Tag Archives: Salvation

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Discovering Forgiveness This Christmas Season

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Have you ever had a moment when something suddenly clicks—when hope, long waited for, finally shows up? The Christmas story is full of those moments, and one of the most overlooked yet powerful ones comes from an elderly woman named Anna. Her brief appearance in Scripture offers a life-changing reminder for anyone carrying guilt, regret, or a longing for a fresh start.

Anna’s Message of Redemption

It was an exciting day at the temple. Mary and Joseph brought eight-day-old Jesus to fulfill the law regarding circumcision, and much had already taken place. Simeon had just spoken words of comfort and peace over the child—words that left Mary and Joseph marveling. Then Anna arrived.

Luke 2:38 tells us, “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”
While Simeon saw comfort and peace, Anna saw something equally profound: forgiveness.

For Anna, the word redemption carried the weight of Israel’s history—Egyptian bondage, Passover, and God’s mighty rescue. Passover ultimately pointed forward to Jesus, who would redeem His people from the slavery of sin. The moment Anna saw Jesus, she couldn’t stay silent. She thanked God and began telling anyone who would listen that the Redeemer had come.

A Savior for Those Who Need a Fresh Start

Maybe this has been your year of mistakes. Maybe regret follows you around like a shadow, reminding you of what you wish you could undo. If so, Anna’s message is for you.

Jesus offers forgiveness—real forgiveness.
The angel said it best on the night of His birth: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Forgiveness began on the first Christmas. Freedom from the past is part of the gift.

Pause and Receive the Gift of Grace

Take time today to breathe in the truth Anna celebrated:
Through Christ, forgiveness is yours.

Thank you for reading. If this encouraged you, please share this post with someone who could use a reminder of God’s redemption.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Even Now…

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God’s people were going through a rocky time. There was calamity. There was war, difficulty, and divisiveness. Amid all that was happening, the Lord sent great encouragement through Joel.

Joel 2:12-13 encourages, “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”

Notice the Lord’s declaration…

Even now…

  • Even now, though you have caused calamity.
  • Even now, though the decisions that have been made left you in a whirlwind.
  • Even now, though you feel you’ve messed up horribly.

…Return to me.

We can return because of the Lord’s character. In verse 13, Joel is referring to the Lord’s own words in Exodus 34:6.

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Remember the Lord’s encouragement today. Even now, though life is rocky and messed up, we can return to him.

Please share this with a friend.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

3 Reasons God is Our Refuge

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Psalm 46 confidently proclaims the Lord is our refuge.

Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength always ready to help in times of trouble.”

Here are 3 reasons God is our refuge.

1. God is our salvation.

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ, our Lord, has done for us.”

2. God is our safety net.

Romans 8:35 asks, “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or hungry or destitute or in danger or threatened with death?”

Verses 37-39 answers, “No, to spite all these things overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us. And, I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below, indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God has our back. When everything else around us crumbles and falls, God stands strong and keeps us safe. Financial markets may crash, retirement funds may plummet, illnesses may come, but the Lord holds us safely in his refuge.

3. God is our strength.

Philippians 4:13 says, “For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

It doesn’t matter where we are; whether we have plenty or are lacking, The Lord gives us strength to get through the situation.

“Be still and know that I am God,” the Lord says in Psalm 46, “I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.’ The Lord of heaven’s armies is here among us. The God of Israel is our fortress.”

With God as our refuge, we can have peace. This is a peace which transcends human understanding.

Philippians 4:7 says, “Then you will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

As things shift and move around us today, we can enjoy the peace given to us by being in the Lord’s refuge.

Do you have a friend needing encouraged? Please share this post with him or her.