1. Rightly distinguishing between law and gospel, as Paul helps us see in 2 Corinthians 3, is, quite literally, a matter of life and death.
  2. 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.
  3. The law had to have its way with the expert to bring him around (and back) to Abraham's response.
  4. Maybe, just maybe, our goal for 2023 should not be to live more but to die more.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. The reason that God’s commandments are not burdensome is that Jesus has fulfilled them.
  8. Both now and forever, the bruised and crucified Lord nailed to a cross is our assurance of deliverance.
  9. Righteousness before God is possessed only by grace and that through the currency of faith.
  10. The love mentioned in 1 John 4:15-21 fourteen times (!) is a love that needs no apology but is determined at all times to sacrifice for the other.
  11. Sometimes in hanging on to our useless guilt, we are idolaters. We believe our sin or conscience is more powerful than our God.