Rich Onda

The church is not a club of the already impressive. It is a hospital for sinners and a school for saints. Come as you are, but do not stay as you are. Christ is making a people who look more like Him.

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

When temptation comes, remember: you are not your own. You were bought with a price. The blood of Christ purchased you for holiness. Flee what dishonors Him, and run toward the One who already holds you fast.

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (ESV)

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Friends — new cozy garden puzzle just dropped! Hold and twist the channels to lead the brook to every seed. When the water connects, the meadow blooms and something new comes to live in your garden. Over 14,000 calm meadows, no timer pressure. Free on the App Store if you want to try it: apps.apple.com/ph/app/budbro…

Friends — new cozy puzzle game just dropped! Sort shelves, match 3, run your own little shop. Free and zero pressure. Would love if you gave it a try: apps.apple.com/ph/app/shelf-…

Doctrine is not the enemy of devotion. Right thinking about God fuels right worship of God. You cannot love deeply what you know poorly. Study Scripture so that your heart may burn with clearer fire.

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

Election is not a cold decree that freezes love. It is the warm purpose of a Father who chose a people for His Son before the foundation of the world. If you are in Christ, you are loved with everlasting love.

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10 (ESV)

Christian joy is not denial of sorrow. It is deeper than circumstance. It is the settled gladness that God is for you in Christ, even when tears still fall. Rejoice in the Lord, not only in what He gives.

"but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 (ESV)

Sin is not merely breaking a rule. It is treason against a holy King. That is why the cross had to be so severe, and why grace is so astonishing. The Judge who could condemn you chose instead to bear your sentence.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)

Prayer does not change God's mind as if He were unsure. Prayer changes us. We come needy, and He shapes our desires to match His will. Ask boldly. Trust deeply. Leave the outcome with your Father.

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

The fear of the Lord is not terror that drives you away. It is awe that draws you near. Holiness is not cold distance. It is the beauty of a God who is utterly pure and yet invites sinners home through the cross.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)