Be Happy!!!

We've been going over several things dealing with struggles the past week or so and thought I would bring a post with more of something we should be happy with. I've been browsing through some sites of friends the past couple days and found my inspiration at Russ Hutto's site. He has some free wallpaper that hit me. The March free paper was a canvas with Romans 5:8 on it, beautifully done, I might add.

So, today I want to look at Romans 5:8-11..."But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so , but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."

What hope that brings!!! First off, though we were sinners...can anyone argue that fact for themselves? I think not and would also make sure we realize we are STILL sinners, but sinners saved by grace. Yet Christ died for the whole lot of us, right? Verse 9 continues telling us that through being justified by his blood, we are saved from wrath through him. This isn't saying we are freed from any negative ever occurring in our lives, but rather from an eternal wrath. Continuing on, we are reminded that if we were reconciled while yet enemies, how much more we shall glory in him being atoned by his blood.

I am reminded of the song "Friend of God" in which the lyrics speak so plainly about how amazing it is that God would be mindful of me and is thinking of me, and wants to be my friend. Am I the only one who can't sing that song without a huge smile coming across my face???

For some strange reason, the chorus of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin came to mind when I was reading the passage in Romans. (Yes, I am definitely a child of the 80's) We don't have to live in worry and fear, be happy knowing that we have the Hope that so many are searching for!!!

What verse, passage, or maybe even song do you draw strength from? I'd like to see some of you share a bit of encouragement today!!! Jump into the conversation...

He calls me friend...

One of my favorite songs is "Friend of God" and it just amazes me that the God I serve would call me a friend. In the last part of James 2:23, speaking of Abraham, it states..."and he was called the Friend of God."

Looking before and after in the chapter, it is speaking about faith accompanied by works. This is talking about when he took Isaac up Mount Moriah in Genesis 22. That will always be a favorite passage of mine. Abraham not only had faith in his Lord, but he put his faith into action.

In verse 24 of James 2, it states..."Ye see then how that by works man is justified, and not by faith only." This is most definitely a call to work. Not sit and let someone else do the work. We have all been called to go out a preach the word to others. Not all of us are called to lead a Sunday School class, direct the choir, sing specials, speak to large congregations, but we are all called to tell others. That is where our works match up with our faith.

The final verse of James 2 reads..."For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." So, don't sit idly by and wait for someone else to carry the Word for you. Look around, who are you neglecting to share with??? If they see your faith put into action, they will want some of what you've got...Don't hide it under a bush, let it shine!!! You're a friend of God and others are looking for a true friend...