TRUTH or CONSEQUENCES

I read this scripture today in the Passion Translation done by Brian Simmons.  I like to read in different translations to get new perspectives.  Listen to how he writes this, "You are to love the Lord Yahweh, Your God, with every passion of your heart, with all the energy of your being, with every thought that is within you and with all your strength."  I reread that a few times today. It is so much more descriptive of the love we are to have for Father God. He says we are to love Father with ALL THE PASSION OF OUR HEARTS. Passion is defined as a strong liking, desire or devotion to something you enjoy, or own.  It is also ardent affection, which means you are very zealous with your affection. Passion is displaying strong emotions for someone or something.  Jesus was saying we are to take every thing that we cherish, long for, or partake of and turn those affections FIRST to the Father. Nothing should have more of our time and attention than our love for God. OUCH

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Grow in God's grace.  I have lived most of my Christian faith believing that Grace meant "favor".  And it does!  I am so happy for God's favor on my life.  But in the last few years I have learned that His grace is much more than just favor! I want to define grace as  unmerited assistance, coming from God to me, through Jesus, for my re-birth spiritually and the power that enables me to live out that spiritual life.  I grow in grace as I choose to walk more closely with the Holy Spirit! God's grace is always available to me. When Paul had a thorn in his flesh, a weakness that could have taken him out, he cried to God to remove it from him.  God's reply was that,  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Paul's response was, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly a