“Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in His kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2 NLT) These verses remindContinue reading “Shifting Focus”
Tag Archives: love
Worth
“The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless. The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” (Proverbs 10:20-22 NLT) If someone asksContinue reading “Worth”
Our Deepest Regret
“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. Theres’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT) Do you have regrets? I sure do, and, if I’d let them, they wouldContinue reading “Our Deepest Regret”
When Grace Seems Fair
‘From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17 NLT) We all think we understand grace, but we don’t and won’t until we see Jesus face to face. Grace isn’t simply a kindnessContinue reading “When Grace Seems Fair”
Marriage and Ministry
“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.” (Colossians 3:15 NLT) It catches my attention to realize the same author to whom the Lord gave insight to write the words of Colossians 1:15ff about the grandeur and majesty of Jesus, also inspired the words of the verse above. It occurs to me that hadContinue reading “Marriage and Ministry”
His Slumbering Church (Part 2)
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7a NLT) The first and most important place to look for “slumbering” believers is in the mirror. Who are “slumbering” believers? They are those who profess faith in Jesus but have “fallen asleep at theContinue reading “His Slumbering Church (Part 2)”
The Value of Suffering
“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” (Jeremiah 10:23 NLT) One of the most significant values of suffering of any kind is that it shows us we’re not in charge of our own life. Suffering in and of itself can be a veryContinue reading “The Value of Suffering”
What If Our Prodigal Doesn’t Return?
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my faither and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of beingContinue reading “What If Our Prodigal Doesn’t Return?”
Is Church Boring?
“The master was full of praise, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT) The Bible has nearly 200 verses that speak directly to the theme of celebration. The Jews had manyContinue reading “Is Church Boring?”
Struggles
“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” (Philippians 1:29-30 NLT) The greatest battlefield for aContinue reading “Struggles”
Walking With Jesus 