For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
1 Peter 1:18-19
It's interesting that he uses the word perishable when talking about silver and gold, but not with a man. The man goes on forever, he counts, he lives on. The gold and silver, though never die, never live either.
He saved us because of his mercy, and not because of any good things we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning.
Titus 3:5
It's all brand new. It's a wash. All new!
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:30-31
You have done nothing. Your sins are the same as everyone else's. The only reason you are free is because Jesus made you that way. Stop bragging.
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
Hebrews 2: 14-15
If it's good enough for God, it's good enough for you.
Remember that in those days you were living utterly apart from Christ; you were enemies of God's children, and he had promised you no help. You were lost, without God, without hope. But now you belong to Christ Jesus, and though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought very near to him because of what Jesus Christ has done for you with his blood.
Ephesians 2:12-13
Sacrifice brings people closer. For the sacrificer and the sacrificee. The giving and the taking changes everything. Jesus gave all to bring us closer to also give all we have as well.
July was the month of poles. Politics and Poland. Politics was kind of boring. Poland was pretty fascinating. I though it would be the other way around. Poland is the land of my people and I gotta admit, I was impressed. The music, the food, the literature....nice. Politics seems all heated on the news/propaganda, but when learning about it, it got dry quick.
I only read 2 books: "Build the World Better" and "The Last Wish" which is a Witcher novel written by a Polish author. Highly recommend it. I watched Sons of Liberty on TV during a 4th of July marathon and the Hamilton musical. On Curiosity Streaming: Meteorite Men (in Poland, got to see current landscapes) and America's Declaration. On Great Courses: Rosa Luxemburg; Gorecki; Investigating the Presidency; America's Changing Democracy. On commune I watched a couple of days of political videos.
On podcasts I listened to Poland's Lost Generation; Biden in Poland (a twofer); and Pantsuit Politics.
I also made or ordered some Polish food. I must say if you've never had Polish pancakes you should try them. They have apples in them and are so delicious.
Last month I learned that the food and music in Poland is amazing. Between Chopin and Gorecki I spent several days just listening and meditating. Beautiful. I also learned that what is displayed to us through the media about politics isn't all together true. It is more cut and dry, yet passionate. The people (not all) are more into the country that into themselves. But they are just people. The are both good and bad and make a ton of mistakes. Only theirs has more effect.
August: the Irish and music (not just Irish).
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1
You are forgiven. If you believe, you are forgiven. No matter what.
