Romans 6:1-2 ” What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? “

You can’t have it both ways. When you say “Yes” to Jesus, the broken relationship between God and you is restored.  But that doesn’t mean you can manipulate His unearned and unmerited favor to your advantage.  That’s what we’d call cheap grace.  It’s an attitude of entitlement and presumption that you’d rather beg forgiveness than ask permission.

Nehemiah 6: 15-16 ” So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God. “

In only 52 days the wall around Jerusalem was rebuilt, securing it from enemy attack.  Despite everything their enemies attempted to do to dissuade and intimidate them, the wall was made strong.  In less than 2 months time,  the people of Jerusalem had done something of super-human ability… and their enemies realized this.  Nothing will ever stand in the way of God’s plan…not people…not circumstances…not anything.  And this will render the enemy fearful and  in awe of God’s great power.

Mark 10:15 ” I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

In a toddler’s mind,  all things are pretty simple…their priorities are food, sleep, and play.  They trust at face value… always looking for the good in things.  So as an adult,  why can’t we do the same thing when it comes to the Gospel Message?  Why can’t we readily accept and embrace the Kingdom of God and everything that goes with it? It’s sadly because the World has clouded and distorted our perception.  The Gospel Message doesn’t need to be over-thought…there’s no hidden agenda or bait and switch tactics involved.  You get what you see with God and His Word…for He is trustworthy and true, and His promises will never fail.

John 2: 25 ” He did not need man’s testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.”

We seldom do something for others totally out of unselfish motives…for usually we have some hidden agenda, whether good or bad.   We’ll do some kind gesture,  with the inner thought of,  “what’s in this for me?”  Or we’ll go out of our way for someone, hoping others will see our sacrifice and praise us for all our hard work.  The Lord knows our thoughts and examines our hearts and will immediately  show us when our motivation is wrong.  For God can bear witness to what lies within all humans…every self-seeking, egocentric, greedy fiber and part.

Joshua 1:5 ” No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

No matter what, the Lord is there for you.  His presence doesn’t hinge on how good you try to be or how many times you read His Word and pray…No, it doesn’t matter what you do or don’t do… God’s always there.  Maybe you’ve been abandoned or deserted by someone in the past,  so now you feel you can’t trust God.  But it’s different with the Lord, for His covenant with you is unbreakable, unchangeable, unshakeable.  Realize today…God will never leave  or forsake you.

Psalm 38:15 ” I wait for You, O Lord; You will answer, O Lord my God.”

If you’re praying but not expecting…why even bother?  If you’re simply mouthing words because it’s the thing to do, but  have no hope  that God will answer…why waste your breath.  If it’s only for show that you pray…why even go there if you don’t truly believe that your prayers are heard?  If you’re praying, but not expecting God to move…why bother.

II Thessalonians 3:16 ” Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Romans 2:4 says that He is the “God of peace.”  Do you need peace in your life today?  Have the worries, anxieties, and troubles of the world crowded into your mind and caused unrest and turmoil?   Why deny yourself of God’s kindness and mercy…why deny yourself of His peace?

Galatians 4:9 ” But now that you know God – or rather are known by God…”

To know God is a journey that takes a lifetime…each day drawing nearer and receiving more.  But the true miracle is being known by Him.  For there will come a day when we all must stand before the Lord… either to be recognized and acknowledged or rejected.

Psalm 90: 17 ” May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – Yes, establish the work of our hands.”

When you have favor of God…His kindness, delight, and support in all situations, you will  receive something else.  Because God’s favor rests on you, you will also have favor before men.  And there’s nothing more powerful than to find favor before God and man.