Eternal Life

October 31st – Isaiah 48:17

Isaiah 48:17

In the large woods behind my house are many small paths to follow. Only one leads to an open field. The rest lead deeper into the thickest, darkest part of the woods. And if you aren’t careful, you’ll find yourself lost, in unfamiliar territory, and unsure of where to go. In life there are many paths we can follow. Only one leads to eternal life. The others lead to death and destruction. When we choose to follow God, He will guide us with abundant wisdom and lead us along the best path. All we need do is keep firmly footed on God’s course by seeking a deeper connection with Him. This happens through prayer, meditation, and the study of scripture. That way we can become more attuned to His guidance and cultivate a heart and ears open to His voice. God’s abundant knowledge and grace are always available to us, providing direction and insight. We can trust in His guidance, knowing that His abundance of wisdom is there to illuminate our path and help us make choices that align with His divine plan.

October 31st – Isaiah 48:17 Read More »

August 19th – Colossians 1:22

Colossians 1:22

He has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before Him

The unimaginable violence Jesus suffered is heartbreaking. Yet because of His great sacrifice, we can be reconciled to God. Covered by the blood of Christ, and clothed in His righteousness, we can be presented before our Father as holy and blameless in His sight. And although horrific, the violence of Jesus’ death is a powerful reminder of the gravity of sin. And the great cost required for redemption. His sacrificial act, marked by suffering and brutality, serves as the ultimate expression of God’s love and mercy. By willingly enduring this violent death, Jesus bore the weight of our sins. And He Himself took the punishment we deserved. Through His death, the separation between God and humanity was ended. And a path to reconciliation was forged. Jesus’ violent death emphasizes the great lengths God was willing to go to restore our relationship with Him. It shows the depths of His grace and the magnitude of His plan for salvation.

August 19th – Colossians 1:22 Read More »

August 7th – Colossians 1:15

Colossians 1:15

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

When spending time in God’s Word, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy while reading about those who saw, talked, and walked with the Lord in the flesh. To witness His miracles, hear His teachings, and experience His boundless love in person was a wondrous gift. For in Jesus, God’s grace and truth became tangible. And through Him, humanity experienced the physical embodiment of God’s love and mercy. Because our Heavenly Father desires a close, personal relationship with us, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile us back to Himself, and provide a path to eternal life. Creator of all things, God in the flesh, both fully God and man, Christ came to ransom His life for the lives of all who call on Him for salvation. And one day those who receive His gift of salvation, will also share in the awesome privilege of seeing the Lord face to face. But until He calls us home, through the scripture, we can learn how Jesus walked while on the earth. And by following His example, we can draw closer to God by living as He did.

August 7th – Colossians 1:15 Read More »

July 13th – Proverbs 8:33

Proverbs 8:33

Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.”

Although Solomon was known for his wisdom, there’s one whose words are even wiser. And those who eagerly receive and cling to them will too be wise. The words and teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the the only begotten Son of God, Jesus came to Earth to teach humanity about love, compassion, forgiveness, and the path to eternal life. His teachings are profound. Filled with divine wisdom, they are aimed at transforming our lives for the better. And by listening to His words, we can find guidance in every aspect of our lives. Jesus’ teachings emphasize humility, selflessness, and the importance of faith. They offer us a roadmap to live a purposeful life, to seek reconciliation, and to experience a deep connection with God. If we want to live lives that glorify God, listening to the wisdom of Jesus is essential. And if we both hear and obey His teachings, we’ll not only find discernment, but peace, joy, and an eternity spent at His side.

July 13th – Proverbs 8:33 Read More »

June 2nd – Psalm 36:6

Psalm 36:6

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.”

Each morning brings with it a fresh, clean slate in the eyes of God. Yet chances are at some point in the day we’ll sin, breaking His Law. But thankfully when we stand before the Lord in true sorrow and repentance, we can trust in His perfect justice. Unlike worldly judges who let their opinions and decisions be swayed, nothing can change the unwavering righteousness and forgiveness of the Lord. When others are unjust or unfair, we can trust that God never is. Just as the mountains stand firm and the deep sea is vast, His forgiveness knows no bounds. And He offers redemption and restoration to all who humbly seek His grace. In His unfathomable love, God saved us from the chains of sin, offering His own Son to pay the debt we owed. All to offer us eternal life and a renewed hope. So with thankful hearts may we always turn to the Lord knowing that in His forgiveness, are found healing, freedom, and the assurance of a life reconciled with Him.

June 2nd – Psalm 36:6 Read More »

April 10th – Hebrews 13:8

Hebrews 13:8

In a constantly changing world, it’s good to know that there is one we can always rely on. One whose character and teachings are consistent across time. And whose message and actions remain relevant and important for all generations. That One is Jesus Christ. The same yesterday, today, and forever, the Lord is our reliable and constant source of hope, guidance, and strength. And as such, we can rely on His teachings, sacrifice, and love, both in this life and in the next. Most wonderful of all, because Jesus never changes, His work on the Cross remains available to all who seek redemption and forgiveness. This means that anyone who calls on Jesus as their Savior can be assured of eternal life. And we can trust that no matter what challenges or difficulties we face in life, Jesus will always be there for us. Because His love and grace will never diminish.

April 10th – Hebrews 13:8 Read More »

March 2nd – Ephesians 1:3

Ephesians 1:3

Therapists agree that it isn’t healthy to expect one person to meet our every need. Because no one individual could possible be all things all of the time. But fortunately for us, we don’t have to rely on anyone to fulfill us. Because from His amazing grace, we have everything we could possibly need through Jesus Christ. Not only meeting our needs physically, God gave the blood of His precious Son to meet our needs spiritually as well. Christ willingly became our sin substitute, to offer us amazing, unmerited blessings. Forgiveness of sin, reconciliation with the Father, and the gift of the Holy Spirit are ours for the taking. Offered lovingly and freely when we receive Jesus as our Savior. And most wonderful of all,  because of Christ’s work on the Cross, eternal life. So praise be to God! And from grateful hearts give shouts of thanks for His abundant blessings!

March 2nd – Ephesians 1:3 Read More »

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9

Hebrews 2:9

John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much, He sent His only Son to pay the sin debt we owe. A love perfectly exampled through the humility of that sent Son, Jesus Christ. Seated on a throne of righteousness at the right hand of the Father, the Lord willingly became “lower than the angels”. He gave up glory and power for pain and sorrow, all because of love. Love for us and love for the Father. Coming in the form of a man, Christ endured all things and suffered all things so He could become our perfect, compassionate, High Priest. (Heb. 2:16-17) Jesus shed His precious blood, giving His life so we can live eternally. And because of His great sacrifice, He once again sits beside God crowned with glory and honor. Such a love we can scarcely comprehend, and one we don’t deserve. Yet God offers His love freely. All we have to do is open our hearts and receive it.

 

February 7th – Hebrews 2:9 Read More »

January 31st – Matthew 9:9

Matthew 9:9

Each of the men Jesus called to be disciples, never once hesitated to follow Him. They didn’t take time to try and clean up their lives. They didn’t take time to wean themselves off the trappings of the world. And they didn’t take time to let go of the people and things of the past for a new and better future. Jesus met them and wanted them right where they were, and in a leap of faith, they answered His call straight away and began a life dedicated to the Lord. Just as He called the disciples, Jesus also calls each of us. “Follow Me!”, cries the Lord. “Follow Me and I’ll give you heavenly riches greater than the world could ever offer. Follow Me and let My love fill your hearts with a peace and joy that can never be shaken. Follow Me and I’ll give You eternal life purchased with My own precious blood. Follow Me, and help save the world!”

January 31st – Matthew 9:9 Read More »

January 15th – Psalm 71:23

Psalm 71:23

The Christian life is meant to be one of joy and celebration. A celebration of all God is and His amazing, unmerited blessings. David knew this well. The psalms he wrote, no matter the subject, were songs from his heart to the heart of his beloved Creator. All in worship to the God who was his everything. No matter what he faced, David had an unquenchable inner joy. A joy stemming from his great love for God. One that put a song on his lips and made his heart burst into singing praises to the Lord. As lovers of God, we too should have a song in our heart. One that yearns to burst from our lips and sing the praises of God. For once we were dead in our sin, and enemies of the Lord. Yet from His great love, God redeemed, adopted, and provided a path to eternal life. And if that wasn’t enough, He is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives as our Father, Comforter, Provider, and Friend. Knowing all of this, how can we not have that same inner joy as David!

January 15th – Psalm 71:23 Read More »