Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake their way and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on them, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7 Now is the Time God speaks right now, and the present moment is the time to respond. God's patience on this side of eternity is evident through His long-suffering nature, as He soverignly rules over this sinful world. As part of His common grace to all mankind, He grants us all the valuable gift of time. The time we’re given on earth allows us to turn away from our sins, embrace Jesus as our Savior, and receive salvation, escaping God’s final judgment and the eternal wrath to come. What mercy! Despite mankind’s reluctance to seek Him in the Scriptures, the Lord generously provides us with numerous chances. He's so patient with us! As Paul states, God extended mercy to him even when he was acting in ignorance and unbelief (1 Tim 1:13). The Lord's mercy and patience endure, even in our willful ignorance, as He desires us all to repent and turn to Him before it’s too late. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9) through believing the Good News that Jesus lived the perfect life for us, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead, ultimately defeating sin, Satan, and death. So now, whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Salvation is not by our own works or simply by "just being a good person." Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Jesus did all the work for us, and eternal life is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 6:23) Now is the Day It’s so comforting to know that Jesus is always available to everyone on this side of eternity, being patient toward us all and extending His mercy and grace to each and every one of us, every day. However, we must never take His patience and mercy for granted. The Lord urges us to seek Him without delay, as Scripture states that today is the day of salvation and that now is the right time to put our trust in Him. Not next year, not next week, not even tonight…but now! As it is written, He says that now is the day of salvation. For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you. ”Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Since we don't know how much time we have left on this earth, we shouldn't dare put off our salvation, as we could die in our sins at any moment. Only God knows how much time we have left, and we shouldn’t put God to the test with that. So we must seek the LORD while He may be found and call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6 When confronted with the Gospel truth, we must not harden our hearts to it (Heb 3:8) but embrace Jesus wholeheartedly, as well as joyfully! Ignoring the truth or putting it off (saying we will submit to the truth later or when we’re “ready”) will only make it harder to accept in the future. The more we ignore Jesus and put off salvation, the harder our hearts will get toward the truth. We cannot ever assume that we will have another opportunity to embrace the truth in Jesus and be saved; thus, now is the right time to repent and believe in Him. Praise the Lord for the time He gives us to find everlasting life in Him! As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:15 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present, nor things to come, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 For I am Convinced Life is full of seasons of change and uncertainty. Even as believers, we can sometimes feel insecure, overwhelmed, or alone. To combat these feelings, we find in Romans Chapter 8 one of the most comforting and encouraging promises to us in all of Scripture. The Apostle Paul begins the chapter with a massive relief—"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) And he ends it with total assurance—For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present, nor things to come, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-89). Paul covers it all, listing every possible dimension of the human experience. He addresses the ultimate fear of death, as well as everyday life. He first speaks to the spiritual forces we can't see. Then he talks about the anxieties we have about the present and the future and includes all the"powers" that exist. By stating that neither height nor depth, nor "anything else in all creation" can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, Paul leaves zero room for doubt. Now that's the ultimate security blanket for the Christian! The Author & Finisher Why does Paul place so much emphasis on God's love toward us? It's because Jesus wants us to be convinced of His unwavering love and experience an unshakeable confidence in Him. Sometimes, we can be tempted to tie our eternal security to our own faith, feelings, or circumstances. But the foundation of our eternal security does not rely on our feeble grip of Jesus. Rather, it rests entirely on Jesus's grip on us. Through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection He's the One who accomplished salvation for us. And it is by grace through faith in Him alone that we have eternal life. It's not even our faith that saves us, but it is the Object of our faith who saves us—Jesus. Faith is the instrument, but Jesus Christ is The Savior. Scripture tells us that Jesus is the both the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and eternal life is a free gift (Rom 6:23). Salvation belong to the LORD (Psalm 3:8, 62:1). Inseparable Jesus' love is not fickle or fragile. It never wavers, even though our faith can often waver. It never pulls away, even though we can often stumble. Jesus' love toward us is insperable in that it's perfect and complete and doesn't rely on what we do or don't do. Absolutely nothing can separate us from His love This awesome truth should transform how we think about life and go through our everyday challenges or seasons of trials and testing. So whenever the enemy tries to convince you that you are too sinful, too broken, or forgotten by Jesus, resist the devil's lies by being convinced of Jesus' love. And remember that Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). For I am convinced that His gift of eternal life to you is secured forever through the Holy Spirit who lives inside of you forever. Therefore, His infinite love toward you is also forever! Child of God, you are deeply known, cared for, eternally loved, and forever secure in Jesus. Today, rest in Jesus' love, the One who keeps you in the palm of His hand. Trust that Jesus will show you the way because He is the way (John 14:6). Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for setting Your love on me before the foundation of the world! Sometimes I allow my circumstances, my fears, or my own sins to make me feel distant from You. Help me to always be convinced that nothing in all creation can separate me from Your love. I ask that You give me the peace, joy, and confidence to face whatever comes my way today, knowing Jesus loves me. Thank You for my faith in Jesus. Thank You for my family's faith in Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for being my Lord and my Savior. Amen. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. Romans 8:28-30 If The Bible Were a Ring There's a famous analogy about the Book of Romans, specifically chapter 8—If the Bible were a ring, the Book of Romans would be the diamond on that ring, and Romans Chapter 8 would be the apex of that diamond. Whenever I need comfort, encouragement, or just a major reality check, I often read through Romans 8. It's one of my "go-to" places in the Bible. Romans 8 is considered one of the greatest chapters in all of Scripture because it traces the entire journey of the Christian faith—beginning with absolute assurance of our salvation in Christ and ending with Jesus’ inseparable love toward us. As the apex of the diamond, Romans 8 radiates the brilliant facets of the Christian faith: • No Condemnation It opens with Paul’s famous declaration that "there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Paul tells us with absolute certainty and confidence that there is no condemnation for the believer. None whatsoever. So, if you're "in Christ Jesus," God will never condemn you for any sin —past, present, or future. The believer is secure in Him forever, no matter what. Yet, there is an absolute condition to this promise—salvation is granted only to the one who trusts in Christ alone. Jesus paid it all for us through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection. Salvation is a free gift, by grace alone through faith alone. It cannot be earned (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9). The Bible is clear that there is no other name under Heaven given to mankind or any other way of salvation that exists (Acts 4:12). The Bible is also clear that those who reject God's only way of salvation are condemned already and will not escape condemnation (John 3:18), unless they repent of their sins and pur their faith in Christ alone. • The Holy Spirit Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes how the Holy Spirit comes to live inside believers (Rom 8:9-11). With God living inside of us, He empowers us to live out the Christian faith and gives us assurance that we are children of God, as well as heirs of Christ and of God’s glory (Romans 8:4-17). Furthermore, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, and when we don’t have the words, He prays for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit is the One who helps us live out our faith in Jesus. He leads and teaches us, convicts and comforts us, and empowers us to have victory over our sin, trials, the devil and the world, ultimately helping us to become more like Jesus. So Christian, do not be afraid because Scripture tells us, You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4). • Present Suffering vs. Future Glory Paul acknowledges that this earthly life is full of trials and suffering, but he emphasizes that "our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). One day, every believer and all of creation will be totally freed from its corruption—and that we all long for that day with eager anticipation, patience, confidence, and hope (Romans 8:19-23). While we wait in eager anticipation, we also stay grounded. We wholeheartedly carry out our earthly responsibilities while enduring trials, and we do this best by keeping an eternal perspective. When we practice setting our minds on eternal things, our earthly life will start aligning with God's will. • God's Sovereignty It contains the golden promise of God’s plan for us before the foundation of the world—that for those who love God and are called according to His purpose, He works all things together for our good, ultimately to conform us to the image of His Son, Jesus. That is the main goal of the entire Christian life—to become more like Jesus. We have been predestined, called, justified, and one day we will also be glorified (Romans 8:28-30). One day when we are ultimately glorified, we will see Jesus as He really is because we will be like Him. Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but He has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is (1 John 3:2). • God's Love Romans chapter 8 finishes with the most brilliant sparkle. Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" He includes everything in the human experience that one might think could possibly separate us. And Paul emphatically concludes the chapter with saying that absolutely nothing in all of creation could ever separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). What a statement! What a comforting truth! What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 Now instead of me writing anything more about Romans 8, let's just go and read Romans 8 :) Romans 8 NLT

I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. Yet God has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:10-11 A Reason, A Season, An Eternity Life is a mixture of highs and lows, and no amount of happiness or laughter can erase the heavier realities of life, death, and eternity. In Solomon's journey to find wisdom, he searched for it through seeking pleasure. But he came up empty. “I said to myself, "Come on, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life." But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, "Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?" (Ecclesiastes 2:1–2). Good things, laughter, or pleasure cannot ultimately satisfy the human heart. By itself, it's futile. Or as Solomon says, it's like the "chasing of the wind." He also discovered that Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains (Proverbs 14:13). Human emotions are complex. Laughter and heartache can coexist, and even our happiest moments may be followed by a twinge of sorrow. None of us can escape heartache in this life. But what we come to learn is that heartache has a reason, a season, and a refining influence on us. It serves as an important role in life, death, and eternity. A Broken World Deep down in every person's heart lies an underlying sadness over humanity's fallen state and a yearning to be restored to our true home with God (1 Chronicles 29:15; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Psalm 42:2; 119:19–20). While we experience lots of joy in this life, it's fleeting and never completely full. We live in a broken world where everyone and everything is infected with sin. Scripture says the whole creation groans with eager longing to be freed from its corruption (See Rom 8:19-22). And behind all our laughter and smiles, there's a hole in every human heart that only the Lord Jesus can fill. Solomon goes on to say there's “a time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance” (Ecc 3:4). There's a time for everything, and there are countless reasons for our many different seasons. Many are full of light and laughter. Others are heavy and hard. For the Christian, it's never just doom and gloom, and it's certainly never just rainbows and sunshine for anyone. The fluxuating seasons we go through are often a mixture of both. In our low seasons, the Lord is so kind to give us relief, comfort, mercy, and hope along the way. And in our high seasons, He still allows some tests to come to keep us humble and dependent on Jesus. One Day at a Time As believers, we shouldn't be surprised by life’s trials (1 Peter 4:12) but be prepared for them by being anchored in the truth. We're not to crumble during seasons of trials and suffering or become too self-reliant in the easier ones. Through faith, we are to enjoy the good times, persevere through the hard times with patience and hope, and always be thankful to God for everything (Eph 5:20). James even tells us to "count our trials all joy" because Jesus builds our endurance through the testing of our faith (James 1:2-3). Paul lets us know that He works all things together for our good (Rom 8:28), and Peter says that He confirms, strenghtens, and establishes us "after we've suffered a little while" (1 Peter 5:10). The Lord's plans are never to hurt us but to help us and give us a future (Jerermiah 29:11). We're to recognize that all these seasons are normal and natural, as much as they are unpredictable. We are to be well-prepared for them all, simply by trusting in Jesus one day at a time. A Refining Influence "Even in laughter the heart may ache” also goes along with Solomon's statement, “Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time (Ecclesiastes 7:2–4). The believer goes through seasons with the awareness of his own mortality. Going to funerals and experiencing loss and sadness are hard but also good reminders that we will all one day reach our last (Job 30:23, Heb 9:27). This sobering thought is to help point us to the only One who can save us—Jesus. Sometimes, God uses the death of a loved one and works through that person's heartache to help him think about the afterlife for himself— with the ultimate goal of drawing him to Jesus in saving faith. Heartache and sadness, while painful, serve a profound and ultimately good purpose in our lives. They remind us of our human fragility and the fleeting nature of our earthly existence. Times of sadness often compel us to reflect, causing us to think deeper about our values, priorities, and what really matters. Most importantly, heartache can lead us to recognize our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior. This introspection is an encouraging one to every person with a hole in their heart. It helps point us to Jesus, place our faith and hope firmly in Him alone (Psalm 39:4–7), and be given a new heart through the new birth (Ezekiel 36:26, John 3:3). In our sorrow over our sin and this broken world, we can be reminded of Jesus' words on the Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Matthew 5:4). Jesus lived for us, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again from the dead. Ultimately, we find comfort in the Truth that Jesus is our Savior and we are forgiven all our sins—past, present, and future. Talk about being blessed! Get Ready God grants us this one life on earth as the only opportunity to know Him and receive His gift of eternal life, through faith in Jesus. If we spend our short time here on earth just laughing our lives away and having a good ole' time, we won't be prepared to die. We are to live each day, knowing we're secure in Christ and knowing where we're headed—for the Christian it's Heaven. We are to prepare wisely for this awesome future, just like we would prepare for an awesome vacation, but infinitely more so! As we look forward to going on a big trip, we do all that needs to be done before we go. So, shouldn't we get ready for the biggest trip of our entire existence? You may ask, "How?" Well, we simply get ready for it by seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness every day, one moment at a time, trusting that our Heavenly Father will provide what we truly need (Matthew 6:33). Seeking God's kingdom and righteousness involves living in ongoing repentance and faith, leading sincere and devoted lives to our Lord Jesus, by His grace. We may not always be able to understand the Lord's purpose in the various cycles of life. However, we can humbly trust Jesus has His reasons and seasons for us carefully laid out on His perfect timetable, and He sees the whole scope of eternity. He has appointed a reason and a season for all our our laughter and tears, and all our dancing and grieivng, and He ultimately is in control of them all (Ecclesiastes 3:1–22). To Him be the glory both now and forever, amen! We can trust Jesus • that God's plan is perfect (Psalm 18:30). • that He makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11) • that one day He will wipe away our every tear, and we'll never feel sad again (Revelation 21:4). “Show me, Lord, the end of my life and the number of my days; let me understand how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is insignificant before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who appear secure. Surely everyone moves about like a mere shadow; in vain they accumulate wealth without knowing who will eventually possess it. But now, Lord, what do I seek? My hope is in you” Psalm 39:4–7.

So wait patiently, brothers and sisters, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits [expectantly] for the precious harvest from the land, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts [keep them energized and firmly committed to God], because the coming of the Lord is near. James 5:7-8 AMP Edward Herbeck "A place we love..." 30 x 44 Graphite on Somerset English Rag • Herbeckart.com "Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." - C.T. Studd Waiting Patiently James tells us that the Lord's coming is near. Whether "near" means next week or in the next 500 years, we are to wait expectantly for Jesus to return. As we anticipate His arrival, we must also wait patiently. Waiting patiently involves us being useful and taking action, rather than being anxious or idle. Waiting patiently means being hopeful, with our hope being in Jesus and the promise of eternal life He's given us through faith in Him. Jesus never tells us to sit by the window and wait for Him. Instead, he calls us to take action and work while there's still time. “Night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4). He reminds us of the eternal importance of our calling as believers. The metaphor of night signifies a time when opportunities for witnessing and serving will come to an end, urging us to take advantage of the daytime—the time we've been given right now to tell others about Jesus, use our gifts, and do the work the Lord has assigned us to do. Whether it's running a business, taking the kids to school, cleaning the house, telling a friend about Jesus, or doing all of that today, we are to do it in faith, with our whole heart, and to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). The Patient Farmer James uses the example of a patient farmer who expectantly waits for his harvest to come. The farmer waits in eager anticipation and hopeful expectation of the seasonal rains to bring about his future harvest. He doesn't just sit around following empty pursuits to kill the time (Prov 28:19), nor does he worry about all the things that could potentially go wrong. His waiting includes taking responsibility for the things He's called to do—one is being a farmer. This means caring for his land, which involves hard work, diligence, and proper rest from his work too. Only by preparing his ground and planting seeds will God bring the growth by sending rain. The farmer depends greatly on the rain, but he can't do anything about it. What the farmer can do is live one day at a time, take care of all that has been entrusted to him, and wait in hopeful expectation for the rain to come. Like the farmer, we are to take care of the daily things the Lord has set before us, all while we expect and hope for Jesus' return. Whether Jesus comes down here first or we go up there, we are to make good use of the short time we have here. Scripture cautions us to be careful with how we live. We are not to be foolish with our time but understand what the Lord's will is and make the most of every opportunity (Eph 5:15-16). We are to make good use our talents, skills, and resources and always be ready to tell others about the hope we have in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15). Patiently waiting for Jesus and our future eternal harvest helps us to be that faithful, productive, and joyful Christian in the present. Nothing motivates us more towards holiness and to seize every opportunity to glorify God than knowing Jesus could return at any time. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness [displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], [while you earnestly] look for and await the coming of the day of God (2 Peter 3:11-12). Be on the Lookout As believers, we are to be on the lookout for Jesus (Luke 12:40, Mat 25:13, Thess 5:6). We are to wait eagerly and expectantly for Jesus (1 Cor 1:7, Phil 3:20, 2 Pet 3:12). We are not supposed to doubt His return in our lifetime. Every passing generation must be on the lookout for Jesus in expectation of His arrival. Jesus even told His original disciples to be on the lookout way back then! (Mat 24:42-44). Scripture says that we are to long for Jesus to return (2 Tim 4:8) and not hold onto this earthly life with a tight grip. Jesus tells us that we don't know the hour He'll come back, but He tells us that He will come at a time we will not expect (Mat 24:36, 44). James reminds us the coming of the Lord is near, and the Judge is standing at the door (James 5:8-9). Therefore, we must be ready at all times (Luke 12:40), being found faithful in Him and doing the work He's called us to do, no matter how big or small the task. Whether He comes back in our lifetime or not, we don't know one way or the other. Give Yourselves Fully In 1 Corinthians 15:58, the Apostle Paul concludes his teaching on the resurrection and the rapture with this exhortation: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.” The phrase "give yourselves fully" means a whole-hearted commitment to Jesus. It means to be wise investors in our eternity with our time, talents, energy, and resources the Lord has gifted us with. It is a call to walk in the good works that God has prepared for us before the foundation of the world (Eph 2:10). In light of these teachings, it becomes clear that eager anticipation of Jesus' return is intended to move us toward action. The knowledge of Jesus' return should not lead us to complacency but should light up a fervency in our hearts to work diligently and enthusiastically in the Lord's fields. Taking action is not only a demonstration of our faith in Jesus but also an expression of our hope in God's promises, namely the promise of eternal life. Jesus' return serves as a powerful motivation for believers to be active, stay alert, and fully give ourselves to the personal mission entrusted to us by Jesus, step by step, one day at a time, and all by His grace. Dear Lord, Thank You for the time and opportunities You give me. Please help me make good use of my time today. I get easily distracted and pulled by earthly cares and the world around me, and I don't always spend my time wisely. No matter how simple the task today, help me to simply do the next thing, in faith, with my whole heart, and to Your glory. Help me to live today to its fullest without being anxious or idle. Help me to work heartedly like Martha and also sit by Jesus' feet like Mary. Help me to not allow the cares of this world weigh me down and distract me from what You're calling me to do today. Help me see every day as a gift and make today count for eternity. I need Your grace to do all these things! Thank You, Jesus. In Jesus' name I pray amen. So prepare your minds for action, be completely sober [in spirit—steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13 AMP We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:23-25 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 "Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable to live this short life in the light of eternity" - Charles Spurgeon

Or do you have no regard for the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience [in withholding His wrath]? Are you [actually] unaware or ignorant [of the fact] that God’s kindness leads you to repentance [that is, to change your inner self, your old way of thinking—seek His purpose for your life]? Romans 2:4 AMP Mercy and Grace The terms mercy and grace are closely related but also distinct. Mercy can be understood as a subcategory of grace. Mercy is when a person holds back something unfavorable to someone who deserves it. Grace is when a person gives favor to someone who doesnt deserve it. Mercy speaks to the Lord's compassion in that He withholds the consequences we deserve for our sins, namely death and His final judgement. Scripture tells us that for the believer, He doesn't deal with us according to our sins or pay us back for our wrongdoings (Ps 103:10). God's infinite mercy is poured out onto those who put their faith in Jesus. What a massive relief! That's awesome! Grace involves all these aspects but also includes showing even more favor, in that the Lord blesses us with gifts we don't deserve. In Scripture, mercy speaks to being rescued from God's wrath and condemnation, while grace speaks to being recipients of God's gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus. Even our faith is a gift of God's grace (Eph 2:8). The Lord both rescues us in His mercy and saves us by His grace. What a reason to rejoice! That's amazing! God's Kindness The Bible tells us there is not a single good person on this earth (Rom 3:10-12). All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Ecc 7:20; Rom 3:23; 1 John 1:8), making us all deserving of death and God's final judgment. If God gave us what we actually deserve, all of humanity would be eternally condemned this very second. Therefore, every day is evidence of God's kindness; His gracious mercy toward sinners. He compassionately withholds His just judgement for the present time and instead blesses us each day with the opportunity to repent, turn to Jesus, and be saved. Not only that, He kindly showers us with even more blessings; gifts like our family and friends, our dogs and cats, sunshine and His warmth, nature and His beauty, good food and His nourishment, the ability to discover, learn, and have fun, as well as the very air we breathe...all of these gifts are meant to lead us to repentance and point us to Jesus. Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4). Given Freely If grace was something we could earn then it would't be grace at all. Grace is only grace when it is given freely by the Giver. The good things we experience in this life is not due to who we are, what we do, or how hard we try. None of us are entitled to receive anything good from God, and He is never obligated to bless us. Rather, every good thing we experience is due to who God is by nature. The beauty of grace is only found in the character of the One giving it. Scripture tells us that God's character is good, kind, and rich in mercy (Eph 2:4), and His grace is defined as "unmerited favor," given freely by Him. Ephesians 2:5 says that even when we were dead in our trespasses, God made us alive, and that it is only by His grace that we are saved. 1 Peter 1:3 says, according to His great mercy, God caused us to be born again to a living hope through Jesus. Eternal life is a free gift by God and from God alone. Common Vs Saving Grace He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). This is a reference to God's benevolence and common grace toward all of humanity. God's common grace refers to His blessings given to every person regardless of their lost or saved spiritual state, while saving grace is the grand blessing through which God grants eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. The salvation Jesus Christ offers the entire world demonstrates God's astounding mercy and grace to every sinner who walks this earth. Although we all deserve His judgment, through faith in Jesus, believers receive God's mercy and saving grace instead. As believers, He lets us trade Judgement Day and His eternal wrath for "Well done good and faithful servant" and eternal life. Saving grace is that amazing grace we sing about in that song! The Gift of Time The gift of time is one of God's greatest common graces to humanity. Therefore, every day is another day living in the time of His favor. Every day is a yet another opportunity for people to repent of their sins, trust in Jesus, and be saved. For He says, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). So, let's not put off our salvation one minute longer because tomorrow may never come. For the unsaved person, today is the day to put your faith in Jesus and be saved. Now is the time. For the believer, let's make the best use of our time and make today count for eternity. ;) Only Because of Jesus It's only because of Jesus’ perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection that we are forgiven of all our sins, escape death and judgement, receive eternal life, and get to experience a life of abundance here on earth (John 10:10) — all of which are gifts of God's amazing grace. Jesus did all the work for us, and eternal life is a free gift. Our response to freely receiving His mercy and grace should be a life of humility, gratitude, loving obedience and service to God, and unending praise to Him through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! Today, let's tell someone about Jesus so that they can come to trust Him and receive God's gracious mercy and amazing grace too. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrew 4:16 Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Please, Lord, save me!" How kind the Lord is! How good He is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and He saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. Psalm 116:4-7

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1: 18; 30-31 "Ignorance of Scripture is the most dangerous self-inflicted wound." – Dale Partridge. "Satan’s greatest weapon is man’s ignorance of God’s Word." – A.W. Tozer. Ignorance Versus Wisdom The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10). Fear in this context means reverence and awe. Ignorance is defined as lacking the correct knowledge or proper understanding of something. Individuals who are ignorant are uninformed or unaware. Sometimes, our ignorance stems from not realizing there is something we need to know. Other times, it may be a deliberate choice to remain ignorant. This is known as willful ignorance. What does the Bible say about ignorance versus wisdom? First, the Lord mercifully cautions us against ignorance: "My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you" (Hosea 4:6). This goes beyond having a simple lack of information; it is a deliberate refusal of the valuable knowledge God has given to us in His Word. It represents a sinful ignorance that comes by choice because of our own pride. While ignorance about earthly matters might be excusable and be of little consequence, willful ignorance regarding spiritual matters is a tragedy and carries eternal consequences. When we refuse or reject the knowledge offered to us in the Bible, namely the Gospel message, we ultimately reject God Himself. We lead to our own eternal demise because of willful ignorance. Now what does the Bible say about wisdom? Wisdom stands in stark contrast to ignorance, and our main pursuit should be to seek wisdom above all things (Prov 3:13-18). By delving into God's Word, we can exchange our ignorance for wisdom, discernment, and understanding. God offers wisdom to everyone and generously gives it to everyone who asks for it (James 1:5). The Scriptures freely provide us with all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) . Through faith in Jesus Christ, Scripture equips us with the knowledge and wisdom necessary to lead a meaningful and abundant life of true purpose that leads to eternal life. The Lord does not withhold anything we need to know for this life or the next. It's all right there for us. All we have to do is open the Scriptures for ourselves and believe what God is telling us. Now is The Right Time! God's patience on this side of eternity is evident through His long-suffering nature, granting us the valuable gift of time as part of His common grace. This time allows us to turn away from our sins, embrace Jesus as our Savior, and receive salvation, escaping eternal destruction. Despite mankind’s reluctance to seek Him in the Scriptures, the Lord generously provides us with numerous chances, some more than others. As Paul states, God extended mercy to him even when he was acting in ignorance and unbelief (1 Tim 1:13). The Lord's patience and mercy endure, even in our willful ignorance, as He desires all to repent and turn to Him. He doesn’t want anyone to perish but everyone to come to a saving knowledge of the truth (2 Peter 3:9). Very sadly, many will still die in their sins due to their stubbornness and deliberate ignorance, and on the Day of Judgment, they won’t be able to blame anyone but themselves. But still, many will repent and turn to Jesus and be saved, all by His grace. Hallelujah! It is comforting and hopeful to know that Jesus is always available to us on this side of eternity, being long-suffering and extending His mercy and grace to us every day. However, we must not take His patience and mercy for granted. The Lord urges us to seek Him without delay, as Scripture states that today is the day of salvation; now is the right time. As it is written, He says that now is the day of salvation. For He says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor 6:2). Since we don't know how much time we have left on this earth, we shouldn't put off our salvation, as we could die in our sins at any moment. When confronted with the Gospel truth, we must not harden our hearts to it (Heb 3:8) but embrace it wholeheartedly. Ignoring the truth or putting it off (saying we will submit to it later or when we’re “ready”) will only make it harder to accept in the future. We cannot ever assume that we will have another opportunity to embrace the truth in Jesus and be saved; thus, now is the right time to repent and believe in Him. Calling Everyone, Everywhere When Scripture commands us to listen, it presents another valuable opportunity to exchange our ignorance for wisdom. In Proverbs Chapter One, wisdom is portrayed as a woman calling out in the streets, urging everyone to seek knowledge and wisdom. She warns about the dire consequences for those who reject her. Her message is passionate, repetitive, and clear. She invites all to seek her while there is still time. She can be found in plain sight and is accessible to all those who genuinely seek her. While sinful temptations are secretive and covert, wisdom is openly available for all to find. In Proverbs 1:20-33, wisdom is personified as someone we can become acquainted with. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explains that Jesus embodies wisdom from God. "And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption," (1 Cor 1:30). True wisdom is attained through having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, by grace through faith. Jesus is the highest, purest form of wisdom that exists. He encompasses it all: He is our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Cor 1:30) and the only One who offers us eternal life. Knowing Jesus intimately as our Lord and Savior is possessing genuine wisdom; the highest, purest wisdom there is! ​ True Wisdom The wisdom discovered in the Scriptures surpasses all the wealth in the world (Prov 3:15-17) as it directs us to Jesus, the only way of salvation and our only source of hope. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6). The Gospel is true wisdom. To those who do not believe or ignore it, the Gospel is foolish, but to believers, it is the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor 1:18-25). The message of Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and Resurrection embodies the highest wisdom there is, as the Gospel itself is the power to eternally redeem all who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ alone. (Rom 1:16) The Gospel Message Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary and took on human form as the God-man; fully man and fully God. Jesus lived a sinless life, perfectly obeying His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross (Phil 2:8). He died as our perfect substitute and the propitiation for our sins, satisfying the judgment and wrath of God, and ultimately conquering death. Jesus' final words were, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His sacrifice for the sins of all who would ever come to believe in Him. By shedding His blood on the cross for us, Jesus paid our debt in full (Eph 1:7). As believers, He wiped away all our sins (past, present, and future) by nailing them to the cross (Col 2:14). After His death and burial, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, offering eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Jesus' resurrection serves as the supreme proof of His divinity, as only God could perform such a miraculous act. God's Hidden Wisdom But as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor 2:9).   The verse is often mistakenly thought to be about the marvels of heaven, but it actually pertains to the wisdom that God has revealed to those who believe in Jesus. Essentially, God's truth cannot be understood through sight or hearing (objective or empirical proof), nor can it be comprehended through emotions, thoughts, or human intellect (subjective or rational deductions). Divine wisdom is concealed and can only be uncovered and comprehended by those who put their faith in Jesus. This wisdom from God is often foolish and even offensive to unbelievers. That's because without the presence of the Holy Spirit within, God's wisdom cannot be fully comprehended, trusted, or cherished (1 Cor 2:14). True wisdom, given by the Holy Spirit, is only granted to those who believe in Jesus. Salvation and all its accompanying blessings (including wisdom) are entirely bestowed by grace. It’s all a gift. Neither salvation nor divine wisdom can be earned or sought after by our own human efforts. These are gifts and can only be given to us from the Lord Himself. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Prov 2:6. For those who have received repentance, faith, wisdom, and ultimately salvation in Jesus, it is entirely a gift without any opportunity for self-congratulation. Salvation is not by works but by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. As believers, the only One we can boast in is the Lord. Even our faith is a gift by His grace. And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Cor 1:30-31   For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,   but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:22-23 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Rom 1:16 Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path . Psalm 119:105 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Prov 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 3:15

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18 "Sands" 48"x36" Acrylic on Canvas • Edward Herbeck • herbeckart.com What is True Wisdom? What does it mean to be wise? What is true wisdom? The world tells us that wisdom comes from old age or life experience, and yes, sometimes it does. But the Bible tells us that true wisdom only begins with faith in Jesus. The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19  As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise     and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” 20  So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21  Since God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom, He has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22  It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23  So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24  But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18-24 No Secret About It The message of the cross is true wisdom. Believing the gospel is what makes one truly wise. To the “ worldly wise and intelligent” who are headed for destruction, the gospel is foolish. But to us who are being saved, the gospel is true wisdom and the very power of God (1 Cor 1:18-25). The message of the cross is the highest wisdom one could ever attain, as the gospel itself is the power of God to redeem all sinners who repent and believe on His Son, Jesus (Rom 1:16).   When the Word of God commands us to listen, the Lord presents an invaluable opportunity to exchange our ignorance for true wisdom. In Proverbs One, wisdom is portrayed as a woman sitting at the gates and calling out into the streets, urging everyone passing by to seek wisdom; to gain knowledge, understanding, and good judgment. She earnestly invites all to seek her while there is still time and warns about the dire consequences for those who reject her. Her message is clear, caring, and repetitive, and she can be found in plain sight. While sinful temptations are secretive and covert, true wisdom is openly available for all to find. The Bible is the biggest selling book of all time! There’s no secret about it!   Knowing and Following Jesus Proverbs 1:20-33 personifies wisdom as someone we can get to know. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he explains that Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom from God. "And because of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption," (1 Cor 1:30). Jesus is the highest form of wisdom that exists, as He’s the Only One who offers us redemption and eternal life, by grace through faith in Him. As our wisdom, Jesus encompasses it all: our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. True wisdom is not found in mere life experiences, man-made religion, or this passing world. True wisdom comes only from knowing and following Jesus. It comes from having a personal relationship with Him that will surpass this world and last forever. So even if you're a young Christian, you are truly wise. Or maybe you're an old geezer and recently gave your life to Christ. Maybe cuttin' it a bit close there buddy ;) , but that's the wisest thing you could ever do! And it's all by His grace. True wisdom is a gift.   Wonderful Counselor In Scripture, Jesus is referred to as, "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6) As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus always councils and guides us to follow the right path and do what is right. Since Jesus is sound wisdom and perfect insight, He knows what’s best for us. He shows us the way we should go and works out everything for our good, as we become more like Him in the process. (Isaiah 30:21, Romans 8:28-30).   So, you can rest in Jesus. Even when trials and troubles come, you can still sit back and relax on His comfy couch. You can trust in His perfect wisdom, insight, and guidance through every problem, knowing He solved your biggest problem 2,000 years ago on the cross. Thank Him, praise Him, and then give Him all your burdens and anxieties because He cares for you. He’s your Wonderful Counselor who always has your best interest. Jesus will help you and give you the wisdom you need,and make the way clear one step at a time. Just ask Him and then wait in hopeful expectation. Hope in Jesus is such a strong feeling because it's a reality! Thank you for your encouragement, Mom ;) The Message of the Cross Jesus lived a perfect life. He died for you on the cross, saving you from your sins. After His death and burial, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, offering eternal life to all those who believe in Him. Jesus' resurrection serves as the supreme evidence that He truly is God, as only God Himself could perform such a miracle. So now whoever believes in Jesus shall not be headed for destruction but have the gift of eternal life. Salvation is not by works or "being a good person." It is only by grace through faith in Jesus that you are saved. Eternal life is a free gift by His grace. Jesus is our true wisdom. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord . Psalm 130:5-6 Hope for the Best To wait on the Lord means to hope in Him. To hope in the Lord means to trust in His goodness and expect a positive outcome, in His perfect timing. It means to hope for the best since we know that Jesus knows best. This hopeful expectation is rooted in our knowledge and faith in Jesus. To be able to wait on the Lord, we must first believe the Gospel and find our ultimate hope in Him. We must believe who God is and what Jesus has accomplished through His perfect life, death on the cross, and resurrection: our salvation! What a grand hope we have in Jesus! We must also believe that the Lord is able to accomplish far beyond what we could ever ask or think (Eph 3:20). So, if Jesus is your Savior, you can always hope for the best! Because Jesus always knows what's best. Confident Prayers To wait on the Lord means to be confident in our prayers, not doubting His goodness, timing, or plan. It means to be confident that He hears us.  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us  (1 John 5:14). It means to be confident that He will supply our every need, give us the wisdom we ask for, and make our paths straight (Phil 4:19, James 1:5, Prov 3:6). Active Patience To wait on the Lord, means to be patient. This doesn't mean that we sit around and wait passively or in idleness. Rather, we are to wait actively on Him. Active waiting is making good use of our time while we're in God's waiting room. Active waiting means trusting Him, seeking Him in His Word, and praying to Him. When we actively wait, the Lord strengthens our faith and brings peace and stability to our hearts (Phil 4:7, Ps 27:4). When we actively wait, the Lord renews our strength (Is 40:31). “I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him” (Psalm 40:1-3). This passage also illustrates that waiting on the Lord also serves as a testimony to others. Waiting on the Lord points others to Jesus when they see that our hope is in Him. And as a result, they may be more inclined to believe the Gospel and find their ultimate hope in Jesus too. Wait on the LORD! At times, we may feel as if the Lord doesn't hear our cries or prayers. Regardless of our ever-changing feelings, we can still place our full confidence and hope in Jesus, who never changes. For we know who Jesus is and what He's done for us already! He’s gifted us with eternal life, by grace through faith. Therefore, we can always wait on the Lord with eager anticipation, knowing that He is always near us, He always hears us, and He is always in control. We can wait on the Lord knowing He will fulfill His promises, deliver us, and save us just like He says (Jer 15:21, Ps 50:15). We can wait on the Lord knowing He is working all things together for His glory and our benefit, even when we can't perceive it. Remember, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7) Therefore, trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Since our hope is in Jesus Christ alone, we can learn to wait on the Lord with a peaceful heart and joyful confidence, knowing that at the right time, He will make it happen! (Isaiah 60:22). Jesus is our ultimate hope. Jesus knows what's best for us. So we can always hope for the best! At the right time, I the LORD will make it happen. Isaiah 60:22 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:14 Yet those who wait on the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.   I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand, John 10:27-28 I Know the One Who Knows I don't always know, but I know the One who knows. I know Jesus, and He knows me. He helps me walk through every valley. He helps me overcome every trouble along my path. He helps me not fear the unknown in the distance. I don't always know. But I know there's nothing to fear because I know the One who knows. I listen to His voice, and I follow Him. I am His sheep, and He is my Shepherd. I know He is always with me. I know Jesus is always with me because He tells me so (Mat 28:20). And Scripture says that Jesus dwells in my heart through faith (Eph 3:17). I carry Him in my heart because He is the One who carries me in His hand, where no one can snatch me away. He gives me eternal life, and I will never perish (John 10:28). Jesus is The Shepherd of my soul. I don’t ever have to rely on myself since I don't always know. But I can always rely on the One who knows everything: Jesus, The Shepherd of my soul. He gives me everything I need and makes everything beautiful in its time (Ecc 3:11). He gives me rest in green pastures and leads me beside still waters (Ps 23:2). He restores my soul and leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. (v 3). He walks with me and comforts me through every valley (v. 4). He gives me refreshment from His living waters (John 7:37-38). He gives me earthly bread for my body and heavenly bread for my soul (John 6:51). Jesus gives me life itself since He is The Life (John 14:6). Jesus gives me everything I need, even His own life on the cross. Through simple faith in Jesus, He gives me the gift of eternal life (John 3:16). What more could I want? (Psalm 23:1) I know the One who knows, but more importantly, Jesus knows me, loves me, died for me, and is always with me. I listen to His voice, and I follow Him.     Dear Heavenly Father,   I praise You for who You are. I thank you for being so gentle and patient with me and teaching me to trust in Jesus more every day. I know Jesus is always with me, and I know that You work all things together for my good. Today, will You help me to not fear or be anxious about the unknown? Help me to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Keep me from running ahead with that illusion of control I think I might have over the small things. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty alone, over everything, including those small things. Help me to trust in Your plan, Your timing, and Your goodness over my life, both big and small. For I know You make everything beautiful in its own time.   Today, will You make the way clear for me and instruct me in the way I should go? Will You give me wisdom and make it plain to me? If I need to search it out even more, will You help me do that? Or if I need to simply wait on You, will You help me be patient and wait in hope? Lord, please show me the way and make my path straight for me. Most importantly, help me to rejoice in You always, remembering the Good News that Jesus died for me and rose again so that I may have eternal life. I always feel Your peace when I remember the Good News. I always feel Your peace when I remember that Jesus loves me that much. I always feel Your peace when I remember that Your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. In Jesus' name I pray, amen. Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:2-8 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,   for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6