Broken Tools In God S Hands

"I may be forgiven (maybe), but after what I've done, my life is basically over." "I'm damaged goods now. Forgiven? Sure. Able to be used? Maybe for little stuff (maybe), but never again for anything important." Ever thought things like that? Join the club! They're lies, though - lies we often speak to ourselves. Broken Tools In God's Hands was written so you can know God's rescuing grace more deeply and be set free to serve Him with new hope and joy in your heart. Do you think God can't use you when you're broken? Then ponder this: The truth is, God can only use you as He desires when you're broken - when you plainly see your sinfulness, your helplessness, your need for the Savior. That's when Jesus can pour out His blood-bought declaration of "not guilty" into your life, declare you to be His perfect tool, and use you for mighty things. Author Keith Ellerbrock invites you to take a close look at the ugly underbelly of some of the biblical heroes of faith so you can see that they were just as messed up by nature as you are, then take a closer look at God's amazing grace toward them to see that since the blood of Jesus was able to forgive and cleanse these flawed and tainted saints, it's more than able to forgive and cleanse you. Just as God gave them second, third, and however many chances, so He gives those clean do-overs to you. And He will use you. You have His Word on it! St. Louis native Keith Ellerbrock has been a pastor in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod for 25 years. He currently serves Trinity Lutheran Church in Bridgeton, Missouri. He's the undeservedly blessed husband of Dawn and father of Erin, Adam, and Daniel.

Pilgrimage is a very rich metaphor for the Christian life. It evokes much that is foundational for an authentic self-understanding as a disciple of Jesus. Each of these books contains 40 individual meditations that are designed to give pilgrims 'fuel' for the journey. These meditations will inspire faith, encourage self-reflection, and help the reader to set their own spiritual life in the context of Christian discipleship down through the millennia. The individual meditations are inspired by an eclectic mix of sources- Scripture, Christian hagiography, Church History, contemporary events, and scientific discovery. Each meditation is accompanied by questions which guide personal meditation, as well as suggestions for a prayer response. Although these books are suitable for private use, it is hoped that groups will use them with private daily use being augmented by group time of sharing and praying together. Suited for Lent/Advent use.