Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Russell Jurgensen
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Last week another camellia bush burst into blossom. At least that is the way it seemed. It was a nice surprise to walk outside, after all the rain we have had recently, to see new flowers in bloom.
It reminds me of finding Bible verses that maybe we have seen before, but they take on new meaning each time we read them.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
A simple verse can surprise us with several different thoughts. This one tells me that it is easy to be saved simply by confessing and believing. Jesus does the hard work of forgiving and purifying. It also points to a simple energy adjustment or attitude adjustment. By changing from the mindset that we are in control and we can do it ourselves, to an attitude of letting God do it, we free ourselves from impossible burdens.
When things are difficult and gray, look to God in the Bible for surprises and encouragement.