Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
The Reason He Came
It is entirely appropriate to think about Christ’s death, at this time of year when we celebrate his birth. Because without the cross, Bethlehem would have been meaningless and conversely the cross would not have been possible had Jesus not been born in Bethlehem. It all ties together. It is not only appropriate to consider…
Read MoreOn the Offensive, or Just Offensive?
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:13–14 (NLT) We are entering that time of year when extended family gets together, and it is rare…
Read MoreThis Is My Story
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) This is my story. It’s not as dramatic, or as traumatic as other people’s testimonies, but it illustrates God’s goodness and his faithfulness. To provide context I need to…
Read MoreFireproof
These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed…
Read MoreWe Are at War
The warfare we’re engaged in, you see, isn’t against flesh and blood. It’s against the leaders, against the authorities, against the powers that rule the world in this dark age, against the wicked spiritual elements in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (BFE) Jesus told us that in the last days we would hear of wars…
Read MoreWholehearted Devotion
For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him. 2 Chronicles 16:9 (CSB) The expression, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket” has been around for centuries. It advises that it is unwise to place all of your resources, hopes,…
Read MoreDon’t Be Deceived
You live in a world of deception. In their deception they refuse to know me. This is the Lord’s declaration. Jeremiah 9:6 (CSB) God’s words through Jeremiah ring true today. Ours is a world of deception. If we are reading a mystery novel or watching a magic act, deception can be entertaining. But it can also be…
Read MoreWisdom from Above
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. James 3:17 (CSB) Is there any doubt that this world needs more wisdom? In every sphere and arena of life, we can find devastation, and heartbreak because leaders and people have failed to acquire…
Read MoreSticks and Stones
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew…
Read MoreWhat Are You Looking at?
O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.” 2 Chronicles 20:12 (NLT) It does not require genius, or great spiritual discernment to understand that we live in turbulent…
Read MoreContinual Renewal
And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:15–16 (NLT) Famed football coach, Lou Holtz, said, “In this world you’re…
Read MoreBe Like Peter
It is important to have role models in our lives, but we can also learn from people in the Bible, and in history. Peter is someone to whom we can relate because even though he failed at times, he kept on going. He wouldn’t give up. Peter was at the center of everything. The first…
Read MoreA Confirmed Life Is A Fruitful Life!
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10–11 (NIV) Have you been confirmed? No, we are not talking…
Read MoreHarmony Lost
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT) Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Acts 15:39…
Read MoreDon’t Waste It
Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:16–17 (NLT) Getting older should change our perspective on life. When we are young, and the majority of our life is still in front of us, the value of time can be…
Read MorePride or Humility?
Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2 (NLT) June is the month when people speak of pride as though it were a good thing. The Bible paints a different picture concerning pride. Pride may actually be the deadliest of the seven deadly sins. An attitude of pride was associated with the…
Read MoreCarefree Living
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) What causes anxiety? Living is the simple answer. Each day we are confronted with potential sources of anxiety. There are things we have no control over, but we can have anxiety over things that we “think” we have a measure…
Read MoreDegrees of Faith
You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:19–20 (NLT) Faith and belief are closely interrelated in Scripture. At times, the words are used…
Read MoreI Will Not Be Moved
And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that…
Read MorePatient Fruitfulness
Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just…
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