17God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him.” John 3:17-18 Yesterday we read that “everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Belief — that is the necessary ingredient. Jesus …

Here is one last question for you to consider this week. Perhaps it is the most important one of all! Jesus asked his disciples and he asks it of us as well. 18One day Jesus left the crowds to pray alone. Only his disciples were with him, and he asked them, “Who do people say I …

4“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6When he …

On Tuesday, I shared a song from way back in the archives entitled, “Father, I Place into your Hands.” There is one verse of that song that particularly hit home with me. Father, I want to be with youAnd do the things you do.Father, I want to speak the wordsThat you are speaking too.Father, I …

1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of …

Today I was reminded of an old song that was a part of my childhood. The tune is one borrowed from another song, a simple melody easy to pick up on. But the thing that really knocked me over is the words. Father, I place into your handsThe things I cannot do,Father, I place into …

Saturday, Dave and I worked in our landscaping trimming shrubs. Our dog loves to be outside with us but he gets bored with what we are doing. If we don’t keep a careful eye on him, he runs over the river and through the woods to someone else’s house! We don’t like that so I …

Drawing dark, thick lines in the sand are, most of the time, invitations to disaster. Too often, the one who speaks vehemently, without regard for their own fallibiity, find themselves on the wrong side of that line. As I studied this week, I found this helpful prayer. I recommend adopting it! 3Take control of what …

I’ve been pondering Jesus’ words to Peter from Luke 22. Before Peter ever drew the thick line in the sand — “even if I have to die, I will never leave you!” — Jesus planned to restore him. He gave Peter the courage to repent before he erred! Are you getting that? Before we mess …

When confronted by my own failures, my first instinct is to lash out. Blaming others, pointing out how others fail or defending myself, I refuse to take responsibility. I am hesitant to repent, missing the blessing of restoration. Jesus has a better plan for me and knows my faith wavers. He is praying for me …