“I feel like I have never heard the whole gospel until now,” I told my husband.
It was 2020. I had just received miraculous physical healing from God, and I knew that I had been a recipient of more of the good news of Jesus than I had been previously aware was available.
I had been a disciple of Jesus since age 9, but for a long time, I didn’t realize that there was even more to the good news of Jesus than the forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven with God.
The words translated “salvation” in the New Testament are the Greek words sozo and soterias—and they are very full words. They include healing, deliverance, and peace—as well as forgiveness of sin.
And there was something else great about the good news.
“Today is the day of salvation.”
God first mentions the phrase “day of salvation” in Scripture in Isaiah 49:8, when he prophesied that his help was coming at a certain time.
And then, in 2 Corinthians 6:2, Paul called out that specific prophecy, and then declared that the time had arrived.
For God says, “At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.
Paul’s words make me think of one of those “If you can read this, you’re too close” bumper stickers. If you can read or hear Paul’s words, then you know it’s here: Today is the day of salvation.
It’s the best good news! Today is the day of healing, deliverance, peace, and forgiveness of sin.
But He was pierced because of our transgressions,
Crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on Him,
and we are healed by His wounds.
Isaiah 53:5 (HCSB)
Enjoy an Inspirational Read as You Head into Fall
Mornings in Indiana have just begun to have that early autumn feel. My writing dog, Annie the Golden Retriever, definitely seems happy about the cooler temperatures for her walks.
As September begins, our sprawling cherry tomato plants are at full production, cranking out tasty little globes for salads and soups. The calibrachoa and its floral friends continue to trade daily watering for the bright blooms I love. And I’ve just had another sighting of our resident garden toad, which always makes me happy.
It’s a delightful time to pick up a gentle read, my Remembering: Valley of Artisans – Book 1, in which River Carter arrives in the Valley of Artisans to reopen her family’s pottery shop in time for the fall tourist season.
See More About Remembering on Amazon
The Entire Valley of Artisans Series is Available in Paperback and Ebook
Parting Words
As I continue to write a book about how to journal with God, I’m excited to think about the kinds of conversations people who read and use it are going to enjoy with God.
“Take delight in the LORD…” – Psalm 37:4 (NLT)
And as I dream about future books, I’d love to hear about some of your favorite things from the Valley of Artisans fiction series. Which characters did you enjoy? Which spiritual journeys spoke to you? What made you laugh or feel good as you read? Just hit reply to send me a message.
And if you would like prayer for anything, please let me know in an email.
To your freedom, health, and wholeness,
AmyLu
Inspiring Christian Fiction by AmyLu Riley
Remembering: Valley of Artisans – Book 1
Open for Miracles: Valley of Artisans – Book 2
A Winter Wedding in the Valley of Artisans: Valley of Artisans – Book 3
Ordinary Miracles: Valley of Artisans – Book 4
Inspiring Christian Non-Fiction by AmyLu Riley
Jesus as Healer: Miracles and Meditations in Luke
Stay: Why I’m Still Here, A Spiritual Memoir