All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4: 32 In the New Testament church as found in the books of Acts, we read a remarkable statement. “All the believers were one in heart and mind.” Amazing! How can it be that these early church believers who came from such diverse backgrounds could be committed to unity on a consistent... Read more
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30 There is and are more reasons to laugh full and free every day. Each of us needs a friend (or two) that have the unique ability to make us (and others) and themselves laugh hard and long. It may be the kind of quirky way they view all of life and how they look at problems in particular. Or it may... Read more
Strive for peace with everyone, and the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled. Hebrews 12: 14-15 Rarely do we equate fighting for something, be it a cause, a belief, or a person, as an act of peace. But biblically speaking, there is nothing more peaceable than... Read more
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:1, 6 “He has never failed to honor believing prayer. He may keep you waiting for a while, but delays are not denials. He has often answered a prayer that asked... Read more
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. Psalm 77:11 At a recent women’s conference the main speaker opened her talk with the “3 R’s” which detailed how each Christian should practice daily these disciplines in order to live joyfully above the harshness of a broken and sinful world. Reflect on the Gospel every day First, we are to reflect on the Gospel daily. We must learn who the Bible tells us... Read more
I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32: 40-41 Author Jerry Bridges talks about the need to trust God…no matter what. In his book, Trusting God, Bridges says this, “What I had... Read more
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 11-13 Some say it’s much harder and far more draining to be the loved... Read more
Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-5 In John MacArthur’s book, Twelve Ordinary Men – How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You, we read about the necessity of developing balance in one’s life between love and truth. MacArthur writes, “It is wonderful to have a high regard for the truth, but zeal for the truth must be... Read more
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the... Read more
You are being guarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith – more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire – may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:5-7 There... Read more
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