“Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Explain to us the parable that says people aren’t defiled by what they eat.’ ‘Don’t you understand yet?’ Jesus asked. ‘Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. But the words you speak come from the heart – that’s what defiles you. For from theContinue reading “When Understanding is Hard”
Tag Archives: Grace
Grace in the Ruins
“He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 NLT) Many of us have had losses caused by divorce, death, and disappointments of many kinds that have left our hearts and lives in shambles. The ruins left in the wake of tragedies can leave us reeling, often wondering where God is and if we’llContinue reading “Grace in the Ruins”
The Gift We Could Never Afford
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 3:23 NLT) What do you have today you wouldn’t have had it not been given to you? Think of all the gifts you’ve received over the years, most of which you’ve forgotten aboutContinue reading “The Gift We Could Never Afford”
The Greater Work
“Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with His disciples, they asked Him, ‘Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?’ Jesus replied, ‘This kind can be cast out only by prayer.” (Mark 9:28-29 NLT) What do you consider the “greater work” of a Jesus follower? Casting out demons? Leading someone to the Savior?Continue reading “The Greater Work”
Our Highest Standard
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT) The Greek world in which the Christian Faith was born was aContinue reading “Our Highest Standard”
Why Surrender?
“Surrender your heart to God turn to him in prayer, and give up your sins—even those you do in secret. Then you won’t be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless. Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge, and your darkest night will be brighter than noon. You will rest safe and secure,Continue reading “Why Surrender?”
Suddenly!
“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And weContinue reading “Suddenly!”
Compassionate Father…Fierce Warrior
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your FatherContinue reading “Compassionate Father…Fierce Warrior”
Whose Name Are You Trusting?
“As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. ‘Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name himContinue reading “Whose Name Are You Trusting?”
The Meaning of Grace
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 KJV) The longer I know, love, and serve the Lord, the greater my sense that we’ve cheapened His grace to mean something it wasContinue reading “The Meaning of Grace”
Walking With Jesus 