No Plan "B"

Nectarine-Raspberry Crisp with Spiced-Oatmeal Crumb Topping
Source: Saveur


No Plan "B"
Bayless Conley

Have you ever thought of the fact that in eternity past God planned for you, me, and every other believer to be His Plan "A" to take His salvation to the world?

Read the words of Jude 1:3,

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

In this verse, Jude is telling those to whom he is writing, "I have written to exhort you, to call you near to God, and that you might contend (literally fight) for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."

He is referring to the doctrine of Jesus Christ: His crucifixion, His suffering for our sins, His resurrection from the dead, His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His imminent return.

Notice his words, though, that it "was once for all delivered." In other words, God is not changing His plan now. It was delivered to us to both defend and to declare, once and for all. There is no Plan B. We are it.

This means the gospel has literally been entrusted to you and to me as the Church...the body of Christ. God has chosen that through the foolishness of preaching men would be saved.

The good news of Jesus Christ, God's only method of bringing salvation to a lost and dying world, the only method of changing men and women's eternal destination, has been delivered to us.

Isn't that an awesome thought? That is why my passion is to bring a living Jesus to a dying world. Because there is no Plan B.

Visit the Answers with Bayless Conley website for more ways to Connect with God


Ginger Peach Pie
Source: Saveur


The Results of Insecurity
Pastor Charles Stanley
Psalm 143:8

We've already seen some of the areas where insecurity shows up. Now we need to turn our attention to its effects.

To start, insecure people have difficulty establishing good, lasting relationships. They simply cannot see how they could add value to anyone else's life. This is a tragic loss, because every single one of us needs deep and meaningful friendships to help us grow.

Also, men and women with insecurity are often seen as prideful or snobbish. Lack of confidence can cause them to withdraw from others, which can easily be mistaken for an act of arrogance. They can thereby give the impression that they simply don't want to be around others.

What's more, insecurity frequently leads to indecisiveness and fear. People can be so consumed with self-doubt that they can't make any decision at all. They wonder, What if I make a mistake? Well, so what if they do? Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn how to do something correctly. Don't be afraid to try. Even if you don't succeed, you can at least rest in the fact that you did your best.

After a while, insecure people typically get angry. When they go so long feeling so poorly about themselves, they start to resent the success and happiness of others.

Can you see how something as subtle as a lack of confidence can have a debilitating effect on one's life? Don't allow such devastation to affect your relationships. Pray for the ability to recognize areas of self-doubt. And then start to take control today by asking the Lord to heal your insecurities.

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.


Apricot Kolache Filling
Source: Saveur

Just As I Am
Pastor Adrian Rogers

"To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved." Ephesians 1:6

Do you have a "know-so" salvation? What I mean is, do you know that you are saved and have the assurance that if you died tonight, you'd spend eternity with the Lord in heaven?

Many folks don't have that assurance, and in some cases it is not a spiritual problem. It is a psychological problem. They cannot accept the fact that God has accepted them.

Charlotte Elliott penned these words to a timeless hymn of assurance:

"Just as I am, without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!"

You are accepted just as you are. It is all grace.

Find the hymn "Just As I Am" and sing it to the Lord. Make it your song throughout the day when Satan tries to make you doubt God's love and eternal gift of salvation.