"That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven: for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."Matthew 5:45

The Lord is quoted in this scripture in Matthew and it contains an important principle which I think we sometimes tend to overlook. Many believe and even teach that if someone acquires much material prosperity, then God has surely given them favor, and that if someone is undergoing extreme trial, it must be because they have sinned or that they lack faith. But the Lord says that the sun rises and the rain falls on both the righteous and the unrighteous alike. A life of good circumstances does not necessarily mean that God is with us. And likewise, a life of trial and suffering does not mean that God is not with us! If we base our lives on our circumstances, we are no different than people without God. What makes us different from the world is that we have something far greater than our circumstances! We can live victoriously both in want and in plenty because we have a relationship with the living God! Brothers & Sisters, there is nothing wrong with rejoicing through the good times but we need to rejoice through the bad as well! If you're going through some hard times, choose to rejoice in the Lord today! We have a greater treasure and a more amazing victory when our lives are centered upon Him at all times! DO YOU WANT A GREATER TREASURE?

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."Acts 4:13

Just a few weeks prior to this incident, the disciples were trembling for their lives as their Lord was arrested and then crucified. They had all fled in the Garden of Gethsemane and then Peter, whose boldness was legendary, had denied him three times. The fact that they had been serving with Jesus for three years, witnessing many miracles, including Peter's amazing walk on the water, apparently did not inspire the necessary courage to watch for an hour or to stick with Him to the end. Perhaps the miraculous had become a bit commonplace for them, so that when the threat to Jesus came full force, they floundered and failed miserably. What happened that changed their state of being so dramatically in this encounter with the Jewish leaders? I believe it was two things: one, that they had seen their Lord resurrected from the dead, and two, that they were now filled with that resurrection life and power themselves, by the Holy Spirit. The power of the resurrection was within and upon them! The reality and security of God's indwelling Presence and power, and His words “Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do”, inspired a boldness far beyond any merely human courage. This boldness amazed the Sadducees and Pharisees who despised Peter and John as "unlearned and ignorant"men. They marveled at the unabashed fearlessness of the apostles whose knowledge was of a different and superior kind: the knowledge of their RISEN and RESURRECTED Lord. And then they noted, that these men had been with Jesus! Brothers & Sisters, this power is yours, and it is mine, if we continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit, not quenching or grieving Him. We, too, will confound and amaze the "authorities" of our day with the holy boldness of resurrection life, and though they may despise our humble circumstances, they also will take note that, "we have been with Jesus". YOU HAVE RESURRECTION POWER!

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"Esther 4:14

The Jewish people delivered from one of many of Satan's attempts to purge them from the world. Mordechai gave Esther a great challenge then, "and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" This is a challenge for all of us! As each generation is raised up, God appoints men and women to rise up to the challenge of that age. We are alive in this day and in this hour (an amazing day and hour, at that) and God is saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" He is awaiting those who will come forward and say "Hineni" here am I, in Hebrew! And if we fall short of this challenge, "deliverance may arise from another place!" Brothers & Sisters, let's not let that happen -- God wants to use us! Let's rise to the occasion! God has great things ahead! TIME TO STEP UP!

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."Psalm 51:10

Junk mail -- those annoying letters that fill your mail box. Along with the junk comes the delightful bills, and renewal notices. Of course the junk, we can just throw away, the bills, unfortunately can't be ignored, but the renewal notices, those we're thankful to see. Without them, we'd likely forget that we need to renew our licenses, our credit cards, membership cards, whatever else. Without those renewal notices, we might go to the ATM one day and not be able to get the cash we need because our card is expired -- oops! We might be asked to show our identification and the authorities might say, "Sorry Guide, this license is not valid - you didn't renew it!" Sadly though, the most important things in life that need renewing, do not come with renewal notices. We will never open a piece of mail and see a notice to renew our love for our spouses, our children or our friends. But if we don't continually renew our love for them, it will eventually grow cold. We'll also never receive the most important renewal notice -- to remind us to renew our relationship with God. Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we can have. It must be renewed daily! In Hebrew, the word "le-cha-desh" means to renew. Here you go. Here is your renewal notice. Renew your love for the ones you love today. Renew your love for the Lord. Renew your love for the things of God and for his calling upon your lives. Brothers & sisters, we all need a little renewing today. Let's ask the Lord to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. HERE'S YOUR RENEWAL NOTICE!

"For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."Revelation 7:17

Wells are used to extract water from the ground below as we all know. Nowadays, there are built in filters to sift out unwanted particles that could clog the pipe that leads from the water source to the well. But back in Abraham's time when these wells were built, I'm not so sure. The reason those wells needed to be re-excavated was that over the years, dirt and debris had filled them and water and could no longer flow freely in. I think some of us are ancient wells, built without filters. We have allowed all kinds of sin particles to pass through and linger until we have become dry and barren. It's time to dig -- dig down as deep as we can go -- sort through all that dross -- till we find the Water source. And once we get there, we need to get our wells cleansed and purified, and build our filters so this doesn't happen again. If we're going to do this job right, unfortunately it won't be easy -- digging is hard work! But it will be well worth it! Brothers & Sisters, let's get away with the Lord today. That's a number one priority. We need to get some time alone with Him. Fight for it if that's what you need to do. But we need it!! He wants to help us do the digging. He wants to break the strongholds of sin upon us. He wants to get that living water flowing through us again! WELL, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

“The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!”Psalm 16:3

In the midst of a psalm focused on God’s faithfulness, David paused to reflect on particular people he admired. These were his “true heroes.” The Hebrew word here often is translated “nobles” or “the mighty.” Clearly, these people were different. They stood out from the crowd. David was not fooled by the outward appearance of those who might appear to prosper. Instead, he focused anew on obeying God: “I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods.” David realized he could trust in God, for the Lord was his “inheritance, my cup of blessing.” He knew that he could commit everything he had to Him, and that He would “guard all that is mine.” He remembered all the ways God had blessed and provided for him: “The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” David focused on serving God through every experience: “I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.” He knew God always was with Him. Because “He is right beside me,” David knew he would “not be shaken.” He could rejoice and be glad, and he could rest in safety. He knew that God would “show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” It was in this context that David commented about his “true heroes”—people in whom he took pleasure. These were people who provided examples for him, those he admired and appreciated. All of us need heroes in our lives—godly examples we can emulate. Brothers & Sisters, in your life, seek to be a hero to others. Live in such a way that they want to be like you and follow your example. And also make sure to show appreciation to those whose have been heroes to you.

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.”Ephesians 6:7

A major international corporation made an amazing discovery. As they evaluated the popular “Twitter” social networking platform, they discovered that there were more than five million “tweets” a year about being bored. In a seemingly unending series of tweets, people described being bored at school and work. They were bored with their social life and their friends. Dealing with boredom, many spent hours playing games or “following” people in social media. People wrote nonsensical posts and tweets, and watched mindless television programs. They surfed the Internet in search of the latest viral videos. What is the answer to this boredom? The real answer is to find meaning and purpose by doing what we were created to do. It means cooperating with our Creator, realizing that He made us and created an entire world for us to live in. And it involves recognizing that God has given us interests, skills, and abilities that we must explore and develop. If we have troubles or don’t know what to do, we can call on Him. He is there to help. He will give us direction, and He offers to give us a life of abundance (John 10:10). But He also will hold us accountable for what we do with the time and resources He has given us. As Paul wrote, we are to “work with enthusiasm.” As God’s people, we should approach everything as an opportunity to serve Him. We should live our lives as a testimony of His gifts and a statement of our love for Him. This applies to everything: our jobs and families…how we develop our minds and what we do with our resources…the practical things of life and our relationship with the Lord. Brothers & Sisters, Today ask God to give you a spirit of enthusiasm. Make your life an offering to Him! Serve Him with zeal and passion in everything you do.

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of thousands; the Lord is among them…Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah! Our God is the God of salvation; and to GOD the Lord belong escapes from death.” Psalm 68:17-20

To David and the people of his time, chariots were devastating weapons of warfare. The chariot itself became “the nucleus of the campaigning army.” Chariots enabled armies to engage in battles far from their home. Enemies armed with chariots threatened devastation and caused overwhelming fear. Even though nations like Israel could be terrified by chariots and other weapons of neighboring superpowers, David realized that “the chariots of God” were greater and more powerful than any weapon on earth. Elisha, too, recognized that God’s army surrounded him. He prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes so he could see that “the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire.” They had nothing to fear (2 Kings 6:17). When Jesus was confronted by Roman soldiers in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was not afraid of their force or threats. He told His disciples, “Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?” He knew that God’s forces outnumbered any opposition He faced (Matthew 26:53). Are you experiencing fear in your life? Does it seem that the forces around you are invincible and defeat inevitable? Brothers & Sisters don’t be dismayed or discouraged when you consider your adversaries. Remember that God’s mighty army surrounds you to help and protect you. God’s power is greater than any force on earth. Like David, trust in God and declare that He is the God of salvation.

"And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."Genesis 5:24 ; "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."Colossians 1:27 ; "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."Revelation 3:4

Sometimes, the more significant, powerful, or influential someone is, the less you know about him or her. There are some people of influence whose names most of us have never heard, and about whom we know almost nothing, yet they make decisions which affect millions of lives. Enoch, is a Biblical character about whom we know hardly anything besides his age and genealogy; but we do know this -- that Enoch walked with God -- and then God took him. What an example! Is there anything greater that can be said about someone than, "He walked with God"? Enoch's life was eternally distinguished by this one characteristic: his personal relationship with the Lord. He somehow maintained a degree of divine fellowship that was so pleasing to God that He just transformed the man's earthly body and took him to glory without ever experiencing death; and this was long before the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh. But this ought to be the simple secret of the life of every believer: walk with Him, because the mystery that was hidden from mankind is now revealed to us through His Son – "Christ in you – the HOPE OF GLORY"; so that now, every truly born again soul can walk with the living God through His constantly indwelling presence. Do we realize the amazing opportunity we've been given? Brothers & Sisters, the simplicity of this truth cannot be overstated. The Lord Himself told Martha, "One thing is necessary"... intimacy with Him; a conscious choice to walk with God, to think about Him, to look at Him, to talk with Him, rest in Him, obey Him, care about him, serve Him, and love Him in a million ways. We are all guaranteed the resurrection that Enoch experienced because Jesus walked with God and totally pleased Him. And we have the choice to follow His example of intimacy...just as our brother Enoch did. SIMPLY WALK WITH HIM!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end."Ecclesiastes 3:11 ; "and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead."Phillipians 3:9-11

Numerous modern critics of the Bible say the resurrection of Jesus is simply a myth based on pagan stories of "resurrected gods" from around the world, and that the authors of the New Testament borrowed from these myths and incorporated them into the Bible. But the similarity of two stories proves nothing about their origin or truth content. The Jews of Jesus' time were steeped in Old Testament monotheism which had a well developed tradition of resurrection believed and taught by the Pharisees. Polytheistic pagan ideas would have been abhorrent to men who understood and practiced the Judaism of the apostles and New Testament writers. But the strongest evidence for the historical truth of Jesus' bodily resurrection comes from the testimony and lives of its eyewitnesses. Eleven of the twelve apostles suffered violent deaths for simply refusing to renounce their conviction and stop preaching the message that Jesus was alive, that he was the Son of God and savior of the world. People don't generally give their lives for something which they know to be untrue. But they had seen him, and touched him, and eaten with him after his crucifixion; and they were filled with wonder. And because the apostles lived in the power of the resurrection their message went out to the whole world, not as a pagan myth, but as a deep revelation of life-changing truth and hope, for which they were willing to suffer and even give their lives. King Solomon wrote: "He (God) has placed eternity in the hearts of men..."; [Ecclesiastes 3:11] The resurrection stories of ancient pagan civilizations point to this deep desire in the hearts of men...to be resurrected and to live forever. Is it such a strange thing to hope that there is a life after death? Brothers & Sisters, we know that the resurrection of Jesus is true because it has been revealed to us by God Himself, and because of what it has accomplished in our own lives. Our faith is a conviction centered in this one, historical fact, and evidenced by the undeniable effect it has upon us. Resurrection of the dead is not a myth or a fable; and resurrection power from God's Holy Spirit is the very source of our new life. Live in the real power of the resurrection. It will transform everything you are and everything you do...especially knowing that you too, will soon obtain the resurrection from the dead, a glorified body just like the Lord's! WALK IN THE POWER OF RESURRECTION!

"Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven."Matthew 18:4

If we want to do great things for the Lord, it is crucial that we become humble before Him! When we realize that we are but little servants of an illustrious Master -- it is then that God will use us in a mighty way. After all, it is not our agendas, our purposes, our plans that God wants to bless --- it's God's agenda -- God's plan -- God's purpose for our lives that He will bless to overflowing! Brothers & Sisters, let's humble ourselves, get "little" before the Lord today and get our minds set on His purpose instead of our own. HOW LITTLE ARE YOU?

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."John 13:35

One day, a man was walking across a bridge and saw another man standing on the edge, about to jump off. He immediately ran to him and said, "Stop! Don't do it!" "Well, why shouldn't I?" he replied. The other said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" "Like what”? "Well ... are you religious or atheist?" "Religious." "Me too! And are you Christian or Jewish?" "Christian." "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?" "Protestant." "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?” "Baptist." "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the Lord?" "Baptist Church of God." "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?" "Reformed Baptist Church of God." "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915?" "Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1915!" To which he said, "Die, you heretic!" and pushed him off the bridge. When we get together with my family, we often find ourselves discussing and even arguing our views on various topics, political, spiritual, etc. At the end, we all laugh about who argued best and try to learn from one another. The body of the Lord is one big family. Yes, we differ in opinion on some issues. But we are going to be together for eternity and we must learn to live in peace with one another! In order for us to make a real difference in the world, the world needs to see us loving each other. Brothers & Sisters, let's not be like the man who pushed the other off the bridge. Let’s laugh about it and try to learn from one another. LET'S LEARN TO LOVE, RATHER THAN SHOVE ONE ANOTHER!

"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."Mark 11:26

Today's word is not Hebrew or Greek, it's Eskimo! The word is issumagijoujunnainermik. When missionaries first shared the gospel with the Eskimos, they couldn't find any word in the Eskimo language for forgiveness. So, they took a number of Eskimo words and joined them to form a new word -- Issu-magi-jou-jun-nai-ner-mik -- and it became the Eskimo word for forgiveness. The individual words are "Not-being-able-to-think-about-it-anymore." Too often we remember the hurt, replaying it over and over again in our minds. Forgiveness is not something we do just once. It is something we must reaffirm every day. Whenever a hurtful memory comes up, remember the word Issu-magi-jou-jun-nai-ner-mik, and say, "I can't think about it anymore, it's in God's hands." Brothers & Sisters, rather than replay the hurt you may have acquired, replay God's mercy, His grace, His love for us (and them) -- when He freely gave His life. That will enable us to forget it and move forward. ISSUMAGIJOUJUNNAINERMIK!

"And when the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, and went out against them. And David inquired of God, saying, "Shall I go up against the Philistines? and will You deliver them into my hand?" And the LORD said to him, "Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand."1 Chron. 14:8, 10

Doesn't it seem like just when we get that much needed breakthrough, suddenly the enemy comes to attack? In this passage we read how the Philistines heard that David was anointed King and quickly assembled together to seek and destroy him. And what does David do? Does he become fearful? No. Does he hide? No! David goes out to meet them! And God delivered the enemy into his hand. We must be aware that the enemy of our souls goes forth as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. As believers in the Lord, we have been anointed as kings and priests of the Most High, with even a greater anointing than David! And He has called us to depend on Him for the victory in all our battles! We need to get ourselves prepared. We need to get our spiritual armor on for the battle ahead. Brothers & Sisters, you may be in a situation where it seems the enemy is attacking from every side -- but fear not! The Lord wants to deliver the enemy into our hands! We simply need to go out to meet them and watch the Lord gain the victory! MEET YOUR ENEMY!

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."Luke 2:25-32

Simeon must have been a remarkable man, one who continued to seek God all his life. The Lord rewarded him by finally revealing to him the infant Jesus' identity as Messiah of Israel and Savior of the world, and allowing Simeon to actually hold and bless the "lamb of God". Why did God reveal himself to Simeon? What was his secret? I believe it was that he never stopped seeking and patiently waiting. Jesus said, "Seek and ye shall find." The Greek really emphasizes the continuing aspect of the Lord's exhortation, literally, "Keep seeking and you will find." Brothers & Sisters, we are all aging, that's a given...but do you want to age badly?...then stop seeking. But if, as you age, you desire an exciting, and even youthful spirit-filled life as a believer, then learn a secret from Simeon, a man who aged really well. Don't stop seeking God, or waiting upon Him!" This Godly man discovered that, even in old age – God will reveal awesome things to you! KEEP SEEKING AND YOU WILL FIND!

"But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes."Numbers 11:6

The children of Israel in the wilderness always complain to Moses that they "Wannna go back to Egypt". In the passage above, God had been sending Manna from heaven to feed them. You would think that the Israelites would remain in awe of how God kept raining down this special heavenly delicacy that was able to feed thousands and thousands of people. But after a while it just became commonplace, even boring. Every morning they would witness God's miraculous provision right before their very eyes, yet they wanted something else, something better! At times, even we can get accustomed to our blessings so quickly, can't we?! We're always looking at what others have and wanting more! If the stars came out only once a year, everybody would stay up all night to behold them. But we have seen the stars so often that we don't even bother to look anymore! Let's be sure not to take God's provisions lightly though we see them on a daily basis! Brothers & Sisters, let's examine our hearts today, and purpose to appreciate the goodness of God's provision upon our lives. Truly, we are blessed and we thank you Lord for your goodness! HUNGRY!?

"And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head."Mark 14:3

This touching story of how Jesus was anointed before His crucifixion carries a beautiful illustration that has ministered to me time and again. I have wondered why the alabaster box needed to be broken when Mary could have simply opened it and poured out the nard; (extremely expensive and precious perfume which might have been Mary's dowry). One commentator said that she refused to use that box for any other purpose after anointing Him. That would make sense if it was Mary's dowry because it would be an expression of a bridal vow to Jesus and no one else. But whatever the motive in her heart, Mary's example speaks powerfully of the total devotion and commitment her soul had for Jesus, her will to give the best of everything she had; and it speaks of brokenness followed by anointing and its beautiful fragrance. So I believe this act is an illustration meant to encourage every devoted soul whose offering of herself brings circumstances which "break" her. The fragrance of perfume following the breaking "fills the room". Broken people "smell" different. Their humility and love are an ambiance that is unmistakable. Being broken before the Lord affects everyone around...as the Apostle Paul said, "... we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;" [2 Corinthians 2:15]. And Paul was a broken man. We should never be ashamed to be broken, even if we are criticized by those around us, as Mary was. The Lord's commendation of her has traveled around the world for 2,000 years and inspired millions of believers in circumstances which break them. God will not deny a broken heart and a contrite spirit. When we offer ourselves and our most precious things, whether they be material, personal, dreams, longings, loved ones, or our very destinies, on the altar of sacrifice, it is then that God’s anointing will be greatest upon us. It will pour out of us like the ointment from that broken alabaster box -- and His pleasure in us will "fill the room". Brothers & Sisters, know that when you offer your best to the Lord your hard beautiful stone box will be broken, and after that, the fragrance of your life will be beautiful wherever you go. ARE YOU A BROKEN VESSEL!

"Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."Mark 9:50

As we continue to probe the lessons from the salt covenant, we now inquire into our part in the covenant. Yesterday, we spoke of Jesus as the unique Bread of Life– and His sacrifice our only provision for justification and righteousness. Now remember that the salt was "added" to the bread as it was broken. This added salt provides a picture of our communion with the Living Bread being joined to Him for a life of holiness and good works. Our saltiness represents the influence we carry into the world through our union with Him. This influence is expressed through the savor of our works. That savor is something He exhorts us not to lose. The apostle Paul expresses this compound reality clearly; "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [Ephesians 2:8-10] Brothers & Sisters, our part in the covenant relationship is to be salt to the world –to be a savor which brings the flavor of our Lord to every encounter; to be a preserving influence in a world of sin and decay; and to be sprinkled around for the gospel's sake. May we remain good salty salt as we walk in all the good works He's prepared for us. UNDERSTAND YOUR PART IN THE SALT COVENANT!

"For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."2 Corinthians 5:21

Yesterday's devotional revealed the salt covenant as a covenant of loyalty; today I want to share an understanding of the Lord's part in this covenant. Jesus said He is the "bread of life". It was His body that was broken on our behalf as the substitutionary sacrifice for our sins. Notice that He never once called us to be the "bread of life"! He is the ONLY "Bread of Life" -- the true bread who came down from Heaven which anyone may eat and not die. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is His flesh, given for the life of the world. We must realize that we can ADD NOTHING to His sacrifice. If we begin to believe that any good works can add to His sacrifice then we have nullified the perfection of the Messiah's work which provides our justification by faith alone, not of works lest any man should boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9] Understanding that you cannot save yourself by any good deeds, and falling wholeheartedly upon the sacrifice of Jesus to save you, will remove spiritual pride, as you understand that He has provided you with the righteousness and goodness which you possess as a generous gift of His Spirit. In gratitude you will walk in His freedom, serving the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength! Brothers & Sisters, just as Adam and Eve put on fig leaves to cover their nakedness, we can try to cover our deeply corrupted sinful nature with good deeds or religious activity. None of this is of any use or value if we have not truly eaten the "Bread of Life", Jesus the Messiah. His free gift of righteousness is the only way we can become good. Once He has provided that, we can begin to do works that are truly pleasing and of great value to our Lord. UNDERSTAND THE LORD'S PART IN THE SALT COVENANT!

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."Col 4:6

What is it about salt? And how do I season speech with it? Gracious speech is sweet, yet Paul says to season it with salt. Salt brings my healthy breakfast to a new level of flavor. Salt carries all the other flavors to a new level of palatability. It brings a wonderful balance to the sweet porridge. Take out the salt in any recipe and there's something vital missing. What is it about salt? By itself, salt doesn't taste so great. It's too strong. Yet add it to the recipe and its power becomes the very thing which brings life to the food. I think salt is that element of God's truth that enhances, preserves and strengthens us. Speech seasoned with salt will encourage or warn, it will impart life and prevent decay from setting in, or stop it in its tracks. Stopping decay is reversing a fundamental element of the Fall. Salt is vital to life and salted speech is too. Believers need to be "salty" in a world that is falling apart from the suffusion of sin and decay. Brothers & Sisters, our message is sweet. God forgives, He loves, He brings eternal life. Yet these wonderful truths exist in an awful context of death and decay which we must not ignore by only speaking graciously. We must add salt. SPEAK "SALTLY"!

"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the fragrance of His knowledge in every place."2 Corinthians 2:14

This scripture makes an astounding promise -- God ALWAYS leads us to triumph or victory! But can we ALWAYS count on this amazing word to be true? I often receive questions from my Christian friends who are waiting or hoping for a victory of some kind in their lives. Many seem to be wondering, "Where is this 'always victory' in my life?" Now think about it ... wouldn't it be impossible to gain victory over a thing if we already experienced victory each and every moment? It may sound obvious, but the fact is that in order to gain any victory, you must find yourself in a situation that is questionable, stressful, and may even appear hopeless for a time. The promise is not that we will walk in a constant state of "victoriousness" (my term :) ... but rather that in every situation God will lead us in triumph. We can't even say we will always know what that will look like, but victory is the Lord's irrevocable promise. Brothers & Sisters, victory is a promise of God, but never forget that it requires a battle ... sometimes a very long one. True faith will stand on this promise in the face of every trial, challenge, or opposition ... remembering that the greatest purpose of every victory is for manifesting the fragrance of our knowledge of Him .. in every place! VICTORY AWAITS!