Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Stay Connected

Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. (John 15: 4-5)

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Amazing Grace

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Cor.12:9) The law of God was given to point out sin, but grace is the ultimate provision given for salvation through faith. How marvelous is the grace that looked beyond all our faults, frailities, failures and saw our great need. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works so there is no need to boast.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Closer

So be subject to God, resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery]. Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant]. (James 4: 7-8, 10)