Month: February 2023

In a blog last November, I shared the story of overnighting in the Denver airport. In last Sunday’s sermon, I was reminded of that experience once again. The pastor declared, “We are not alone. So many times in life we may feel like we are the only one who is experiencing such sadness, or fear, or guilt. Or we may feel like we are the only one standing up for what is right — but if we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will soon realize, we are not alone.”

In the airport, I woke about 2:30 a.m. The lights were bright but not one sound could be heard. I sat up and looked around. Could it be that I was the only one in that terminal? I looked down the corridors in both directions. It was an eerie feeling to be alone in such a vast area — but that wasn’t the case. I stood up, gathered my things for a trip to the ladies’ room, and began to walk down the corridor. There were sleeping bodies everywhere! I was one of many who had missed their flight and decided to just sleep in the airport.

In church, the pastor went on to talk about the need to stay on the path, to enter through the narrow gate: “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few (Matthew 7:13–14).

There are times in our faith walk where we may feel like we are the only ones on that path. How are we to know the way? 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). This is why we are encouraged to attend church and Bible study. This is why we surround ourselves with other Christians. God has given us the gift of Christian fellowship — so we may be comforted, so we may pray with and for each other, and so we may share our joys and burdens.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24–25).

We are not alone! We have each other and, even more we have faith in the Triune God. It’s a glorious feeling, trusting in the promises of our Savior! Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

We are not alone. Our Lord will not leave us. We know because He promised. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Be bold, my friends. We are not alone!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

A favorite movie I enjoy watching again and again is National Treasure starring Nicolas Cage. Near the end of the movie, when Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) and others are trapped in a room with apparently no way out, he discovers that an object he acquired earlier in the movie fits nicely into a symbolic impression in the wall. He mumbles to himself as he looks at the object, “Could it really be that easy?” He fits the object into the impression and turns it 90 degrees. The wall becomes an entry into the vast hidden treasure room. Voilà!

As I study Scripture and strive to interpret the Lord’s intent for my life, sometimes it seems complicated. Have you ever asked, as you read the Word, if some passages seem to contradict one another? Have you ever wondered what a certain passage means? I hope the pastors in my life don’t cringe when they see me coming! I ask a lot of questions!

I love an in-depth Bible study, one where we dive into the Greek or Hebrew and spend a whole hour on one passage. I also love that, no matter how complex it may seem at times, Scripture simply is God’s Word given to us to reveal His nature, His promises, and His glory.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16).

As I explore the nuances of Scripture, I am comforted by the simple fact that we are sinners — saved by the sacrifice of our Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil. God has shared His Word so we would recognize our sin and know we have hope in Jesus. Knowing we are saved, we joyfully share His message with others, giving all glory and honor to the Father.

Yes, it really can be that easy! Believe and you will be saved.

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30-31).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2:8).

And of course, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16).

Over and over again, we are assured of the hope we have in Christ. Could it be that easy? Yes! Voilà!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie