I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
Grace and Truth in Jesus
For many centuries, the nation of Israel awaited the coming Messiah who would bring the Kingdom of God and make things right in the world. Despite pain, persecution, and setbacks, they persevered because their hope was grounded in the promises of God.
Israel’s wait was finally over when the Messiah, Jesus, arrived. However, Jesus did not come in a grand procession, or with a large army behind Him. He arrived quietly in the stillness of the night, as a baby, in a little town called Bethlehem.
But in a surprise twist: this newborn was not only the Messiah who would free God’s people from their sins—but God Himself. John tells us that “the Word was God” (John 1:1). The Word exists eternally, but for a time took on human form and lived among people.
Jesus began His earthly ministry in the most humble way–by coming as a baby. But, it’s through the person of Jesus that we see the glory of God. Paul says in Colossians, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).
The miracle of Jesus being born is that He was fully God and fully human. Jesus came from the Father’s glory, but took on human form so that He could live His life on our behalf.
Jesus’ ministry on earth can be categorized by these two words: grace and truth. Jesus gave grace to people through the forgiveness of sins. But He also brought truth through His teachings and announcements.
All of us who believe in Christ have received both grace and truth from Him. We have been given a second chance at life because of the forgiveness of our sins, and we are saved from eternal separation from God because of the truths we believe.
Thank God for sending His Son to earth as a baby. Spend some time in prayer thanking Him for the grace and truth that you have received.
Is Your Heart Pure?
What do you think about when you hear the word pure?
Do you picture a tall glass of crystal clear water? A freshly washed load of white sheets? Or maybe someone who’s morally wholesome and good?
In the sixth of the beatitudes—a series of promises Jesus made about God’s Kingdom—Jesus said this:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8 NIV
The word "pure" means clean or blameless, free from corruption or contamination, purified by fire, or unstained by guilt. None of us can truly be pure on our own—despite our best efforts.
Before Jesus showed up, the highest ranking Levitical priests were charged with ministering and mediating in the holiest spaces (inside the tabernacle in the wilderness and, later, the temple in Jerusalem)—where God’s presence dwelled on earth. But even they had to be purified over and over again.
Now, because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross, He has paved the way for us. His blood covered our sins, and when ...
