“You have heard the law that says, ‘love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45a NLT) Jesus asks a very revealing question a few verses after theContinue reading “Are We Loving Like Jesus?”
Tag Archives: Joy
The Opposite of Joy
“What sorrow awaits you who say, ‘If only the day of the Lord were here!’ You have no idea what you are wishing for. That day will bring darkness, not light. In that day you will be like a man who runs from a lion – only to meet a bear. Escaping the bear, heContinue reading “The Opposite of Joy”
What Causes Your Joy to Grow?
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” (Matthew 13:44 NLT) Every morning, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who live in the shadowsContinue reading “What Causes Your Joy to Grow?”
Are You Counting Your Blessings?
“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!” (Psalm 103:3-5 NLT) Each morning as I prepare to eat my cheerios, I pause to look around atContinue reading “Are You Counting Your Blessings?”
Are You Playing Enough?
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with their canes and will sit together in the city squares. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.” (Zechariah 8:4-5 NLT) As I age one thing to whichContinue reading “Are You Playing Enough?”
The Joy of Belonging
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.” (Psalm 51:10-12 NLT) The joy of belonging begins in earnest whenContinue reading “The Joy of Belonging”
Gratitude
“Then Elisha summoned Gehazi. ‘Call the child’s mother!’ he said. And when she came in, Elisha said, ‘Here, take your son!” She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.” (2 Kings 4:36-37 NLT) While pastoring I met a manContinue reading “Gratitude”
The Secret of Joy
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” (Matthew 13:44 NLT) What treasure are you seeking? Is it financial? Relational? Educational? Mental? Emotional? _________(you can fill inContinue reading “The Secret of Joy”
Where Will You Spend Eternity?
“And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.” (1 John 5:11-12 NLT) While this may be a question that’s already been answered for you, there are likelyContinue reading “Where Will You Spend Eternity?”
For All to See
“And through your faith, God is protecting you by His power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see…You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him and you rejoice with a glorious,Continue reading “For All to See”
Walking With Jesus 