Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
Deception and Discernment
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. Proverbs 15:14 (CSB) Some days, the limits of incredulity are stretched so far that it makes one wonder if everything is on the verge of collapsing. This week, the Supreme Court is hearing a case on “transgender” athletes in high school sports.…
Read MoreThe King Is Coming
After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from…
Read MoreThe True Light
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9 (NLT) The beginning of John’s Gospel is filled with references to the Light. The Word through the life of Christ brought light to everyone, and the light shines in the darkness (V4, 5). John the Baptist…
Read MoreThe Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. John 15:16 (CSB) Choosing is a part of life. From the playground to adulthood, to be chosen boosts…
Read MoreMake Disciples
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations… Matthew 28:19 (CSB) The command to make disciples is clear. There can be no misunderstanding of the mandate that Jesus gave his followers. And yet, discipleship is viewed as optional for those who want to be “advanced” Christ-followers. We should start by asking, “What is a disciple?”…
Read MoreJesus Is Coming Again
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (NLT) “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”…
Read MoreBound Together in Peace
Bear with one another in love; be humble, meek and patient in every way with one another. Make every effort to guard the unity that the spirit gives, with your lives bound together in peace. Ephesians 4:2–3 (BFE) Everything works better when put together correctly. Have you ever seen people trying to force a puzzle…
Read MoreAre You Set?
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) It is one thing to get ourselves spiritually ready, but we must also stay ready. In order to accomplish that we must set or fix our minds on things above. Our focus must be true. We must not waver when things get…
Read MoreAre You Ready?
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) The question of the hour is: “Are you ready?” Someone might ask, “Ready for what?” I would reply that I am not sure, but it…
Read MoreBegging to Give
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first…
Read MoreThe Father Stayed Home
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 (NLT) I suppose that we naturally return to themes that are real and pressing in our lives.…
Read MoreUnconditional Surrender
Submit yourselves, then, to God. James 4:7 (NIV) The unconditional surrender of Japan at the end of World War II meant that there were no negotiated terms. Japan had to accept the Allied demands without bargaining. Including disarmament, occupation, and the restructuring of its government. The country came under the control of the Allied Powers,…
Read MoreSabbath Rest
“Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.” Isaiah 58:13 (NLT) I would like to start…
Read MoreGod Is Wonderful
And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) Wonderful is one out of 256 names for Jesus Christ. How often do we ponder how wonderful our Savior is to us? Wonderful is not only a title, but it also describes his nature as well. The word…
Read MoreDon’t Leave Your First Love
But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning. Revelation 2:4 (TPT) Every relationship requires attention and maintenance, even our relationship with God. Let’s look at the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities so that we will not be caught off-guard. In the book of Revelation, Jesus…
Read MoreThe Baptism of Fire
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Matthew 3:11 (NLT) I…
Read MoreWe Need a Holy Spirit Revival!
I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love.” Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’ Hosea 10:12 (NLT) To declare that we need a revival invites a…
Read MoreAsk for Anything
“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15:7–8 (NLT) What did Jesus mean when he said, “you may ask for…
Read MoreSomebody Cares About You
When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Psalm 142:3–4…
Read MoreBuild Up, Let it Go
For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died… Acts 13:36 (NET) Last time, we discussed the necessity of preparation before building a life or a ministry. Whether it means preparing the soil of our hearts, repenting and clearing away impediments to our spiritual journey, or planting the incorruptible seed of…
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