As we consider the sacrifices of others, we are reminded of so much for us to be thankful for! Those sacrifices should lead us to a life of gratitude, as our cup is always half full rather than half empty. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” As followers of Jesus Christ, our lives should be marked with gratitude, which leads to contentment. Consider how the writers of the Psalms often had a wrong perspective of life, and as they considered what they had because of their relationship with God their perspectives were changed. We need to remember and understand that we have what we have as followers of Christ, because of the sacrifice that God made for us through the work of Christ for our salvation. We need to remember that this life is passing quickly, and what is here is temporal at best. Eternity is before us, and our security is found in the sacrifice of Christ. Today, … READ MORE

An 8 year old by had a younger sister who was dying of leukemia, and he was told that without a blood transfusion she would die. His parents explained to him that his blood was probably compatible with hers, and if so, he could be the blood donor. They asked him if they could test his blood. He said sure, So, they did and it was a good match. Then they asked if he would give his sister a pint of blood, that it could be her only chance of living. He said he would have to think about it overnight. The next day he went to his parents and said he was willing to donate the blood. So they took him to the hospital where he was put on a gurney beside his 6 year old sister. Both of them were hooked up to IVs, and a nurse withdrew a pint of blood from the boy, which was then put in his sister’s IV. As the boy lay on his gurney in silence, he watched the blood drip into his sister. After a few minutes the doctor came over to see how the boy was doing. The boy opened … READ MORE

n Luke 3:7-8 John the Baptist, challenges the religious leaders of the day to produce fruit worthy of repentance. The Bible makes it clear that true repentance will have a powerful effect in the life of the person who repents. 2 Corinthians 7:11 reminds us that repentance produces 7 effects in the lives of the ones who are repenting:

1. An earnest desire to be obedient to God

2. A desire to vindicate themselves to others

3. A hatred toward the sin we have committed

4. A fear that we will fall again

5. A longing to know the truth and live in freedom of that sin

6. A zeal to serve God and others

7. A willingness to make right our wrongs to others.

Repentance causes us to focus on our relationship with God and desire to live in the forgiveness that is offered to us, because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is that understanding, that leads us to desire to live a changed life, and that life will affect the way we interact with those who are around us. It is this truth that helps us to deal with the guilt of our actions, … READ MORE