Posts Tagged ‘Engaged’
Loved
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 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 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 MoreGod’s Purpose: In and Through Us
But you are a ‘chosen race; a royal priesthood’; a holy nation; a people for God’s possession. Your purpose is to announce the virtuous deeds of the one who called you out of darkness into his amazing light. 1 Peter 2:9 (BFE) The challenge of identifying God’s purpose for us is daunting. Also, how does…
Read MorePower and Authority
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. Acts 1:8 (NLT) Although the statement “with great power comes great responsibility” entered popular culture through the Spider-Man comic books, it was introduced centuries earlier. There is even a connection with, From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and…
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 MorePresence, Power, and Purpose
They did what your power and plan had already determined would happen. Now, Lord, take note of their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with complete confidence. Stretch out your hand to bring healing and enable signs and wonders to be performed through the name of Jesus, your holy servant. After they…
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…
Read MoreBe Like Andy
Andy was a nice enough guy, but he never seemed to stand out from the crowd. Andy was very insightful but not very vocal. He was a hard worker but not perceived as a leader. He demonstrated great care and concern for the well-being of other people. Perhaps what we notice most about Andy is…
Read MoreWhen the Going Gets Tough…Consider Jesus
As the time approached for him to be taken to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (NIV) As with many quotations, it’s difficult to determine who first said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Here in Luke, we find Jesus facing his final journey into Jerusalem. The emphasis was…
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