Grace Upon Grace Families

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

When we read the word “Let” in Scripture, it often carries a sense of divine authority and power. It is not a suggestion or a request; it is a command, a declaration that brings something into being. For example, in Genesis 1:3, we see this powerful word at work:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.”

With a single word, God spoke, and light burst forth into existence. This same authority is reflected in Psalm 150:6 when the psalmist declares, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” It is as if God is issuing a divine decree, calling all of creation—every living being—to join in the symphony of praise to Him.

The Breath of Life: A Gift for Praise

The phrase “everything that has breath” reminds us that every living creature owes its existence to God. It is He who breathed the breath of life into Adam (Genesis 2:7), and it is He who sustains the life of every living thing. From the smallest insect to the largest mammal, every breath is a gift from God, and every breath is an opportunity to glorify Him.

But what does it mean for everything to praise the Lord? Does this include animals, birds, and even the natural world? I believe it does!

The Song of Creation

Have you ever stopped to listen to the birds singing at dawn? Their melodies are not just random chirps; they are a chorus of praise to their Creator. In their own way, birds declare the glory of God through their songs. Jesus Himself pointed to the birds as evidence of God’s care and provision (Matthew 6:26), and if God cares for them so deeply, how much more does He delight in their songs of praise?

The psalmist also speaks of creation praising God:

“Praise the Lord from the earth,
You great sea creatures and all the depths;
Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;
Mountains and all hills;
Fruitful trees and all cedars;
Beasts and all cattle;
Creeping things and flying fowl.” (Psalm 148:7-10)

This beautiful imagery shows us that all of creation—every tree, every mountain, every creature—joins in a universal chorus of praise to the Lord. Even the wind and the waves obey His voice (Mark 4:41), and the heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1).

What About Us?

If the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth praise God, how much more should we, as His image-bearers, lift our voices in worship? We have been given not only breath but also the ability to know God, to love Him, and to express our gratitude and adoration in ways that no other creature can.

Yet, how often do we take this privilege for granted? How often do we go through our days without pausing to thank God for the gift of life, for the beauty of His creation, and for the salvation He has given us through Jesus Christ?

A Call to Praise

Let us respond to the psalmist’s call with joy and enthusiasm. Let us join the birds in their morning songs, the mountains in their silent majesty, and the waves in their ceaseless praise. Let us use every breath we have to glorify the One who gave us life.

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”

This is not just a command; it is an invitation—an invitation to be part of something greater than ourselves, to join the eternal chorus of creation in worshiping our Creator.

What a wonderful God we serve! A God who not only commands our praise but also delights in it. A God who fills the earth with beauty and gives us the breath to sing His praises. Let us never take this gift for granted. Let us praise Him with every breath, every word, and every song.

“Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” (Psalm 146:1-2)

21st Birthday Miracle: Chosen Before Birth, Rescued By Grace

My 21st birthday celebration was simple—just a few friends, none of the wild excesses some expect. While others drank, I hadn’t touched alcohol that day (though I wasn’t yet walking with Christ). What happened next would reveal a staggering truth: God had been protecting me long before I knew Him—since before I took my first breath.

The Unconscious Miracle

I was riding my motorcycle at a normal speed, taking my sister’s friend home. Then came the unexplainable:

A sudden blackout—not a power outage, but I lost consciousness while still operating the bike
Supernatural navigation—somehow, we’d already passed a deadly intersection where two highways met (a collision there with any large vehicle would have been fatal)
Waking to impact—I regained consciousness just in time to see the oncoming bike, with zero seconds to react before collision

Yet the greater miracle wasn’t our survival—it was the proof of what Scripture says:

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart" (Jeremiah 1:5).
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4).

Divine Rescuers at Zero Hour

At the exact moment we crashed:

The girl’s brother happened to be passing by with friends—human angels unaware
They got us immediate medical care
We walked away with only minor injuries

Science can’t explain:

How an unconscious rider navigated traffic
Why consciousness returned precisely before impact
Why help arrived at the perfect moment

A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Hope

"Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me before time began. Thank You for protecting me when I didn’t know to ask for protection. For anyone reading this facing fear or uncertainty, remind them: You’ve numbered their days (Psalm 139:16), and no accident—seen or unseen—can thwart Your purpose. Give them eyes to see Your past rescues, and faith to trust Your future grace. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen."

The God Who Claims Us First

This happened:
✓ Decades after He’d already chosen me (Ephesians 1:4)
✓ While I was spiritually blind
✓ Through physically impossible circumstances

That’s who our God is—His mercy doesn’t depend on our awareness. Your story of divine protection began before your first heartbeat.

Reflection: What near-misses in your life might be evidence of God’s lifelong guardianship?

From Shame to Glory: How Jesus Restored What Adam Lost

1. The Glory We Were Meant to Wear

"Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame." (Genesis 2:25)

Before sin entered the world, humanity was clothed in something far greater than fabric—the manifest glory of God’s presence. Their nakedness wasn’t a problem because they were covered by divine radiance, unbroken fellowship, and perfect purity.

But the moment Adam and Eve bit the fruit, everything changed. The glory lifted. For the first time, they felt exposed—not just physically, but spiritually (Genesis 3:7). Their frantic attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves was a tragic symbol: no human effort could restore what only God could provide.

2. The Law: God’s Perfect, Unreachable Standard

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), righteous (Psalm 7:11), and just (Deuteronomy 32:4). His Law—given through Moses—was like a mirror: it showed humanity their shattered reflection (Romans 3:20). No matter how hard they tried, no one could keep it perfectly.

But then Jesus came.

Born into a Jewish family, He submitted to every requirement of the Law:

Circumcised on the eighth day (Luke 2:21).
Presented at the Temple (Luke 2:22).
Observed Passover, feasts, and Sabbath (Matthew 26:17–19).

Yet unlike every other human, He never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He didn’t just follow the Law—He was the Law incarnate (John 1:14). And in doing so, He exposed the hypocrisy of rule-keeping without heart transformation (Matthew 23:27–28).

3. The Cross: Where the Law Was Crucified

Here’s the scandalous truth: Jesus didn’t just fulfill the Law—He became its curse for us (Galatians 3:13).

The Law demanded a perfect sacrifice? He was the Lamb (John 1:29).
The Law required righteousness? He became our righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Law pronounced death for sin? He took our death (Romans 6:23).

When Jesus cried, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He didn’t just mean His suffering—He meant the old system of striving was over. The veil tore (Matthew 27:51), and suddenly, access to God’s glory wasn’t just for high priests—it was for anyone in Christ.

4. Your Divine Inheritance: Claiming the ‘Policy’ Jesus Paid For

Imagine a father who leaves his children a priceless insurance policy. The premium is paid, the benefits secured—but if the heirs never claim it, they live like paupers.

This is the tragedy of many believers.
Jesus didn’t just forgive you; He restored the glory Adam lost:

Justified: Declared righteous (Romans 5:1).
Clothed: Covered in Christ’s dignity (Galatians 3:27).
Seated: Given authority (Ephesians 2:6).

This is why Paul shouts:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conclusion: Step Into Your Robe of Glory

Today, you have a choice:

Live ashamed, hiding behind fig leaves of works, guilt, or fear.
Live clothed, walking in the identity Jesus bought for you.

Prayer:
“Jesus, I receive what You’ve done for me. I renounce shame and claim Your righteousness. Teach me to walk in the glory You restored. Amen.”

Body Building vs. Faith Building: Training for Now and Eternity

"Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." — 1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)

We live in a world obsessed with physical fitness—shredded abs, bulging biceps, and peak performance. But while bodybuilding shapes the outer man, faith-building strengthens the inner man for eternity.

Let’s compare legendary bodybuilders with mighty faith-builders to see the difference—and the greater call.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Apostle Paul

Bodybuilder: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Fame: 7-time Mr. Olympia, Hollywood icon, former governor.
Training: Relentless weightlifting, extreme discipline, high-protein diet.
Legacy: Inspired millions to chase physical strength.

Faith-Builder: Apostle Paul

Fame: Transformed from persecutor to apostle, wrote 13 New Testament books.
Training: Prayer, fasting, enduring beatings, shipwrecks, and prison for the Gospel.
Legacy: Built the early Church—his spiritual "gains" still transform lives today.

Lesson: "For though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." (2 Cor. 4:16)

2. Ronnie Coleman vs. David (The Giant Slayer)

Bodybuilder: Ronnie Coleman

Fame: 8-time Mr. Olympia, one of the strongest bodybuilders ever.
Training: Lifted insane weights, lived by "Light weight, baby!"
Legacy: Now battles chronic pain from years of extreme training.

Faith-Builder: King David

Fame: Killed Goliath, became Israel’s greatest king, a man after God’s heart.
Training: Worship, repentance, reliance on God in battle.
Legacy: His Psalms still strengthen believers 3,000 years later.

Lesson: "The Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s." (1 Sam. 17:47)

3. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson vs. Moses

Bodybuilder: Dwayne Johnson

Fame: WWE Champion, Hollywood superstar, fitness motivator.
Training: Intense workouts, military-level discipline.
Legacy: Encourages millions to push physical limits.

Faith-Builder: Moses

Fame: Led Israel out of Egypt, spoke with God face-to-face.
Training: 40 years in the wilderness, interceded for a rebellious people.
Legacy: Delivered the Law—the foundation of God’s covenant.

Lesson: "The Rock" lifts weights, but Moses moved nations by faith.

4. Modern Fitness Icons vs. Modern Faith Warriors

Today’s culture celebrates fitness influencers selling workout plans and supplements. But true spiritual gains come from faith warriors like:

Nick Vujicic (born without limbs, yet preaches Christ to millions)
Sadie Robertson (challenges youth to live radically for God)
Pastor David Platt (calls believers to surrender all for the Gospel)

Their training? Prayer. Scripture. Obedience. Sacrifice.

Final Set: Where’s Your Focus?

Bodily exercise has some profit (1 Tim. 4:8).
Godly exercise has eternal reward (Matt. 6:20).

Your Challenge:

✅ Train your body (it’s God’s temple—1 Cor. 6:19).
🔥 Train your spirit DAILY (it’s eternal—1 Tim. 4:7).

Which one needs more reps in your life?

Why Standing Firm in Your Faith Is Not Optional

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13, NKJV)

Years ago, I sat in a job interview and openly shared my faith in God. To my surprise, I was hired—by a man who called himself "a bad Muslim who doesn't even visit the mosque."

The workplace was tense. The owner had a fierce temper—so intense that his anger sometimes forced him to take medication. Yet I worked diligently, proving my value. When he secured an agency for engraving machinery, I was given key responsibilities because he recognized my capabilities.

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." (Colossians 3:23, NKJV)

Then came the test.

The owner expanded into a new venture using those very machines: producing gold-plated religious figures. My spirit immediately resisted. As someone who serves the one true God, I knew I couldn't participate in work that would dishonor Him.

"You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image..." (Exodus 20:3-5, NKJV)

I told him respectfully but firmly: "These machines were meant for legitimate work. I cannot use them to create idols. If required, I will resign."

My stance shocked leadership. I didn't just refuse—I warned them that misusing these machines for idols could bring consequences.

"We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29, NKJV)

The owner backed down—but with a catch. He allowed me to stay but hired someone else to handle both the machinery and idol business, favoring them openly. It was a clear attempt to pressure me while still benefiting from my work elsewhere.

The sting of unfair treatment was real. But I held my ground.

"The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6, NKJV)

God's Justice Prevails

Months later, the owner approached me—unusual for him. "Can we talk?" he asked. His prized machinery agency had collapsed. The very business he had used to promote idol-making was now failing.

I could have gloated. Instead, I worked faithfully until God opened a better door for me.

Then came the full vindication:

The idol business failed completely—every gold-plated figure was returned
The machines meant for idols sat unused—their purpose thwarted
The favored employees betrayed him, even involving the police

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

The Lesson for Every Believer

God honors those who honor Him - Even in workplace conflicts
"Those who honor Me I will honor." (1 Samuel 2:30, NKJV)
Compromise spreads—but so does conviction
"Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers." (2 Corinthians 6:14, NKJV)
Your stand protects others - My refusal may have kept coworkers from sin

Will You Stand?

If you're facing pressure to compromise—in business, school, or relationships—remember:

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord." (Isaiah 54:17, NKJV)

Stand firm. Your God never fails.

Parenting with Eternal Perspective

“Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 (NKJV)

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging callings in life. It’s a journey filled with sleepless nights, endless laundry, and countless moments of teaching, correcting, and encouraging. Some days, it feels like your efforts go unnoticed, and you wonder if you’re making a difference. But here’s the truth: The small, daily sacrifices you make as a parent matter. You are raising a world-changer. Stay faithful—God is working even when you don’t see the results yet.

The Unseen Sacrifices of Parenting

As parents, we often pour our hearts into our children without expecting anything in return. We sacrifice our time, energy, and resources to nurture, teach, and guide them. But in the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to feel discouraged. We wonder if our efforts are making an impact or if we’re doing enough.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. Every prayer you whisper, every lesson you teach, and every act of love you show is planting seeds in your child’s heart. These seeds may take time to grow, but they will bear fruit in due season.

Parenting with an Eternal Perspective

Parenting with an eternal perspective means recognizing that your role as a parent goes beyond the here and now. It’s about shaping your child’s heart, character, and faith for eternity. While the world may measure success by grades, achievements, or accolades, God measures success by faithfulness.

Here are a few ways to keep an eternal perspective in your parenting:

Focus on Character Over Achievements: Teach your child to value kindness, integrity, and humility more than worldly success.
Pray for Your Child’s Heart: Ask God to work in your child’s life, even when you don’t see immediate results.
Model a Faith-Filled Life: Let your child see you trusting God, praying, and living out your faith in everyday situations.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small steps your child takes toward growth and maturity.

The Power of Perseverance

Parenting is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be days when you feel like giving up, when the challenges seem overwhelming, and when you wonder if your efforts are making a difference. But Galatians 6:9 encourages us to persevere, promising that “at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

This harvest may not come in the form you expect. It may be a heartwarming conversation with your teenager, a moment when your child shows kindness to someone in need, or a decision they make to follow Jesus. These are the fruits of your faithfulness.

Trusting God’s Timing

One of the hardest parts of parenting is waiting. We want to see results now—whether it’s improved behavior, academic progress, or spiritual growth. But God’s timing is perfect, and He is always at work, even when we can’t see it.

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” — Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

This verse is a powerful reminder that God is the one who completes the work in our children’s lives. Our job is to stay faithful and trust Him with the results.

A Message of Encouragement

If you’re feeling weary or discouraged today, take heart. Your efforts as a parent are not in vain. Every act of love, every word of encouragement, and every moment of patience is making a difference. You are raising a world-changer, and God is using you to shape their heart and future.

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Keep pressing on, dear parent. Stay faithful, trust God’s timing, and remember that your work has eternal significance.

Call-to-Action

What are some ways you stay encouraged as a parent? How do you keep an eternal perspective in the midst of daily challenges? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to stay faithful in this important calling!

Remember, you are raising a world-changer. Keep planting seeds of love, faith, and wisdom—your harvest is coming!

New Wine into Old Wineskins: Why Grace Can’t Be Contained by the Law

Introduction

"No one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and both the wine and the skins will be ruined." — Mark 2:22

When Jesus spoke these words, He wasn’t just giving a lesson on winemaking. He was revealing a radical truth about God’s plan: The old system of the Law could not contain the new life He came to bring.

The Pharisees tried to fit Jesus’ teachings into their rigid, rule-based framework, but He made it clear—what He offered wasn’t an upgrade to the old way; it was something entirely new.

So what does this mean for us today? Are we still trying to pour the new wine of grace into the old wineskins of legalism?

1. The Old Wineskins: The Limitations of the Law

God gave the Law to Israel as a guardian (Galatians 3:24), not as the final destination. It was holy and good (Romans 7:12), but it had a purpose:

To reveal sin (Romans 3:20)
To point to the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24)
To set a temporary standard until Christ came (Hebrews 8:13)

But the Law had limits:

It demanded perfection but provided no power to fulfill it.
It exposed guilt but couldn’t remove it (Hebrews 10:1-4).
It was based on external obedience rather than heart transformation.

The old covenant was like stiff, brittle wineskins—unable to expand with the new wine of grace.

2. The New Wine: The Life of the Spirit

Jesus didn’t come to patch up the old system—He came to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17) and establish something entirely new.

The new wine is:

Grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9)
A heart changed by the Spirit, not just behavior modified by rules (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Freedom in Christ, not slavery to regulations (Galatians 5:1)

This new covenant was prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, where God promised:

"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts."
"I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more."

The Pharisees missed this because they were still clinging to the old wineskins—rituals, traditions, and man-made rules—while God was doing something new.

3. Are We Still Using Old Wineskins Today?

Even now, many believers struggle with:

Adding extra rules to salvation (e.g., "You must do X to be truly saved")
Judging spirituality by external standards (church attendance, dress, etc.)
Living in fear rather than freedom (1 John 4:18)

But Jesus didn’t die to give us a new set of laws—He died to give us Himself.

4. How to Live in the New Wineskin

Rest in grace. Stop trying to earn what Christ has already given (Hebrews 4:10).
Walk in the Spirit. Let Him lead, not guilt or man-made standards (Galatians 5:16, 25).
Love fulfills the Law. The entire Law is summed up in love (Romans 13:10).

Conclusion: A Call to Embrace the New

The old wineskins couldn’t contain the new wine—and neither can our lives if we’re still trying to mix Law and grace.

Are you living in the freedom of the Spirit? Or are you still pouring the new wine of Christ’s grace into the old, cracked wineskins of rule-keeping?

Jesus didn’t come to give us a system—He came to give us Himself. And that changes everything.

✨ Your Turn to Respond

Reflect & Share:

Have you ever unknowingly poured "new wine into old wineskins"—like judging spirituality by external rules rather than grace?
How has God shifted you from law-based thinking to Spirit-led freedom?

Drop a comment below! Your story might encourage someone else.

⚡ "Christ has set us free for freedom!" (Galatians 5:1)