Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21 We’ve all heard someone curtly reply, “I won’t even dignify that comment with an answer.” Haven’t we? After all, when we feel we’ve been misjudged, maligned, or insulted, it’s only natural to offer this type of retort. But is it effective? Does it promote understanding, reconciliation? Does taking a verbal jab at someone ever make sense? Take... Read more
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6: 6-8 “…One of the greatest life lessons you can ever learn is to enjoy life through the process of attaining your goals.” David D. Ireland, PH.D. in Secrets of a Satisfying Life On any given day,... Read more
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Philippians 3:13-15 If we’re honest, everyone longs for... Read more
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 There is a connection between what we really want and what we say we want. On some occasions, our deepest desires may be considered socially unacceptable (at least in our eyes) so we squelch them. Or we deny they exist.... Read more
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23 Good, better, best; never let it rest till your good is better and your better is best. Anonymous What difference does that little bit of “extra” make? Does it count? Can you quantify it? Measure it? Bottle it? Afraid you won’t be able to keep pace with it once you’ve demonstrated your finest stuff? Asked another way, can anyone... Read more
Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3: 2,3 A frame is what you put around a picture to give it perspective. Dr. Dick Tibbits What is your frame? Large or small? Interesting concept isn’t it? Ever considered that how we view another’s offense(s) toward us is like a picture frame? When we feel hurt... Read more
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23 Balance In All Things Is The Goal There are virtues (the good guys) and then there are vices (the bad guys). But who’s to say which is which? Do we rely on circumstance to distinguish between the two? Are the lines separating right and wrong so elastic that they change given... Read more
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 Appreciation: Don’t Leave Home Without It There is something wonderfully enigmatic about sensing that another person notices your efforts, weak attempts though they may be, and kindly expresses such recognition with even a single word of thankfulness. One paltry word, even?... Read more
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6,7 I hurt. You hurt. We all hurt. It’s a given. At one time or another, we all feel the anguish of some measure of emotional pain. As humans, we are too often emotionally driven, at... Read more
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3: 16, 17 Jesus Saves – What A Savior! I still remember that cold Christmas night when my visiting aunt came into my room before I went to bed and shared... Read more
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