“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, 

for my power is made perfect in weakness…”

– 2 Corinthians 12:9

You’re a horrible mother. Your baby boy deserves better. The barage of guilt and shame ladened accusations in my head were always there. The insecurities and failings born from my post-partum depression as a first time mother were debilitating, bringing on uncontrollable sobbing and panic attacks. My weaknesses were out numbering my strengths. I was sinking fast.

I wasn’t a Christian back then when I was clawing to survive each painful day. Yet, there was an innate desire deep inside me that kept fighting to be the best mother I could be, always ensuring my son was safe and well cared for. Maybe that fight was coming from God without me realizing it.

Now that I am a Christian, I can reflect on those years and acknowledge it had to be the Lord’s power giving me strength to get through each devastating day. It was His outpouring of grace through family support and medical intervention that prevented my mental and emotional implosion, even though I felt I never deserved it.

God’s grace for us is sufficient as today’s verse states. That means it’s more than enough to pummel the lies we tell ourselves while having grace for those who might repeat the lies without understanding our battle. 

As followers of Christ, we can tap into the supernatural power that comes from grace, even in weakness. No matter how much we believe we don’t deserve God’s sufficient grace, He faithfully gives it. Receive, embrace, and share it with others going through difficulty.

Heavenly Father, you have done so much for me even when I didn’t realize or acknowledge it. I love you and thank you for, faithfully, extending your sufficient grace to me especially when I was undeserving of it. Give me the desire to extend grace to others no matter what they are going through so that they would see you in me. In Jesus’ precious and holy name I pray. Amen.

Submitted by: Melissa Talbot

Mark 13:5. “Watch out …”

It is vitally important that we pay careful attention to the words of Jesus and the writings of Paul, John, James and Peter. All make reference to the great danger that Christians face of being deceived. This lurking danger, like a prowling lion Peter warns, threatened the first Christians, and will increase in its intensity and darkness as the time of Christ’s return approaches. Rabbi Jesus answered his questioning disciples, “Watch out that no one deceives you.” (Mark 13:5)

At this time, the leaders of the nations, responding to a virus, have determined and legislated what businesses and activities are essential and non-essential. The ministries and responsibilities of the Church have been neutered amongst the latter. That the active care of the spiritual needs of people during a crisis of death, job loss, isolation, great uncertainty and fear is not necessary is a flagrant deception and a peril for the future. This are not simple human thoughts, but minds deluded by the cunning wiles of the devil.

In what ways can Christians be deceived as the restrictions are eased? By accepting the idea that Christian practices are not essential. Pierre Breton described the Church as “The Comfortable Pew”. Could we be enticed into relaxing Sunday morning on The Comfortable Couch? Hebrews prods us in dangerous times; “Let us not give up meeting together … but let us encourage one another..”. (Hebrews 10:25)

Not having encountered an offering plate for several weeks, we might be deceived into thinking that giving our tithes to the Lord is an option rather than a regular sacred responsibility. “Now about the collection … on the first day of every week set aside a sum of money”. I Corinthians 16:1,2)

A third deception might be the validity of becoming bushel basket believers, hiding our light. It is significant that the New Testament word for witness is martyr. At that time, many died by Roman execution, because they professed “Jesus is Lord”. According to Scripture, such threats remain and will increase and spread across the nations.

“ … sons of the light … be alert and self-controlled … encourage … and build each other up.” (I Thessalonians 5:4-11)

Submitted by: Gord Gooderham

I remember as a teen, hearing some amazing testimonies.
People who had major transformations take place in their lives because of Jesus.
Drugs, alcohol, abuse…and then Jesus.
Some of them had miraculous, instant changes, and for others it took time.
What I got most out of those testimonies was this verse,
“Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:11

In that passage, Jesus was talking to a woman that had been caught in adultery.
He was teaching when others brought this woman into the group and asked Jesus what He thought they should do to her.
Surely, they should stone her for such an act.
That is what the law of Moses required them to do.
But Jesus simply told them, whoever of them was not guilty of any sin to go ahead and cast the first stone.
The people who were gathered around the woman couldn’t do it.
Each of them were filled with conviction and walked away one by one.
Then it was just Jesus and the woman.
Jesus asked her where everyone went and who had condemned her.
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

There has to be repairs and renovations that happen in our lives in order for us to leave our sin. There has to be things that we loose, and other things that we gain.
Our hearts have to be changed.
We are the same, but altogether different because of Jesus.

It’s not always easy to leave our sin.
Jesus never said it would always be easy, but He did say that it would be worth it.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

So, when you need to turn from your sin and leave it behind, turn in the direction of God.
Look to Him to be all that you need.
He is there waiting and wanting to help you.
Turn from sin and run to Jesus!

Submitted by: Ali Gooderham

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul,
firm and secure…” – Hebrews 6:19

Hopelessness was a recurring theme throughout my adult life. The scourge and shame of my sex addiction, alcoholism, and abuse magnified it. And because I never felt worthy of being fully loved and accepted by others, suicide attempts became my solution to ever growing problems. Being successful in killing myself was my high hope.

So, why is it that the member of a royal family would even notice me and give hope through saving me? It’s not like I had any ties to someone noble. But I found out it wasn’t just any nobleman. It happened to be the noblest of kings from not only a royal family, but a divine one – King Jesus. Who came as part of an oath and promise from God in order to redeem the hopeless.

Who had entered an inner sanctuary, behind a curtain – something only a high priest could have ever done. Except Jesus was doing it all in an effort to bring me and you, who were hopeless, a strong and deeply planted hope – firm and secure. A door to open and walk through, leaving the hopelessness behind.

We each have a preciousness that has drawn the attention of a King. The King of Kings, Jesus Christ. It’s royalty that came in the form of love made whole so that we could accept what our high priest Jesus died to give us. Let’s make a point of embracing and sharing that hope with the many who are, sadly, dying to find it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope you brought me, through Jesus, during a time in my life when I had none. Being loved and accepted by him has changed my world and life. I pray that others who are hurting would see the hope I have because of you and the rest of my royal family. I love you and it’s in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Submitted by: Melissa Talbot