July 15, 2026

“They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God – since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying.” – Psalm 49:6-8

Most people spend the vast majority of their time trying to earn something for themselves. Whether it is amassing wealth, earning a place of honor, or gathering possessions, we like to think that we can somehow make our lives meaningful under our own power. But you do not have to live long to realize all these pursuits fall short. You will always desire more money, someone will always be more honored than you, and there will always be more things that you want. It is a never-ending pursuit that only produces a consistent, empty longing.

I often explain that giving your life to Christ is not a work that we accomplish, but instead it is an admission that there is no work that we could accomplish which would make us right with God. Accepting Christ is a confession of complete helplessness. There is absolutely nothing you could ever do or accomplish to redeem yourself before God…the price is simply way too great for any ordinary human to pay. So, we need to stop trying to accomplish it and submit ourselves to the truth that Jesus has already done it. We should do this not only the first time we give our lives to him, but we should do this every morning. Wake up and confess that any material pursuit will not bring you peace and happiness; no amount of money or things will ever fill the emptiness that exists. Only Jesus will make you right and whole. Pursue him and leave everything else behind.

Almighty God, we could never redeem ourselves. You are too high! You are too great! You are too holy! Thank You for the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ that makes us right with You once and for all. Turn our eyes from futile pursuits and keep them fixed solely on You. Teach us to truly long for You and You alone.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon