Word Power

Can you remember the first time your spouse said, “I love you,” or your child said it without prompting? How about the first time you read a passage in the Bible and knew beyond all doubt that God loves you? Beautiful words are life affirming, powerful, fulfilling and encouraging. I love the Apostle Paul, who was fond of encouraging believers with words like these from 1 Corinthians 1: “May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.” People may aim to rattle our peace, blame us, use forgiveness as a weapon instead of a tool of love and grace. But God promises to keep us strong to the end so that we will be free from all blame. When we repent, His forgiveness is swift through Christ and He offers us more grace and peace. We can stand firm on the enduring Word of God.  

Please read 1 Corinthians 1 for more word power, aimed at the people of Corinth as well as the people of Shepherd: “I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”   Partners in Christ, Tracy