Without question the most important thing in the lives of Christians is the gift of salvation. However, it is important to start there and move forward living our faith.

In Hebrews 5 and 6 believed to be written by Paul, he tells the early Christians in Hebrews 6:1, “Let us stop going over the same old ground again and again, always teaching those first lessons about Christ. Let us go on instead to other things and become mature in our understanding, as strong Christians ought to be.”

What are the next steps for Christians. Hebrews 6:9-11 writes, “I am confident that you are producing the good fruit that comes along with your salvation. For God is not unfair. How can he forget your hard work for him, or forget the way you used to show your love for him, and still do, by helping his children? And we are anxious that you keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, so that you will get your full reward.”

So the next steps are, showing our love for God and showing our love for others, “his children.”

Dear Lord, Thank you for the amazing gift of salvation you have given us. Help us accept this gift and take the next steps, living lives that demonstrate your love to all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

One of the significant things about God coming to earth as a man in Jesus Christ, is that he experienced all the same temptations we face as people on earth. As a result, we can know that he understands what we are experiencing when we try to overcome the temptations of life. Jesus was tempted to take the easy way rather than the right way, just like we are.

Paul writes in Hebrews 4:15,16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Because Jesus experienced the same temptations we do, he knows what we need to overcome. Paul tells us to ask with confidence for the strength and tools to overcome these temptations.

Dear Lord, Just one of the amazing facets of your plan we see in Jesus’ ability to empathize with our struggles on earth. Help us remember to come confidently to you for help in staying on the narrow path that leads to salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have you read stories about successful people, athletes, musicians, actors, chefs, Nobel prize winners, business people, etc. and the story writes about how they studied under the same instructor that coached several other great athletes, or the person studied under the same professor as several other famous people.

These successful people are bringing fame and “glory” to their teacher, coach, or mentor as a result of their own success.

In a similar way, Jesus’ tells us in Matthew 5 that we, Christians, are the light of the world. In verse 16 he says, “let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

We need to be those people who bring glory to our teacher, Jesus, with our actions.

Dear Lord, thank you for setting the example for us on how to live a humble life serving others with love. Help us live this life and be a light for all to see and bring glory to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

There is a great deal of attention given in our present time to the concept of Justice. There are protests held and talk show interviews with people revolving around “social justice,” and “economic justice.” However, when it comes to our relationship with God, the last thing we really want is justice.

Justice is getting what you deserve. If we received what we deserved from God, we would be condemned. God’s standard is perfection, and not one of us can achieve this. Therefore if we received justice, we would be in deep trouble.
In contrast, Mercy is not getting the punishment and condemnation we deserve. It is like a pardon. A pardon for someone condemned to prison forever would be an unimaginable joy and relief.
But even beyond the amazing joy of Mercy, Jesus came to give us Grace. Grace is not only receiving a pardon, it is like being pardoned and subsequently provided a kings lifestyle when really deserving to be in prison.

Paul writes in Romans 5:21, “So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” All we need to do is accept this gift of grace. Then like the adulterous woman, after those who were going to stone her left, in John 8:10-11, “Jesus said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you? “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Dear Lord, we all have sinned and deserve to be condemned. Only through your grace can any of us be made right with you. Help us realize how simple it is to accept your grace and forgiveness, and move forward living your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care about you? You are trying hard to do the right thing and keep yourself on the right path, but things just are not working out for you?

David describes this situation in Psalm 22. He starts out with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” He continues for 18 verses talking about all his problems, his enemies after him, and how weak he is, and doesn’t know how he can go on.

However beginning in verse 19 and through the end of the chapter, David writes praises to God, verse 22, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” and verse 28, “For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.”

I think there is a message for us here, that when we are down and feel things are going against us, rather than complain and feel sorry for ourselves, we should show God our praise. Showing that we know we are just being tested and we will remain faithful and maintain a good attitude through the trial.

I think it is not a coincidence that the following Chapter, Psalm 23 is that well known statement of faith that begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” and ends with, “Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Dear Lord, we know that you are all powerful and can resolve any situation we encounter if and when you choose. Help us remember to stay strong and faithful in our challenges, trusting in your great love for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.