Do you purchase the first tree you see? Of course not. You search for the right one. You walk the rows. You lift several up and set them down. You examine them from all angles until you decide, This one is perfect. You have a place in mind where the tree will sit. Not just any tree will do. God does the same.

You are saved, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ did. And you are special, not because of what you do, but because of whose you are. And you are his. And because we are his, let's forget the shortcuts and stay on the main road. He knows the way. He drew the map. He knows the way home.

The difference between mercy and grace? Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance. Grace gave him a feast.

I think to trust in the sovereignty of God does not excuse my personal responsibility. Just the opposite - it equips me to be personally responsible.

I struggle with trying to be a good pastor of a large church.

The life of Jesus Christ is a message of hope, a message of mercy, a message of life in a dark world.

You wonder if God has a place for a person like you. Find your answer in the Bethlehem stable.