Romans 6 - "God You Are"

Today is my hubby's birthday. It is the first one we will celebrate together. Actually, that might not be so. When we were in elementary school, those with summer birthdays were allowed to bring in birthday treats anytime in the school year. Maybe his Momma sent his in and we celebrated together. I always was jealous of others who got to celebrate on their actual birthdays but was glad my Momma sent birthday treats in with me. I wonder if they even allow such things now a days with all the allergies, threats of poison, etc. We live in a different world than when Doug and I were growing up. I am sure it will be even more different for our grand babies babies. I am thankful for the knowledge God is in control and loves us through the 'good' and the 'tough' days of life. I also am thankful for the Bible that encourages us how to live. Last night Doug led us through a study on living a holy life. One of the verses brought out is found in Romans 6. It reads in The Passion Translation: But now, as God’s loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin. So consider the benefits you now enjoy—you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life! It is only through Jesus' death and resurrection we can live today. God loves us so much He gave His One and Only Son to die for us. If that is not reason enough to strive to live for Him, I don't know what it would take. It is only through His love, mercy, and grace we have the liberties we have in our lives. I love these words to "God You Are"...

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
We once were lost but now we're found
Forever You hold us in Your arms

Cause that's just the kind of God You are 

Woo hoo! Yes! God's love, mercy, and grace are all we need to live on this earth so we can live with Him for eternity. A life of holiness needs to be the goal of all believers. It is imperative we ask Him to cleanse us so He can fill us with more of Him. God gave us a gift through Jesus. We need to unwrap that gift daily and enjoy it. We need to seek to be Christ-like so we not only hear His voice but we walk in obedience to Him. I love how Matthew Henry describes the verses in Romans 6. 

The pleasure and profit of sin do not deserve to be called fruit. Sinners are but ploughing iniquity, sowing vanity, and reaping the same. Shame came into the world with sin, and is still the certain effect of it. The end of sin is death. Though the way may seem pleasant and inviting, yet it will be bitterness in the latter end. From this condemnation the believer is set at liberty, when made free from sin. If the fruit is unto holiness, if there is an active principle of true and growing grace, the end will be everlasting life; a very happy end! Though the way is up-hill, though it is narrow, thorny, and beset, yet everlasting life at the end of it is sure. The gift of God is eternal life. And this gift is through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ purchased it, prepared it, prepares us for it, preserves us to it; he is the All in all in our salvation.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for the blessings of yesterday and the ones ahead today! Thank You for the day ahead to celebrate Doug's birthday! Thank You for the study last night on holiness that reminded us to seek more of You so we can spend eternity with You. Cleanse me so You can fill me with more of You. May people see/hear You through my words, actions, attitude, and thoughts. I pray Your strength over many going through difficult days. My sisters Linda, Sally, and Mary; my brother Richard; Ben and Colleen; Pete and Delores; Steve; Doug's sister Jackie; Cait; Rhonda; Mike; Norma Hall; Jack and Paula; Sharon Sebolt and her parents; some young ladies with anxiety; a young man out of rehab; Ross and Mary Lilley; a husband/father separated from his wife; Brooklyn; April; families in turmoil; Gay and Doug; Sherry; and many others. I also pray healing prayers over many dealing with ‘c’ and/or going through treatments…Chrissy’s cousin; Shirley Jones; Little Judson; Little Roselynn; a young girl in our community; Mr Mullett; Marybeth's friends; David; Damon; Dave and Carol with his treatments; and Dan. I pray for: the Long family; Becky; Baby Sabre and her family; and Russ. Thank You for continued healing for Pastor Tommy and Pam! Thank You for being My Goal! Amen.