Access to God's Grace

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." 

Romans 5:1-5

Building upon a foundation of faith that produces peace in our lives, the Apostle Paul goes on to share how we then have access to God's grace that helps us to stand - not sit, not walk, not run - but stand firmly planted in this grace. But what is grace and why does it help us stand strong for God?  Understanding the concept of God's grace is something that took me almost two decades to even begin to comprehend (and I'm still learning more about it everyday!).  Trying to wrap my mind around why the all-powerful Creator of the universe would give His grace to me - a sinner - and wash away my unrighteousness when I turn to Him with a humble an repentant heart that is covered by His mercy and grace still baffles me.  What did I do to deserve such a pardon?  The truth is I don't deserve God's grace...I am so entirely unworthy of this free gift, yet He extends it anyway to demonstrate His righteousness and never-ending love, covering my sins through His abundance of grace (Romans 5:15, 20).

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, 

that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."

Romans 3:23-26

As we approach the Spring Holy Days and the Passover season that begins next week, meditating on God's grace and the forgiveness of our sins through Christ's sacrifice is a central theme.  When Jesus came to earth to spread the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33), He lived, suffered, died, and was resurrected to set an example for righteousness as He covers our sins so we are justified and sanctified in Him.  Observing the New Testament Passover (Leviticus 23:1-8; Matthew 26:17-20; Luke 22:14-16) is an annual remembrance of Christ's sacrifice that extends grace to our lives, demonstrating the greatest act of love ever recorded.  If you're interested in learning more about the observance of Passover in the Bible you can read this great article: http://www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/HD/havetodie.asp or check out this video clip: http://www.gnmagazine.org/video/03152010-easter-passover-bible-teach.htm.

In Christ's grace comes freedom - not from the law, but from sin that separates us from God (Matthew 5:17).  Through the forgiveness of our sins and the reconciliation that comes from a deep and lasting relationship with God, we too can be freed through grace. And God not only extends grace to us - He is defined by this grace!  His promise of grace is so much a part of His eternal character that He is described as "the God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10).  It is through His grace that we are tested in order to be made stronger so we can strive toward the perfection we are called to achieve (Matthew 5:48).

"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, 

after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." 

1 Peter 5:10

And as we are established, strengthened, and settled because of our access to God's grace, we are able to stand more firmly in His way, drawing closer to Him through living a reconciled life that is free from sin and full of righteousness. What are you standing for this Spring Holy Day Season?

Pursuing Peace

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." 

Romans 5:1-5

Peace is not simply the absence of war, frustration, hostility, or other negative emotions - it is filling this absence with the love, compassion, and serenity that God models and expects us to exemplify in everything we do (1 Corinthians 7:15; Hebrews 12:14).  Our Creator God is described as the "author of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33) and His holy gospel is defined by peace (Ephesians 6:15). This blessing of peace is something that we should treasure and share with others in order to reflect God's character and glory. It produces great joy and edification when we live peacefully with one another in community (Colossians 3:15-16).

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

Hebrews 12:14

Yet, there are so many situations and experiences where it is easy - and almost natural - to reject living in peace with ourselves and others.  If pursuing peace were easy, we would not feel so unsettled and off balance! God promises to remove our human anxieties and stresses when we submit to Him with a humble and thankful attitude, letting His peace guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). Choosing to live a peace-centered and peace-driven life is one that takes intention, dedication, and an ongoing commitment to being a peacemaker in all situations.

"The LORD will bless His people with peace."

Psalm 29:11

How much peace - true, godly peace - do I have in my daily life?

I've begun to ask myself this question fairly regularly to do a "peace check" in my personal life in order to identify how I am embodying the peace that God promises us in the passage in Romans above.  How do my thoughts, attitudes, actions, and life habits exemplify peace and share this peace with others?  What stresses am I holding on to that are preventing my heart and mind from being at peace? How can I seek to live peacefully today?  

While we face persecution, discouragement, suffering, and tribulations in our society today, God's promise of peace is a much greater hope that we can trust in today (Romans 8:18; John 16:33). A future picture of eternal peace is portrayed in the Bible with the fulfillment of the coming Kingdom of God where there will be no more war, death, sorrow, or crying (Isaiah 2:4; Revelation 21:3-4). Only the way of peace will be known forever.  What a beautiful thought and purpose to hope in and live for today!

How are you pursuing peace in your life?

Justified By Faith

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation producesperseverance; and perseverance,character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." 

Romans 5:1-5

One of the foundational components of spiritual wellness is having a deep and abiding faith in something greater than ourselves. Faith involves believing in something that guides and shapes how we live and provides meaning and purpose to our lives. In Hebrews 11, also known as the "faith chapter," faith is described in the following way:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (v 1-3).

Here, faith is more than just an expectation; it is something we hope for - a fulfilled expectation. Faith is referred to 379 times throughout the Holy Bible (NKJV) and is used to describe God's relationship with His creation (Psalm 37:3), our righteous relationship with God (Matthew 17:21), the actions of a close friendship (Proverbs 27:6), a source of healing (Luke 8:48), a source of blessings (Luke 19:17), a purifying force (Acts 15:9), as well as a way of life (Romans 1:17), among other references. In the days of Jesus' ministry on earth, His disciples even asked Him to increase their faith (Luke 17:5) as a way to deepen their spiritual growth and relationship with God.

On the flip side, a lack of faith - generally manifested as fear, doubt, and frustration - is a very human reaction when we don't feel like we have anything greater to believe in (Matthew 14:31). When the insecurity monsters creep into our lives, taking residency in the cracks in our broken hearts and shattered dreams, we begin to believe that there is nothing more to live for and our motivation and passion lulls.  Situations or individuals that test our faith can either help us clarify our convictions and develop character or can reinforce these insecurities and ultimately cause us to lose faith altogether.

When was the last time you lost your drive, your desire, or your motivation to do something you generally wold love? What was the cause of this lull (living in the "doldrums" as I like to call them) and do you attribute it to a lack of faith n something greater? I have often found that the darkest times in my life are when I let fear rule my heart instead of abiding in a lasting and brilliant faith in what the future possibilities are, knowing that God is guiding and directing my life (Proverbs 3:5-6) and that things will work out for the best in the longer run even if the present is doubtful (Romans 8:18; 28). It is this abiding faith in God's ultimate will and plan for my life that keeps me going.

What are the faith-builders in your life? They could be as simple as waking up on a sunny day that welcomes all the potential the next 24 hours have to offer or deeper like an answered fervent prayer. Whatever they may be, hold on to these moments - both the simple and the intricate - as you live a faith-based and faith-filled life. Don't lose sight of the small things that reaffirm your faith and keep you focused. Pay attention to these moments and remain mindful and thankful for these little reminders. Write them down, meditate on them, thank God for them, share them with others, pass it on...

When we live a faithful life, our motivation and mood shifts.  Life is more vibrant and our hearts are open to what the world has to offer - the good, the character-building, and the uncertain.  With faith, anything is possible and we leave space for life (and God) to surprise us. By determining what faith-blockers are in your life and what faith-builders are in our lives, we are able to live a more passionate, purposeful existence, while setting a faithful example for others as well.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What do you put your faith in and why?
• What faith-blockers are preventing you from living faithfully?
• What faith-builders reaffirm your faith and help you live in alignment to your values?
• What is one thing you can do today to be more faith-based?

Spiritual Wellness

As we welcome the month of March, it's time to move into a new area of wellness from the physical on into the spiritual.  Developing a deep and genuine spiritual side is something that is central to my life and is a major focus that guides my daily interactions, experiences, and relationships. I'm excited to explore the many aspects of spiritual wellness over the next two months and uncover new insights.


Spiritual wellness refers to gaining an awareness of our beliefs and values and living with integrity and congruency through our thoughts, actions, and relationships.  It is guided by a sense of meaning, purpose, faith, and authenticity and begins with a self-examination of what truly matters and guides one's life.  When thinking about spiritual wellness and how it connects to my personal beliefs, values, and faith, a particular passage in the book of Romans comes to mind.  In Romans 5:1-5, the apostle Paul shares what might be considered a prescription for spiritual wellness from a Biblical viewpoint.  


"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." 

Romans 5:1-5

Over the next few weeks, I am going to analyze this passage through the lens of spiritual wellness. The particular words I have bolded above have important significance to understanding and practicing core aspects of spiritual wellness that I am going to explore in depth. I am excited to examine God's words in a deeper and more thoughtful way and look forward to sharing my reflections with you!