totally dependent on the body through which it must operate. How much work can you accomplish?  How are you going to drive to work when your feet can't even reach the pedals on the floorboard?  Your ability to enjoy many of the pleasures of life will be very limited.
Jesus wants us to mature, not only for our sake but also for the sake of others.  A child has a limited understanding of the world around them.  A child is very gullible and prone to deception.  A child will trail off into trouble.  A child gives up easily and fails to finish a task.  A child is easily discouraged and often gets irritable. A child is selfish and concerned with themselves rather than others.
Imagine what Jesus, the head of the church, can do if He has a mature body through which to work!  Imagine Jesus' ability to work through us without limitation.  Imagine the places we'd go, the things we'd see, what we would accomplish.  Jesus could utilize us in ways we never dreamed possible. How exciting would that be!
We have the glorious opportunity to work together with Jesus as the body of Christ.  We have the opportunity to prepare the church for that glorious day when she's presented before Him at His return.  I know of no other work more rewarding or fulfilling than that.  I want to be a part of that...don't you?  You can be!  Thank God Jesus has given gifts to the church for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry.  May we avail ourselves to their teaching and ministry so we will stand before the Lord, unashamed, with joy unspeakable and full of glory!

During the Christmas season, we celebrated the first coming of Jesus.  During His earthly ministry, He told His disciples that He would be going away but that He would come again to receive them unto Himself.  The Apostle John records Jesus saying, "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will COME AGAIN and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-2)
Although many refer to Jesus' return as "the rapture", Jesus referred to it as His "coming AGAIN."  Hebrews 9:28 refers to it as His appearing the "second time."  It reads, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear THE SECOND TIME without sin unto salvation."
There are over 100 passages in the New Testament that refer to this coming.  Since Jesus and the scriptures refer to this event as His "coming again" or coming the "second time", I will refer to it as "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ."
Notice that the passage read, "And unto them THAT LOOK FOR HIM shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation."  Will everyone be "looking for Him" when He appears the second time?  The scriptures point out that many will not.  In the video documentary, "Before the Wrath", the commentator points to a survey that shows that less than 20% of the church is looking for His return.  Most of the church does not have a conscious awareness that He is coming again.  That is a very dangerous state to be in.  To the church at Thessalonica, Paul wrote, "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE." (I Thessalonians 5:3) Escape what?  Escape the destruction and calamity that comes upon the earth during the Great Tribulation.  For those that are "looking for Him", Jesus will "appear the second time without sin UNTO SALVATION."  Whose salvation?  OUR SALVATION!!  Verse 9 says, "For God has not appointed us to wrath, BUT TO OBTAIN SALVATION by our Lord Jesus Christ."  God does not want the church to perish or suffer the judgment that is coming upon the earth.  He has appointed us to salvation, not destruction.  But destruction will come to many.  Why?  BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT LOOKING FOR HIM.  More likely than not, those who are not looking for Him will not be ready when He returns.  They will not make the preparations necessary to be gathered together to meet Him in the air.
Jesus warns the church concerning the consequence of growing complacent concerning His second coming.  Luke records Jesus' saying, "But take heed to yourselves and BE ON YOUR GUARD, lest your hearts be overburdened and depressed (weighed down) with the giddiness and headache and nausea of self-indulgence, drunkenness, and worldly worries and cares pertaining to (the business of) this life, and (lest) that day come upon you suddenly like a trap or a noose; for it will come upon all who live upon the face of the entire earth.  KEEP AWAKE AND WATCH AT ALL TIMES (be discreet, attentive, and READY), praying that you may have the full strength and ability and be accounted worthy to escape all these things (taken together) that will take place, and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 Amp.)
Notice that those who are "ready" and "escape", are those who have prepared for His coming.  Jesus gave us specific instructions so we would be accounted worthy to escape and stand in His presence at His return.  We should not assume because most Christians are not on their guard, "keeping awake and watching at all times", that we will be ready for His coming.  The scriptures are clear that most will not be.  The Apostle Peter wrote that many will say, "Where is the promise of His coming?  For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation." (II Peter 3:4) The passage of time will cause many to grow complacent.  The passage of time will cause many to say (or think), "He's not coming today, tomorrow, next year, or the year thereafter."  The passage of time will cause many to become so absorbed in the busyness and affairs of life that they fail to make the preparations necessary to "escape those things that are coming on the earth" and to stand before the Son of Man at His return.
We can be ready.  We can face Jesus unashamed at His appearing.  We can make those preparations necessary so we will rejoice and experience salvation at His return.  It starts by "LOOKING FOR HIM."  It begins by eagerly anticipating His coming.  It begins by maintaining a constant awareness that His appearance is soon at hand.  It is maintained by "watching"...taking note of the fulfillment of the signs Jesus said would immediately precede His return.  Lord willing, we will be sharing what those "signs" are and how to make ready so we'll "escape" and lay hold of His great salvation!

This is not religion.
This is redemption.

Romans 3:25–28 is the heart of the gospel, and it answers a question every believer should understand:

How can a holy God forgive sinful people without compromising His justice?

Paul tells us that **God set forth Jesus as a propitiation by His blood, through faith** (v.25).
**Propitiation** means a sacrifice that fully satisfies God’s righteous judgment against sin. God did not ignore sin, excuse sin, or lower His standard. Sin was judged fully at the cross. Jesus became the place where judgment and mercy met. God’s wrath against sin was satisfied, and forgiveness was made possible without compromising holiness.

Paul also says this happened because of God’s **forbearance**. Forbearance means God temporarily restrained judgment. Throughout the Old Testament, God passed over sins, not because they were insignificant, but because He knew the full payment would be made at the cross. The blood of animals pointed forward. The blood of Jesus paid it in full.

Verse 26 declares the result: God is both **just** and the **justifier** of the one who has faith in Jesus. Justice was upheld. Mercy was released. Righteousness was not ignored; it was fulfilled in Christ.

Because of this, Paul says **boasting is excluded**. No one earns salvation. No one qualifies by works. Faith does not impress God; it simply receives what Christ has already accomplished.

The conclusion is clear in verse 28:
A person is **justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law**. Justified means declared righteous by God’s legal verdict, not by human effort.

The cross proves that God did not overlook sin. He dealt with it completely in Christ so He could forgive completely those who believe.

This is not religion.
This is redemption.

I have quoted this scripture a lot to answer the question, "why is this world so crazy?"  2 Cor. 4:4 "god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers" so they can't see the "light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God"

Have You Had Your Veil Lifted?
2 Corinthians 3:13–4:4
“Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:16 (NKJV)

1. Moses’ Veil – Concealed Glory
Paul reminds us that Moses wore a veil so the people of Israel would not see the fading glory on his face (2 Cor. 3:13).
The veil limited what they could see, not because the glory wasn’t real, but because they were not ready to behold it fully.
This represents the Old Covenant—real, but incomplete, pointing forward to something greater.
 Truth: God’s glory was present, but restricted by a veil.

2. The Veil Over the Mind
Paul then shifts from Moses to us:
“Their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted…”
— 2 Corinthians 3:14
This veil is not on the face—it’s on the understanding.
Tradition, Religious effort, Self-righteousness, Dependence on the flesh
All of these can keep people around Scripture, yet far from revelation.
 Truth: You can read the Bible and still miss Christ if the veil remains.

3. The Enemy’s Veil – Blinding the Lost
Paul takes it even further:
“But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded…”
— 2 Corinthians 4:3–4
Satan’s goal is not always rebellion—often it is blindness.
He doesn’t mind religion, as long as revelation is blocked.
The veil keeps people from seeing “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.”
 Truth: The enemy blinds minds to keep people from seeing Jesus clearly.

4. The Veil Is Lifted in Christ
Here is the good news:
“Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:16
Not when you try harder, Not when you learn more, But when you turn to the Lord
Jesus does not improve your vision—He removes the veil.
 Truth: Revelation flows from relationship, not religion.

5. So here’s the question for all of us:
Have you had your veil lifted?
Do you see Christ clearly, or only concepts about Him?
Has the gospel become light, or just information?
Are you walking in freedom, or still peering through something that clouds your view?
“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
— 2 Corinthians 3:17

Closing Thought
God is not hiding His glory.
The enemy is hiding the view.
And Jesus is still lifting veils.
Turn to Him—and see clearly.

The One Who Will Be Lord Becomes the Physical Manifestation of the One who is Still Lord for Today’s Believers.
In the realm of prophetic teachings, there is a powerful declaration that continues to resonate through the ages. This declaration pertains to the one who would rise and be recognized as the Lord, as foretold in numerous prophecies. The promised Messiah was expected by the Jews, and they had a pretty specific idea of what He would be like.  He was the one who would recover them from the rule of Rome and usher in a glorious new Kingdom to which all other nations would bow down.  The reality of the first coming of the Messiah was quite different than their expectations. We also expect the establishment of the Messiah’s Kingdom. We, believers in Jesus, are looking for His Second Coming. But I wonder if we have set expectations about what it will look like.  If we do, we must be careful that we do not miss His next steps because those steps do not fit into our expectations, just like many of the Jews of Jesus time missed the understanding of His plan as the Messiah.
The Prophecies and the Lord
The Old Testament scriptures are filled with the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ, which have been a cornerstone of the hope and expectation of every generation of believers, and of many theological discussions. According to the prophecies, there would be one individual who would rise to assume the title of the Messiah, and hence their Lord. The title of Lord indicates submission to that one who has become your benefactor, helper and protector. This first century expectation was deeply rooted in the words of David, who famously declared, "My Lord, this is my Lord."  Peter, when preaching on the day of Pentecost, uses Psalms 16 as a declaration of hope and faith, an assertion that the Lord will not fall into corruption. Then Peter quotes David’s prophecy from Psalms 110:1 “The LORD (YHVH- Father God) says to My Lord (Jesus the Son and Seed of David) Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” This show that David recognized the primacy of Jesus, who was the Lord of Lord and the final King of Kings (greater than David or any other human king).
The Miraculous Resurrection
The crux of these prophecies culminates in the miraculous event that took place on the third day. The event is often hailed as awe-inspiring and serves as a testament to the prophetic declarations. The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day stands as the monumental occurrence of human history.  The promises and prophecies were validated with the resurrection of this Seed of David and the faith of His followers, even to this present day, is affirmed as true. The profound nature of these prophetic declarations and their fulfillment is fascinating. The anticipation of the Lord's rise and the realization of those prophecies encapsulate the essence of faith and serve as a continuing source of hope for every follower of Jesus.

Out of the Box Church – 2026 Fasting Guide

A Year of Light | Walking in the Light
WHY WE FAST AS A CHURCH
In 2026, the Lord has called our church to walk in the light with clarity, obedience, and
devotion. Fasting helps us refocus our hearts, remove distractions, and draw near to God.
Fasting does not earn God's love—it creates space to experience Him more fully.
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8 NKJV)

OUR FASTING COMMITMENT
As a church family, we commit to a three-day fast at the beginning of every month throughout 2026. Each fast is a spiritual reset—a time to realign our hearts and walk forward in God's light.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

THE THEME: WALKING IN THE LIGHT
God is light, and walking with Him brings truth, clarity, and freedom. As we fast, we choose to step away from darkness and step into the life of Christ.
"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." (John 8:12 NKJV)

TYPES OF FASTS
Choose the fast the Lord leads you to do in faith:
Full Fast: Water or clear liquids only.
Partial Fast: Fruits and vegetables (Daniel-style).
Meal Fast: Skip one or two meals daily and replace with prayer.
Media Fast: Remove distractions such as social media or entertainment.
The goal is not deprivation—it is devotion.

HOW TO FAST WELL
Replace meals with prayer and Scripture. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Fast with
humility, not performance.
"When you fast… your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." (Matthew 6:17–18
NKJV)

SUGGESTED 3-DAY FAST FOCUS
Day 1 – Light Reveals
Prayer Focus: Lord, reveal anything that does not belong in my life.
Scriptures: Psalm 139:23–24; John 3:19–21
Day 2 – Light Cleanses
Prayer Focus: Lord, cleanse my heart and renew my mind.
Scriptures: 1 John 1:7–9; Ephesians 5:8–14
Day 3 – Light Leads
Prayer Focus: Lord, lead me forward in obedience and faith.
Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1–2; Proverbs 4:18

CORPORATE PRAYER
Father, we choose Your light over darkness, Your truth over compromise, and Your presence over distraction. Search us, cleanse us, and lead us. We commit to walk in the light as You are in the light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

OUR EXPECTATION FOR 2026
As we fast and walk in the light, we believe God will bring clarity, strengthen families, restore joy, and produce lasting fruit in our church.
"The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day."
(Proverbs 4:18 NKJV)

Jesus told His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)
Notice that after Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you", He said, "I will come again."  Before He comes, He will be making preparations for us.  If He is making preparations for His return, should we also be making preparations?  If so, did Jesus give us any instructions so we can be actively engaged in this process?
Thankfully, we need look no further than to the scriptures to find out.  The Apostle Paul wrote his son in the faith, Timothy, a letter so he would know how to conduct himself and guide the church he was pastoring.  He writes, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, FOR INSTRUCTION in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17) If we need to know what to do prior to Jesus' second coming, we need only look to what people did prior to His first coming.  
John the Baptist is a sterling example of a man who was sent from God to make preparations for the first coming of Jesus.  Prior to his birth, an angel appeared to his father, Zachariah, proclaiming that Elizabeth his wife would give birth to a son who would "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD." (Luke 1:17) John's life would impact the lives of others, preparing them for the coming of Jesus. 
Upon John's birth, the scriptures record that "his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied, saying, And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest; for you shall go before the face of the Lord TO PREPARE HIS WAYS." (Luke 1:67,76)
Notice that God was working through people as He made preparations for Jesus' FIRST COMING. This process began under the Old Covenant as "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (I Peter 1:21) The Old Testament prophets, "moved by the Holy Ghost" prophesied concerning Jesus' first coming.  We see the fulfillment of those prophecies as recorded in the New Testament.  An angel appeared to a young girl, Mary, and told her she would conceive and bring forth a son whose name would be called Jesus.  He would be great, and would be called the Son of the Highest.  Since she was not married, she asked the angel how this would be.  He responded, saying, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee..." (Luke 1:35)
The same Holy Spirit that inspired men to prophesy concerning the coming of our Lord also came upon Mary so she would conceive and bring Jesus into the world.  As we noted previously, the same Holy Spirit came upon Zachariah as he prophesied concerning the ministry of his son John.  The Holy Spirit was an integral part of guiding men and women to accomplish the work of God concerning the first coming of Jesus.
The angel that appeared to Zachariah prior to John the Baptist's birth also declared, "For he (John) shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; AND HE SHALL BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST, EVEN FROM HIS MOTHER'S WOMB." (Luke 1:15) The same Spirit that empowered the prophets to prophesy concerning Jesus's coming; the same Spirit that empowered Mary to conceive Jesus; the same Spirit that prompted Zachariah to prophesy concerning his son John; is the same Spirit that empowered John the Baptist to fulfill his ministry.  What ministry?  TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD AND PREPARE A PEOPLE FOR HIS COMING!
We have the glorious opportunity to participate in the second coming of Jesus.  The scriptures have been given us for "instruction in righteousness: that we may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works!" (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Working together with God to bring Jesus back is certainly a "good work." God has given us instruction AND AN INVITATION to work together with Him.  He has also given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and enable us to accomplish this task. 
We can look to the life and ministry of John the Baptist as an example to follow.  He came to prepare the way for Jesus' first coming. John was FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST from his mother's womb.  The Holy Spirit was an indispensable part of John's ministry.   The Holy Spirit was an indispensable part of Jesus' ministry.  Luke records that Jesus "full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in (by) the Holy Spirit." (Luke 4:1) Before Jesus's final ascension, He told His disciples to "wait for the promise of the Father" and be baptized (filled) with the Holy Spirit before they commenced with their ministry.  In fulfillment of this promise, Luke records that a few days later "they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts. 2:4)
To fully participate in preparing for our Lord's return, we too must be filled with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said, "If you then...know how to give good gifts unto your children; how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit TO THEM THAT ASK HIM." (Luke 11:13) Won't you ask Him today?  Why wait?  Let's get busy, preparing the way for that glorious day!

Don’t you love NEW?  New cars, new clothes, new day, new year—pretty much anything new! Of course, new wears off of all things natural.  But the new does not wear off the spiritual things in this life.  I always look forward to the New Year.  I like to start fresh anew with God; expecting new changes, fulfillments of promises and new revelations about Him. I don’t make new year resolutions, instead I start looking for new year revelations from Him. Just think about all the new God offers in the Bible—New Life, New Covenant, New Wine, New Tongues, New Name, New Commandment, New Song, New Teaching.  (I assure you there is a scripture promising each one of these new things—look them up, you will get blessed in your search.)
Romans 7:6 in part promises “we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” I’ve been finding out new ways of the Spirit for almost 50 years, and I know that He has more new ways to reveal to me in this next new year. Jesus told me many years ago that I was a "new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17) and that He would teach me how to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24). I’m still learning how to do that in my daily life.  But He also promises in Lamentations 3:22-23 that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!" So, I get to start fresh when I fail because His mercy (and grace to overcome) is new every time I turn toward Him.
Christmas season puts a bow on the gift of last year, but the New Years celebration can be an opening up of the next season God has for you.  He will lead you into new paths, new plans and new revelations if you will follow His leading.  Don’t get sidetracked with the cares of life. Take the time to pause, listen and seek the new things He has for you!  Happy New Year---2026 is gonna be your best year ever!

I was reading in 1 John 4:10 this morning.....Jesus is our PROPITIATION for our sins!  Below is a little study on that word that will bless you this morning:
What does “propitiation” mean?
The word propitiation comes from the Greek hilasmós, meaning:
* A sacrifice that satisfies justice
* An atoning offering that removes wrath
* A payment that fully covers sin
In simple terms:� Jesus did not merely cover our sins temporarily — He satisfied God’s righteous judgment against sin completely.
The Biblical Picture Behind the Word
In the Old Testament, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16):
* The high priest sprinkled blood on the mercy seat.
* That blood covered the broken law inside the Ark.
* God’s righteous judgment was satisfied by a substitute.
Jesus fulfilled this picture perfectly.
* He is both the High Priest and the sacrifice.
* His blood didn’t cover sin for a year — it removed it once and for all.
Why This Matters in 1 John 4:10
John makes an important clarification:
“Not that we loved God, but that He loved us…”
This means:
* God’s love was not a response to our goodness.
* God acted first, while we were still sinners.
* Love is proven by sacrifice, not emotion.
 The cross is not proof of how much we love God — it is proof of how much God loves us.
Propitiation vs. Common Misunderstandings
 Not: God “overlooked” sin� Not: God ignored justice� Not: Jesus convinced an angry Father to calm down
 Truth:
* The Father sent the Son.
* Justice was fully satisfied.
* Mercy was legally released.
* Love and holiness met at the cross.
Key Truth
Because Jesus is our propitiation:
* There is no remaining wrath for the believer (Romans 8:1).
* Our forgiveness is secure, not fragile.
* Salvation rests on what Christ finished, not what we maintain.
 You don’t live forgiven because God is lenient — you live forgiven because Jesus paid in full.
My Question:?
When you love, you sacrifice……How much do you love God?

For most, this is a busy time of year.  So much to do.  There are Christmas programs and parties, cards to send, things to decorate, presents to buy.  All this while you struggle to maintain your sanity at work or at school.  Life becomes so busy we often fail of the peace that Jesus came to give.  Wasn't it the angelic heavenly host that celebrated Jesus' coming, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"!
Yet, that first Christmas posed many challenges, even for those who were given a divine call to bring Jesus into the earth.
Joseph had received the summons to go up from Galilee to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to register for a Roman census with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  Joseph had just finished paying the bills when he received notice that he needed to register for a future tax.  He'd prepared the nursery.  Being a carpenter, he'd busied himself with making a wooden cradle.  He'd set aside money for the additional expense a new family member would bring.  Perhaps he hadn't anticipated he'd be hit with a future tax bill and the additional expense of making a long journey to Bethlehem (the place of his lineage).  FedEx had yet to be born!
Then there was Mary who was "great" with child.  She couldn't make the trip on foot.  She'd need a mode of transportation to make her journey as easy and comfortable as possible.  Perhaps he didn't have a donkey tied up in the back ready to go.  He'd need to purchase or rent one.  MORE EXPENSE!  If he borrowed one, he'd need to feed and care for it along the way.
They had to make preparation for the trip.  They'd need to pack a bag or two and make sure their home and shop were secured in the wake of their absence.  Then, off to Bethlehem they'd go.
The trip wasn't easy.  They'd need to stop and rest from time to time to regain their strength.   They, no doubt, took great comfort in knowing that a warm, cozy, accommodating Inn awaited them with all the comforts of home.
They arrived in Bethlehem just in time to find out there's no room at the Inn.  They had no way of making advanced reservations.  Nobody took pity on them, seeing that Mary was about to have her baby.  They'd have to spend the night in a nasty stable and do the best they could to make for a sanitary condition.    Maybe it hadn't been cleaned that day.  Perhaps Joseph had to grab a shovel or pitchfork and do a little "barn cleaning" before it was a suitable place for a delivery.
Mary is soon to have her child.  They'd need plenty of fresh water and clean towels.  They'd need adequate lighting.
Bottom line, it took a lot of effort to prepare for what we'd call, the first Christmas.
Yet, in the midst of this ordeal, an angelic host appear to shepherds, praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men".
Mary and Joseph hadn't received much "goodwill" from the Innkeeper.  The Roman government hadn't made it convenient for them to register for the census.  And peace may have escaped them as they made the long, arduous journey and prepared for Christ's coming.
Yet, in spite of it all, the angelic messengers are sent by God to a little place like Bethlehem proclaiming "Peace on earth, goodwill toward men."
God knew His peace was not predicated on one's circumstances.  Many of us want to wait until everything is perfectly in order to have peace.   "If only I can get all the cards mailed and the presents bought and the tree decorated; then I can have peace."  That's the way many of us live. But can we have peace in the midst of it all?  Apparently so.  For the angels didn't wait till Mary and Joseph were back in the comforts of home in order to proclaim peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 reads, "Be careful for nothing (the Amplified Translation says, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything"); but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, WHICH PASSETH ALL UNDERSTANDING, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
We can enjoy the peace of God when it makes absolutely no sense.  God's peace can bypass our understanding. God's peace is not predicated on our circumstances.  We can have peace whether it's stormy or calm; whether we've lost a job, a loved one or anything else.   How? By taking every situation before God in prayer with thanksgiving.  God's peace comes as we place the burden of unmet need upon Him in prayer.  As we pray, we stop taking upon ourselves the sole responsibility for getting the job done.  We may be very "pregnant" with our situation.  We are feeling the pressure.  We're feeling discomforted.  Life can be filled with need, pain and uncertainty.  But we have an open invitation from God to petition Him in prayer, knowing that, on the authority and integrity of His Word, He is willing and able to meet our every need.  Suddenly our "yoke becomes easy and our burden light".  I can rest, assured in knowing that He'll comfort my troubled soul.  As I shop, I'll discover good deals that will save me money.  I'll find what I need quickly and easily.  I'll get to the post office in time for my packages to arrive on schedule.  I won't fall off the ladder as I'm stringing the Christmas lights!  And my friends and relatives will be in good spirits as we meet together for meaningful fun and fellowship around the tree and the dining room table.
So, as you're getting gifts for everyone else, take the time to receive the greatest gift of all.  Receive the peace that only Jesus can give.   It will bypass your understanding.  It will bypass your troubled soul and busy schedule.  Be assured that God will hear and answer you when you call.  Jesus came that we might have peace.  Don't miss out on the very reason that we celebrate this season.  To everyone, have a very peaceful, Merry Christmas!

2 Corinthians 3:18    But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
What a stunning promise...to be transformed into the image of the Lord.  This is God’s plan to return us to His original intention for humankind.  God, in the Garden of Eden, first made man in His own image but of course you know that Adam and Eve bartered that image away in exchange for a lie from Satan (Genesis 3).  God sent Jesus to live a life that showed us what the image of God in human form looks like and what an image-bearer could do through a Spirit filled, committed vessel.  After living that life example for us, Jesus paid the ultimate price required to buy back for us what man had given away.  Now we must return to His calling as image bearers through a process, which Paul describes here in these words to the Corinthian church.
Let’s examine this process step-by-step. Step one is an unveiled face. In our society the only time we are likely to see a veiled face is at the beginning of a bridal ceremony. We as the Bride of Christ often come to Him with the veil in place.  What does a veil do? It hides the real you. A bride cannot be known, recognized or have any intimacy with the bridegroom until she is willing to remove the veil that hangs between them.  As lovers of Jesus, we have to come with honesty, unveiled and willing to show Him our real self.  If we have scars, blemishes or emotional distresses we can only be known when we reveal those to Him.  He is our healer (mind, body and soul) but we will not be able to receive that healing until we are open, honest and willing to reveal our need to Him.
The next step listed is “beholding as in a mirror.”  What is the mirror you might ask—well, James gives us that answer. James 1:23-24 tells us “For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” So, we must be looking into the Word to behold the image of God, the glory of the Lord as displayed in Jesus.  Jesus has sent that glory back to us through the infilling of Himself—the Holy Spirit birth and then baptism.
Our transformation is line upon line or step by step (Is. 28:10 “For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little”), as Paul puts it here “from glory to glory”.  So, step three involves patient endurance as we apply the His Word to our lives and our circumstance letting His glory be worked out in our daily lives through obedience to His Word. Paul’s final phrase “just as from the Lord, the Spirit” reminds us that this is not a work we can do ourselves, it is only accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit and directed from the Lord.
I want more glory of the Lord manifested in my life! So, I am committing to more veil removing, and more mirror gazing (Word reading and applying) for this coming year.  He can and will remove my spiritual scars, blemishes, wrinkle, smudges and frown lines as I expose them to Him with an unveiled soul.  Then He will give me revelation and application as I seek to see Him in His Word.  I’ve been in the process for many years, and I know I still have more glory to gain through submission to Him, His Word and His Ways!

I'm quoting from Acts 3:1-8. "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked an alms.  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John said, Look on us.  And he gave heed to them, expecting to receive something of them.  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.  And he took him by the right hand and lift him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength, and he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God". 
No doubt, Peter and John had seen this man begging for alms before.  After all, he was laid at the gate of the temple every day and Peter and John entered the temple every day to pray.  Why didn't Peter and John bring some money from home knowing that there was a lame man who needed money?   Perhaps Jesus had seen this man during His earthly ministry.  Jesus had been in Jerusalem and had been to the temple where he overthrew the tables of the money changers and declared that the temple should be a house of prayer.
Why didn't Peter, John, and Jesus give the man what he wanted?  I believe the answer to that question is found in Romans 8:14 which reads, "For as many as are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, they are the sons of God."  
I don't believe there was a lack of compassion on their part.  They had devoted their lives to ministry.  But the Holy Spirit knew what the man really needed...and it wasn't just money to buy a loaf of bread!  What the man needed was to be made whole.  The Holy Spirit looked past the fruit of the situation and addressed the root of it.
If Peter and John had been led by the man, he may have spent the rest of his life a beggar and a cripple.  Instead of being led by the need, Peter and John, led by the Holy Spirit, addressed what the man really needed.
Romans 5:5 declares that the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.."  It's true, God has given us a heart of compassion.  But Ephesians 1:17 also declares that God gives us an "a spirit (heart) of WISDOM..."  As the Holy Spirit leads us, He NEVER works apart from love AND WISDOM.  What if someone had given the "prodigal son" a Big Mac and a Quarter Pounder with fries every day as he was feeding pigs?  Do you think he would have "come to himself" and returned to his father's house?  The man had squandered his father's inheritance with corrupt, riotous living and had been reduced to feeding another man's hogs.  He was so hungry he "would have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat." (Luke 15:16) The Bible declares that "The appetite of laborers works for them; their hunger drives them on." (Proverbs 16:26 NIV). The prodigal's hunger worked for him that day for he humbly returned to his father's house and was reinstated to a place of honor and provision!
There were times Jesus gave bread and fish to the multitudes.  At other times He gave instructions to fishermen who obeyed and filled their nets with fish!  Why did He perform a miracle on one occasion and on another give practical advice?  The answer...HE WAS LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD!  
This is the season for giving.  Much time will be spent surfing the internet and walking store isles in search of gifts.  What will we purchase?  Will we take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance?  He may have us give a gift package of "Omaha Steaks" or a gift card to "Red Lobster."  He may have us buy a book filled with practical advice.  He may have us give them both!
This Christmas, let's acknowledge the Lord as we give.  It may lift a man up and out of a desperate situation and send him on his way "walking, and leaping, and praising God!"

The Eight Steps of Spiritual Growth: A Breakdown of 2 Peter 1:5–8
2 Peter 1:5–8 gives us one of the clearest and most practical pictures of what spiritual maturity looks like. Peter doesn’t just tell us to grow — he shows us how to grow. This passage is often called the “Spiritual Growth Ladder,” and each step builds upon the one before it.
Before Peter begins listing the steps, he reminds us that God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In other words, spiritual growth is not something you achieve by your own strength. It is your response to God’s grace working in your life.
Let’s walk through the eight steps Peter lays out.
1. Faith — The Foundation of Everything
Faith is where the Christian life begins. You cannot add anything else until you first trust Jesus. Faith is not a feeling; it’s confidence in the character and promises of God.
Every other virtue grows out of this foundation.
2. Virtue — Moral Excellence
Virtue means moral courage, purity, and upright character. It’s the strength to do what’s right even when pressure pushes you the other way. True faith always produces a change in character.
This is where believers begin to stand out from the world.
3. Knowledge — Discernment and Understanding
Once virtue takes root, you begin seeking knowledge — not just information, but spiritual understanding. Knowledge helps you discern truth from error. It shows you what pleases God and what doesn’t. It protects you from deception and equips you to walk wisely.
This is why time in the Word is non-negotiable for growth.
4. Self-Control — Mastery Over Desires
Self-control means saying “no” to the wrong things so you can say “yes” to the right things. It is mastery of your emotions, impulses, and flesh.
A believer without self-control will always sabotage their own growth. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we gain the ability to live disciplined, intentional lives.
5. Perseverance — Steadfastness in Trials
Perseverance is endurance under pressure. It means you don’t quit when life gets hard. You remain faithful when others fall away. Growth takes time, and trials produce strength.
Every mature believer has one thing in common: they kept going.
6. Godliness — A Life Oriented Toward God
Godliness means living with consistent devotion, reverence, and Christlike attitude. It is when God becomes the center of your life, not just a part of your weekly schedule.
This step reflects an inward transformation that affects everything outward.
7. Brotherly Kindness — Love for Other Believers
Brotherly kindness (philadelphia) is affection for the family of God. It’s unity, humility, compassion, and genuine care for other Christians. This is how the church becomes a living testimony to the world.
We cannot claim to love God while neglecting His people.
8. Love — Agape, the Highest Virtue
This is the peak of the spiritual growth ladder.
Agape is sacrificial love — the kind Jesus showed us. It’s love that seeks the good of others even at personal cost. It’s the ultimate evidence of spiritual maturity.
Everything in the Christian life points upward to this kind of love.
The Promise: Fruitful and Effective Living
Peter ends with a powerful statement:

“For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:8)

If these qualities are increasing in your life, you will be fruitful.
Your relationship with Jesus will be alive, effective, and overflowing with purpose.
The key isn’t perfection.
It’s progress.
Growth is the expectation.
Fruit is the result.
Final Encouragement
Spiritual maturity doesn’t happen accidentally. Peter says to grow with all diligence. That means intentional effort — a decision to add, build, and increase continually.
Start where you are.
Add what’s missing.
Allow the Holy Spirit to shape Christ within you.
As these virtues abound in your life, you’ll discover the joy and effectiveness God designed you to walk in.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth saying, "Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Cor. 14:40)
God is a God of order.  He is very intentional in what He does, and He puts first things first.  In this same letter to the church, Paul said that they were God's building and that He and others were co-laborers with God in this building project.  Paul wrote, "...I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon."  (I Cor. 3:19) Notice that God used Paul to lay a foundation before anything else was built.  Why?  Because everything else needed A PLACE upon which to be built.  God knows in order to do anything; you must first establish a place for it.
We observe this principle in the first chapter of Genesis.  Before God filled the earth with birds, fish, vegetation, and animals He first created a place for them.  Genesis 1:6 records that God created the expanse of the sky for birds. In verse 9 He gathered the waters together into one place for the fish and established dry land for the grass, herb, and fruit trees.  Later, He brought forth living creatures such as cattle, creeping things, animal life, and man.  
According to John 1:1-3, Jesus (the Word of God), created all things.  Verse 3 says, "All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.  So, creation manifested how Jesus works.  Before He fills something, He first provides a place for it.  He does all things "decently and in order."
We see this in John 20:19-22 where Jesus appears to His disciples who were hiding in fear of the Jews.  He says to them, "Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so, send I you.  And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."  Did they receive the Holy Ghost?  Apparently so, because Luke records that after Jesus' final ascension to heaven, "They worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem WITH GREAT JOY! (Luke 24:52)
Joy is a fruit of the Spirit! (Galatians 5:22) The Spirit within them turned their fear into joy!
That begs the question, if they had the Spirit, why did Jesus, just prior to His ascension say, "And behold, I send the "Promise" of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." (Luke 24:49) Luke clarifies what this Promise is in Acts 1:4-5, 8 writing, "And being assembled together with them, (Jesus) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the "Promise" of the Father...For John truly baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence...But you shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..."  
We see the fulfillment of this "Promise" in Acts 2:1-2, 4 which reads, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven...and it filled all the house where they were sitting.  And they were all FILLED with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The "Promise" that Jesus spoke of FILLED the believers with the Holy Spirit.  Why didn't Jesus FILL the believers with the Holy Spirit before His ascension?  Because Jesus always does first things first.  THERE NEEDED TO BE A PLACE TO FILL!  His disciples were dead spiritually...dead in their trespasses and sins.  They needed to be born again.  They needed a new heart. They needed to be raised from the dead as Jesus had been raised from the dead.  How?  By the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:11) When Jesus breathed on them and said, Receive ye the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God came into them and CREATED A PLACE...a new place...a holy place…a living place where the fullness of the Spirit could dwell...a place that Jesus could now FILL!
When the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, many had gathered together who witnessed this outpouring.  After Peter stood up and preached, the scriptures record they were "pricked in their heart, and said, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  Peter responded saying, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.  FOR THE PROMISE is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."
Notice, the Promise was the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Peter referred to this outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost as a gift.  This was the "Promise" Jesus spoke of.  Those that would repent and receive the remission of sin would be candidates for this Promise.  They would receive a new heart.  A new place, a holy place, would be created within which Jesus could fill with his Spirit.  And Peter said this "Promise" was to ALL THOSE AFAR OFF, EVEN AS MANY AS THE LORD OUR GOD SHALL CALL! (Acts 2:39) If you've answered the call, the call of salvation, then you are a candidate to receive this Promise.  Receive it by faith.  Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit.  He will.  He has promised to fill all those who ask Him! (Luke 11:11-12)

The person of the Holy Spirit is an indispensable part of God's work in the earth today.  As we will see in today's article, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit in His place to equip and prepare the church to carry out God's will.  According to Ephesians 5:25-27, Jesus is in the process of presenting to Himself a "glorious church", "not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing...HOLY and without blemish."  How is Jesus doing that?  According to the Apostle Peter, He is doing it through the person and power of the Holy Spirit.  When referring to the saints, Peter wrote that they are "sanctified, MADE HOLY, BY THE SPIRIT to be obedient to Jesus Christ." (I Peter 1:2 Amp.)  Jesus is coming again, and the Holy Spirit is preparing Jesus' bride for the day when she will be presented before Him. It is thus essential for the church to become fully acquainted with the Holy Spirit and His work so she will be prepared for the glorious day of Jesus' return.
We see the Holy Spirit at work throughout the four gospels.  In Luke 1:15, an angel appears to Zachariah, declaring that he and his wife Elisabeth will have a son, John the Baptist, who will go before the Lord (Jesus), filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.  In Luke 1:26-38, we have record of the angel Gabriel appearing to the virgin Mary, declaring that she will conceive and bring forth a son who shall be great, the Son of the Highest, who will reign over the house of Jacob forever.  Having no husband, Mary inquires of the angel how she will conceive. The angel responds, saying, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee."  Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus was conceived in Mary's womb!
During Mary's pregnancy, she went into the hill country, into a city of Juda, and entered into the house of Zacharias and Elisabeth (who was pregnant with John). When Mary greeted her, the scriptures record that Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke out with a loud voice, saying, "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb." (Luke 1:39-42)
Upon John's birth, his father, Zacharias, filled with the Holy Ghost, prophesied concerning the ministry of Jesus and his son, John. (Luke 1:67) Luke also records that a man, Simeon, was continually praying concerning the coming of Jesus and the Holy Spirit revealed to him "that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ." (Luke 1:26)  
The third chapter of Luke's gospel records the ministry of John the Baptist who came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  We referred to a previous passage where the angel told his father, Zachriah, that he (John) would be filled with the Spirit from his mother's womb.  So, John's ministry was conducted under the power of the Holy Spirit.  John was "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight."  Upon seeing Jesus coming to the river Jordan to be baptized of him, John declares, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29) He also declares, " I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh...He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." (Luke 3:16)
As John baptizes Jesus, "the heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him." (Luke 3:21-22) Luke then records that Jesus, FULL OF AND CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, RETURNED FROM THE JORDAN AND WAS LED IN (BY) THE HOLY SPIRIT" into the wilderness to be tempted (tried, tested) by the devil. (Luke 4:1-2)  Notice that Jesus' ministry did not commence UNTIL the Holy Spirit descended UPON Him at Jordan.  After 40 days, upon leaving the wilderness, Jesus came to His hometown, Nazareth, entered the synagogue, and stood up to read from the book of the prophet Esaias. When He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written of Him, " The SPIRIT OF THE LORD is upon me, because HE HAS ANOINTED ME to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." (Luke 4:16-19)
These passages bear witness of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus from the time of his conception until He was launched into His ministry.  The prophet Isaiah foretold that Jesus' ministry would be conducted under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 10:38, Luke writes, "How GOD ANOINTED JESUS OF NAZARETH WITH THE HOLY GHOST AND WITH POWER: Who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him."
Do we need the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives today?  If Jesus needed the Spirit in His life and ministry, I believe it is safe to say that we do too!  Want to know more about the person and work of Holy Spirit? Do you want the power that revealed Jesus to the world to be at work in your life?  If we want our lives to reflect the reality of Jesus' life and ministry in the earth today, we must consider and embrace the fact that the Holy Spirit is an indispensable part of bringing that to pass.

Hebrews 13:15 reads, "By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name."   Notice that praise is an offering of thanksgiving to God. Notice it's a "sacrifice" of praise that is offered "continually."  "Does that mean that I thank God for everything that happens in my life?"  No!!  I Thessalonians 5:18 says, "IN EVERYTHING give thanks."  It doesn't say "FOR" everything give thanks. That means no matter what I'm facing, whether good or bad, IN THE MIDST OF EVERY TRIAL AND DIFFICULTY, whether I feel like it or not, I'm to render praise (thanksgiving) to God, giving thanks for who He is and what He has done in my life.  
So much of the time we are more mindful of the visible and temporal and thus we give thanks for what we can see and feel.  We give God thanks for our food.  We thank Him for good health.  We thank Him for loved ones and friends.  But some of the most precious things in life cannot be seen with human eyes or touched with human hands.  Joy cannot be seen, but it is none the less real.  Likewise, love and peace are blessings that money cannot buy.   God takes pleasure in providing us all the material blessings in life and He wants us to enjoy them.  But from His perspective, one of the most precious things He has given us is far over and above everything else.  In His eyes, His most precious gift to man is...................HIMSELF!
If you read the first chapter of Ephesians, you'll find that one of our chief, eternal purpose is to live for the "praise of His Glory".  Ephesians 1:5-6 reads, "Having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ TO HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of His will, TO THE PRAISE OF THE GLORY of His grace, wherein HE HAS MADE US ACCEPTED in the beloved."   And again, in Ephesians 1:11-12, "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the purpose of Him......that we should be to the PRAISE OF HIS GLORY, who first trusted in Christ."
We just saw in Hebrews 13:15 that PRAISE is the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS unto God.  It's clear from these two passages, that one of our eternal purposes is to give praise (thanks) for His "Glory".
Many Christians have no idea what His glory is much less give thanks for it.  For most of my life, I had little to no idea what His "glory" was even though it's mentioned multiple times in both Old and New testaments.
In Exodus 33:18-23 we have an account of Moses conversing with God, and he makes a special request.  He asks, "I beseech thee, show me Thy Glory."  God responds saying, "I will make all my goodness pass before you.......You cannot see My face: for there shall no man see Me, and live.  Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand upon a rock:  And it shall come to pass while my GLORY passes by, that I will put you in a clift of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by: and I will take away my hand, and you shall see My back parts: but My face shall not be seen."
Notice that Moses asks to see the GLORY of God and God responds by showing Moses HIMSELF!  Although Moses cannot see God's face, he is able to see the back side of God as God passes before him.  Moses asks to see God's Glory and God responds by revealing Himself to Moses.  God manifests His presence.  Thus, we see that THE GLORY OF GOD IS THE MANIFESTED PRESENCE OF GOD.
When God created man, He placed him in a beautiful garden and endowed him with the authority and power to tend it and watch over it.  God gave man access to His presence.  At the time of man's creation, an angel posed a question to God saying, "What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him?" (Psalms 8:4) To an angel, this was unheard of.  Created beings seek God's presence, God doesn't seek theirs.  Yet, the angel observed that God came down to visit man in the garden.  At the time of man's fall, the scripture records, "And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden."  No doubt, God had walked with man many times in the cool of the day.  God wanted to be with His man....so much so, that He even made a way for man to walk CONTINUALLY in His presence. Verse 5 of Psalms 8 reads, "For you...have crowned him with GLORY and honor."
When God created man, He crowned him.  A crown is made from the most precious substance you can find.  Earthly kings are crowned with gold and precious jewels; but gold is the asphalt of heaven!  Heaven's streets are paved with it.  When God crowned man, He used the most precious substance He could find.  That substance was none other than HIMSELF!  God crowned man with GLORY, His manifested presence!  So long as man chose to walk with God, he enjoyed God's presence on a daily, moment by moment basis. But one day man took a different path....a path that God could not follow.  Man chose to fellowship with darkness and in doing so separated Himself from the God of light and life.
When man sinned, he fell away from the glory (presence) of God; and since all have sinned, each of us have fallen away from Him.  Romans 3:23 declares, "ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  Since the time of man's fall, God has endeavored to make a way for man to regain access to His presence.  God has gone to GREAT LENGTHS to restore what man lost.  Access to His presence has come at no small price.  Access to His presence meant that God needed a plan.  Access to His presence meant that God would work that plan through fallen humanity.  Access to His presence meant that He would have to send His only begotten Son into a world that would despise, abuse and nail Him to a cross. Access to His presence meant that the blood of His Son would have to be shed.   Access to His presence meant that His Son would have to live a sinless life upon a corrupted planet and become sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).  Access to His presence came at no small price.
We have much cause to rejoice and be thankful.  Hebrews 10:19,22: 4:16 declares, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus....Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
Access to His presence means we have mercy.  Access to His presence means we can obtain grace to help in time of need.  Access means we can have fullness of joy and pleasures for ever more! (Psalms 16:11).  
No wonder, a man like David, who had experienced fame, fortune and every form of worldly pleasure said, "ONE THING HAVE I DESIRED OF THE LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple."
May that be our foremost desire today.  May we pause and continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise, that is, THE "FRUIT" OF OUR LIPS giving thanks to His name.  As we deck our Thanksgiving tables with all manner of food and drink, may we lavish upon the Lord a banquet of praise!  Praise, that through the blood of Jesus, we can access His presence.  Praise that we can walk with Him and talk with Him in unbroken fellowship.  
"Thank you, heavenly Father, for access to your presence.  Thank you for the sacrifice that made that possible.  Thank you for an abundant life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Father, we thank you in Jesus' Name!

God, Who Is Rich in Mercy
 (A Word Study on Ephesians 2:4)

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." 
Ephesians 2:4-5

Ephesians 2:4 contains one of the most beautiful descriptions of God’s character:
“But God, who is rich in mercy…”
These words shine brightest against the dark backdrop of verses 1–3. Paul describes humanity as dead in sin, enslaved to worldly patterns, driven by the flesh, and under God’s righteous judgment. Then everything changes with two words: “But God…”

The Greek Meaning of “Rich in Mercy”
Paul uses the word plousios, meaning wealthy or overflowing. God is abundant in mercy — His mercy is not sparingly given but lavishly poured out.
The word eleos (mercy) refers to compassion that acts. In Scripture, mercy is not just an emotion; it is intervention. It’s God stepping into our misery to deliver us.
The Hebrew Background Behind Paul’s Words

Though Paul writes in Greek, he thinks in Hebrew. Three major Old Testament words inform his understanding:
1. Rachamim — Deep Compassion
This word is related to the Hebrew term for “womb.” It pictures God’s tender, parental love for His people.
2. Hesed — Steadfast, Covenant Mercy
Hesed is God’s faithful love—loyal, enduring, unbreakable. It’s mercy based on covenant, not performance.
3. Chanan — Undeserved Favor
This points to God’s willingness to show grace to the unworthy. It stresses that mercy is not earned but given.
Together, these terms paint mercy as part of God’s eternal nature, not a momentary reaction.

What Mercy Does
According to Ephesians 2:5–6, God’s mercy:

• Makes us alive with Christ
• Raises us with Christ
• Seats us with Christ in heavenly places

In other words, mercy resurrects, restores, and repositions us.

Why God Shows Mercy
Verse 7 tells us the purpose:
so that God might display the immeasurable riches of His grace for all eternity. Mercy reveals the beauty of God forever.

Conclusion
Ephesians 2:4 reminds us that God has more mercy than we have sin, more compassion than we have failure, and more love than we have brokenness. His mercy is limitless, tender, faithful, and powerful — and it is available to us in Christ.