Why is the forgiveness of our sins for God’s sake? I always assumed it was for ours. We are the ones who are forgiven of sin, released from bondage, made righteous, accepted, and free. So what does He gain from a painful, humiliating, sin atoning sacrifice?

Even in their mockery, the chief priests and scribes echoed God’s purpose and plan. Jesus had saved others, but Himself He could not save.

When Jesus returns, His reward will be with Him. He will generously reward all that is of Him and remove all that is not. None of us will be left holding for eternity something that we regret, wrongly pursued, or mistakenly entertained.

Jesus chose the whip because He wants us healed. Our battle with temptation and sin does not negate the work of the cross, nor does any battle with sickness, infirmity, or disease undermine the redemption that has been freely given.

A friend is someone we turn to when we’re in need, someone who helps us, stands by us, and never abandons us during tough times.

Is this how we see Jesus?

Just as I need to receive forgiveness, so I also need to give forgiveness. The healing of my soul requires both.

We can look at our weakness and hide in our shame, or we can turn to the One who has paid for it all. Mercy has been freely given. Now it is our choice to receive.

We have been so conditioned to the hearing of words, that many times we miss the voice of heaven. Heaven does not always “speak” with words.

Your experience with God, makes you a witness, and a carrier of hope and a releaser of glory. 

Gold, frankincense and myrrh were brought by the wise men and laid at the feet of Jesus. It was the recognition of a king, priest and a suffering servant.

Love is so highly prized by God that He created man with the ability to choose it or ignore it.

Jesus declared in John 10 that He was the Door. His blood, shed on the cross of Calvary, is the door of our salvation.

If you’ve been climbing ladders, then like Zacchaeus of old, it is time to find a tree.

It is not about our performance or our ability: it is about the goodness of God and His desire to meet the needs of others through us.

Jesus does not expect our perfection – He gave us His. There are times when we fail and disappoint ourselves and others. It is then that we need to know that we’re still welcomed and loved.