For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father ...
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) ...
The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but ...
“Why does this always happen to me?” Bradley had fallen a second time on his bicycle, his 7-year old, 72-pound frame tangled up in steel ...
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, ...
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ...
While they were traveling, [Jesus] entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who ...
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled… (1 Peter 3:14) The ...
To accept the world as it is without losing hope; this is the great journey of adulthood and maturity. To accept people for who they ...
Two years ago today, my wife and I said “I do,” and we’re not doing a thing to celebrate. Why not? First, we both work ...
While everyone was amazed at all the things He was doing, He told His disciples, “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is ...
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of ...
Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully aware, they saw His glory and the two men who ...
The Parable of the Sower and the Soils As a large crowd was gathering, and people were flocking to Him from every town, [Jesus] said ...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to ...
Scripture Notes on Psalm 116 I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2) Some people believe God stands far off, uninterested in human …
TOPICS: aid, comfort, help, prayer, Psalm 116
Scripture Notes on 1 Thessalonians 2 Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:4) It is the richest treasure in all creation, the greatest gift God …
TOPICS: 1 Thessalonians 2, evangelism, faith, Gospel, grace, stewardship, trust, witnessing
Scripture Notes on 1 Thessalonians 1 For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5a) Have you ever been not chosen …
TOPICS: 1 Thessalonians 1, choice, election, predestination, salvation, value, worth
God’s Hope for Your Heart from Colossians 3 JESUS IS YOUR SOVEREIGN PEACE And let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15) You never saw it coming. It’s that phone call you never thought you’d …
TOPICS: Colossians 3, freedom, lordship, pain, peace, September 11, stress, suffering, surrender, tragedy, worry
How do we “reconcile” justice and mercy for those who hurt us? From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new …
TOPICS: 2 Corinthians 5, 9-11, 9/11, holiness, justice, punishment, retribution, revenge, September 11, terrorism
God’s Hope for Your Heart from Colossians 2 JESUS CLEARED YOUR DEBT COMPLETELY And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with …
TOPICS: atonement, Colossians 2, cross, debt, forgiveness, justice, propitiation, salvation, sin
Scripture Notes on Psalm 115 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases. (Psalm 115:2-3) Do you ever look at a situation and ask “Where is God in this?” Do you ever look at hard things in …
TOPICS: cross, faith, hope, perspective, Psalm 115, sovereignty, suffering, tragedy, trust
Scripture Notes on Psalm 113 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people. He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord! (Psalm …
TOPICS: assistance, deliverance, help, hope, needy, poor, Psalm 113, rescue
God’s Hope for Your Heart from Colossians 1 JESUS IS YOUR POWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF GOD Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within …
TOPICS: anointing, Colossians 1, devotion, mission, perspective, power, strength
What sorts of “affections” does Jesus call us to? “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen your hearts also.” -2 Corinthians 6:12-13 The spirit of religion is all about restriction. “Don’t do this.” “Avoid …
TOPICS: 2 Corinthians 6, affection, church, compassion, freedom, Gospel, love, neighbor, service
