My life sometimes feels like a game of Queen of the Court. I strive, set goals, create a game plan, and execute the strategy. I long to be my best (a good thing), but at times I want to be THE best (not so good).

For those who grew up in the church or spent considerable time among other Christians, “Christ died for my sins” is heard countless times.

Let us not linger on ourselves in the flesh for too long, for we shall only find woefully fallible imperfection there. For every glance at ourselves, take ten long gazes at Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith by which we now live as new creations.

We are not only without sin (a return). We are also given the righteousness of God (an exchange). No retailer would ever forgive an infinite debt (our sin) and, in exchange for it, give what is of infinite value (God’s righteousness).

We as followers of Christ are God’s messengers responsible for carrying the Gospel to mankind, just as Paul did with the Corinthians when he reminded them of the Gospel’s simple tenets of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Savior.

It probably seemed foolish for Noah to build the ark. But it saved mankind. It probably seemed foolish for the Israelites to smear blood on doorframes, but it spared them from the final plague. It probably seemed foolish to march around the city of Jericho seven times to overtake the city. But it gave the Israelites their first taste of the Promised Land.

What if, every morning, we started our day reminding ourselves that God is for us? That we are victorious through Him? That there is no need to fear? That we are free from defeat because Christ lives in us by His Spirit? That Jesus is coming for us, and we will share His Glory? That Jesus intercedes for us? That we cannot be separated from His love?

This is the simple Gospel. The Son of God left His place of perfection in heaven and came to earth to mend our hearts and hurts. God’s love was poured out on humanity through the blood that was shed by Jesus. He became broken for us on a cross so that we could know forgiveness, reconciliation, hope and healing.

“I can do it,” “Leave me alone,” and “I don’t need your help” are phrases that most of us master as little kids. We want to solve our own problems. We resist being perceived as weak. Our quest for autonomy begins by dressing ourselves and morphs into driving and working independently.

We have all heard the saying nothing in life is free. There is an intuitive nature to boast in our efforts to earn something independently of another. We shun help when someone offers it to us.

It's amazing how, in many cases, God expands a believer's circle of friends as their love for Christ and their fellow man increases along the narrow road. This social augmentation is not just for the sake of the believer's happiness, but more so for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus had a choice. Fully God and fully man, He could have said, “No” to dying on the cross. He could have used his divine authority to create another way for sin to be dissolved. But He chose to sacrifice His life on His own free will. He chose obedience to the Father.

There is so much meaning in so little a word: so. For God “so” loved the world. So, what does that “so” mean?

Seven miles lie between Emmaus and Jerusalem, and it takes on average two hours to walk those seven miles…

Deathbed conversions were a real sticking point for me in my early years as a Christian…

“Father, Forgive Them.” The first three words spoken by Jesus as they were nailing Him to the cross. Held in a posture He could not change, Jesus was mocked, ridiculed and spit upon.

Sometimes God says no. Sometimes He allows suffering. Betsy was a godly woman who lost her battle to cancer…

Jesus faced blame and accusation like a convicted criminal, the disbelief and lack of trust due a liar, and the mockery of purpose accorded a con-artist. When we are derided, mocked, or reviled, Jesus understands our pain, whether self-inflicted or caused by others.