Month: September 2026

The Spinners sang that back in ’78. There are people working their way back to their loved ones.  People will reinvent themselves just to regain what they’ve lost.  And it’s good to find our footing if we’ve strayed.

Throughout the ages, God’s people, the Israelites, have tried many times to get their relationship with Him back on track.  They’ve succeeded and failed too.  To skip this process, God made a way: He sent His Son, Jesus, to clear the way back to the Father.  He died for us all, and has promised to work in our hearts to keep us on track.

In other words, we don’t have to work at pleasing God or at getting on His good list because we’re already there!  He didn’t exclude you, or you!  Jesus died for you and took your sins upon Himself so you wouldn’t have to. You don’t have to work your way to His heart.  Just give it to Him. Walk with Him daily.

Today is Labor Day-rest from work.  God has given us rest from works.  “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceases from his own works, as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:10).

Upon the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Our strife and sacrifices are done away with.  If you think you need to crawl on your knees, walk on your head, drag yourself or cut yourself, or make any other self-inflicting sacrifice, for miles to please God or to appease him, cast them all aside!  Jesus paid it all!

All we need do is BELIEVE! Anyone who tells you otherwise, is WRONG!  Yes, we follow Him and serve Him, but as far as acceptance is concerned, He’s known you before He laid the foundations of the earth! You’re that special to Him!  So, chill.  Eat a burger or a salad! Celebrate your rest day from trying to gain God’s approval. Nothing we do will get God to love us more, nor draw us closer to Him than what we currently are.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

God Bless!
Sam

Death came unexpectedly to Adam and Eve.  Their disobedience to God brought forth something they had not known other than possibly watching God sacrifice a lamb to use its skin to cover their shame (Genesis 3:21).

Death respects no one It steals away loved ones.  It snatches away our friends.  Death takes but never gives back.  It sometimes creeps upon us, and other times it comes swiftly. Death destroys God’s goodness.  It steps on your toes and mine.  Death is greedy; it aims at conquering as many victims as possible.

As Jesus hung on the cross, death, like smoke from hot ice, crept upon His feet, over the pounded nails and then His thighs.  Death dreamt big; it aimed at getting the most important figure in human history under its grip. Up His waist like a fog, it went.  It spread across Jesus’ aching chest and battered arms.  It then went for the jugular.  Death spread over His face from the bruises from slaps, having His beard plucked (Isaiah 50:6), and from the kicks, and punches He received. Finally, death overtook the Son of Man on the cross.

While people wept, demons danced.  While believers hid, cruel men falsely exposed Him of being a fraud. Can you picture it? The tabloids flew their front pages on the evening news.  During rush hour, reporters announced, “THE SON OF GOD ABADONED BY HIS FATHER!”  “LIFE-GIVER, DEAD!”  The tabloids wrote: MIRACLE WORKER, RAN OUT OF MIRACLES! “He who said, ‘I Am the Life,’ is DEAD!  And, “Charlatan Had His Coming!

Yes, death is a robber! He comes from Satan.  “The thief comes but to kill, to steal, and to destroy” (John 10:10a). Death causes us to cry until every last tissue in the box is gone and our tears have dried.  It leaves a void in us.  But there’s hope!

“…That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14b).

Meaning, Jesus had to die to defeat death, and the sting of sin! If we trust Him with our lives and future, He will come through! At the time of departing this world, we’ll pass into an eternity with Him!  Death has no power over us!

Part b of John 10:10 says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”   Rest assured that robbers, “Nor thieves nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1Corinthians 6:10).  Hallelujah!  DEATH’s days are numbered! Soon the Robber will be given the boot for all time!
God Bless!

Sam