“Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.” (Hebrews 13:17 NLT) Have you ever wondered why you are the wayContinue reading “Are You the Reason?”
Tag Archives: love
Another Way to Live
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” (Philippians 2:14-15 NLT) Ron Hutchcraft shared in a recent devotional: “Our ministry was being honored with a gracious award from aContinue reading “Another Way to Live”
Our Natural Instinct
“Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.’” (Luke 19:9-10 NLT) Our natural instinct, our “knee jerk” response to losing something is to go into panic mode,Continue reading “Our Natural Instinct”
The “W” in Christmas
*Please allow this story by an unknown author to bless you as it blessed me. Ed Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations – extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate theContinue reading “The “W” in Christmas”
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”
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?”
Walking With Jesus 