Joy – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy… Galatians 5.22 not happiness Joy is not hedonism – the pursuit of pleasure. “Joy is something the world knows nothing about. Many are in a mad pursuit of pleasure. Some of found a measure of happiness or satisfaction. But they cannot even imagine what it is like to have the deep, continuing joy that is the fruit of the Spirit.”[1] It is not fulfilled from outward circumstances or things.... Read more
By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love . . . Galatians 5.22-23 There is nothing in this passage that points to love above all else. However, some point Scripture passages where love is given the highest honor. Jesus When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. ‘Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘“You shall... Read more
Your New Path This is the way Walk in it Though you cannot see the end Your steps are ordered And there is another path Your feet will tread Has your path been rough? Your new path will be smooth Although it once was arduous You will continue your travels with ease Has your road been long? On your new path There will be many destinations Many stops along the way Places that will serve as an oasis Are you... Read more
This article of Scripture Texts is drawn mainly from my recent readings in the wisdom literature. I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman. Job 31.1 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Job 32.8 Three names for God: For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33.4 If God were... Read more
I had the day off today. I took a walk down at the Springfield Nature Center CLICK In this picture, I had just seen a Blue Heron take flight and fly down the river. Little did I know he would hang out with me on this excursion. This post is mainly pictures, not words. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal... Read more
I can still remember vividly the service where Bro. Wesley spoke this over me. I can’t remember his first name. That’s pretty common for that era. Everyone was brother and sister. Bro. Wesley was preaching at my grandparents church in Santa Rosa, California, where I was the youth pastor. Sometimes, it would take him a little while to get warmed up. I don’t know if he used notes, or if he simply got up and opened his mouth and started... Read more
He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea. He made all the stars – the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the southern sky. He does great things too marvelous to understand. He performs countless miracles. Job 9.8-10 An empty-headed person won’t become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child. Job 11.12 Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side- leaders whose decrees... Read more
Give me wings to fly O Lord For I do wait eagerly on You You’re my only hope At the end of the day When darkness hems me in You are my Deliverer You are my Rescuer from rubbish When I awake and arise You are my Motivator You are the Voice behind me Telling me this is The Way, walk in it I am alone, yet You are near I joy in the communion of the saints You see... Read more
Scriptural Texts will speak to you at all times, even at the uncomfortable turn of a chapter. I just turned one year older. I am certain of this. The year ahead of me has got to be easier than the year behind me. I sense that I am edging out of the storm, out of the rough waters. This has been confirmed to me from a voice at church that operates in the prophetic. And so a chapter turns. I... Read more
There are various ways to pray effectively. One need not choose only one. Prayer never needs to become a monotonous chore. I have prayed a five part prayer for a couple decades now, among other types of prayers. 5-Step Form Prayer Invoke a name of God. There are many names given to God in the Bible. What name fits the prayer you are about to pray? For instance, do you need healing? Is He not Jehovah Rapha? Thank Him for... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In