In John 14:15 Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments!” Today we have the liberty to demonstrate our love for Him by turning from our sin and to God, that turning can manifest our gratitude to the Lord for all that He has done in providing freedom from our sin. God in His grace and mercy has provided for us through His Son as we battle against the struggle with sin in our lives. But praise be to the Lord that the victory can be ours because of His commitment to us. May we learn to live in gratitude for God’s wonderful provision.… READ MORE

Sin creates a hard battle in our lives, and causes us to wonder how God can use this tool for any good purpose. I am reminded that sin has helped us understand many of the attributes of God that we would not be understood without it. Micah 7:18 reminds us that God is a God who can forgive our iniquities, and cleans us from sin, and is based on his grace and mercy. Without having that forgiveness applied to our account, we would never truly appreciate nor understand that mercy and grace. On the other side of the ledger, sin also reminds us that God is a holy and Just God, who must deal with sin. We would never truly understand the Holiness of God without understanding that God will deal severely with those who refuse to turn from their sin and receive the grace and mercy of God. This should provide in our lives a gratitude and commitment that leads to the changes in our lives to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.… READ MORE