“Remember, therefore, it is not your hold on Christ that saves you – it is Christ. It is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument – it is Christ’s blood and merits. Therefore, look not so much to your hand with which you are grasping Christ, as to look at Christ Himself. Look to Jesus, the source of your hope, the author … Continue reading
The warmth of love can only be kindled in the heart by God’s Spirit. How marvelous that when we had rebelled against Him, He would by a display of such amazing love seek to draw us back. We would never have had a grain of love toward God unless it had been sown in us by the sweet seed of His love for us. Love, … Continue reading
Finishing by the Spirit
I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Galatians 3:2-3 The apostle’s exhortation to these Christians should cause us to pause. The Galatians after … Continue reading Finishing by the Spirit
You’re Still Mine
“And I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17 Sometimes I wake up and wonder if He’s still there. It’s … Continue reading You’re Still Mine
Father Forgive Them
Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34 This is an amazing request. It was heard by the soldiers and those standing around the cross, just after the nails entered his hands and feet. In this moment, we see the love of God toward sinners. Looking closely, we … Continue reading Father Forgive Them
Don’t Be Afraid Anymore
“Peace I leave with 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.” John 14:27 There are some reading this now who are very much afraid. The hardest trials are those that can’t be talked about with anyone else. Often, unpleasant thoughts seek to occupy as … Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid Anymore
A Deeper Relevance
Jesus answered, “It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Mathew 4:4 A few weeks ago, a nagging back pain progressed to hours of excruciating throbs in my kidneys and vomiting. With no relief in sight, I fearfully considered an emergency room visit. Thankfully, the pain subsided but continued into the following … Continue reading A Deeper Relevance
Giving Us Just What We Need
When John, who was in prison heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask Him, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Mathew 11:2-3) This is an astonishing question. It wasn’t expected, but I’m thankful it was asked by such a great pillar of the faith. We know the story well. John the … Continue reading Giving Us Just What We Need
Truly this was the Son of God
Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34 God always makes the first move. He seeks those that are not looking for Him. We love Him because He first loved us. He chooses to forgive sinners who have no idea the magnitude of the offenses they have committed … Continue reading Truly this was the Son of God
Without Strength
“You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6 This past weekend another unexpected fire hit our little mountain town. Laughter and joy of celebrating my daughter’s birthday quickly morphed into anxiety, dread and fear. Reflecting on my emotions after seeing the helicopters and planes clean up today, I am left with the overwhelming feeling of … Continue reading Without Strength
Pilgrims Perspective 