In the same way [as we die and are set free from sin] you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 6:11) This verse is using an implied term of fellowship. It is in our fellowship with Christ that we can obtain freedom from sin. It is not in working hard or perfection by our own efforts, but by reaching out to Jesus for…..

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Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of underserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 Because of our faith, we have been made right with God. And being made right with God, we are in a…..

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For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” —1 Corinthians 1:18 I am so grateful for the power of God in my life that healed me of depression, phobias, and anxiety so many years ago.   My life has never been the same.   As it has been so many years back, I don’t want to forget as freedom has become the norm.   I can…..

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Like some people can chase after money, I have chased after holiness. It has always eluded me to an extent. I never “get there” and it is always just out of my reach. As I have read Psalm 15 where David asks, ‘Who can abide with You?’ and then starts his answer with, ‘Those who walk uprightly, speak the truth in the heart and never slander with their tongue, do no evil to their neighbor and never expresses disapproval of…..

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So David and his troops went up to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. ‘God did it!’ David exclaimed. ‘He used me to burst through my enemies like a raging flood!’ So they named that place Baal-perazim (which means ‘the Lord who bursts through’). The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them. The minute the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, the mobilized all their forces to capture him……

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“They say to Jesus, ‘Sir, we know what an honest teacher you are.  You always tell the truth and don’t budge an inch in the face of what others think, but teach the ways of God.  Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?’   He saw through their trickery and said, ‘Show me a coin.  Whose portrait is on it? They replied, ‘Caesar’s—the Roman emperor’s.’  He said, ‘Then give to the emperor all that…..

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“God replied [to Solomon], ‘Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you haven’t asked for personal wealth and honor, and you haven’t asked me to curse your enemies, and you haven’t asked for a long life, but for wisdom and knowledge to properly guide my people—yes, I am giving you the wisdom and knowledge you asked for!’” What are we asking God for?  Why do we want it?   What matters to us?   What you seek with your…..

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2 Samuel 22:29-30, 36, “O Lord, you are my lamp. The Lord lights up my darkness. In Your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall… You have given me Your shield of victory; Your help has made me great.” David knew that it was not because he was great or extraordinary in himself that he was victorious in battle, rather it was the power of the Lord in His life. He stepped into…..

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“Jerusalem will become a refuge for those who escape. It will be a holy place” (Obadiah 17, NLT). Here, the Lord was bringing judgement against the proud that put their trust themselves and their own ways — Edom. They had swallowed up God’s people, plundered land, seized wealth and gloated about it. They would now reap out of what they had sown.But in the midst of this judgement, Jerusalem would become a refuge for those who escape this judgement; it…..

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“I, Peter, am an apostle on assignment by Jesus, the Messiah, writing to exiles scattered to the four winds. Not one is missing, not one forgotten. God the Father has his eye on each of you, and has determined by the work of the Spirit to keep you obedient through the sacrifice of Jesus. May everything good from God be yours!” (1 Peter 1:1-2) They lost everything. Their lives shattered and then scattered like seeds to the wind. Can we…..

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