Category: Trust

But He needed to go through Samaria.
‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬

John chapter 4 begins with a story of Jesus meeting a lonely Samaritan woman who was drawing water at noonday. The essence of the story is about repentance, although the word “repent” is never mentioned. It’s a testimony of someone whose life was dramatically altered the day she met the Messiah. 

The woman went to draw water from the well at midday to avoid the other women. Because of her lifestyle, she was considered an outcast. Immediately after she encountered Jesus, she deeply desired to invite others to come to Jesus. We can observe two changes in this woman’s life. She changed her mind and she changed her direction. 

After meeting Jesus, she quickly went to the people who shunned her and told them about her encounter with the Messiah. She went to the well seeking physical water but left her bucket at the well after she received the living water. Her purpose and priority was permanently changed. 

Repentance is a change of mind and change of direction. When we truly repent we change our mind about the sin we committed and turn away from that sin. If you have sin that you have not changed your mind about or turned from, you have not repented. 

A relationship with Jesus ignites a repentant heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our sins are illuminated, encouraging us to make a change. This change happens when we experience the love of God. Repentance comes after our heart has been transformed.

Reflect on your journey since encountering Jesus. Has His presence caused you to change your lifestyle? Is there a noticeable redirection of paths that dishonor God? Allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to make the necessary adjustments.

Pray

Lord, thank You for encountering me and allowing me to receive salvation. Help me to embrace the power of repentance. Give me the courage and strength to change my perspectives and paths. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬

It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget to pause and reflect on the many blessings that surround us. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from our Heavenly Father.

In today’s verse, Paul is referring to the ultimate gift of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a gift so profound, so extraordinary, that words alone cannot fully express its magnitude.

As we reflect on this verse, let us consider three key aspects of God’s indescribable gift:

1. The Gift of Grace: The gift that Paul refers to is none other than the gift of God’s grace extended to us through Jesus Christ. It is a gift that we could never earn or deserve, yet God freely offers it to us out of His great love and mercy. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God, receiving the gift of eternal life.
2. The Gift of Salvation: In addition to grace, God’s indescribable gift includes the gift of salvation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved from the power of sin and death, and we are adopted into God’s family as His beloved children. This salvation is not just for this life but extends into eternity, offering us hope and assurance for the future.
3. The Gift of Relationship: Ultimately, God’s indescribable gift is the gift of relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we are invited into a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father. We are able to experience His presence, His love, and His peace in our lives, knowing that we are never alone.

As we contemplate the indescribable gift of God’s grace and salvation, let us respond with overflowing thanks and praise. May our hearts be filled with gratitude for the incredible blessings that God has bestowed upon us, and may we seek to live lives that reflect the depth of His love and the richness of His grace.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your indescribable gift of grace and salvation. Help me to never take for granted the profound sacrifice that was made on my behalf. Fill my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving, and may I live each day in response to Your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth;
‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬

In the book of Job, we find a man who faced unimaginable suffering and loss, yet maintained his faith and trust in God. In the midst of his trials, Job expresses his confidence in the reality of his Redeemer, who he knows will ultimately bring him to a place of restoration and redemption.

As we celebrate Easter today, the hope and assurance we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us the confidence in the victory of over sin and death.

Easter morning marks the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, as Jesus Christ rises from the dead, conquering the power of sin and death once and for all. In the resurrection of Jesus, we find the fulfillment of God’s promise to bring new life and hope to all who believe in Him.

Just as Job looked forward to the day when his Redeemer would stand on the earth, so too do we eagerly anticipate the return of Christ, when He will establish His kingdom in its fullness and bring about the ultimate restoration of all things. In the resurrection of Jesus, we see a glimpse of the future glory that awaits us as children of God.

Today, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Be filled with gratitude and joy as you remember His victory over sin and death, and be inspired to live in faith and hope in the power of His resurrection.

He is risen!

Pray

Lord, thank You for the hope and assurance in the resurrection. Help me to fix my eyes on You, the author and finisher of faith. May I be filled with gratitude and joy as I celebrate this wonderful Resurrection Day. In Jesus’ name, amen.