Posts Tagged ‘Encouraged’
Sanctified!
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV) “Saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost!” It was not unusual in the churches I grew up in to hear people begin a testimony with that declaration. Is sanctified a word that has, for the…
Read MoreLoved
The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) It is possible, and perhaps all too common, to be underwhelmed by the thought that God loves us. It might be easier for us to accept that he…
Read MoreDetermined
Jotham grew powerful because he was determined to please the Lord his God. 2 Chronicles 27:6 (NET) Determined is a good word. Some synonyms for determined include decisive, purposeful, resolute, steadfast, and even tenacious. Determination begins with a decision that we resolve to follow through to completion. The Bible gives us examples of determined people.…
Read MoreRescued
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13–14 (NLT) Rescuer or rescued? The “American Spirit” was often characterized as self-reliant and independent. It is debatable how prevalent this characteristic is today, but a…
Read MoreSatisfied
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 (LSB) Let us ponder for a moment the significance of satisfaction, and dissatisfaction in the world today. It appears every time I make a purchase online, take my car in for service, or do a host of other activities,…
Read MoreReconciled!
And God has made all things new, and reconciled us to himself, and given us the ministry of reconciling others to God. In other words, it was through the Anointed One that God was shepherding the world, not even keeping records of their transgressions, and he has entrusted to us the ministry of opening the…
Read MoreFinish Well
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT) In our previous post, “Start Well,” we emphasized the importance of starting well in our faith to construct a life that will withstand the storms and earthquakes that…
Read MoreStart Well
In the Beginning God… Genesis 1:1 How important is it to start well? A good start is critical in a 100-meter race, often decided by hundredths of a second. But a fast start is only one aspect of starting well. One must also begin in the right place and at the right time. It may…
Read MoreGot Hope?
Where then is my hope? Can anyone find it? Job 17:15 (NLT) The Associated Press reported last week that the number of suicides last year in the United States reached an all-time high of 49,500 people. While other factors may be involved, hopelessness was undoubtedly a significant factor. Is there anything that we can do…
Read MoreTest Me
The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Deuteronomy 13:3 (NLT) Does anyone enjoy being tested? In the previous article, “Test Everything,” we saw the value of examining preaching and prophecy to ensure they align with God’s word. But we start to feel…
Read MoreTest Everything
Don’t brush off Spirit-inspired messages, but examine everything carefully and hang on to what is good. Avoid every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:20–22 (CEB) It is common for people to say that they dislike tests. People really mean that they have no desire to undergo testing themselves, but most assuredly, they are glad that…
Read MorePerfect Unity
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 (NLT) Perfect unity? What does that even mean? We look around us and see a multitude, or more…
Read MoreJust in Time
The concept of time is fascinating. Each day consists of twenty-four hours, 1440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. But all time is not the same. Everyone knows that “time flies when you’re having fun.” The Bible tells us of one occasion where time stood still (or at least the sun stood still Joshua 10:12-14). Perhaps even…
Read MoreA Great God
“For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.” Psalm 95:3 (NLT) I have no idea how many people would agree with Psalm 95:3. We know that one day every knee will bow in acknowledgment, but how many people live their lives today with the thought of God’s greatness foremost in…
Read MoreWhat Have You Been Given?
There are many days throughout the year when we give or receive gifts. Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and of course Christmas. Some people who like to give gifts, give on other days “just because.” I have been thinking about things we have been given by the Lord. Scripture has quite a…
Read MoreThe Will of God for You
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NLT) I recall that as a young pastor, two questions frequently arose while counseling people. Perhaps the most frequent question was, “How much sin can I get away with…
Read MoreInviting His Presence
There are times when we experience the presence of God in a real and powerful way. Perhaps we have had encounters like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32 (NLT). At…
Read MoreOne Thing
The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. Psalm 27:4 (NLT) It was said of baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams that his focus during…
Read MoreBe Still
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” Psalm 46:10 (NLT) It is spring, and there are signs of new life all around. We may see hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies flitting from place to place. They do not stay still for…
Read MoreNo Excuses
Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve. Proverbs 24:12 (NLT) Humanity has been making excuses from the very beginning. It has almost become an art form. Adam…
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