His Name Is Jesus

The GREATEST GIFT That Was Ever Given
HIS Name is JESUS

Over 2,000 years ago God sent His Son into the world that we might be saved and not condemned. On the profession of our FAITH we are accepted into His Family and become children of God. The Child in the manger has been recognized as TheTraditional Christmas scene down through the ages. It is much more than a tradition it is a True story! As you Celebrate CHRISTMAS with your family, friends and loved ones with your plethora of family Traditions; I would like to take a few minutes to share “The Chronicle of Our Lord and Savior!”

“FOR unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon HIS shoulder: and HIS name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9

“Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice highly favored one, the Lord is with you; BLESSED are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob FOREVER. And of His kingdom there will be no end…….

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David. Which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to registered with Mary his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there was in the same country shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, and angel of the Lord said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is CHRIST the LORD. And this will be the sign to you : You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths in a manger. And suddenly there was an angel a multitude of the heavenly host PRAISING GOD and saying; GLORY to God in the highest, And on earth PEACE , GOODWILL toward men!

So it was when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when then they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and PRAISING GOD for ALL the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them.

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb…

This is the greatest event that ever happened in the history of the world! So much so that a choir of Angels sang and the sky was lit with a brilliant STAR! “JESUS is the Bright and Morning Star” He wants to Light your heart and give you purpose and meaning in your life! CHRISTMAS IS WHEN WE CELEBRATE “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” TO JESUS! Jesus lived an amazing sinless life to conquer sin in the flesh for us! So we would not be condemned but saved. He was crucified a shameful death on the CROSS, died for us and then after three days in the grave HE arose victoriously with ALL power! When you accept Him into your heart you become God’s child and His precious Holy Spirit comes to live within you and your body becomes a Temple. You are then given the gift of Eternal Life! Jesus then becomes your Messiah, Savior and Lord! Jesus is the GREATEST GIFT that was ever given! JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! Have a wonderfully, MARVELOUSLY Blessed MERRY CHRISTMAS and a JOYFULLY Blessed NEW YEAR!!! “GLORY TO GOD in the HIGHEST and on earth PEACE to men on whom HIS FAVOR rests….” (St. Luke }

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. She is also co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls” to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your walk with the Lord.

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Becoming A Strong Woman

What does it take to be a Strong Woman ?

Within the context of the Bible there are many women who lived exemplary lives under strenuous conditions. They exude an excellent strength that allowed them to still keep their femininity enact yet be quite forceful. They continued to grow spiritually and make their mark in the world. With God you can become a godly woman at any point in your life it is never too late! For example; Miriam worked faithfully along side of her brothers Moses and Aaron. Rahab a harlot; gave up her promiscuous life to help the spies of peace and all that was in her household were saved! Esther through driven tenacity her perseverance under insurmountable odds saved her people. Deborah a wise judge, who the people came to for direction, led men into battle and helped to victoriously win that battle. Jael, in fact actually defeated Sisera the commander of that army. It was the women who remained at the cross when Jesus was crucified and it was the women who were the first to bring the “Good News” that Jesus had risen and was alive!

In order to know God personally a woman must have an ongoing relationship with Him! This involves commitment to His Word as well as times of stillness and solitude. Occasionally flicking through the pages of the Bible and pulling out a scripture or two will not do. You need to take time to develop your relationship! This will spare you much heartache! God knows right where you are; and He Loves you! One must commit to develop quiet time with Him in order to contemplate and digest His Word and apply it to your life. It is at this time, as a woman you are able to develop a keen sense of who you are in Christ and then commit to living by the Truth of His Word. Yes, we live in the world and are to interact, socialize and fellowship with one another. But in order to grow in His wisdom, grace and knowledge you must learn spiritual boundaries!

Being a strong godly woman is inclusive of many things. It takes a strong woman to organize and efficiently run a household or a business. To create an environment that is inclusive of spiritual development, positive healthy family dynamics and fun and enjoyable activities for the family, friends or workers to engage in and enjoy! There is a vast array of pursuits for a woman nowadays. Many have too often put aside God and conformed to the world’s ways. You cannot change anything that has happened. But you can begin to go forward with the Lord now! No matter how old you are God has a place and a plan for you! Many ask can a woman do it all or have it all? Hmmm That all depends. What do you mean by ALL! With God you have everything you will ever need. HE will provide a path for you to do the things He has in His will for you. One must surrender to Him! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Each of us have been created with varying temperaments, all of us having both strengths and weaknesses. Spiritual growth naturally happens as you abide in Him! He has given us an inner Guide, His precious Holy Spirit! What is so wonderful about God, He says: “My Grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength is made perfect in weakness.”

What really is important in life is when the day is over and the stillness of night is upon you, are you content? Do you feel that you are moving towards fulfilling your life’s destination? We all are quite different, what works for one may not work for another. But God’s principles apply to all of us! Have you experienced the JOY that only comes from knowing the Lord! Yes, you love your spouse, family, friends and….. But as a women of God you praise, worship and adore the Lord as well “ He gets Center priority!” God has a void in all of us only He can fill! You can become “like a tree that is planted by the rivers,” you can stand strong when you are rooted in Him! Bad things do happen to good people! But, you are able to go through with Him and help others to go through as well. Persecutions, trials and tribulations are a part of life. They stretch us! But, one can be of good cheer! There comes a Peace from knowing that Jesus has overcome the world for us!

Traveling is a wonderful experience that can expose you to different lifestyles and cultures. It will help to broaden your perspective and give you valuable insight. Realizing that everywhere you go God is with you, you become more aware of and appreciate His marvelous handiwork all about you! Today, one can travel and communicate all over the world and never leave their home or office. Our world is going through many transitions. “The grass is not always greener on the other side.” True security and significance can really only be found in the Lord! Commit to being the same person you are at Church at home, school and at work. Begin to be real with God! Everything you will every want or need is possible through Him! You do not have to become dull or uninteresting or give up having fun. Quite the contrary! You can age gracefully always striving to be the “BEST YOU,” No one can be a better you than you! God has created each one of us with a plan and purpose in mind. It is a choice to pursue it His way, do your own thing or the world’s way!

At some point you may need to perhaps take time and get away from it all. It is important from time to time to take a personal inventory to see just where you are in your walk with the Lord! You can also just set aside some quiet time “To BE STILL and KNOW” and do so as well! Ask yourself? Are you growing spiritually? Are you bogged down by the pressures of life? Are you consumed with everyone else’s life and don’t have one of your own? Have you simply gotten into a ritualistic rut? Are you on a fast track that is taking you to a destination that someone else wants you on or designed for you?

Are you faithfully keeping the embers burning in your marriage? Singles are you staying close to the Lord until …? Are you at peace or are you constantly stressed? Are you being the “Best You?” I realize that there are many things going on in life. It can be overwhelming with all the “stuff” going on about us in the world! To some degree we all have been impacted. But you have to make a point to not let it get you down. Nor to just roll along and let life happen. If it has or before it does, change your focus. Shift your focus to God give Him His place in your life! Don’t let life just pass you by and not find some time to enjoy it. God our Father, Creator and Maker really does have it all under His control!

Spending quality time with God will help point you in the right direction. It will do wonders for your prayer life. Prayer is not always verbal. Praying without ceasing is a cognizant state of mind, of God’s Omnipresence. Prayer is communicating with God, prayer involves listening! Pray for your spouse! Pray for your children, family and friends! Pray for your desired future spouse? Pray for our government and this world! As a woman of God eternal life is an absolute certainty. “For It is by grace you have been saved, through FAITH and this is not of yourselves. It is a GIFT from GOD not of works.” Ephesians 2 The Word of God has power to strengthen and renew your mind. Knowing, believing and implementing His Word daily in your life is key. Your emotions and actions CAN be transformed by the power of His precious Holy Spirit! God does have a purpose and plan for you! With God at your side you can be a Loving, Strong woman of God. This is a lifelong process and we are “forever becoming!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, Life Coach and ordained Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”. DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published She and her husband are also the founders of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise and Worship, and Instrumental Gospel/Jazz artists, using the universal language of music to accomplish that same purpose, . It’s latest CD is entitled “Beyond The Walls”, a balanced blend of uplifting instrumental Christian/Gospel music.

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MAKING THE BEST OF “NOW”

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MAKING THE BEST OF “NOW”

 

“Making the  BEST  of  NOW!”  Wherever you are  in life it is important to take some time and enjoy the moment.  Regardless of what is happening or not happening you are still here. What is most valuable in life is life itself! Whether you believe it or not, Life is a precious gift from God!   Time belongs to Him.  It is through His Son Jesus Christ everything was Spoken into Existence!  Please if you have any?  Listen with your spiritual ears for a moment.  Let this register in your mind  a moment, please read it again if necessary.  This is powerful!  Listen to what Colossians tells us about JESUS!   “HE is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over ALL CREATION, For by HIM ALL things, were CREATED; things in HEAVEN and on EARTH, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or powers or  rulers or authorities aALL things were CREATED  by HIM and for HIM…” 

 

Did you know no matter how much you want  to,  you cannot turn back the hands of time?   You can look back, wish things would or could have been different but in reality you can’t go back and undo what has been done.   Letting go does not mean forgetting. You can thumb through photo albums, year books or diaries, spend an afternoon watching personal videos reminiscing on what was, but you cannot go back.  Begin to “Make the Best of NOW!

 

If  there are a  lot of  past unresolved issues that continue to crop up,  guess what? Looking back momentarily to disengage from the fermenting  stored  up pain or resentment can be healthy.  You cannot change anything that has happened.  But you can change how it continues to hinder  you from moving forward and becoming all that you were meant to be.   Begin letting it go!  Remember the child in you is always present.  It is the part of you that wants its way; now.   The part of  you that says, Hey! I want, I hurt,  I need I, I, I …  But the adult in you has to take responsibility for your  actions and your  well being.  The adult in you has to readily evaluate and say hmmm let me think before I react.   We must learn to patiently respond  rather than just impulsively  react.  Remember you cannot change what has happened but you can change what you do NOW! 

 

Self control is a virtue. It is also a part of God’s Fruit.  We as God’s children need Him daily to help us implement His principles within our lives.  He has given us His Holy Spirit as The Comforter to help us! Rest assured,  He is everywhere we are.  We just have to invite Him in on whatever is happening.  It is easy to just go it on your own and live haphazardly, or let the chips fall where they may?  Nor does it take any discipline.   But is this how it should be?   Sin is anything that separates us from God!  It takes self control to access  His presence.  A simple unuttered prayer will do!  There is POWER in the name of JESUS!

 

 As a child of God we never get to the point that we don’t need Him as Father and Lord!   We are ageless children to Him. Yes things  do happen  sometimes that are beyond our control.  But, we must learn to become responsible self controlled adults living in this world where any and everything goes.  His principles where meant to be our barometer for what is right and wrong.    He wants us to humble ourselves and walk in humility.  He wants us to be a people of  Power who walk in meekness not in our weaknesses.  This is why He says; “ I tell you  the TRUTH, unless we change and  become like little   children, you  we will never enter the Kingdom  of  Heaven.”     John said, “REPENT! For the Kingdom of   Heaven is at hand (near)”   John was not talking about later on, he meant right then and yes, NOW.  The kingdom of God is near and accessible.   HIS WORD tells us, “So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…”

 

Do you want to  experience  His Kingdom where there is  Joy and  His Peace which is not contingent on our circumstance?  Kingdom in this sense is not talking about a realm or physical place.  It is talking about letting God rule and reign  in your life NOW!  It’s  about living in His presence NOW.  Remember,  Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and lead us…”    We need the Fruit of His Spirit daily.  What is that?  “But the FRUIT of  the SPIRIT is , Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control…”

 

Today really  is a new day.  But His principles have not changed!  It is not like “Ground Hog Day”,  which is this amusing, humorous little movie that I have watched many times.  In this comedy the day happens over  and over for Bill Murray until it gets absolutely ridiculous.  He is the only one that is aware that the day is happening over and over.  The day’s events  become  so very predictable  after he has lived it over and over so many times that he knows what is going to happen before it happens.  The point is in going back it still did not change what had happened.  Therefore we must move forward consciously making a sincere attempt to live life with purpose.      “This is the Day that the LORD has made let us REJOICE and be GLAD in it…”  I then always say  Who but GOD can make a day?   

 

 

If you look  and study closely  you will see that the disciples went through some things.  It was not always a bed of ease!  But yet,  they depended on Him and yes, they  persevered!   They  continued to move toward God and grow in the Grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ!   It is important to nurture   the child in you.  You cannot give what you do not have.   We therefore ask daily for the continual infilling presence of His precious Holy Spirit!  He is more than able!    God IS  realistically able to fill every void that  we have.  He is the GREAT “I AM”!  

 

You can actually take control by going back to let go of what was or what could have been.  You do not want to live in denial.  It can be somewhat  therapeutic  by looking  back momentarily and reenacting certain scenarios?   This is because you are now deciding to take control and begin  letting go of things and situations that you  could not  or cannot change.  You are  in a sense REPENTING!  You  NOW begin to  move toward  by letting go and letting God’s way take the wheel of your life!   

 

God really is AWESOME!  Don’t limit His ability to be All that He is in your life!  He is so much more  than what our little finite minds can ever conceive.  Remember  from the very Beginning everything was spoken into existence by His Son Jesus Christ!  He truly is Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent!  Whatever has happened is happening or will happen God already knows.   This is why it is so important to begin living your life to Please Him.  You will never be able to please any or everybody all the time.  But you can begin walking , talking and living in His Presence.  You can begin “Making the BEST  of  NOW!” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, life coach and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. DeBorrah along with her husband is co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records music for every musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.

A GREAT MARRIAGE

A GREAT MARRIAGE

Is it  still possible?

Divorce is raging a serious battle within our homes and congregations.   When a couple has been called to ministry I believe we have an obligation to uphold the marriage vows we speak, teach or preach about.  I  am thankful that we have been able to uphold our commitment to one another all these years.  But I realize it is not because of us it is because of the Lord!  Marriage God’s way does work.  I give Him full credit for keeping it uppermost in our minds the necessity of  living out those vows we made. A great marriage helps you to strengthen  your love, trust, intimacy, transparency and  so much more.   The path  you  walk is only as strong  to the degree,  you live out the very principles you talk about .

 

We after thirty eight years continue to refine our relationship. We have five (5)  grown children four (4) who are married.   I say this because this is not just words for kudos.  I realize that  there is  very serious spiritual warfare that continuously attempts  to come  against marriages.   Therefore I want to encourage others to uphold God’s Design for marriage. 

 

I am “Pro Marriage!”  

 

This 21^st century has ushered in some strange and disturbing things in regards to marriage.  Marriage is the first institution that was designed by God.  His way was designed to last a lifetime.  A great  Christian marriage  consists of one man and one woman united  in Holy Matrimony.   There is a special, unique,  unexplainable bond that takes place during this committed union.  It is spiritual as well as an emotional  bond and yes physical as well!  It grows and flourishes as you continue to keep your commitment to one another and the Lord as well!  According to the Word of God “The two become one flesh”.

 

A great marriage consists of a relationship where mutual respect and love coexist.  Intimacy is a crucial part of this relationship as well.  Here is where you learn to become transparent.  It is also quite important that  together you must  build TRUST in your relationship.   You must ask and  allow Him within the center of your circle.   The ring is symbolic of that circle.

 

When difficult or painful situations arise, and they will, together you must sincerely attempt to come to a resolution employing His principles.   Don’t  go into denial!  Get creative! You must make a sincere attempt to take time to build  a mutually,  enjoyable, satisfying ,  environment together that will help you weather the storms of life.  You must continually  learn to nurture your relationship.   This will also enhance your intimacy,  spiritually, mentally and  yes physically.  If you have not begun to do so it is never too late to start.

 

You must learn to submit to one another.  Submission  is an act of love.    Read I Peter.  It is during submission you learn to take into consideration the needs of one another as  a priority.  You must learn to walk this path in a concerted cadence.    Great marriages don’t just happen.  It takes a willing, committed,  man and woman to make a great  marriage work.  Today many change partners like trying on a new pair of shoes.  They keep trying until …

 

Today it is somewhere between 55% – 60% of marriages that fail.   This was not meant to be.  The Word says “What God has joined together let not man put asunder.”   I think there is just cause in saying  that God’s principles have been left out of the equation.  Somewhere along the line you have gotten off track.  Many really do not honor  their marriage vows.  Were those vows just words?  Or is now that the world has presented you with so many alternatives,  you? This has  a lot to do with why so many marriages are going  awry.   We who say we are believers must look to God not to the world.  Each partner in the marriage has a moral responsibility to make the marriage flourish.   What happened to all that commitment?   A great marriage was not made to seem as though it was a sentence.  It was designed to be a  healthy, growing, mutually satisfying , rewarding  partnership!

 

When building a great marriage it is  very important to keep the fires of desire burning.  Do not allow the passion  to fizzle out.  Continue to stir up the excitement you had spending time together.  If it has fizzled rekindle the flame.   Allow one another some space as well.  It is natural to do things apart that you enjoy too.   That just makes you value the time when you come together that much more!   A great  marriage  should be tended like a precious antique.  It gets better with age … Each marriage is uniquely different.  Together discover what is enjoyable and continue to add flavor to your relationship no matter what age you are.  And yes, a great marriage is still possible!  But always  keep the flames of  love, trust, intimacy, transparency going and burning within… Continue to find ways to build a loving, healthy, relaxing home environment.  This is what  creates an endless circle of  LOVE as well as A GREAT MARRIAGE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, life coach and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. DeBorrah along with her husband is co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records music for every musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.

What is SIN?

What is SIN?

What is Missing The Mark? God created us in His image. Image meaning we are to be a reflection of Him. According to Webster’s an exact likeness; semblance b: a person strikingly like another person example: she is the image of her mother. We who are believers are NOW children of God since we have accepted Jesus as our Lord & Savior. Our behavior should begin to reflect His principles as we grow spiritually. God says that we are to be children of the Light and not to walk in darkness. His Word NOW becomes our “Life Manual” which should be “a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” it helps to expose the darkness. We are supposed to commence consistently practice walking in Truth. You know the old cliché that says “practice makes perfect” well to tell the Truth we should really say “practice makes permanent.” We become what we practice.

The Lord lights our path as we walk in obedience to His Word. When we walk contrary to His Word we become separated from God. Anything that separates us from God is sin. We in fact “miss the mark”. A skilled marksman aims for a target. Our target as believers should be fellowship with God and walking in the Light of His Word. We are to implement His Word in our lives daily. When we do this sincerely God knows and therefore we have and antidote whenever we miss the mark. Jesus Christ is our Advocate. Once our conscious is sensitive to His Holy Spirit out of obedience we automatically confess, readily repent and begin aiming for the mark.

I John says “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” We sin when we disobey God. Or again we miss the mark. Sin is anything that separates us from God. So therefore metaphorically a spiritual bathe becomes necessary. We all have inherited the proclivity towards sin from Adam and Eve’s fall. The original sin was when they disobeyed God and did what they wanted to do instead. From that point on mankind became shackled by the snare of sin. Jesus came to restore us and once again anchor us in the Lord. Ephesians tells us that “We were actually chosen in Him before the foundation of the world.” Through Jesus Christ birth, sinless life, death and resurrection we have now been redeemed through His blood!

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us…” Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior we are given the gift of His Holy Spirit. His Holy Spirit is the promised Comforter. Our power to resist sin rests in Jesus Christ, we now have access 24/7, we never become the power. This is why we need a Savior to keep us connected and help us whenever sin beckons. Jesus promise that He would give us His Comforter to be with us forever is true! Jesus overcame sin in the flesh for us! “But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit , whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” With Him at our side we can be more than conquerors. As we grow spiritually sin should not dominate our lives. What is SIN? Sin is missing the mark. Our lives should now begin to bear and reflect the Fruit of His Spirit which is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Counselor, life coach and ordained minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do,” and just released her second book “Holy Matrimony: Now That You’re Married”.

DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and commentaries on life subjects that are widely published. DeBorrah along with her husband is co-founder of Alpha 7 Ministries, a Counseling and Music Ministry that reaches “Beyond The Walls”. There are times when we all need some encouragement in our walk with the Lord. The Counseling Ministry was designed to encourage, motivate and uplift you in your journey. The Music Ministry produces and records music for every musical taste: Contemporary Christian, Gospel, Praise & Worship, Instrumental Gospel/Jazz, and Easy Listening.

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