While reading the Bible and putting together GWD, I have noticed over
and over the commandments, "Be this," or "Be that," and also
" Be not this," and "Be not that."

Curiosity getting the best of me, we will now embark on a new
Series: "The Series of Be." Needless to say, God's Word has
thousands of verses with the word "be" in them. Therefore, to
narrow down our study, I will remain in the New Testament and look
at the word "be" as it defines parts of our fellowship and walk with God.

I will do my best to group similar topics together and to stay as brief as I can.

WORD OF THE DAY:
     "BE STRONG IN GRACE"

2 Timothy 2:1

     "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."

Be strong in grace. Grace is unearned divine favor. Be strong in
unearned divine favor. Many, many times it is written," grace be
unto you and peace." We have grace through Jesus Christ. Our works
did not earn grace. Grace is a gift of God that came by way of
Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 2:8) So if grace was given to us, how
can we be strong in it?

We can remember that we are saved by grace and stop trying to work
for justification (Galatians 5:4).

We can remember that others are saved by grace too. We can stop
judging them, stop criticizing them and stop requiring them to do
works to become righteous before God.

The words we speak can reflect grace. (Luke 4:22; Ephesians 4:29;
Colossians 4:6)

We can remember we are accepted in the beloved, we are redeemed by
the riches of His grace. (Ephesians 1:6, 7)

Receive not the grace of God in vain. (2 Corinthians 6:1: Galatians
2:21; I Corinthians 15:10)

Let not sin have dominion over you and willfully sin, using grace
as an excuse or a justification for broken fellowship so you
feel like you can continue in sin. (Romans 6:14-17)

When you feel overwhelmed or like you are not up to the task God
is directing you to do, remember this:

2 Cor. 12:9

     "And he said unto me, My grace is
     sufficient for thee: for my strength is
      made perfect in weakness. Most
     gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
     infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Love your enemies and do good:

Luke 6:31-38

     "And as ye would that men should do to
     you, do ye also to them likewise.
     32 For if ye love them which love you, what
      thank [grace] have ye? for
     sinners also love those that love them.

     33 And if ye do good to them which do good
     to you, what thank [grace] have ye?
      for sinners also do even the same.

     34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to
     receive, what thank [grace] have ye? for
      sinners also lend to sinners, to
     receive as much again.

     35 But love ye your enemies, and do good,
     and lend, hoping for nothing again; and
      your reward shall be great, and ye shall
      be the children of the Highest:
     for he is kind unto the
     unthankful and to the evil.

     36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father
      also is merciful.

     37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged:
      condemn not, and ye shall not be
     condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

     38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good
      measure, pressed down, and shaken
     together, and running over, shall men give into
     your bosom. For with the same measure that ye
      mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

In conclusion, let us be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord. Remember and know for a certainty that you are saved by grace
through faith of Jesus Christ. When you are confident about it,
no one can take that away from you and steal your peace. Please do
not receive the grace of God in vain. Be strong in grace by the words
you speak. Realize that God's grace is sufficient for you. (You
will rely upon God when you feel weak.) Be strong in grace by
treating others like you want to be treated, (even those who do not
deserve it!). Please remember we do not work for righteousness,
it is a gift of God. Amen.

-Carol Kenreigh

Please pray for me, for health, strength and patience to endure.

Please mail comments to kenreigh@bww.com

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