"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 corinthians 1:18

"For you see your calling, brethren that not many wise according to the flesh not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption-that, as it is written, He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." 1 cor. 1: 26-31

I love these verses because they give me reassurance that God did not make a mistake in choosing me, the greatest of sinners, as one of His own. He is only following through with what He said he would do...choose the weak, broken, and unworthy. I was reading Jude today and realized that I am no different then the men and women he is addressing. I have rejected authority, served myself, grumbled, flattered people to gain advantage and walked according to my own lusts. I find myself reading through the word a little intimidated by my massive failure to live rightly and overcome the enemy each day. I even hear my thoughts say, "Lord, how can I escape hell, when I am such as these?" As usual I read on and find the answer, "But you, BELOVED, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, KEEP yourselves in the LOVE of GOD, looking for the MERCY of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." Jude 1:20-21  It again comes back to faith. Faith that He is who He says He is and I am saved only because of what He has done. This is the GOOD NEWS. There is for sure a hell and I deserve it no doubt because I am wretched and a hypocrite if I claim anything other than the mercy of Christ. I am so thankful for my savior. I am so thankful that He is my hope, all glory and honor  to Him!

"Now to Him who is able to keep

 you from stumbling,

 And to present you faultless 

Before the presence of His glory with

 exceeding joy,  

To our God and Savior,

 Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen"   

Jude 1:24-25