Jesus said that God is aware of everything that happens, even to sparrows, and you are far more valuable to Him than they are. You are so valuable that God sent His Only Son to die for you (John 3:16). You need never fear personal threats or difficult trials because God Himself places such value on you! Nothing can separate you from the Love of God.

This doesn’t mean God will take away troubles. The real test of value is how well something holds up under daily wear and tear, and abuse of everyday life. Those who take a stand for Christ in spite of troubles truly have lasting value and will receive great rewards (Matt. 5:11-12). Despite your personal struggles and trials, remember that YOU are highly valuable to God and that is He making you more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).

The very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid! Jesus said, “If anyone acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will openly acknowledge that person before My Father in heaven. But if anyone denies Me here on earth, I will deny that person before My Father in heaven.”

Don’t be afraid to take the next step! We all have seasons in life where we experience

fear of learning something new or taking that next step. We recently added a family

member–a new pet–(Bichon Frise) who I chose to name Christmas Beau. He truly is 

a gift but he has much to learn. As believers, we have new steps we must take and 

choose to keep growing in our faith in God.

Last night, my husband took Beau to the top of the stairs and gently placed his front

paws on the top step. Interestingly enough, Beau turned around to see what was behind.

Dan gently gave Beau a little push and he made that top step and ran into the bedroom.

Mother took Beau outside for a walk this morning and Beau saw the steps outside 

coming in at the back door. 

He chose to take all four steps that led him right over the fifth one–the threshold at the

door. Because of that little push when Beau took a look at what was behind, it spurred

him on to take that first step–which in turn gave him hope to take the next five.

In life, we must choose to take that next step no matter if it is the final step in doing what

God has called us to do, or if it is the first step in a new season. Don’t be afraid to take 

the next step. You can do it! If Beau can do it as a new puppy, you can surely choose 

to take that next step too! 

 IMG_1219

REBELLION and LIVING UNDER THE LAW

Living under the law leads to lust. Lust leads to reasoning and reasoning leads to flat out

rebellion. People believe their reasoning is acceptable to God because they are actually

deceived and in rebellion. The door is open for Satan to steal from them. 

One passage you can refer to is the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden when Satan

tempted Eve to disobey God. 

Eve resorted to reasoning in the Garden of Eden and questioned the goodness of God.

Adam rebelled against God’s instruction and Eve was deceived by Satan.

Rebellious people view God’s Word as a restraining law rather than as protection in life.

Why would someone choose to willfully disobey God’s Will? His Will is His Word. That is

an extremely important question–one that reveals the motive of a person’s heart.

If you have ever played the game MONOPOLY, you know you can see the entire board 

before you make a move. Think about this for a moment. Life is much like a MONOPOLY 

Board–but one where GOD can see everything. He knows what is best and what is 

around every turn. Choose to trust Him. He desires the best for His children.

Take a look at the following passage: “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is

the law” (1 Corinthians 15:56). Sin receives strength from the law. The law actually has

the power to arouse the desire to rebel because rebellion receives strength from the law. 

Let me explain. Let’s talk about driving the speed limit. Without the law there can be no

rebellion. If you are driving 80 mph in a 55 and keep going onward, eventually you will get

a ticket. If you are distracted, perhaps by talking on the phone, you may realize you are 

speeding without knowing it. Therein lies the difference. One is intentional and one is

due to distraction and not paying attention. 

Either way, the law is being broken. But look at the difference in the motivation of the 

heart. On another note, if you are feeling pressured to obey some religious tradition or 

requirements in order to remain under God’s grace and blessing, you are under the law. Ask

yourself this question, “Do I actually obey God due to fear of consequences, or do I obey

because I don’t want to displease the Heavenly Father?” Grace causes you to want to obey

God because you love Him. What is the motivation of your heart?