For ALL people, emphasis added. Lord, help us to see clearly, through Jesus’s eyes.

Oh Lord, Our God, how majestic is your Name in All the Earth. Let us Give Thanks to the Lord above, for He Alone is Good!

We have ALL fallen short, both before and after becoming a Christian. Our failures and/or, our circumstances, do not dictate who we are in Christ. Our identity with Christ, and our continuing Faith, that he alone can change us, and renew us, and forgive us, make us a child of God. Jesus paid our debts, that we, not might, but may LIVE. Let us never think we are something, in and of ourselves, but that we are everything, in Christ Jesus.

Being labeled a cheater was especially difficult for someone who was known for being one of Major League Baseball’s most outspoken Christian athletes. One of Pettitte’s favorite scriptures at the time, in fact, was one that spoke to his desire to live above reproach and with the utmost integrity as a representative of Jesus:

”Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.“

1 Peter 4:11 NASB1995

If your faith is determined by your circumstances, it’s never going to work.”  Michael McDowell – Professional Race Car Driver

We will never grow in our Faith, if we run away from the Tests and Trials of this World.

Who Spiritual Beings are, and what they are like.

Who Spiritual Beings are, and what they are like.

From Living Waters Blog. Sorry, I can’t seem to merge these two sites together.

livingwaters.blog/2024/04/09/father-help-us-when-we-try-and-put-back-on-that-heart-of-stone-that-you-have-taken-away-help-us-to-remember-your-grace-is-sufficient-for-us-and-that-we-must-forgive-ourselves-as-you-have-forgiv/

Father, help us when we try and put back on that heart of stone, that you have taken away. Help us to remember, Your Grace is sufficient for us, and that we must forgive ourselves, as you have forgiven us. Help us daily, to walk in that Truth and in your Spirit, that you have freely given. Help us also to forgive other, as you have freely forgiven us. Amen

What was figuratively described in v. 25 is explained as literal in vv. 26, 27. The gift of the “new heart” signifies the new birth, which is regeneration by the Holy Spirit (cf. 11:18–20). The “heart” stands for the whole nature. The “spirit” indicates the governing power of the mind which directs thought and conduct. A “heart of stone” is stubborn and self-willed. A “heart of flesh” is pliable and responsive. The evil inclination is removed and a new nature replaces it. This is New Covenant character as in Jer 31:31–34. The Lord will also give His “Spirit” to the faithful Jews (cf. 39:29; Is 44:3; 59:21; Joel 2:28, 29; Ac 2:16ff.). When Israel becomes the true people of God (v. 28), the judgment promise of Hosea 1:9 is nullified. All nature will experience the blessings of Israel’s salvation (vv. 29, 30). When the Jews have experienced such grace, they will be even more repentant—a sign of true conversion (v. 31). Ezekiel profoundly proclaims the doctrines of conversion and spiritual life. He includes forgiveness (v. 25), regeneration (v. 26), the indwelling Holy Spirit (v. 27), and the responsive obedience to God’s law (v. 27). These are all clearly presented as he prophesies Israel’s conversion. As a nation, they will truly know their God (v. 38), hate their sin (vv. 31, 32), and glorify their Savior (v. 32). † 36:32 not … for your sake. God’s glory and reputation among the nations, not Israel’s, causes this restoration to be promised (cf. Ps 115:1; Ac 5:41; Ro 1:5; 3Jn 7).

The Old Testament stories, lead to Jesus…

The Old Testament stories lead to Jesus…