Victory ..... JOY

When you live in victory you will have JOY! Joy is the evidence others see in your life. Many times I have been ask this question: "Why are you so happy"? I always answer the same way: "Why aren't YOU"? This opens great conversation opportunities that often lead to spiritual growth. If you live following Jesus you will live in victory.

S.O.A.P.

2-28-2015      Romans 8:29-31

S.       29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

O.      God will secure his children and bring them glory.

A.      I am secure because of Christ. I must not sin and bring disgrace upon the perfect sacrifice. I must live a holy life.

P.       Father; you have made me holy in Christ Jesus and I ask for wisdom to accomplish all my days as an example of your powerful Grace. Amen.

Waiting

I get in a hurry......way to often. Waiting is not one of my best skills. So; there have been many lessons lately. The traffic in Dallas was extra slow, the contact was very late, my check did not show in my account when I knew it should. Extra lessons, or is it practice?

S.O.A.P.

2-27-2015      Romans 8:26-28

S.       26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

O.      The Holy Spirit is our comforter; He brings us through all of life’s ups and downs.

A.      I will lean on my helper and be patient, even in this storm.

P.       Father; calm my spirit and mind with your touch. I welcome the Holy Spirit to lead me through this day. Amen.

I am Loved!

I am full of joy. I am happy. I am at peace. This is a beautiful day, I will rejoice and be glad. All this because: I am loved!

S.O.A.P.

2-26-2015      Romans 8:22-25

S.       22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

O.      By hope, man is waiting for the blessed redemption of the body.

A.      Trials and tribulation are present in this life for all man-kind. The Christian has a Hope for the future because of the cross. That Hope is called Faith also.

P.       Father; comfort me in my time of trial. Ease my pain and set me free from worry. Amen.

Look out.......snow in Texas!

Snow in the morning and using the air conditioner in the evening, only in Texas. Driving to Fort Worth today was quite exhilarating. Was the car going to slide through the intersection, was the other driver going to stop "before" he hit me? God was with us and I reached a new level of faith, found in all that prayer. Sister is healing well and surgery was a complete success. She was the reason for the drive!

S.O.A.P.

2-25-2015      Romans 8:19-21

S.       18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

O.      There is hope for the child of God.

A.      If I live in hope, I can live without fear, dread and worry.

P.       Father; I praise you in this blessed hope stirring in my heart today. Help me share this hope. Amen.

The return of Christ may be Today

Jesus is coming to remove his faithful, watching, prepared servants. It could be today........are you ready, are you wearing a wedding garment that is without spot or wrinkle? Modern Christianity seems to be failing when it comes to preparing itself to meet Jesus. When every thought or action is centered on self (catering to the flesh) no room for serving God remains. Me, me, me, I, I, I, are traps created by too much interest in the flesh and the flesh decays into sin every time. Jesus may return today.

S,O,A.P.

2-24-2015      Romans 8:16-18

S.       16 the Spirit itself Beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

O.      One becomes a joint-heir with Christ when the Spirit of God enters and sin is overcome. Suffering leads to glory.

A.      I am adopted into God’s family and made an heir by accepting (believing and repenting) the substitutionary work of Jesus on the cross, converting (abandoning all sinful practices), welcoming the Holy Spirit to abide within (filled with the Spirit) and fellowshiping and worshiping God every day on my life’s journey.

    P.     Father; reveal to me the things that hinder our fellowship and help me conquer my flesh by                the power of Grace. Amen.  

Sleet AND Thunder?

Sleet and thunder started a couple hours ago and the ground is already covered. This will be a good day to stay in and enjoy my new CD's. Winter in Texas is always unpredictable but both hail and thunder is odd. A nice fire will be fun today also. Stay in ans stay warm.

S.O.A.P.

2-23-2015      Romans 8:15

S.       15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

O.      The Spirit of adoption brings man into God.

A.      I am made a part of the family of God by adoption and I can call God, “Father”.

P.       Father; Thank you for calling me into the Family. I rejoice in your love and provision. Amen.

Healing Faith Please

Why does life have so much pain? Why do good people suffer? When will it ever end? These thoughts are in my head this morning because of all the suffering I see around me. Sick children running high unexplained temperatures, dear friends with added problems from diabetes, falls, heart malfunction......on and on. The mental stress seems to be as heavy as the physical maladies. I want God to give me a healing type of faith like he gave to the Apostles in the Bible. Pray with me and let's agree together for this gift.


S.O.A.P.

2-22-2015      Romans 8:12-14

S.       12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

O.     How to be a son of God!

A.      I can be totally free from all fleshly bondage by simply inviting the Holy Spirit into my life and then responding to his leadership; less of me, more of God.

     P.            Father in Heaven; fill me so full of your Holy Spirit that no room for my flesh remains. Use me up                  as a servant as I Shepard my flock. Amen.