1. Unprompted, without any warning, for no reason at all, without any instigation say, "I love you." And that will wash over your parents like a beautiful absolution.
  2. His love for you is so deep that in his mercy, while you were yet a sinner, God sent his only begotten Son to die for you.
  3. Rightly distinguishing between law and gospel, as Paul helps us see in 2 Corinthians 3, is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
  4. God gives us the power and authority to proclaim the forgiveness of sins to burdened sinners who entrust us with their pain, guilt, and defeat.
  5. The law had to have its way with the expert to bring him around (and back) to Abraham's response.
  6. Maybe, just maybe, our goal for 2023 should not be to live more but to die more.
  7. Rejoice with Mary as she would rejoice with you. Be blessed, like her, with humility from God, so that you may serve joyfully and willingly wherever and in whatever role God has placed you.
  8. The good news is that with our God there is always more: more than we deserve, dare, ask, or expect, more than we can see, hear, feel, or think.
  9. The reason that God’s commandments are not burdensome is that Jesus has fulfilled them.
  10. Both now and forever, the bruised and crucified Lord nailed to a cross is our assurance of deliverance.
  11. Righteousness before God is possessed only by grace and that through the currency of faith.