Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
Patient 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…
Read MoreBright Lights
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:14–15 (NLT) As I write today, millions eagerly anticipate the upcoming solar eclipse. The bright light of the sun will…
Read MoreIf They Keep Silent
As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on…
Read MoreDual Citizenship
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1 (NLT) As Christ-followers, we have dual citizenship. Peter tells us that we are citizens of heaven and earthly countries. As believers, how should we perform our civic duty? Some…
Read MoreRunning to Win!
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT) What Paul says in this verse could be challenging or discouraging, depending upon our perspective. What is our goal, and what is the prize? Nothing of significance is accomplished without a…
Read MoreI Am My Brothers Keeper
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 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…
Read MoreThis Is a Test
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) The apostle John warns us, “Do not believe every spirit, but to test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” False…
Read MoreBoot Camp
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the…
Read MorePriorities
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:33–34 (NLT) Every generation faces challenges, but it is hard to imagine that life has ever been…
Read MoreShould We Be Afraid?
The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart…
Read MoreThey Are Not All the Same
And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 22–23 (NLT) Our mission field is filled with great opportunities while simultaneously confronting us with…
Read MoreNew Beginnings
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 (NLT) Reactions to the new year are varied. Some people get excited about making new resolutions while we know of others…
Read MorePreparations
He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. Luke 1:17 (NLT) Advent, the weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of preparation. In one sense, there are presents to purchase, homes to decorate, cookies to bake, and meals to…
Read MoreExpectations
She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 (NLT) Expectations are funny things. At times, we have “great expectations,” while we only anticipate disappointment or dread…
Read MoreDesperation
In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:6 (NLT) It is not unusual for children to have a sense of desperation this time of year. They have made their wish list, perhaps even written a letter to Santa Claus. The anticipation leading up to Christmas…
Read MoreFrom Brokenness to Brokenness
The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:17 (NLT) We live in a world where the brokenness is evident. Some people realize their brokenness, while many do not. We need to understand three things about the brokenness in this world. At times,…
Read MoreBlessed!
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. Ephesians 1:3 (CSB) The venerable song of the church urges us to “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.”…
Read MoreDelivered!
Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 108:6 (NIV) Words are interesting. While English may not be as expressive as other languages, including Greek, studying and understanding how we use language is still important. Today, we want to look at what it means to be…
Read MoreRestored!
If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored— so clean up your life. Job 22:23 (NLT) Restoration is big business. People spend countless dollars restoring antiques, fine art, vehicles, homes, and much more. In the end, however, there is often little practical value. For example, certain restored antique cars are valued at millions…
Read MoreRedeemed
They will be called “The Holy People” and “The People Redeemed by the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12 (NLT) When I was a boy, “trading stamps” were a big deal. I remember my mom and grandma collecting S&H Green Stamps and pasting them into books. When they accumulated a sufficient quantity, they brought them to the redemption…
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