“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”
Tag Archives: love
An Undivided Heart
“Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, ‘Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.’” (Matthew 12:25 NLT) What does it mean to love someone with an undivided heart? Be careful, it doesn’t mean to love them exclusively. Our hearts will always require us to loveContinue reading “An Undivided Heart”
Imitator?
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT) Do you remember Gunsmoke? It was a TV program a long timeContinue reading “Imitator?”
Partners of Competitors?
“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13 NLT) Does it bother you that many who profess “maturity” in their faith hold such rigid standardsContinue reading “Partners of Competitors?”
Do You Like Jesus?
“If you want to be My disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison – your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters – yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot by My disciple.” (Luke 14:26 NLT) Some reading the above verse may be thinking: “Whoa! I don’t remember ever reading thatContinue reading “Do You Like Jesus?”
Is Your Profession of Faith Making a Difference?
“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 NLT) In our enthusiasm to see lost people come to Christ and be saved,Continue reading “Is Your Profession of Faith Making a Difference?”
Choose Grace
“Then Peter came to Him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘But seventy times seven!’” (Matthew 18:21-22 NLT) Like forgiveness, grace is a choice. How so? In the verses above Peter wasn’t questioning the fact of forgiveness, but the frequency;Continue reading “Choose Grace”
The Habitat Rule
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, isContinue reading “The Habitat Rule”
Sweaty or Sweet?
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NLT) What is the worst, foulest, most offensive odor you’ve ever smelled? ForContinue reading “Sweaty or Sweet?”
Former Things
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NLT) Do you believe women are part elephant? And, no, I’m not referring to the size of theirContinue reading “Former Things”
Walking With Jesus 