Discovering Grace with Dianna Carroll

If Jesus, the divine Son of God, needed to pray, then so do we.  We are invited to come before the throne of God with confidence that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

How often have you wondered, "Why this trial, Lord? Why the broken heart or pain?  When we share in Christ's sufferings, we also partake in His abundant comfort.

What do you do when you find yourself in hard times? Remind yourself that God has a purpose for your life, and whatever He begins, He completes with a promise (Philippians 1:6). 

William Tyndale is sometimes called the Father of the English Bible, yet Tyndale himself was burned at the stake for his work on October 6, 1536.

Why are we afraid of the storms of life when the Creator of this world lives within us?  Lord, I surrender full command of the storm in my life to You.

Only through faith in Jesus Christ can purpose in life be discovered. To exalt God is to fear and obey Him while keeping our hearts fixed on our future home, heaven. 

Ask God to teach you how you should walk through this time of difficulty and trust Him to do His will in you.

Someone in sorrow needs you to come alongside and offer encouragement with a compassionate heart. There’s no time limit on grieving, and people from all walks of life suffer differently.

Our hope in salvation does not rest in our faithfulness but in Christ’s faithfulness alone. We are saved because Jesus saves us.

John Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim’s Progress, one of the greatest Christian books ever written. It is second only to the Bible among the most sold books ever. John Bunyan was imprisoned for his Puritan beliefs and for preaching the gospel.

As our faith matures, we experience the enduring joy and comfort found in His presence. His benefits are innumerable, and His sovereignly designed for every believer.

John Knox's declaration, “Give Me Scotland, or I Die,” powerfully captured his deep desire for Scotland’s spiritual renewal.

When we realize all that God has made for us, we stand in awe of His magnificent love.

Come, thou Fount of every blessing; tune my heart to sing thy grace. May we be so bound to Christ that the world, the devil, or the flesh can not recognize us–only Him!

Being deceived leads us to let down our guard against the struggles of the flesh and the Devil's schemes.  As Christians, we are called to seek God for wisdom, as emphasized in James 1:5. 

Where do you find the courage to stand after rejection makes you feel invisible? Rejection does leave its mark, but only the Lord offers a wellspring of wisdom that overflows into every corner of our lives.

Lord, thank You for the truth of the Word of God, which brings light to our paths.*Thoughts and excerpts come from the book, “How to Avoid New Age & New Thought Deception” by Doreen Virtue ~ permission granted.

1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” Today, place your faith and trust in the One who loves and died for you, embracing child-like faith.

William Cowper, a secular poet and later a Christian hymn writer, wrote, There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel's veins, and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

We must remember that God's plan is more significant than any scheme that Satan may have had to destroy Jesus. He is sovereign over the universe, and His Word is trustworthy. 

It is written in Scripture that Mary was Joseph’s espoused wife. This marriage was binding by Jewish law and could only be terminated by divorce. Although the betrothed couple were legally regarded as husband and wife, the physical union had not yet occurred. 

Beethoven, who became stone deaf at the age of thirty, wrote his last magnificent movement, which was a historical work with praise and honor to God.

God uses challenging moments in our lives not to break us but to test and refine us, transforming us into stronger, more resilient individuals.

Christians cannot fight spiritual battles with weapons of the flesh, but in the strength of His might. "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

The simple method of praying through the Scriptures in the Word of God is talking to God about whatever thoughts are prompted by the inspired words you read.

 Redemption is accomplished not because we have done anything but because He has done it all. There is nothing for sinners to achieve; all we do is receive what Christ has done by faith.

Nine excellent characteristics can be examined in God's Word. They are portraits of the riches of a Christ-centered life found in Galatians 5:22-23. 

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Fanny Crosby wrote these lyrics, and Phoebe Knapp composed the music, which was first published in July 1873. 

Jesus’ name carries all the preeminence, power, and authority given to Him. His name is “Far above all ... not only in this world, but also in that which is to come” (Ephesians 1:21). 

The "fruit of the Spirit' describes all the Christian character traits we can embody—nine portraits of the riches of a Christ-centered life. 

What is this gift of grace Paul writes about? He says it's not of ourselves that we have salvation, but it is the gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

 "Whose voice are we listening to?" It is an essential question we need to ask ourselves every day, until we go home to be with Christ in heaven. 

The promises of God toward the truly humble are almost breathtaking. Our God who lives forever promises to dwell with them, to esteem them, to give them grace, to lift them up, and to exalt them.

The Biblical way to say that the Bible is about the relationship of God and human beings is to say that it is about a covenant. 

The Biblical way to say that the Bible is about the relationship of God and human beings is to say that it is about a covenant. 

2 Corinthians 12:9 captures this promise. He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater. He sendeth more strength when the labors increase. To added affliction, He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace—poem by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932).

If you find your identity in anything other than Jesus Christ, you will lose your footing and crumble under the loss of the life you wanted to build. 

For those in Christ, the fear of separation from God is impossible. If we are truly born again by the Spirit of God, we can know and experience Christ's boundless, unwavering love.

Adoption can be a loving alternative for parents who may, for various reasons, be unable to care for their children.  It is also a gracious gift to be adopted into God’s wondrous family for all eternity.

Spiritual warfare, as described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians, is the ongoing battle against the forces of evil that undermine our faith and relationship with God.

Have you ever considered your suffering a gift from God?  “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29).

Do you find yourself breaking down or falling apart when faced with trouble? When a burden weighs heavy on your soul, turn to prayer. He will keep you in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3).

The Bible is filled with sayings from our Savior during His short life here on earth. The words of Christ changed my life; my sins are forgiven.

Being able to mention the name of Christ, speak of His great love, and share what He has done for you on the cross is a great privilege. But others in the world suffer persecution and are beaten and tortured for their faith.

What is the mark of a true disciple of Christ? To love one another as Christ has loved you. There are two visible ways to prove your love to one another: to say, "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you."

The 4th of July, a day steeped in historical significance, marks the birth of American independence. As Christians, we are free from the bondage of sin according to Galatians 5:1 and privileged to live in the land of the free. 

Biblical thankfulness is when you realize Christ took all of your shame, all your sin, and suffered on the cross for you, while you were a sinner. We are not thankful for loss or death, but for the eternal life given to us

Love is portrayed by concern, compassion, sympathy, and affection. Love is patient, kind, and never-ending. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

How many times have you thought, "Why this trial, Lord? We must understand that adversity will cause you to grow for your good and God's glory. 

 During Jesus' earthly ministry, He showed compassion for the unclean, the sinner. Jesus never moved away from the impure, but drew near to them with a heart of compassion.