As we start a new year, thinking back on the Christmas gifts we have received over the years, we find that the greatest gift of all is Christ Himself who gave Himself for us. Paul lists for us some important aspects of Christ’s gift in his letter to the Ephesians – wisdom and knowledge of Him, hope of eternal life in Him, and the power of His Spirit dwelling within our hearts.

When we consider just what Jesus did for us on the cross to redeem us out of death in our sins, our hearts overflow with thankfulness for His infinite mercy and grace although we are totally undeserving.

God directed Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house and observe the potter working. God then told Jeremiah that if the potter could remake a flawed pot, so God could remake fallen Israel and indeed all of fallen mankind, if we will but allow Him to rework us with His firm but gentle hand.

When bidding each other farewell, truckers often say “Keep it between the ditches.” The same idea applies to our Christian lives. In following Christ, we need to navigate the narrow path between conflicting extremes that Jesus has mapped out for us. Thus He warns us that “the way is broad that leads to destruction” but “the way is narrow that leads to life.”

In His so-called “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28, Jesus calls us to go and make disciples. But to make disciples, we must first be disciples. What does being a disciple entail?

Childlike faith, Warnings against sin, The lost sheep, Church discipline, and Forgiveness