“The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message.” (Matthew 28:8 NLT) Joy isn’t the giddiness experienced by a child as they open gifts at Christmas. It’s a deep, abiding satisfaction that gives evidence of the delightContinue reading “Joy and Delight”
Tag Archives: devotion
Worship (Part 2)
“For God is Spirit, so those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24 NLT) In yesterday’s post we began looking at worship as we gather with others, but I closed with a question I’d like for us to pursue today. I asked: “Does my life really ‘look’ any different thanContinue reading “Worship (Part 2)”
Are You Ready for Heaven?
“But I warn you – unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Matthew 5:20 NLT) These words of Jesus were given in the context of His Sermon on the Mount, which was given early in His publicContinue reading “Are You Ready for Heaven?”
Do You Like Jesus?
“The world can’t hate you, but it does hate Me because I accuse it of doing evil.” (John 7:7 NLT) When Jesus walked this earth in human form, people were drawn to Him because of what He could do for them. They came with an agenda, usually, to be healed or ask Him to healContinue reading “Do You Like Jesus?”
What Is Brotherly Affection?
“One day David asked, ‘Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive – anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?’” (2 Samuel 9:1 NLT) Saul, who was Israel’s first king, had a son named Jonathan. Jonathan was in line to become king upon his father’s death, but he recognized that he was notContinue reading “What Is Brotherly Affection?“
Who’s Leading Your Worship?
“But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the Lord your God and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed.” (Exodus 8:19 NLT) Worship is a very serious issue, because worship gives visibility to who and what we are allowing to rule our hearts and lives.Continue reading “Who’s Leading Your Worship?”
Living As Citizens of Heaven
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” (Philippians 1:27 NLT) While it sounds really good to consider that we are citizens of heaven, the fact remains, we’re not – yet! On some levels it’s like an American thinking about what itContinue reading “Living As Citizens of Heaven”
The Wisdom of Worship
“You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about His relationship with you.” (Exodus 34:14 NLT) Moses was a man of God who had a unique relationship with the Lord. Moses understood the indispensable value of worship, and he was driven to hisContinue reading “The Wisdom of Worship”
When the Tail Wags the Dog
“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to You. Holy Father, You have given Me Your name; now protect them by the power of Your name so that they will be united just as we are.” (John 17:11 NLT) Friedrich Nietzsche wrote: “It is notContinue reading “When the Tail Wags the Dog”
Fruitfulness Grows Out of Faithfulness
“For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4b NLT) What is fruitfulness? Which plants bear fruit? Healthy plants, right? What is required for a plant to become and remain healthy? I understand this is an oversimplification, but theyContinue reading “Fruitfulness Grows Out of Faithfulness”
Walking With Jesus 