redemption

Apr

2024

Grace Abounds All the More

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Challenge of Sin

Sin profoundly impacts everyone. It represents rebellion against God’s will, the violation of His holy law, and the corruption of His good creation.

Sin severs our connection with God’s love, exposing us to His wrath and judgment. It also damages our relationships with others and ourselves, leading to misery and death. Ultimately, sin lies at the root of all evil and suffering in the world.

Our own efforts and merits cannot free us from sin. We cannot flawlessly adhere to God’s law, nor can we erase our past transgressions.

Our sinful nature remains unchanged, and the power of sin overwhelms us. In our helpless state, we deserve God’s condemnation and punishment.

Precious Gift of Grace

Yet, in His boundless love and mercy, God provides an escape from sin and its consequences. He bestows upon us the gift of grace—an undeserved favor and kindness.

Grace is not something we earn; it is freely and generously given by God. It serves as the wellspring of our salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, transformation, peace, and joy.

The pinnacle of God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Jesus entered our world as a human, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross for our sins.

His resurrection conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, we can receive the Holy Spirit and His life-transforming Word, guiding and empowering us.

His unconditional love intercedes for us.

Response of Faith

How can we access this abundant grace?
How do we experience it?

The answer lies in faith. Faith involves trusting God’s promises, surrendering to His will, and obeying His commands. It justifies and sanctifies us, declaring us righteous and holy through God’s grace.

Faith is not a self-generated work; it is a divine gift. We humbly receive it, recognizing that boasting has no place.

Faith is our lifeline to God and His grace—a channel through which His abundant blessings flow into our lives.

Fruit of Joy

What happens when we embrace God’s grace through faith? Joy blossoms. This deep and lasting delight transcends circumstances, rooted in God’s goodness.

Joy evidences the work of the Holy Spirit, the reward of faith, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It fuels our service and witness, comforts us during trials, and directs praise and glory to our God and Savior.

Joy isn’t a mere feeling we manufacture; it’s a reality we discover. We don’t chase after it; we possess it. Joy overflows from God’s grace within us, radiating outward to bless others.

Remember this kids song . . . it’s not just for kids!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

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“One Minute with God”

Mar

2024

Finishing the Work

Fulfilled Task

“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” – John 17:4 (NIV)

In this powerful statement from Jesus, we see the culmination of His earthly ministry.

He declares that He has completed the task assigned to Him by the Father, bringing glory to God through His obedience and sacrifice.

Purpose Revealed

From the very beginning, Jesus had a clear sense of purpose and mission.

He came to earth not merely to teach or perform miracles, but to fulfill a specific work – the redemption of humanity through His death and resurrection.

Example Set

As followers of Christ, we too have been given a purpose and a mission.

Just as Jesus lived a life of absolute obedience to the Father’s will, we are called to align our lives with God’s plan and to seek to bring Him glory through our actions and choices.

Ongoing Work

While Christ’s work on the cross is complete, the mission to proclaim the good news and make disciples continues.

We are now the hands and feet of Christ in the world, carrying on the work that He began. As we surrender ourselves fully to God’s purposes, we can find true meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

May you, like Jesus, be able to say at the end of your days that you have finished the work God gave you to do. May your life be a testament to His glory, as you faithfully pursue His purposes.

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“One Minute with God”

Mar

2024

The Moment It All Changed

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” – Genesis 3:7 (NIV)

As we look into this verse, we see a pivotal moment in human history – the moment when sin entered the world.

Adam and Eve, who had once enjoyed perfect intimacy with God, now felt the weight of shame and guilt for the first time.

Consequence

Their eyes were opened, not to a deeper understanding of God’s love, but to their own nakedness and vulnerability.

Suddenly, they were aware of their flaws and shortcomings, and they tried to cover themselves with makeshift garments made from fig leaves.

The Separation

This act was a symbol of the separation that had occurred between them and their Creator. No longer could they walk in perfect harmony with God, as they had in the Garden.

A rift had been created, and they found themselves hiding from the very One who had breathed life into them.

The Hope

But even in this darkest of moments, God’s love shone through. He sought them out, not to condemn, but to offer a way back.

He promised that one day, a Savior would come and crush the head of the serpent – the one who had tempted them into sin.

Although the consequences of their sin were severe, God’s grace was greater still. He provided a way for them to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. And this same grace is available to us today, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

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“One Minute with God”

Feb

2024

Unshackled Grace

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.” – Acts 13:38 (NIV)

In the bustling marketplace of life, we carry burdens—hidden chains that weigh down our souls. Guilt, shame, regrets—they cling to us like shadows.

But here, in the heart of Acts, a clarion call resounds: forgiveness. Not a mere pardon, but a sweeping liberation—an unshackling of our deepest wounds.

Prisoner Set Free

“Through Jesus…”

Imagine the scene: a weary traveler, stumbling under the weight of guilt. His past, a prison cell; his sins, iron bars. Yet, the proclamation echoes through the ages: forgiveness.

Not earned, not deserved, but freely given. The shackles fall, and the prisoner stands—redeemed, restored. The cross, once an instrument of death, becomes the gateway to life.

The tomb, empty; the grave clothes, discarded. The risen Christ extends nail-scarred hands—inviting us into the dawn of grace.

Whisper of Mercy

“The forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Grace whispers in the quiet corners of our hearts. It speaks of second chances, of redemption woven into our brokenness.

The tax collector, the adulteress, the doubter—all find solace at the foot of the cross. The slate wiped clean, the ledger erased. The Pharisee’s judgment silenced; the sinner’s tears embraced.

The Gospel, not a legal transaction, but a love story—a divine romance. Forgiveness, not a distant concept, but a living reality. The proclamation echoes still: You are forgiven.

Unshackled Life

“Through Jesus…”

As pilgrims on this grace-soaked journey, we walk unshackled. Our souls, once imprisoned, now dance in the light of forgiveness. We extend grace to others, for we know the cost—the crimson price paid on Calvary.

Our words, seasoned with mercy; our actions, dripping with compassion. We bear witness to the proclamation: forgiveness. It’s not a theological abstraction; it’s our heartbeat.

We live as liberated souls, marked by grace, pointing others to the One who sets captives free.

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“One Minute with God”

Feb

2024

Unbreakable Bond

My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. (John 10:29)

The Bible contains an amazing promise from Jesus that should give every Christian great comfort and confidence. Jesus says in the Gospel of John that God the Father has given believers to Him as a gift, and that no one can ever take us out of God’s hand.

Salvation Comes from God’s Grace

First, Jesus tells us that Christians belong to Him because God the Father has given them to Him. This means that our salvation does not depend on anything we do to earn it. Instead, it depends completely on God’s grace and love towards us.

Before time began, God chose us and set His love upon us. He saved us and adopted us as His own dear children, not because we were worthy, but because He is so gracious and kind.

Since our salvation comes as a free gift from God, we can be sure that He will not change His mind later and turn His back on us. He knew all our flaws and failures ahead of time, and he saved us anyway.

His love lasts forever, because God Himself lasts forever. Our security is based on God’s faithful promise, not our own efforts.

God Rules Over All Things

Jesus also reminds us that God His Father is greater than all. As the eternal Creator of the universe, God has supreme power and authority over all that exists.

No one can compete with Him or threaten Him in any way. Every king and every ruler must ultimately give account to God.

This means that God has the power to protect us and keep us safe no matter what may come against us. No enemy, no sickness or tragedy, no hardship or danger is too much for God to handle or shield us from.

God is mightier than any force in heaven or on earth. We can take refuge in him because nothing can overcome His strength and love for His people.

No One Can Snatch Us from God’s Grip

Not only is God supremely powerful, Jesus says, but He also holds on tightly to those who believe in Him. No one can snatch us out of His hand—we are gripped firmly by the Almighty Creator who loves us!

Just as a loving parent holds onto a small child to keep them from wandering into danger, God cradles us in His mighty hands. He keeps his eye always on us, guiding our steps. He surrounds us constantly with His comfort, strength and love.

We do not keep ourselves safe from enemies or hardship through our own power. We rely fully on God’s power and faithfulness towards us. Our confidence comes from understanding that the eternal, almighty Creator of the universe has promised to hold onto us tightly forever.

He will never forget us or let us slip through His fingers. His grip on our lives will never loosen or grow weak.

United with God Forever

This intimate bond between God and His people was made possible through Jesus. Jesus is God in human form who lived among us. He died and rose again to pay for our sins, making reconciliation between God and man possible.

Now Jesus invites us to be united with Him and with God the Father in a relationship of love. He wants us to know Him, enjoy close friendship with Him, and reflect His love out into the world.

Because of Jesus, Christians do not relate to God merely through laws or rituals. We have intimacy with God—we are united to Him by Jesus Christ our Lord! God embraces us as His own dear children and promises to keep us safe, loved, and secure in His hands forever.

Understanding this incredible privilege should inspire our deep love, gratitude and reverence for God our Father, now and for all eternity.

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“One Minute with God”

Jan

2024

Gift of Abundant Grace

Romans 5:17 – For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Contrasting Effects

While Adam’s sin ushered death into the world, Christ came to overwhelm sin with surpassing grace and the gift of righteousness. His redemption reverses the curse with boundless blessings.

Christ more than erased Adam’s damage. He pours out radical grace that takes us further than the original paradise. In Him, we are adopted children given authority to reign.

Far Greater Provision

Imagine being imprisoned for years only to not just be released, but become cherished sons welcomed into the king’s palace with royal rights and privileges. This illustrates God’s lavish grace.

In Christ, we gain far more than was lost. We are co-heirs with Him over God’s estate. As grace is embraced through faith, we are empowered to reign in life.

Thank You for Abounding Grace

Lord, I stand in awe at the super-abounding grace You freely give me in Christ. Thank You for granting me not only pardon but adoption, purpose, power, authority – abundant life. Your grace truly abounds!

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“One Minute with God”

Oct

2023

Curse on the Serpent

In Genesis 3:14, we encounter a verse that marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative—the consequence of the serpent’s role in the Fall of humanity.

“So the LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.’ “

Serpent’s Role

This verse addresses the serpent, which was used by Satan to deceive Adam and Eve. God’s pronouncement of a curse upon the serpent serves as a reminder of the consequences that result from rebellion against God’s divine order.

The Curse Unveiled

The curse upon the serpent is multifaceted. It involves being “cursed above all livestock and all wild animals,” a position of disgrace and shame.

The serpent is also condemned to crawl on its belly, symbolizing humiliation and degradation.

Lastly, the serpent is destined to “eat dust all the days of your life,” signifying a state of perpetual defeat and subservience.

Reflection

This verse teaches us about the nature of sin, disobedience, and the consequences that follow. It reminds us that God is just and that disobedience leads to separation from His intended purpose for our lives.

It serves as a foundation for understanding the need for redemption and restoration through Christ.

Lessons for Us

As you reflect on Genesis 3:14, consider the profound implications of your own choices. Just as the serpent faced consequences for its role in the Fall, your actions have consequences too.

Yet, in the midst of these consequences, we find hope in God’s plan of redemption through Christ.

May this verse encourage you to seek obedience to God’s will and to embrace the grace and forgiveness offered through Christ’s sacrifice.

Oct

2023

Redemption

“having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14)

Weight of Legal Indebtedness

At the core of this verse lies the concept of “legal indebtedness.” It signifies the burden of our sins, the moral and spiritual debts that separated us from God.

This verse acknowledges the reality that we were once under condemnation due to our sinful nature and actions.

The Redemption Act

The pivotal message of this verse is redemption—the act of setting us free from the bondage of sin and its consequences. It tells us that Christ, through His sacrifice on the cross, canceled our legal indebtedness.

He took our sins upon Himself, bearing the weight of our condemnation.

The Cross

The imagery of nailing our legal indebtedness to the cross is powerful. It signifies that our sins were not just forgiven; they were dealt with decisively and completely through the crucifixion of Christ.

The cross becomes the symbol of our redemption, where the divine transaction of grace took place.

Embracing Freedom

Colossians 2:14 is a reminder of the remarkable gift of freedom we have received through Christ’s sacrifice. Our legal indebtedness has been canceled, and we are no longer condemned.

It’s a freedom that empowers us to walk in righteousness and to draw closer to the One who has set us free.

ARE “YOU” FREE TODAY?

Jul

2023

Eager Expectation

Romans 8:19 presents a profound truth that stirs the imagination:

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.”

This verse invites us to consider the grand scope of God’s redemptive plan and our role within it. It speaks to the anticipation and longing of all creation for the revelation of God’s children, those who have been adopted into His family through faith in Christ.

The phrase “the creation waits in eager expectation” suggests that the entire created order, from the majestic mountains to the smallest creatures, is eagerly awaiting the full manifestation of God’s redeemed people.

It’s as if creation itself is yearning for the moment when the beauty and glory of God’s children will be fully unveiled. This speaks to the significant impact that our lives can have on the world around us when we live as true children of God.

As children of God, we are called to live in a way that reflects our heavenly Father’s love, grace, and righteousness. Our lives should shine as a testimony to the transformative power of God’s redeeming work in us.

Just as the world eagerly awaits the revelation of God’s children, may we embrace our identity and purpose in Christ, allowing His love to radiate through us and impact the lives of those around us.

Remember that our lives have a divine purpose beyond our individual experiences. We are part of God’s redemptive plan, and creation itself longs for the revelation of God’s children.

Live in a way that brings honor to your heavenly Father, sharing His love with others, and participating in the restoration and renewal of all things.

Jul

2023

Heart Transplant

Have you ever felt like your heart needed a fresh start?

Like there was something inside you that needed to change? In the book of Ezekiel, there is a powerful promise from God:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

This promise speaks to the transformative work that God wants to do in your life. It’s not just a superficial change or a temporary fix, but a complete renovation of your heart.

God wants to remove the hardness and stubbornness within and replace it with a heart that is alive and responsive to His leading.

This promise is available to anyone who turns to God in faith. He removes the old, unyielding heart and replaces it with a heart that is soft and pliable in His hands.

It’s a heart that beats with love, compassion, and obedience to God’s will.

If you feel like your heart needs a fresh start, know that God is ready and willing to make that change in you. Trust Him with your heart and allow Him to work in you.

Embrace the promise of Ezekiel 36:26 and experience the joy of a transformed heart that is aligned with the purposes and desires of God.

Jul

2023

Our All in All

Do you ever felt inadequate or unworthy? Like you just don’t measure up to the standards set by society or even by yourself?

It’s a struggle many of us face at some point in our lives. But here’s the amazing thing: according to God, our worth is not determined by our own achievements or qualifications. In fact, the Apostle Paul reminds us of this truth in his letter to the Corinthians.

He writes, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

We are reminded that our identity and worth are found in Jesus Christ. It’s not about what we can accomplish or how knowledgeable we are. Rather, it’s about our connection to Christ and what he has done for us.

In Christ, we find wisdom, righteousness, holiness, and redemption. He is the source of all these qualities in our lives.

So often, we try to find our worth in external things: our career, our relationships, our achievements. But the truth is, these things can be fleeting. They can change or be taken away.

Our true worth and identity are found in Christ alone. He is the solid foundation that we can build our lives upon.

When we understand this, it brings freedom and peace. We no longer have to strive to prove ourselves or earn God’s love. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that we are deeply loved and valued by our Creator.

Feb

2018

A Distant Rumbling – Do You Hear It!

Hallelujah! Spring is in the air!

A smile came to my face the other day as I rounded a corner on the road and saw several hundred buckets collecting sugar maple sap from a grove of trees.

It seems like we have had a “real” winter this year, and I for one, am looking forward to the smells of flowers, and fresh cut lawns!

Living in the mountains of Northwest Pennsylvania, we sometimes get to witness an awesome event. If the winter is cold enough, the mountain streams ice over, and depending on how cold it is; the ice can get thick.

When the weather warms up enough, the rivers begin to melt and at just the right time; the ice begins to break up and go down the river. If you have never experienced the ice going out, you need to see it once in your lifetime; the power is incredible!

I remember growing up in the Village of Cameron, and one night, I believe it was during March, the ice went out. It had been raining off and on all day and the water was coming up over the top of the ice.

It was about 9:30 at night, and we heard the windows shake in the house, we could even feel the vibrations rumbling in the ground. Dad and I, along with a neighbor, grabbed flashlights and headed down to the river behind our house, which was only about 300 yards away.

When we reached the river, the sight was unbelievable! Behind our house, there is a long sweeping corner in the river, and the ice was jamming up. There are two big rocks back there, that are about 15 to 20 feet tall, and ice was going up over-top and crashing down on them.

We could feel the earth shake under the incredible crushing power, of about 6 miles of ice, pressing down around the corner. I will never forget the power and awe of that night!

Once that ice begins to move, nothing can stop it!

How crazy it would be if a person were to get in the way of such a powerful force. A person would be very crazy to go and stand on the ice in front of that flow. They would be ground to pieces!

Yet, today so many are resisting another incredible force; a power that is even stronger and mightier than any ice flow. I am amazed at the flagrant violations of God’s Holy Way that are taking place in our world, and I fear for those who do not know what is coming down the valley.

Some mock God openly, taunting Him to action, while others are just oblivious to the pending danger. We know that God is a God of love, but time is running out for many, and the time of God’s favor is ebbing.

For those of us who know God, we must remember that God is also a God of wrath! His wrath is not for us, but for those who will not inherit the Kingdom of heaven.

John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

There is a mighty power coming, and those who do not heed the rumblings, will be ground to pieces, I think it is time that we get serious about gathering in the lost, while we still have time.

To experience the wrath of God will be more terrifying than any ice flow. Let’s gently warn those around us of the pending danger, if they choose to get on board, praise God, if not, well then at least they were warned.

Luke 20:17-18

Then He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is written: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone’? “Whoever falls on that stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”

See you down by the river

Challenge of Sin

Precious Gift of Grace

Response of Faith

Fruit of Joy

Chorus

Fulfilled Task

Purpose Revealed

Example Set

Ongoing Work

Consequence

The Separation

The Hope

Prisoner Set Free

Whisper of Mercy

Unshackled Life

Salvation Comes from God’s Grace

God Rules Over All Things

No One Can Snatch Us from God’s Grip

United with God Forever

Contrasting Effects

Far Greater Provision

Thank You for Abounding Grace

Serpent’s Role

The Curse Unveiled

Reflection

Lessons for Us

Weight of Legal Indebtedness

The Redemption Act

The Cross

Embracing Freedom

Have you ever felt like your heart needed a fresh start?

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