All In A Days Grace

"Who do you say I am?" Jesus asked his disciples. It’s a question that echoes through the ages, prompting us to consider not only His identity but also, by extension, our own. Yet, another profound identity-shaping encounter unfolds earlier in the Gospels, one that offers a powerful lens through which to understand how God sees us: the moment Jesus meets Peter in John 1:42. Andrew, buzzing with the discovery of the Messiah, brings his brother Simon to Jesus. And what does Jesus do? He looks at Simon, a simple fisherman, and says, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). In that singular, seemingly casual utterance, Jesus wasn't just giving Simon a nickname. He was doing something far more revolutionary: He was renaming him, seeing not the rough-around-the-edges fisherman, but the bedrock, the "rock" upon whom He would build His church. Think about the implications of this. Simon was known for his impuls...

  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13 In a world that often feels like a relentless barrage of negativity, where "joy stealers" lurk around every corner, this verse from Romans offers a powerful antidote. It's a reminder that true joy and lasting peace aren't dependent on our circumstances, but on the God of hope who dwells within us. Let's delve into this scripture and explore how it can anchor our souls amidst the storms of life. The God of Hope Paul begins by identifying God as the "God of hope." This isn't just a casual descriptor; it speaks to the very essence of who God is. Hope isn't something He merely offers; it's woven into His character. He is the source, the wellspring, the very foundation of hope. In a world that often leaves us disillusioned and disappointed, this is a crucial truth. Our hope isn't ...