Standing on the rocky shore of Lake Superior last summer, I looked entranced as shimmering water danced and rippled as far as the eye could see. The beautiful expanse took my breath away. Yet a few yards away stood a museum dedicated to numerous shipwrecks occurring on those very waters. As magnificent and inviting as the lake appeared in that calm moment, the power to crush proud vessels in seconds lay sleeping just beneath the surface. Continue reading →

Our church put together a tribute Sunday honoring those who gave their lives for our freedom. The faces came into view on the screen, each one accompanied by the date on which he made the great sacrifice, and then faded away. As one particular picture appeared, there was a murmur in the congregation. His date was  May 18, 2010 — the most recent loss. I wondered why we had more of an emotional response to this sacrifice than to those who gave their lives two years ago, or in Vietnam, or in WWII? Did the fact that they died years ago make their deaths less significant?

Have we done the same thing with Jesus Christ and the greatest sacrifice ever? His death bought our eternal freedom — if we accept it. As much as we are indebted to our military men and women who have given their lives to defend us, shouldn’t we be even more grateful to the One who gave His life to define us – as new creatures, no longer enslaved to sin?  It is His sacrifice that enables us to look with hope to the day when we’ll be reunited in heaven with all believers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our earthly freedoms.

Let us be sure to give those who sacrificed so much for us the honor due them. Military men and women we should remember with our gratitude and love. Jesus Christ we should remember with our gratitude and lives.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Have a blessed Memorial Day as we remember together.

One summer afternoon four year old Justin and his friends were playing outside. When his mother called, he ran in to see what she wanted. Continue reading →

The snow fell silently last night as I slept. When I awoke and looked out, the backyard sparkled white in the morning sun. Yesterday’s dingy footprints were covered by a pristine layer of pure, dazzling white — untouched by human hands. How beautiful it was to look upon!

How like the snow is the miracle of God forgiving our sins through Jesus Christ. Like the falling snow, Jesus’ trials, scourging and sacrifice on the cross took hours. Yet at the moment we wake up to new life in Him by faith in that sacrifice, suddenly God sees us covered in a pristine layer of pure, dazzling white — the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Like the footprints covered by the snow, Jesus’ perfect life and perfect sacrifice cover yesterday’s dingy sins. And when the morning of new life by faith in Jesus dawns for each individual, God the Father sees each of us as beautiful to look upon because we bear the righteous image of His obedient and beloved Son.

It’s January, 2010. Have you put on the dazzling white covering of Jesus’ righteousness by believing that His death on the cross is for you and your sins? Who in your life needs to hear that a fresh start, a sparkling snow-covered morning awaits them if they will put their trust in Jesus and allow His purity to transform their lives?

Scripture to ponder…
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” — from Isaiah 1:18

Merry Christmas!

I thought the season in which we celebrate the birth of Christ would be a good time to share what new work He has been doing in my life — thus the lapse in devotionals from Life-Changing Words. God has called me to share His Word with women through  Continue reading →