You know, despite our best intentions, there are times when we will miss a step and find ourselves in uncomfortable locations. It isn’t fun, and if we stubbornly stay there, can even mire us in guilt and shame. But there’s an antidote: repentance. Nothing we say to God will take…
There are times a person will instruct us to do something, not because it’s best for us, but because it will benefit them. Selfish, yes? That is never the case with God. His righteousness (being morally right) makes it impossible for Him to take advantage of us. Whatever He commands…
HYMN DAY! When I was growing up, I loved spotting “I’ve Found a Friend” by Jack P. Scholfield listed on the church bulletin. The final line of the chorus always echoed against the rafters: “For I’m saved, saved, saved!” What a glorious thought! 1 I’ve found a friend who is…
When God makes a promise, God keeps the promise. He promised to send a Savior; Jesus came. He promised to prepare a place for us; it’s waiting. He promised to never leave us nor forsake us; He’s ever only a prayer away. He also promised that in this world we…
A hundred years ago (or so it sometimes seems) I taught 5th grade. There was a television mounted near the ceiling at the front of my classroom. When I stood at the blackboard (yes, the blackboard—this is 100 years ago, remember?), I could see a reflection of the entire class…
Even when the pathway is hard, if I know I am where God wants me to be, I can be at peace. When I’m far from Him, stumbling along a path of my own selfishness or foolishness, peace is nowhere to be found. He is the Prince of Peace, and…
When was the last time you truly rejoiced over God’s promise to send Jesus into this world as the sacrificial lamb who paid your sin debt? Has anyone, ever, no matter how wonderful or sincere the action, done more for you than Jesus? He deserves our praise. And you know…
HYMN DAY! “Standing on the Promises of Christ My King” by Russell Kelso Carter is one of those songs you can’t sing sitting down. So stand up! Sing it! Believe it! His promises are true and apply to YOU. 1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King, Through eternal…
We have a choice: confess our sins, repent, and ask Jesus to save us; or don’t. Every sinner who turns to Him in true repentance will receive grace, based on God’s unending compassion. God is compassionate, and God is also just. The popular belief that God won’t send anyone to…
Salvation is far from the wicked NOT because God is withholding it. Salvation is for every person who confesses, repents, and asks to be saved. But the truly wicked, those who revel in the darkness, often refuse to confess and repent. There are some we wouldn’t necessarily consider wicked, but…
