Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
Concerning Prodigals
A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. Luke 15:13 (NLT) Everyone has a story to tell about prodigals. Prodigal children, or perhaps, prodigal siblings, or even prodigal parents. When we understand what is at stake,…
Read MoreIn the Arena
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 3 (NIV) In Jude’s short letter, he gets right to the point: “contend for the…
Read MoreHot or Cold?
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15–16 (NLT) Is it better to be hot or to be cold?…
Read MoreIt’s Time to Go
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT) In previous articles, we have covered growing and glowing. In this concluding post we will examine Christ’s Great Commission to the church to go. While most of us…
Read MoreIt’s Time to Grow
The book of Ecclesiastes informs us that there is “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.” Ecclesiastes 3:1–2 (NLT) As each year goes by, we grow older, but that does…
Read MoreLiving in the “Real” World
Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (CSB) Nearly 30 years ago, I had a business acquaintance, who was a leader in his church. He was an outspoken Christian in the workplace. One day he shared a…
Read MoreRecalibration
My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19 (NLT) In my mind, New Year’s resolutions do not have a great deal of credibility. People have good intentions, but by the middle of January a preponderance of resolutions have already been abandoned. Some resolutions are unreasonable while for others…
Read MoreThe 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 More