Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
We Believe in the Eternal Triune God
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV) We believe in the Eternal Triune God. In this short statement, we have two concepts that present challenges to understand, and even more so, to explain. Everything within…
Read MoreWe Believe God’s Word
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.…
Read MoreDo We Believe What We Believe?
Now this is his command: that we believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23 (CSB) Perhaps this article should have been titled “Do We Know What We Believe?” In part, because surveys show that biblical literacy is at historically low levels. Engagement…
Read MoreThe Whole Plan of God
Therefore I declare to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all of you, because I did not avoid declaring to you the whole plan of God. Acts 20:26–27 (CSB) Everybody has favorites. It may be favorite foods, or favorite activities. We certainly have favorite people. It is only natural to…
Read MorePatient Urgency
Therefore, brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and is patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7–8 (CSB) Patient urgency…
Read MoreHaste and Waste
Haste and Waste Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. Proverbs 19:2 (NLT) In Alice in Wonderland, the White Rabbit lamented, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” This is a sentiment that I’m sure that we can all relate to at one time or another in our busy lives. At times,…
Read MoreAlways On Time
This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT) I do not like to be late for anything. Additionally, it aggravates me when other people are…
Read MoreSpeak Up, Or Shut Up?
I know precisely the extent of your violations, the enormity of your sins. Appalling! You bully right-living people, taking bribes right and left and kicking the poor when they’re down. Justice is a lost cause. Evil is epidemic. Decent people throw up their hands. Protest and rebuke are useless, a waste of breath. Amos 5:12–13…
Read MoreA Servant’s Heart: Vindicated
The one who vindicates me is near; who will contend with me? Let us confront each other. Who has a case against me? Let him come near me! In truth, the Lord God will help me; who will condemn me? Indeed, all of them will wear out like a garment; a moth will devour them.…
Read MoreChoose Wisely
But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship—the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living? As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 (CSB) We face choices…
Read MoreOur Daily Bread
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) Fifty years ago, the first Price Club opened in San Diego, it was followed by Costco, Sam’s Clubs, and a few others. The era of the big box club store began where people could buy foods and other products in great quantity at discount prices. The…
Read MorePersistence
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. Luke 18:1 (NLT) Persistence is the opposite of “giving up.” However, persistence only has value if we pursue the right things. We admire stories of those who persisted, and persevered, in the face of overwhelming odds.…
Read MoreYesterday, Today, and Forever
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) We do not need to be reminded that we live in a society whose standards are ever evolving, and inarguably, moving away from the truth of the gospel message. There are enormous pressures confronting the church to acknowledge, accept, and adapt the practices…
Read MoreDeception 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…
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