YONDER BREAKS

Do you  feel  forgiven? I have to admit that the answer to that question for me is often "no." And why is that? I  know  I'm forgiven, for everything. And this is because of Christ's sacrifice. As scripture says: ...Jesus Christ,   who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:13b-14 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 So, armed with that knowledge and experience, why is it that I still don't  feel  forgiven? I would argue that this is a tactic of the enemy of our souls to keep us from progressing in our faith. If we are having trouble accepting that we have forgiveness from all that blocks us from a relationship with God, then our default is to try and tear down those walls...ourselves. But this is no more than fighting the air, because the ...

Ever show up to a spot where the waves are only breaking backside...but you don't know how to surf backside?!  You paddle out anyway, only to fumble around trying to stand up, as thoughts of spending the day riding switch-foot run through your mind. Well, worry no more! Below are some standard backside riding tips for the next time you find yourself in this situation. Backside, in case you don't know, is when you surf with your back to the wave (left for regular stance, right for goofy).  It's a little unnatural because you are not facing the wave, which is why most folks learn to surf this way  after  getting comfortable surfing frontside. But if you can get the hang of it, a good backside wave can be a beautiful thing. Plus, it's always nice to be comfortable riding both directions in case the day calls for it.   1. Point your board at a 45-degree angle on takeoff   This is how I learned to take off going frontside, so why would it be any differ...

(a continuation of  part 1 ) So my title is a little misleading...you may have it all one day, just not in this lifetime. As I was considering how things are never perfect in this life, I thought that maybe this was in God's design. We live in a fallen world, a fact that is overwhelmingly apparent. But if everything was perfect here and now, would we long for a better place? As it is now, though, we do pine for perfection, and not only us, but all creation: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. - Romans 8:22-23 So not only does our existence in an imperfect world hone and refine our character (mentioned in  part 1 ), it also spurs us on to a greater destiny as we hope for a life in a place where peace truly and purely exists....