"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)There's a story about a man who imagined himself approaching the gates of heaven. As he came to the entrance, Peter was there and asked him, "Why should you be allowed into heaven?" The man confidently replied, "Because I read my Bible...

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)There's a powerful story about a poor little girl carrying a pitcher of milk home to her family. While walking, the pitcher slipped from her hands and shattered on the ground, milk spilling everywhere. She sobbed uncontrollably, knowing her mother w...

"What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?" - Psalm 116:12 (NKJV)There's a beautiful song called "My Tribute" that asks the heartfelt question: "How can I say thanks for the things that You have done for me?" Here are some of the lyrics:How can I say thanksFor the things You have done for me?Things so undeservedYet You gave to prove Your love for meThe voices of a million ang...

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)When we think of God's greatest works of art, our minds naturally drift to the breathtaking creation around us. The Grand Canyon's majestic beauty, the endless expanse of oceans, or the towering mountains that pierce the sky. These are undeniably b...

"That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7, NKJV)There are seasons in life when friends encourage us to trust God by saying, "keep looking up." This is often good advice, reminding us to fix our eyes on heaven, to remember that our help comes from the Lord (see Psalm 121:1-2). But there are also times when we...