Only God Truly Knows

Verse of the day: Jeremiah 17:10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings.

“Follow your heart.” “You’ll know in your heart.” “Your heart will tell you.” The person who follows such advice sets himself/herself up for potential heartache and pain. Why? Because verse 9 of this chapter tells us clearly that “the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked”. In other words, our heart is fraudulent or polluted; it is incurably sick. We claim to know what our heart wants, and that may be so in the sense that we want that which is contrary to what God wants for us. We usually say this when we are determined to do whatever it is we desire, even if it is contrary to God’s Word, will, and plan for our lives. Many have gone astray and even shipwrecked their faith following their heart. How often have we done things or chosen to do something so sinful that we never would have imagined we could do it? Who can truly know the heart? Only God truly knows our hearts. Only after we come to Jesus as Savior will we be able to override what is in our hearts, if we first turn to the Lord, and seek His guidance, rather than trusting ourselves and our own wisdom and desires. The God who created us, and knows everything about us, and all that is in our hearts and minds, is the One who knows what is harbored in our hearts. He knows our every motive and intention. He knows why we do what we do. When we refuse to do what we know we should do, He knows the driving force behind that decision. We, as His children, knowing this, should be careful to examine our own motives, and ask Him to show us, so that we can be sure we are making decisions and choices based on God’s Word, and God’s leading, rather than making decisions that are in line with our own self-interests. By nature, we are sinful and selfish. Therefore, we will first choose that which benefits us, and may choose to forsake following God’s conviction in our lives to do good to others. It is this internal conflict that keeps us in an unforgiving state, as we reason that the wrong done to us is so great that forgiveness is not deserved. However, this can be said about us when it comes to God’s forgiveness in our own lives. Yet, He chooses to forgive and tells us to forgive in the same manner (Eph 4:32). In our service to the Lord, too many of us do what we do to elevate ourselves, and God is well aware of what the motivation is in our actions, whether to exalt Him or take the glory for ourselves. In every aspect of life, with every opportunity to minister to someone or do whatever God is calling us to do, He will examine what is in our heart, before we do it, as we do it, and after we have done it. This is important to know, because the latter part of this verse has much to do with the day we stand before Him to receive the rewards, or suffer loss, for how we lived for Him (1 Cor 3:12-15). Sadly, we often give little thought for the rewards we are gathering or losing, in Heaven, because we are too earthly-minded, and do not think of Heaven enough. Romans 2:6 tells us that He will reward us in accordance to our deeds. God knows more about what is in our hearts than we will ever know; because of this truth, we must avoid thinking more of ourselves than we should, and boast only in who Christ is in our lives, for without Him we truly are nothing, and can do nothing of any heavenly worth (Gal 6:14; Jn 15:5). Let us seek Him daily in prayer and the study of His Word; and as we live for Him, let us choose His truth over what we “feel” in our hearts, especially when the two conflict. We will never be led astray following God’s will and ways, especially when they are contrary to our own selfish desires.

In spite of what is in our hearts as unsaved people, God is willing to forgive us and give us eternal life. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Boomerang Effect

Verse of the day: Proverbs 26:27 Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

This verse serves both as a warning and a comfort; a warning to those who think that they are going to be successful in plotting evil against others without consequences befalling them, and a comfort to those who are facing people who are seeking to do them wrong. Sadly, there are Christians who, in their refusal to forgive a wrong done to them, expend way too much energy plotting how to get even with the person who wronged them, in complete disobedience to the Word of God (Eph 4:32; Rom 12:14-21). Quite often, the hatred behind the plotting is harbored and hidden in the person’s heart, and they plot quietly, taking little discreet actions toward another that are not openly seen by the general public. So, on the surface, the person puts on their religious façade, while secretly doing wickedly toward the person they are seeking revenge toward, and looking to do wrong. However, this never ends well. Why? Well, because God’s promise is that hatred covered by deceit will be revealed (v. 26). This happens, all too often, in relationships (even marriage relationships); yes, even Christian ones, and the end result is a public break-up for acts committed in secret. This ought not to be amongst God’s children. On the flip side, this serves as a comfort to us, when we are in the sights of those who desire to cause us harm (whether it be the unsaved or a brother/sister in Christ). No matter what people plot, even in secret, it does not escape the eyes of our all-knowing God (Prv 15:3). There are two biblical examples that illustrate this perfectly. The first is the death of King Ahab, who disguised himself going into battle. His plan was to have King Jehoshaphat disguise himself so that he is mistaken for King Ahab (and is possibly killed in his stead), but while in battle it is discovered that Jehoshaphat was not Ahab. In 1 Kings 22:34 a man drew a bow at “random”, and struck King Ahab between the joint of his armor with his arrow, ultimately leading to his death. Let us not also forget about Haman, who sought to have Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, hanged on the gallows he had built for that purpose. However, God protected Mordecai and the Jews who were at the point of being attacked and destroyed; and it was Haman, along with his family, that was hanged on the very gallows he had built (Esther 7). The Scriptures are very clear that those who plot and set traps for others will fall victim to their own devices; that which I refer to as the “boomerang effect” (Ps 7:15; 9:15; 10:2; 57:6: Ecc 10:8). Brother and sisters, if you harbor hatred in your hearts for a wrong someone has committed against you; the best course of action is forgiveness and allowing God to do what He does best, protect and avenge His own. If you are in the midst of dealing with a person or people who seek to do you wrong, remember that God says that if He be for us, who can be against us (Rom 8:31). We need not fear what man can do when we have the Lord on our side; Psalm 118:5-9 reads as follows:

I called on the Lord in distress;
The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
⁶ The Lord is on my side;
I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
⁷ The Lord is for me among those who help me;
Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me.
⁸ It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
⁹ It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.

In Jesus, we have the greatest victory over our greatest enemy. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Let Your Character Speak

Verse of the day: Proverbs 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Romans 12:3 tells us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. It is much too easy for us, as human beings, with a sinful nature, to have a warped sense of who we are or what we are accomplishing. Our accomplishments, and self-importance, can be seriously distorted if our measure is the world’s standard or if our goals are selfish. For us, the born again believer, our goals should be selfless and aimed at glorifying God, not self. When we begin to set goals, and accomplish those, that are self-gratifying and bring glory to us, we become vain in our thinking. When we begin to pat ourselves on the back, we set ourselves up to be filled with pride which will eventually end in our own downfall (Prv 16:18). When we see ourselves as more important than we are, we set ourselves up to be humbled, possibly in a publicly humiliating fashion (Lk 14:9-11). As God’s children, our testimony, the way we live for Christ, is what should elevate us before others. Although we may be persecuted for what we believe, and how we live, because the world hated Jesus and will hate us (Jn 15:18-20); there will be times when others will praise us for our honesty, diligence, and good works. In Matthew 5:16, we are told to let our light shine before men, that our good deeds may be seen and God be glorified in heaven. The bottom line is that God will resist the proud and give grace to the humble. If we submit humbly to Him, He will exalt us in due time (1 Pt 5:5-6). We must not allow our earthly status or how much wealth we possess determine our self-worth. It is our godly reputation and righteous character that should speak loudly before others. If this is so, then others will even defend your name when you are falsely accused or your name defamed before others. There is greater value, before God, when our praise comes from the lips of others, than when we self-praise; especially if the praise is the result of godly character.

God the Father has exalted God the Son because He humbly went to the cross for us. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

It’s All About His Glory

Verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Is giving to God a priority in our lives? This is often a sore subject with many, and some preachers even avoid the subject because of what false teachers and those who are looking for unrighteous gain have done to the principle of giving in Christianity. Sadly, I have seen even large local churches struggle financially because God’s people do not give as they ought, to the work of God. I will say a couple of things up front in respect to giving. First, no one should ever have their arm twisted or coerced to give. God does not want us to give grudgingly, but with a cheerful heart (v. 7). Secondly, this verse of Scripture does not, I repeat…does not, guarantee that we will be gain earthly wealth if we give more. That is not the principle being taught here, though I have heard too many false teachers teach that in order to get people to give to “their ministries”. They will answer to the Lord some day for being frauds. In its context, the Apostle Paul is encouraging the local church at Corinth to give an offering they promised to the poor saints in Judea. He had been bragging on them a bit in regards to their generosity and now was sending God’s servants ahead to make sure that they kept their word, and not bring a blemish to the Name of Christ by falling short of what they vowed to give. In these verses about giving abundantly and cheerfully, he was reminding them that God is pleased when we give abundantly out of faith, trusting Him, and doing it cheerfully. The idea that they will reap bountifully for giving in the same manner is one that has been misinterpreted by those looking for selfish gain, but we see from Jesus’ own teaching that our reward for being selfless in our giving may not always come while here on earth, but instead, when we stand before Him to get our heavenly rewards. In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus tells the parable of those that ministered to those here on earth, and were rewarded for their faithfulness because what they did for the poor, and those in need, they did unto Him. This is the same principle that applies to our giving when we give of our monies, time, and talents, to the benefit of others. In verses 10-11, he reminds them that whatever they give to the Lord’s service, God will take and multiply abundantly. Lest we forget the feeding of the five thousand men, plus women and children; God took a little (five loaves and two fish) and fed that multitude, with twelve baskets of fragments remaining (Mt 1:13-21). Sadly, because of what some alleged ministers of God have done, dishonestly, in convincing people to give, has caused many Christians to be leery about giving. I also understand that some also do not give because in their heart of hearts they do not really trust God to meet their needs if they give of their wealth to help the cause of Christ or someone in need. The bottom line is that giving is one of the ultimate tests of our faith, and whether or not we really trust the Lord. When we give to the local church, a hurting family, a missionary family, to a homeless person, or any other number of needs, we must give it cheerfully, realizing that once it leaves our hand it belongs to the local church or person(s) we gave it to; and it is up to them to use it for what it was given for. They will then be responsible to give an answer to the Lord if it is misused, since it all really belongs to Him. If we give it with the correct motivation, then our reward has been secured, and the Lord can decide if that reward will manifest here on earth or will be awaiting us on the day we stand before Him. Sadly, too many Christians are too earthly-minded, looking for earthly gain, and holding on too tightly to what really belongs to God. We forget all too quickly that all that we have belongs to Him, and it is by His grace and goodness that He allows us to possess it. When He blesses us, our mindset should be that we will be ready at any given time to use the blessing to bless God and others in whatever manner He calls us to do it. It is okay to enjoy the things that God gives us, but we turn those blessings into curses when we become covetous, greedy, and self-centered, neglecting and ignoring the needs of others and the opportunity to further the Gospel by giving to those who are doing the work of spreading it in places we are unable or unwilling to go ourselves. The ultimate reason for giving is stated in verses 12-15…God’s glory. When we give liberally, and abundantly, we not only show how much we trust God, but by allowing Him to use it to multiply the supply to ministry and personal needs, we give opportunity for praise and thanksgiving to be offered to God. So often we have the mindset that giving is all about us (a pat on the back or what we will lack) or about the person receiving it (whether we think they deserve it or not), when it really is all about God and His glory. Instead of thinking of what is lost by giving, let us consider what is gained (that we may never see while here on earth).

God gave us what is most precious to Him…His Son. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Maybe Not Today, But…

Verse of the day: 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

I have to admit that even though I have known the Lord as my Savior for many years, have studied His Word, and have ministered to others in many ways, I still have not arrived. Even though I have grown closer to Him over the years, I cannot claim that I am any closer to being perfect. As a matter of fact, the closer I draw to Him, the more He shows me just how sinful I really am. Every one of us, if we are honest, would have to admit the same thing. The Apostle Peter, in Luke 5:8, after witnessing the great catch of fish as he obediently cast his net, per Jesus’ instruction, exclaimed, “Depart from me, I am a sinful man, O’ Lord!” I find that the more I learn about who I really am, the more I want to say this. However, praise be to God for His grace, love, and forgiveness. He is far more patient with us than we deserve. A funny thing happens to us that sets us up for a fall every time. The more we study and learn God’s Word, and the more we are able to teach others or avoid sinful behavior, the more we develop that false confidence that oftentimes turns into a prideful independent attitude. Far too many born again believers, who have been saved for some time, fall into the trap of thinking that they have arrived. The great danger in that is that we become careless in our daily walk, exposing ourselves to temptations we think we can, and have, overcome. The warning that the Apostle Paul gives us here is one that should cause us to stop and examine where we are in our walk with the Lord. Before giving this warning, he reminds us that the Israelites fell to idolatry, sexual immorality, and murmuring. Today, we can easily be tempted, and stumble, for the same reasons. The fact of the matter is that the closer we seek to walk with the Lord, the more our enemy will try to take our feet out from under us. Not all of us are tempted by the same things. One who is tempted by sexually immoral behavior may not be tempted to murmur or vice versa. One who gossips may not be covetous. However, when the person who is not tempted by sexually immoral behavior sees someone fall to fornication or adultery, and is critical and judgmental, forgetting that he/she is a gossiper, covetous, and maybe even one who lies and causes division, the put themselves on the path to a fall themselves. Pride often blinds us to our own shortcomings. King David, after committing adultery with Bathsheba, was confronted by Nathan, God’s messenger. When Nathan tells him the parable that illustrates the wickedness of what King David did, he becomes furious and wants the person killed, not realizing that he is the one Nathan spoke of (2 Sam 12). We see another person’s sin so much more readily than we see our own; and that is the danger of becoming so pious that we allow our own sense of “arriving” to blind us to just how sinful we really are, and how easy it is to stumble, if we do not remain vigilant. The Apostle Peter warns us in 1 Peter 5:8 to be sober and vigilant because Satan goes to and fro looking to see who he can devour. When we fail to stay vigilant, we become that target. There are two things that can potentially happen when we draw near to God. The first, if we are not careful, we can begin to slip away because of our lack of humility and dependence on the Lord as we fill our heads with biblical knowledge and have some superficial spiritual victories. This is where the warning of this verse comes into play. The other is that, if we draw near to God in humility, soberly, vigilantly; God will draw near to us, and the end result is that the devil will ultimately flee (Jm 4:7-8). God clearly tells us that He makes a way of escape with every temptation (v. 13). We may be strong in our walk today, tomorrow, or even next week; but there is not one of us who knows what our mental state, emotional state, or spiritual state will be a month from now. Therefore, when we criticize someone who has stumbled today, and become harshly judgmental, beware that we not be the one who stumbles tomorrow; for we have been warned lest we fall, and to be humble lest we too be the one tempted (Gal 6:1-5). Quite honestly, I do not know how any one of us can truly draw near to the Lord without being humbled at what He shows us is truly in us. Praise God for His shed blood that paid the price for our sins; for without His sacrifice we would surely have no hope of redemption. Let us today, and always, prayerfully and humbly draw near to Him; depending on Him to help us see the way of escape (and taking it) when we are tempted to sin against Him.

There is not one person who is worthy of Heaven. Praise God that He sent His Son to make a way for us; the only Way, Jesus Christ. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Verse of the day: 2 Samuel 12:24 Then David comforted Bathsheba his wife, and went in to her and lay with her. So she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. Now the Lord loved him,

How great is God’s grace toward us? It is greater than we often think, or give Him credit for. We sing about His amazing grace, and we tell others about how much He loves us, but then something happens to our thinking when we deal with someone who has stumbled and fallen to sin. We get stuck in our own guilt when we are the ones who need that grace and forgiveness. Why? Is it that we only believe it with our lips, but it has not truly penetrated our hearts? The life of King David is an amazing picture of God’s grace. It is one that I turn to time and time again when the devils try to remind me of my own personal past failures in my relationship with my Lord. The fact of the matter is that the Apostle John, in writing to his fellow Christians in 1 John 1 & 2, reminds them (and us) that God is a forgiving and gracious God when we sin against Him. He reminds us that He is faithful and just to not only forgive us, but also cleanse us from all unrighteousness (in Christ). This forgiveness and cleansing is available to us when we truly repent and confess our sin(s), just like King David was forgiven for his sin against God. Here in this chapter of 2 Samuel, we see God’s amazing grace and forgiveness shown toward both King David and Bathsheba. Let us not be mistaken, there are definitely consequences for sinning against God. Bathsheba had become pregnant as a result of their adulterous affair, and the attempted cover-up resulted in the death of her husband Uriah, at the hands of King David and his wicked plan to put him on the frontline by having the troops withdraw in the heat of battle (2 Sam 11:14-24). The consequences for such unrighteous behavior were that the sword never left King David’s family, and the child that was conceived in sin died from an illness brought on by the Lord (v. 15). However, with all this tragedy that came out of their sinful actions, something greater came out of all of this. God’s grace overcame, and was greater than what King David and Bathsheba had done. It is God who opens and closes the womb (Gen 20:18; 29:31). God could have very well chosen to close Bathsheba’s womb as a consequence for what she and King David had done; but here is God’s grace. Instead, He allowed her to conceive and bare another child, whom the Scriptures tell us God loved. In verse 25, we see something amazing. Solomon, later King Solomon, is called Jedidiah, which means “beloved of the Lord”. The name Solomon means “peaceful”. Both names were a symbol of God’s relationship with both King David and Bathsheba, even after what they had done. God had removed one son, the result of their sin, and gave them another, one who came from God’s peace and love; a picture of Christ. There are two things we need to remember about this and how we deal with sin today. First, too many Christians are quick to condemn and abandon those who stumble in sin. Yet, the Word of God is very clear that our role in the life of a fellow Christian who stumbles is to humbly, and lovingly, seek to reconcile them to God and fellowship with us once again (Gal 6:1-5). This does not mean that we do not hold them accountable for what they have done, but we are not God, and it is not up to us to decide their consequence(s). No one but God chose King David and Bathsheba’s consequence. Just as God comforted them in their consequences, even so, God will comfort us when we stumble and return to Him. God has outlined for us what we need to do if a person refuses to repent and get right with Him or correct a wrong (Mt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:9-11); but even this is done in love, and not in a mean-spirited fashion (Jm 1:20). Secondly, we must be careful that we not refuse to forgive those whom God has forgiven. Sadly, there are too many Christians who today wander from church to church, and have even refused to go back to church because of the way they were treated when they stumbled; often by those who harbored secret sin in their own hearts and lives or were previously forgiven for things they too had done to sin against God. As long as we have breath, God can still use us, and will restore us if our repentance and confession is true. God did not discard King David or Bathsheba. Instead, He gave them a son who was a symbol of His forgiveness, His peace toward them and the peace they now had with Him, and the love that He had toward them, which was not hindered by what they did, even though they paid a painful price for it; for God even called King David a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22). The bottom line is that nothing will separate us from God’s love…nothing (Rom 8:35-39). Whatever it is that we have done, we need to know that regardless of how we are treated or who forsakes us, God will remain faithful and wants us to be reconciled to Him. Do not judge God for the hypocrisy of man. God is always ready to forgive us and bring us back to Himself in intimate fellowship, if we will get out of our own way and let Him. God’s grace is truly greater than all our sin.

God’s greatest act of love toward us was demonstrated on Calvary. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).

This Is How He Made Us

Verse of the day: Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

One of the most discouraging things we can do in serving God is to compare ourselves to other Christians; and one of the most destructive things we can do is think that because God has given us one or many talents, abilities, or gifts, that we are better than other Christians. There are Christians who do not serve God because they have observed what other Christians are doing and have decided that they could never do the same. This may be true, but did you ever just stop and ask yourself if that was what God wanted you to do? The warning here, first and foremost, is not to think more of ourselves than we should since all that we are capable of was made possible by God Himself. He is the One who has given us a measure of grace and faith to carry out what He wants to accomplish through us, based on the talents, abilities, and gifts, He has chosen to give us (v. 6). We who are born again are all part of the Body of Christ. We all fit together just right with our differing talents, abilities, and gifts. Because we differ, it is dangerous to compare our talents and abilities to other Christians. The fact of the matter is that we should keep our eyes on Jesus who is our only true Measure. Before the Apostle pens this verse, he implores with us to not be conformed to this world and the way it thinks. Rome, during that time, drew personal status from wealth, status in society, titles, and other worldly measures. The Apostle was here warning them against bringing that mindset into the church. Sadly, this still exists today, even within the church. Some have the ability to preach, teach, sing, lead, and do things that some of us cannot do. Some have the ability to interpret and draw application from the Scripture more readily than others. Some can explain and defend the Scriptures with seemingly little trouble. Where do these abilities come from? They come from God (v. 6). The problem that occurs in many local churches, and within Christianity, is that too many Christians forget that what they are capable of doing and accomplishing originates with God, and it is by His grace that we are able to do what we do. Just because we may hold a title within the local church does not make us better than those who do not. Therefore, what have we to boast about other than Jesus? Pride is a very dangerous thing in Christianity. It was the Satan’s downfall, and he loves to use it to cause division within the body, destroy ministries, and cause the unsaved to criticize Christianity because of Christians who are less than humble in their approach to serving God and others (Pro 16:18). Holding a particular office or title is not a measure of who we are in Christ. It is humble, righteous living, and godly character that should define who we are in Christ. Whether God chooses to give us talents, abilities, or gifts, that allow Him to use us in the forefront and limelight for His glory, or behind the scenes where no one sees us, does not make one or the other better in the eyes of God. Both are serving God, and whatever we are called to, we are to do faithfully, in accordance to God’s will and plan for our lives. The bottom line is that it is about Jesus and His glory, and not about us. In John 3:30, John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is still what it is all about today. If people see more of us than they do of Jesus, then we are doing it wrong. By the same token, when we compare ourselves to those whom God has chosen to endow with more talents and abilities, and we shrink away and begin to feel inferior, remember this…God makes no mistakes in how He has created each and every one of us. Each of us was fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14). That means that He has created each of us exactly the way He needs us to be in order to use us to accomplish exactly what He has already decided, even before we were conceived (Jer 1:5; Gal 1:15; 2 Tim 1:9). In Christ, we are all valuable, and He has a plan for each and every one of us. If we are not using our talents, abilities, and gifts to serve God, because we think little of who God created us to be, then somewhere there is a local church that is lacking something because one of its body parts is either missing or not functioning to its full potential. Let us put our pride aside, and be mindful of the fact that regardless of how the world measures our abilities, a little can be great when put in the Lord’s hands. Do not rob God and others of the blessings He has in store because we refuse to use our talents for His glory. Let us not discourage others by looking down on them because God has blessed us with more. We must serve Him in humility, using our talents, abilities, and gifts, to their full potential, and humbly giving Him all the glory.

God has a plan for each life He brings into the world, but it all begins with a life in Jesus Christ. Today, He extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).