“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

“Therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” (Isaiah 28:16, ESV).

Why We Keep Trying to Earn What Has Already Been Given

Acts 3:1-10 (NIV)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Your unfinished places are not evidence that God has given up on you. They are simply the places where He's still at work.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” - Psalm 139:13-14

More Than Just Living

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

“At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - 2 Timothy 4:16-18 (NIV)

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” - Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)

“Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it.” - Jeremiah 5:22 (ESV)

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” - John 8:36 (NIV)

The difference between respect and reverence.

“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:3-8 (NIV)

When the Wilderness Becomes a Place of Communion

“It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.” - John 19:14-15 (NIV)

To those wounded by those who misrepresented Christ—and to those who desire to represent Him well.