Daily Bread by the crossmaker

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

I am thankful that God did not base His gift of redemption upon me. I mess up and if it depended upon my righteousness, I would die in my sins. Sin is so serious that God required a sacrifice to provide the wages/payment for them. But the only spotless Lamb that could be found was His One and Only Son. So, God demonstrated to us just how much He loves us. He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. O what a Savior, O Hallelujah! Have a wonderful Monday everyone, the crossmaker

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10

This verse has always been one of my favorites! It reminds me that God’s love for us is greater than all our sins. The Bible says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” And along life’s journey, others, who have been saved by grace, teach me about His Word and love and sharpen my iron. We must remember that His grace is amazing and that He came after us, just as in the parable of the lost sheep. There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, for it save a wretch like me. Have a blessed Sunday, the crossmaker

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

I still recall the moment that I was saved like it was yesterday. And while life and everything it brings, may have knocked me off my block a few times, God was always there to pick me back up and keep me grounded in His One and Only Son. He is still working in my life and the lives of many others. God is not an absentee landlord. He brings blessings upon blessings, grace upon grace, and peace that surpasses my understanding and nothing has changed concerning this. I know that He will fulfill His promises and cannot wait to see Jesus whenever that time comes. His assurance resides within me. Utilize this Friday as if it were the last one you were granted and give Him glory today. Be blessed, the crossmaker

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:5

Grace changes everything! But still and yet, we have work oriented religions and even Christians that think righteousness is by works. They may even point to James 2:26 which shares that faith without works is dead. Everything begins with the heart and if it is not changed by the Holy Work of God, then all the works in the world are just that, efforts that will not save a soul. True faith in God brings about a change within the heart, knowing that only by Jesus Christ and what He did upon the Cross, can my soul be saved. And following up on James 2:26. If a person is truly saved, a change occurs and they will become a new creation which desires to please God through obedience and works will show up as a fruit. Carry on dear friends and have a wonderful day which God has blessed us with. the crossmaker

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

Jesus often referred to Himself as the Son of Man. And since He was in the flesh, He was subjected to human suffering, weariness and all the things which we endure here on earth. But His mission was the greatest; to seek and save that which is lost! And God demonstrated His love for us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The Son of Man, Jesus Christ, endured the cross to pay for sin and its penalties and give us abundant life in Him. He conquered death when He arose three days later and those who place their faith in Him and repent of their sins will be saved. His Finished Work of Calvary is sufficient to save us to the uttermost, but many will refuse the gift He offers. My hope is that you understand that grace changes everything. Be blessed, the crossmaker

As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it is more convenient, I’ll call for you again.” Acts 24:25

As Christians, we should be reasoning with others concerning righteousness and the narrow way of Jesus Christ. As Paul was doing this, why do you suppose Felix became frightened? Was Paul’s testimony and the Work of the Holy Spirit bringing an awareness of sin? They had sent for Paul so they could hear more of his faith in Christ Jesus. Is it possible that his conscience was getting to him, and he like many others thought, “I’ll have more time to make a decision for Christ”? We cannot be on the fencepost sitting idly by while others may be perishing. Do not wait for a convenient time. Share the Gospel daily. Love is the driver here and we should want to see others come to Christ. Be blessed, the crossmaker