Peace comes by resting God's grace

The apostle Paul often opened his letter with words like "Grace and Peace." These words might seem ironic coming from Paul, who had suffered greatly throughout his ministry. Paul's willingness to forego his rights and pleasures in order to trust God more fully demonstrate a remarkable path to peace that comes from trusting the grace provided by God's perfect gift, salvation through Christ.

Does God Care?

All of us doubt God's existence, or worse, His interest in our lives. Because God is not visible, we often feel He is not present. Through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice, Christians can take comfort that God has made Himself visible and known to mankind, and that he cares about us as if He were our Father (col 1:15-16).

When sin comes calling

Part of being a Christian is being free from an obligation to sin (Rom 8:12-17). However, we often find ourselves falling into old habits or "answering sin's calls." How do you "hang-up" when Sin tries to call you back into self-destructive habits, like lying, envy, or hate?

Who's your daddy?

Rom 8 describes our relationship with God as a legal adoption. As a child of the most high, we have the privilege of relating to God as our loving Father. Do you rejoice to meet with your Father, or like so many of us, do you run from your Father's side distracted by the petty devices of the world?

Jesus washed the feet of his enemy

The powerful story of Jesus' washing the feet of his followers in John 13 demonstrates an unprecedented humility. As we consider this act we might forget that one of those who received this demonstration was Judas, the one who had already betrayed Christ and would later that day deliver Christ to be crucified. Do we treat our enemies the way Christ treated his enemies?

Handling God

When the apostle John describes his time with Jesus Christ, he remembers being able to touch and handle the Son of God 1 John 1:1. It's hard to imagine the God who created us came to us in a form that was so accessible and welcoming. When you think of Christ, do you think of him as this inviting? Do you imagine someone who let you shake his hand or give him a hug?

God sent His Son into poverty

When Mary and Joseph gave their offering as part of their presentation of Jesus to their religious community Lk 2, it was also a public declaration of their poverty. Not having the money to purchase a lamb, they presented a pair of doves. God gave provision for the poor and identified with them in a unique way by placing His Son in their care. How does this identification influence your thinking?