Saved By God's Grace

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Today's discussion topic is being saved by God's grace. Being saved by God's grace incorporates His righteousness at the expense of His Son Jesus on the cross who bore the sins of the world. God's grace is His love gift of salvation which He freely gives to all who accept His Son as Lord and Savior. Being saved by God's grace is predicated on our faith in Jesus Christ. This includes believing and faithfully trusting Him as Lord while displaying a devoted attachment to Him. Believers respond in love to Christ as He showers us with His love. Believers' faith in Christ brings all believers into a new relationship with the Savior as believers have been ransomed from sin and its bondage.

God's grace is an expression of His love because justice was demanded, but mercy took its place. If justice had been meted out, then mankind would have eternal punishment, but instead the forgiveness of sin was issued. God's grace at work.

God's grace is continually being bestowed upon us; therefore, accept His saving grace and spend eternity with Him.

God's grace is the gift that keeps on giving.

Comments are welcome

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white3285@sbcglobal.net

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

www.shepherdministries.info

Praying For God's Guidance And Protection

Psalm 25:1-12

Unto Thee, O Lord, do I lift my soul, O my God , I trust in thee; let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yes, let none that wait on thee be ashamed; let them be ashamed which transgress without a cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Praying for God's guidance and protection represents a humble spirit that recognizes who God is and His power to answer the prayer's request.  The question now comes, What is our response? The proper response is that we must trust God totally because He is the one who can save our souls as well as destroy both body and soul. Our complete trust in God will be tested when troubles come our way as they will. We must trust God to calm the troubled waters that will steal our joy. God knows the right way for all humanity as many have said yes to God while many have chosen to God and His provisional car.

Saying yes to God we must be willing and ready to follow God's commands, submit to His laws and ways, commit ourselves to holy living before Him (v. 9) while having a reverential fear of Him as our creator and sustainer (vv 12-14) and keep our eyes focused on Him (v. 15). We must remember that God's integrity and uprightness will last forever and this is what all humanity will be judged (v.21). 

Therefore, when God answers our prayers and He will say thank You God; where You lead me I will follow.

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white3285@sbcglobal.net

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

www.shepherdministries.info.

The Good Shepherd

John 10:11

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.

I felt the need to visit this topic as I hear many self included complain about what we do not have, but God in His provisional care has made provisions for all our needs. Christians, we are rich beyond measure because God said in His word, I will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19); take God at His word. In Psalm 23:1 the Lord declares who He is and we as His people shall not want. What this means is that we lack nothing. God is faithful to His word and has proven Himself to be trustworthy. God asks that we cast all our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).

Would God ask for our problems or concerns if He didn't have the perfect solution? I think not. When there is a bill due and no visible means to pay, tell God about it. He has yet to fail in paying my bills. He is an on time God. Would Christ our Lord and Savior give His life for our salvation if He weren't willing and able to handle all our need? Again, I think not.

The God that I serve is a comforter when needed, a friend in time of need, a mother, father, brother and sister when needed as well a doctor when sick I a sick room. He is a healer and a lawyer in a court room.

The good shepherd is all we need.

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white3285@sbcglobal.net

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

www.shepherdministries.info.

"Ye Shall Receive Power"

Acts 1:8

..Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

In yesterday's discussion focus was a quest for power, but today's focus is power received from God with a concentration of true power coming from God. Even Christ's disciples were instructed to wait for the coming Holy Ghost to receive power to continue Christ's ministry of spreading the gospel message. After being endued with power they were able to perform miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead and witness Christ the world over with such effectiveness that the church grew tremendously. On the Day of Pentecost three thousands souls were added to the church and this growth continued as Christ was preached.

With that being said, all who try to gain power out of the Will of God, if gain it is short lived and for the most part this ill conceived power grab fails. What does this means? It tells me to live and operate according to the Will of God and allow Him to give you position and power according to His divine plan, and then one's life operates according to God's Will. There is no big I's and little you's just glorifying God in each endeavor. That being said, then one's work and or occupation can and will glorify God.

Let's close today's discussion with these thought provoking questions, in your daily lives, is the love of God being manifested in your occupation and in the faith community? Are you in continued communication through prayer thanking Him for allowing you to operate in His power as we serve Him and others?

The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to boldly witness Christ; He is still empowering believers today to witness Christ.

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white32852sbclogbal.net

www.shepherdministries.info

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

Answering God;s Call

1 Samuel 3:4

…The Lord called Samuel; and he answered, Here am I.

In Tuesday's discussion our focus was Being called by God, but today our focus is answering the call which is what the young Samuel did when God called him to service.

Why focus on the subject? Networking with many who are in ministry whether it is preaching, teaching, evangelizing, and etc the call is being made and being answered. Contrary to the old guard that only men are called to preach. Women are stepping forth in every category of ministry and the Word is being shared. God is calling laborers in every phase of ministry as it is designed to unify and uplift the body of Christ as there is one body, one Spirit and one Lord (Ephesians 4:3-4) as we all are serving one God and is designed to glorify Him and build His kingdom. Comparing the body of Christ-the church to that of one's physical body we see there are many members each having its own functions? This is true of the church. Some are called to usher, some to handle the churches finances, some to nurse-care for the well-being of others and some to be deacons, and etc.

Let me close by saying, whatever ministry God calls you to answer as the young Samuel did, "Here am I." It is far better to obey God than man.

Answer your call.

Comments are welcome

Author's contact

white3285@sbcglobal.net

http://willie-writing.blogspot.com

www.shepherdministries.info