Rejoice in Peace

Highly Favored

2011-12-24T20:32:00.000-06:00

Christmas is our opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the untold blessings he has revealed in our life. Although he provides gifts that we can never repay, we must always remember that as long as the Lord is with us...we are highly favored.

Luke 1:26 - 28

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. ²⁸ The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Comfort

2010-11-07T06:41:00.001-06:00

Comment: So often we benefit from the comfort provided by the Lord, in all situations. We should remember to share our comfort with others and to be compassionate, providing others with hope.

2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 7

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. ⁶ If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. ⁷ And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Renew and Restart

2010-10-17T06:29:00.001-05:00

Comment: It's very easy to drift away from what we know in our hearts are the actions of Christ. Revisiting the scripture and renewing our minds, can help us "double-down" on what we know to be the truth.

Colossians 3

¹Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ²Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. ⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.^[b] ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
¹²Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
¹⁵Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

By Faith

2010-09-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Comment: Faith is knowing with certainty that God is constantly providing opportunities for us to choose Him and benefit from His love, mercy, and grace.

Verse: Hebrews 11

¹Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for.

³By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ⁴By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

⁵By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. ⁶And 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.

⁷By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

⁸By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. ⁹By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. ¹⁰For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

¹¹By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he^[a]considered him faithful who had made the promise. ¹²And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

¹³All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. ¹⁴People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. ¹⁵If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. ¹⁶Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

¹⁷By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, ¹⁸even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring^[b] will be reckoned."^[c] ¹⁹Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

²⁰By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.

²¹By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

²²By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.

²³By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.

²⁴By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. ²⁵He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. ²⁶He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. ²⁷By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. ²⁸By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

²⁹By faith the people passed through the Red Sea^[d] as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

³⁰By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.

³¹By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.^[e]

³²And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, ³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. ³⁵Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. ³⁶Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.³⁷They were stoned^[f]; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— ³⁸the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.

³⁹These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. ⁴⁰God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

The Bread of Life

2010-09-15T05:01:00.000-05:00

Comment: Many times we search for ways to fulfill voids. We should always remember that Jesus has already paid the price to fulfill the void which matters most. We can rely on him to accept us, lift us up, and raise our spirits. He is the Bread of Life.

Verse: John 6:35 - 40

³⁵Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. ³⁶But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. ³⁷All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. ³⁸For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. ³⁹And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. ⁴⁰For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

The Truth

2010-09-10T05:02:00.000-05:00

Comment: Life is usually much more simple then we make it. The things which matter most are often what we focus on the least. Take the time to give thanks for what you have and remember that the kindness, mercy, and truth of the Lord endures forever.

Verse: Psalms 117

O praise the LORD, all ye nations:

praise him, all ye people,

For his merciful kindness is great toward us:

and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever.

Praise ye the LORD.

Doing Good

2010-08-21T08:05:00.000-05:00

Comment: Many times our best instincts tell us to get even or repay insult with injury. We must recognize that these natural instincts are not aligned with God's purpose for our life. We are encouraged to not grow tired of showing kindness or doing good. We are reminded not to give in to what our natural instincts might want.

Verse: Galations 6:7-10

⁷Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature^[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Knowing the Mind of Christ

2010-08-20T06:21:00.000-05:00

Commentary: We can only know the mind of God by submitting to the Holy Spirit. Our individual attempts to understand will always fall short. Only through the Holy Spirit can we faithfully communicate and effectively share the wisdom, mind, and love of Christ.

Verse: 1 Corinthians 2

¹When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.^[a] ²For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. ³I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. ⁴My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, ⁵so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Wisdom From the Spirit

⁶We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. ⁷No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. ⁸None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹However, as it is written:
   "No eye has seen,
      no ear has heard,
   no mind has conceived
   what God has prepared for those who love him"^[b]— ¹⁰but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
      The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ¹¹For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. ¹³This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.^[c] ¹⁴The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
¹⁶"For who has known the mind of the Lord
      that he may instruct him?"^[d] But we have the mind of Christ.

Worthy of Our Praise

2010-08-13T06:03:00.001-05:00

Comment: We should always have time to lift our voice and give praise. God has blessed us with much more then we deserve and will continue demonstrate evidence of His abundance in our lives. God is most worthy of our praise!

Verse: Psalms 145

¹ ^[a] I will exalt you, my God the King;
       I will praise your name for ever and ever.
² Every day I will praise you
       and extol your name for ever and ever.
³ Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
       his greatness no one can fathom.
⁴ One generation will commend your works to another;
       they will tell of your mighty acts.
⁵ They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
       and I will meditate on your wonderful works. ^[b]
⁶ They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
       and I will proclaim your great deeds.
⁷ They will celebrate your abundant goodness
       and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
⁸ The LORD is gracious and compassionate,
       slow to anger and rich in love.
⁹ The LORD is good to all;
       he has compassion on all he has made.
¹⁰ All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
       your saints will extol you.
¹¹ They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
       and speak of your might,
¹² so that all men may know of your mighty acts
       and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
       and your dominion endures through all generations.
       The LORD is faithful to all his promises
       and loving toward all he has made. ^[c]
¹⁴ The LORD upholds all those who fall
       and lifts up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look to you,
       and you give them their food at the proper time.
¹⁶ You open your hand
       and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all his ways
       and loving toward all he has made.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call on him,
       to all who call on him in truth.
¹⁹ He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
       he hears their cry and saves them.
²⁰ The LORD watches over all who love him,
       but all the wicked he will destroy.
²¹ My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
       Let every creature praise his holy name
       for ever and ever.

Victory!

2010-08-12T04:38:00.000-05:00

Comment: The Lord knows us better then we know ourselves. Before we speak a word, before we think a thought, before was make a choice, God is there and knows our hearts. He is there, ready to guide us to victory.

Verse: Psalms 139

¹ O LORD, you have searched me
       and you know me.
² You know when I sit and when I rise;
       you perceive my thoughts from afar.
³ You discern my going out and my lying down;
       you are familiar with all my ways.
⁴ Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.
⁵ You hem me in—behind and before;
       you have laid your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.
⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
       Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
       if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.
¹¹ If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
       and the light become night around me,"
¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day,
       for darkness is as light to you.
¹³ For you created my inmost being;
       you knit me together in my mother's womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       I know that full well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you
       when I was made in the secret place.
       When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
¹⁶ your eyes saw my unformed body.
       All the days ordained for me
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.
¹⁷ How precious to ^[b] me are your thoughts, O God!
       How vast is the sum of them!
¹⁸ Were I to count them,
       they would outnumber the grains of sand.
       When I awake,
       I am still with you.
¹⁹ If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
       Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent;
       your adversaries misuse your name.
²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
       and abhor those who rise up against you?
²² I have nothing but hatred for them;
       I count them my enemies.
²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
       test me and know my anxious thoughts.
²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,
       and lead me in the way everlasting.

Easy Choice

2010-08-08T08:10:00.001-05:00

Comment: Christ has extended an open invitation to all who are facing difficult times. We have a choice and can make our challenges easier. The simple step is to choose Christ. Patiently learn from His example. His "yoke is easy and His burden is light".

Verse: Matthew 11:25 - 28

²⁵At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. ²⁶Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.
²⁷"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

A Purposeful Life

2010-08-06T05:57:00.001-05:00

Comment: We should be ready to praise God in all circumstances. His purpose for our life will be revealed through patient study of His word. Through God we can be bold, facing any challenge, living a life focused on the humility and unwavering love of Jesus Christ.

Verse: Psalm 138:1 - 8

¹ I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
       before the "gods" I will sing your praise.
² I will bow down toward your holy temple
       and will praise your name
       for your love and your faithfulness,
       for you have exalted above all things
       your name and your word.
³ When I called, you answered me;
       you made me bold and stouthearted.
⁴ May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD,
       when they hear the words of your mouth.
⁵ May they sing of the ways of the LORD,
       for the glory of the LORD is great.
⁶ Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,
       but the proud he knows from afar.
⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
       you preserve my life;
       you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes,
       with your right hand you save me.
⁸ The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
       your love, O LORD, endures forever—
       do not abandon the works of your hands.

Children of Light

2010-08-05T05:51:00.002-05:00

Comment: God has called us to a very difficult task, if we choose to pursue it on our own. Instead, we should aim to "find out what pleases the Lord" and ask Him to guide our steps and our thoughts with an obedient heart. He is the parent. We are the child.

Verse: Ephesians 5:1-21

¹Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children ²and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
³But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. ⁴Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. ⁵For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^[a] ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. ⁷Therefore do not be partners with them.
⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, ¹⁴for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
   "Wake up, O sleeper,
      rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you."
¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. ¹⁸Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. ¹⁹Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
²¹Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Indescribable Gift

2010-08-01T07:14:00.002-05:00

Comment: God has provided us with an indescribable gift. All we have to do is make a commitment to give our best to Him. Giving our best depends on prayer and an attitude that is cheerful, humble, and ready to serve. We are encouraged to "abound in every good work"!

Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:6 - 15

⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹As it is written:
"He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."^[a] ¹⁰Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
¹²This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

God is Faithful

2010-07-29T06:29:00.001-05:00

Comment: We must remember that God knows us better then we know ourselves. In every situation, He is faithful.

Verse: I Corinthians 10:12 - 13
¹²So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! ¹³No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Obedience Leads to Blessed

2010-07-25T09:14:00.004-05:00

Comment: The blessings of obedience are more abundant then we can imagine. We should spend less time questioning and more time obeying God's word and His will for our lives.

Verse: Deuteronomy 28: 1 - 12

¹ If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ² All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:
³ You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.
⁴ The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks.
⁵ Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.
⁶ You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.
⁷ The LORD will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.
⁸ The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
⁹ The LORD will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. ¹⁰ Then all the peoples on earth will see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they will fear you. ¹¹ The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.
¹² The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. ¹³ The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. ¹⁴ Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them.

Abundantly

2010-07-03T07:54:00.000-05:00

Comment: Our knowledge of the Lord can provide all that we need to live abundantly. We should double-down our efforts to use what we have learned to bring honor and praise to the name Jesus.

Verse: 2 Peter 1:2 - 11

² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, ⁴ by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶ to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷ to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. ⁸ For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
¹⁰ Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; ¹¹ for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth

2010-06-29T05:10:00.001-05:00

Comment: Too often we search for truth in all the wrong places. The truth is simple obedience to the word of God, guided by His Spirit.

The truth is that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. He rose again. Today, He is alive!

Verse: John 14:15 - 27

¹⁵"If you love me, you will obey what I command. ¹⁶And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— ¹⁷the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[c] in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. ¹⁹Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. ²⁰On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. ²¹Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
²²Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"
²³Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
²⁵"All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The Truth

2010-06-24T06:37:00.000-05:00

Comment: Prayer and praise allow our faith to grow and provide even more opportunities for God to intervene on our behalf. Our ability to share the truth of our situation through prayer is an essential aspect of our faith that can empower our lives and transform the lives of others.

Verse: James 5:13 - 20

¹³Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. ¹⁴Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
¹⁷Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. ¹⁹My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, ²⁰remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Pure Joy

2010-06-22T06:16:00.001-05:00

Comment: We may not associate difficult circumstances as ones in which we should be joyful. It is important for us to remember that patience and perseverance lead to the development of a perfect work in our lives. Now that is truly a reason to celebrate with pure joy.

Verse: James 1:2 - 8

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Clap Your Hands

2010-06-17T07:05:00.003-05:00

Comment: How often are we able to let go of our worries and simply thank God for His intervention and place in our lives? Today is the day to simply clap our hands and praise.

Verse: Psalms 47

¹ Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
         Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
² For the LORD Most High is awesome;
         He is a great King over all the earth.
³ He will subdue the peoples under us,
         And the nations under our feet.
⁴ He will choose our inheritance for us,
         The excellence of Jacob whom He loves.  Selah

⁵ God has gone up with a shout,
         The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
⁶ Sing praises to God, sing praises!
         Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
⁷ For God is the King of all the earth;
         Sing praises with understanding.

⁸ God reigns over the nations;
         God sits on His holy throne.
⁹ The princes of the people have gathered together,
         The people of the God of Abraham.
         For the shields of the earth belong to God;
         He is greatly exalted.

Be Thankful

2010-06-11T06:20:00.001-05:00

Comment: We must remember that prayer, praise, and patience can help us better understand God's plan for our life. Our daily actions should focus on emulating a kind heart and joyful spirit, one that is diligent for Christ and thankful in all circumstances.

Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:12 - 22.

¹² Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. ¹³ Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
¹⁴ Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
¹⁵ See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
¹⁶ Always be joyful. ¹⁷ Never stop praying. ¹⁸ Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
¹⁹ Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Do not scoff at prophecies, ²¹ but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. ²² Stay away from every kind of evil.

His Love Endures Forever

2010-06-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

Comment: We can always make the choice to give praise and thank the Lord for all that he has done in our lives. No matter how complicated we feel our situation has become. We must remember that God's love endures forever. He is always worthy of our praise.

Verse: Psalms 106: 1 - 8

¹ Praise the LORD. ^[a]
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

² Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD
or fully declare his praise?

³ Blessed are they who maintain justice,
who constantly do what is right.

⁴ Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people,
come to my aid when you save them,

⁵ that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones,
that I may share in the joy of your nation
and join your inheritance in giving praise.

⁶ We have sinned, even as our fathers did;
we have done wrong and acted wickedly.

⁷ When our fathers were in Egypt,
       they gave no thought to your miracles;
       they did not remember your many kindnesses,
       and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. ^[b]
⁸ Yet he saved them for his name's sake,

to make his mighty power known.

A Better Person

2010-05-21T03:33:00.001-05:00

Comment: We can always take refuge in the strength of the Lord. He is there to continually protect, comfort, and regenerate our outlook on life's possibilities. He can restore our joy, rebuild our lives, and strengthen our desire to become a better person. He can give us new hope, no matter the circumstance.

Verse: Psalm 71
¹ In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
       let me never be put to shame.
² Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
       turn your ear to me and save me.
³ Be my rock of refuge,
       to which I can always go;
       give the command to save me,
       for you are my rock and my fortress.
⁴ Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
       from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
⁵ For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD,
       my confidence since my youth.
⁶ From birth I have relied on you;
       you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
       I will ever praise you.
⁷ I have become like a portent to many,
       but you are my strong refuge.
⁸ My mouth is filled with your praise,
       declaring your splendor all day long.
⁹ Do not cast me away when I am old;
       do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
¹⁰ For my enemies speak against me;
       those who wait to kill me conspire together.
¹¹ They say, "God has forsaken him;
       pursue him and seize him,
       for no one will rescue him."
¹² Be not far from me, O God;
       come quickly, O my God, to help me.
¹³ May my accusers perish in shame;
       may those who want to harm me
       be covered with scorn and disgrace.
¹⁴ But as for me, I will always have hope;
       I will praise you more and more.
¹⁵ My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
       of your salvation all day long,
       though I know not its measure.
¹⁶ I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;
       I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.
¹⁷ Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,
       and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.
¹⁸ Even when I am old and gray,
       do not forsake me, O God,
       till I declare your power to the next generation,
       your might to all who are to come.
¹⁹ Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God,
       you who have done great things.
       Who, O God, is like you?
²⁰ Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter,
       you will restore my life again;
       from the depths of the earth
       you will again bring me up.
²¹ You will increase my honor
       and comfort me once again.
²² I will praise you with the harp
       for your faithfulness, O my God;
       I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
       O Holy One of Israel.
²³ My lips will shout for joy
       when I sing praise to you—
       I, whom you have redeemed.
²⁴ My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
       all day long,
       for those who wanted to harm me
       have been put to shame and confusion.

Led by the Spirit

2010-05-19T06:20:00.003-05:00

Comment: As Christians, we must rely on the Spirit, provided by God, to guide our decisions. Try as we might, without the Spirit, pleasing God is not possible. Our natural desires are "at war" with what God would have us pursue in our lives. It is the Spirit that intercedes on our behalf and lays claim to our place as God's children. The more our lives are guided by the Spirit, the greater access we have to the life and peace that it brings.

Verse: Romans 8:5 - 17.

⁵Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. ⁶The mind of sinful man^[e] is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; ⁷the sinful mind^[f] is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. ⁸Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
⁹You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. ¹⁰But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. ¹¹And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
¹²Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. ¹³For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, ¹⁴because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.^[g] And by him we cry, "Abba,^[h] Father." ¹⁶The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ¹⁷Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Strong Tower

2010-05-16T08:45:00.001-05:00

Comment: No matter the situation, the Lord is our strong tower. There is more power in the simple mention of His name then we can comprehend.

Verse: Proverbs 18:10; 24

   ¹⁰ The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
      The righteous run to it and are safe.

²⁴ A man who has friends must himself be friendly,^[b]
      But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Thoughtful Response

2010-05-15T06:48:00.000-05:00

Comment: The ability for our words to demonstrate the love and patience of God will bring joy, life, and peace. In every situation, we should use words that are carefully designed to encourage others.

Verse: Proverbs 15:1-4; 28
¹ A gentle answer deflects anger,
      but harsh words make tempers flare.
² The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing,
      but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
³ The Lord is watching everywhere,
      keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
⁴ Gentle words are a tree of life;
      a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

²⁸ The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
      the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

Cast All Your Cares Upon Him

2010-05-11T06:19:00.000-05:00

Commentary: Our greatest challenge is to truly put all of our trust in the Lord. It's so much easier just to trust God when we feel its convenient. What we should recognize is that every situation, every time, and every day is convenient. Bringing ourselves to this type of understanding often requires that we humble ourselves without thinking or rationalization.

Verse: 1 Peter 5:6-10

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because^[c] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ¹⁰ But may^[d] the God of all grace, who called us^[e] to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Transformed

2010-05-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

Comment: We are to be transformed for Christ by focusing on things that are not patterns of this world. This would truly be a difficult task if we relied on our own strategy and insight. We should always remember that transformation will only come through Christ and His power. It is through Him through which we can focus our best qualities.

Verse: Romans 12:1 - 8

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
³For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. ⁴Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his^[b]faith. ⁷If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Rest in the Lord

2010-04-22T06:37:00.000-05:00

Comment: A good night's sleep often provides a refreshed outlook. It might help us feel better prepared for the day that lies ahead. Setting aside time to rest in the Lord will provide much more then preparation. It will provide peace.

Verse: Psalms 37

¹ Do not fret because of evildoers,
         Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
² For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
         And wither as the green herb.

³ Trust in the LORD, and do good;
         Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself also in the LORD,
         And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD,
         Trust also in Him,
         And He shall bring it to pass.
⁶ He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
         And your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
         Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
         Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
⁸ Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
         Do not fret—it only causes harm.

⁹ For evildoers shall be cut off;
         But those who wait on the LORD,
         They shall inherit the earth.
¹⁰ For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
         Indeed, you will look carefully for his place,
         But it shall be no more.
¹¹ But the meek shall inherit the earth,
         And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

A Perceptive Heart

2010-04-16T06:45:00.000-05:00

Comment: Forgiveness, mercy, and truth should be an important foundation of our lives. We must be perceptive in recognizing when our actions fail to reflect the love of Jesus Christ. Our habits should rely on obedience and submission to the word of God.

Verse: I John 3

¹⁶This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. ¹⁷If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? ¹⁸Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. ¹⁹This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence ²⁰whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
²¹Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God ²²and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. ²³And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. ²⁴Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

In His Presence

2010-04-15T06:45:00.000-05:00

Comment: We have so much for which to be thankful. God has demonstrated over and over again that His blessings will surpass our expectations. Our challenge is to remain faithful, humble, and obedient.

Verse: Psalms 68:3 - 6

³ But let the godly rejoice.
      Let them be glad in God’s presence.
      Let them be filled with joy.
⁴ Sing praises to God and to his name!
      Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds.
   His name is the Lord—
      rejoice in his presence!
⁵ Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—
      this is God, whose dwelling is holy.
⁶ God places the lonely in families;
      he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.
   But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

The Right Time

2010-04-13T06:27:00.000-05:00

Comment: Do we really understand how much the Lord cares for us? He asks us to place all our cares upon Him. Too often, we make the mistake of trying to apply our own remedies to challenges that can only be solved through God's intervention. We should remember that any time is the right time to place our complete faith and trust in the power of God's grace.

Verse: 1 Peter 5

⁶ So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. ⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters^[b] all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
¹⁰ In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. ¹¹ All power to him forever! Amen.

Rich in Grace

2010-04-11T07:35:00.000-05:00

Comment: There is nothing we can do to earn our way into God's grace besides accept the gift of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. As if that were not enough, we are promised a seat at the table with Christ, because we are made new through his tremendous gift of grace. The least we can do is try our best to demonstrate to others the power of God's mercy.

Verse: Ephesians 2

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Priceless Inheritance

2010-04-09T07:04:00.000-05:00

Comment: Too often we take for granted the wonderful things that lie ahead for those who follow Christ. Although we have days or even weeks when our faith is tested, such trials are designed to help us remain thankful for our priceless inheritance.

Verse: 1 Peter 1

³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, ⁴ and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. ⁵ And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.
⁶ So be truly glad.^[b] There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. ⁷ These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

Every Effort...

2010-04-08T06:57:00.000-05:00

Comment: As Christians, we already have everything we need to live a life that is abundant. Our first step is to "make every effort" to rely on the promises of God. Through such reliance, we can fully claim and benefit from the extent of God's love and mercy.

Verse: 2 Peter 1

³ By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. ⁴ And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
⁵ In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, ⁷ and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
⁸ The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
¹⁰ So, dear brothers and sisters,^[c] work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. ¹¹ Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

New Point of View

2010-04-07T06:47:00.000-05:00

Comment: Living for Christ may make our choices seem "crazy" to others. But, we can take confidence that the result of Christ's sacrifice provides a new perspective and new life. How could we continue to live for ourselves, knowing that Jesus paid it all so that we might one day experience a new and joyful life with Him.

Verse: 2 Corinthians 5

¹³ If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. ¹⁴ Either way, Christ’s love controls us.^[c] Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.^[d] ¹⁵ He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
¹⁶ So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! ¹⁷ This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Confidence...

2010-04-05T06:28:00.000-05:00

Comment: Confidence has the ability to make even the toughest challenges seem more manageable. We are encouraged to have no fear by placing our confidence in the Lord. Our confidence can only grow stronger as we remember to praise and thank the Lord for his unwavering gift of salvation and mercy.

Verse: Hebrews 13: 6 - 8; 15 - 16.

⁶ So we can say with confidence,
   “The Lord is my helper,
      so I will have no fear.
      What can mere people do to me?”^[c]
⁷ Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
...

¹⁵ Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. ¹⁶ And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hold Firm...

2010-04-01T06:39:00.001-05:00

Comment: Some things in our lives are very, very challenging. Yet, we are encouraged to do all things without complaining or arguing. Now, this is truly an olympic size task.

Perhaps the best choice is to hold on more tightly to the words and guidance provided through God's word. Through prayer and submission we have the ability to change dangerous mountains into soft, rolling hills and become a meaningful example to others.

Verse: Philippians 2:12 - 18

¹² Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing, ¹⁵ so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. ¹⁶ Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. ¹⁷ But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,^[e] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. ¹⁸ Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

The Attitude of Christ

2010-03-31T06:21:00.000-05:00

Comment: Our goal should be to emulate the attitude of Christ. As king, he had the right to have it all, but humbled himself and died the death of a criminal, without cause.

The next time we feel as if we are entitled to something or believe our feelings have been wronged, we should remember the magnitude of sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. He humbled himself as an example for us to follow. We should do our best to emulate his attitude.

Verse: Philippians 2

³ Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. ⁴ Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
⁵ You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
⁶ Though he was God,^[a]
      he did not think of equality with God
      as something to cling to.
⁷ Instead, he gave up his divine privileges^[b];
      he took the humble position of a slave^[c]
      and was born as a human being.
   When he appeared in human form,^[d]
    ⁸ he humbled himself in obedience to God
      and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
⁹ Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
      and gave him the name above all other names,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father.

Rejoice in the Lord Always

2010-03-30T06:15:00.001-05:00

Comment: It's a very hard task to realize the full extent of peace that God can bring. One thing is for certain, a decision to meditate on the positive can help. Often, this might be a very tough choice, but prayer can provide a quick and simple vehicle in every circumstance.

Verse: Philippians 4

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Born of the Spirit

2010-03-28T09:35:00.000-05:00

Comment: Even the most "educated" can fail to understand the simple truth of God's mercy, love, and path to salvation. We should make sure we don't consider ourselves among the most "educated", but among the most "ready" to receive and seek out the power of God's spirit.

Verse: John 3

¹ There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. ² After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”
³ Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again,^[a] you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
⁴ “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”
⁵ Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.^[b] ⁶ Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.^[c] ⁷ So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You^[d] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.
¹⁰ Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? ¹¹ I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. ¹² But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man^[e] has come down from heaven. ¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.^[f]
¹⁶ “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
¹⁸ “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. ¹⁹ And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. ²⁰ All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. ²¹ But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.^[g]”

Hear My Prayer...

2010-03-26T06:39:00.001-05:00

Comment: The Lord stands ready to hear our prayers and provide comfort. His intervention will come, but not based on our time table. We must not be ashamed to cry out for help, and continue to place complete trust in the power of God's mercy and love.

Verse: Psalms 86

¹ Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer;
      answer me, for I need your help.
² Protect me, for I am devoted to you.
      Save me, for I serve you and trust you.
      You are my God.
³ Be merciful to me, O Lord,
      for I am calling on you constantly.
⁴ Give me happiness, O Lord,
      for I give myself to you.
⁵ O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,
      so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
⁶ Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;
      hear my urgent cry.
⁷ I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,
      and you will answer me.
⁸ No pagan god is like you, O Lord.
      None can do what you do!
⁹ All the nations you made
      will come and bow before you, Lord;
      they will praise your holy name.
¹⁰ For you are great and perform wonderful deeds.
      You alone are God.
¹¹ Teach me your ways, O Lord,
      that I may live according to your truth!
   Grant me purity of heart,
      so that I may honor you.
¹² With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God.
      I will give glory to your name forever,
¹³ for your love for me is very great.
      You have rescued me from the depths of death.^[a]
¹⁴ O God, insolent people rise up against me;
      a violent gang is trying to kill me.
      You mean nothing to them.
¹⁵ But you, O Lord,
      are a God of compassion and mercy,
   slow to get angry
      and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Look down and have mercy on me.
      Give your strength to your servant;
      save me, the son of your servant.
¹⁷ Send me a sign of your favor.
      Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
      for you, O Lord, help and comfort me.

Standing Strong

2010-03-25T06:45:00.000-05:00

Commentary:

Sometimes we reach points in our lives when all seems well. At such times we need to continue to do all we can to rely on God's grace. We are warned that we will face many challenges, but that God is faithful to provide a way out so that we are able to endure.

Verse: I Corinthians 10

¹² If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. ¹³ The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Understanding Intervention

2010-03-24T06:29:00.000-05:00

Commentary:

We are instructed to stop before entering an argument, to conserve our anger, and forgive. Many times the easier path leads down the wrong direction. We should try our best to gain a better understanding of how the power of God's love is focused on mercy and forgiveness. We should do our best to emulate the more difficult but more rewarding path.

Verse: Proverbs 17: 9 - 14.

⁹ Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
      but dwelling on it separates close friends.
¹⁰ A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding
      than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
¹¹ Evil people are eager for rebellion,
      but they will be severely punished.
¹² It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs
      than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
¹³ If you repay good with evil,
      evil will never leave your house.
¹⁴ Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
      so stop before a dispute breaks out.

Forgive and Confess...

2010-03-23T06:21:00.000-05:00

Commentary: How often do we confess our shortcomings to the Lord and ask for forgiveness? There is no doubt that we often fail to live up to God's standards. We are fortunate that He stands ready to forgive, welcome us, and provide unending mercy.

Verse: Daniel 9:4-9

⁴ I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:
“O Lord, you are a great and awesome God! You always fulfill your covenant and keep your promises of unfailing love to those who love you and obey your commands. ⁵ But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations. ⁶ We have refused to listen to your servants the prophets, who spoke on your authority to our kings and princes and ancestors and to all the people of the land.
⁷ “Lord, you are in the right; but as you see, our faces are covered with shame. This is true of all of us, including the people of Judah and Jerusalem and all Israel, scattered near and far, wherever you have driven us because of our disloyalty to you. ⁸ O Lord, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. ⁹ But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.

Don't Wither...

2010-03-12T09:25:00.001-06:00

Commentary: God promises that we will continue to grow and produce fruit as long as we remain committed to His promises and His word. Each day we should ask what can we do to remain nourished.

Verse: John 15

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. ³ You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

⁵ “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. ⁷ But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! ⁸ When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

Masterpiece

2010-03-10T06:22:00.000-06:00

Commentary: There is nothing we can do to earn salvation on our own. Our best bet is to submit ourselves to the will of God, so that His love can turn our multitude of shortcomings into a masterpiece.

Verse: Ephesians 2:8-10

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, ⁵ that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) ⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

⁸ God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. ⁹ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Rescue

2010-02-20T07:05:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We should never forget about the shelter, peace, and refuge that God provides. His promises are abundant and are always fulfilled. However, we must make the choice to seek them out.

Verse: Psalms 91

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
      will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
   He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
      he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
      and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
      He will shelter you with his wings.
      His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
      nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
      nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
      though ten thousand are dying around you,
      these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
      and see how the wicked are punished.
⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
      if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
      no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
      to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
      so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
      you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
      I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
      I will be with them in trouble.
      I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
      and give them my salvation.”

Weakness

2010-02-19T10:51:00.000-06:00

Commentary: God's power works best in our moments of weakness. To often, we avoid humbling ourselves and facing our areas of weakness head on, relying on God's grace to make us stronger.

Verse: 2 Corinthians 12

⁸ Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. ⁹ Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. ¹⁰ That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Learning from Christ

2010-02-17T06:35:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Christ provides so many lessons for us to learn. The hard part is putting His word into practice. We have been asked to put away those things which do not reflect the love of Christ. This applies to our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Verse: Ephesians 4:20 - 32

²⁰ But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. ²¹ Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, ²² throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. ²³ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. ²⁴ Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
²⁵ So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”^[d] Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
²⁸ If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
³⁰ And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,^[e] guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

To Live

2010-02-10T06:42:00.001-06:00

Commentary: Everyday we encounter situations that are difficult, instances where we must forgive and forget. We are called to live in peace, finding comfort in the love and forgiveness that Christ has shown us. The next time our pride gets in the way of showing mercy, patience, or kindness, turn to God and ask Him through prayer to guide our actions.

Verse: Colossians 3

¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

More Then We Ask

2010-02-06T08:57:00.002-06:00

Commentary: We all have aspirations of what we would like to accomplish, hoping that such goals will make us more complete. Our first step should begin by humbling ourselves enough to experience the full love of Christ. It is through His love that we are able to attain much more then what we can currently comprehend, ask, or think.

Verse: Ephesians 3:16 - 21

¹⁶ I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.¹⁷ Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. ¹⁸ And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. ¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

An Excellent Secret

2010-01-27T06:38:00.001-06:00

Commentary: When was the last time you truly felt at peace? The apostle Paul shares an important secret that can be learned. Christ is willing to share his peace with us in every circumstance. However, we must go to him in prayer and have faith in His ability to bear our burdens.

Verse: Phillipians 4:6-13

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. ⁹ Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

¹¹ Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. ¹² I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. ¹³ For I can do everything through Christ,^[c] who gives me strength. ¹⁴ Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

Alive and Powerful

2010-01-25T06:26:00.000-06:00

Commentary: It is great to know that the word of God is alive and powerful. Any and all times when we need a place to turn, His word provides clear and concise answers that have the power to heal and empower our soul.

Verse: Hebrews 4:12 - 16
¹² For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
¹⁴ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Comfort

2010-01-13T05:37:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We are able to receive support and comfort from the Lord so that we are able to share that same support with others. We must do our best not to loose sight of the best ways that we can help others, no matter how difficult our own circumstances might seem.

Verse: 2 Corinthians 1

³ All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. ⁴ He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. ⁵ For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. ⁶ Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. ⁷ We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
⁸ We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters,^[b] about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. ⁹ In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. ¹¹ And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.

Faith

2010-01-12T04:52:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Difficult circumstances often challenge what we know to be true. Faith is what allows us to persevere, remembering the sacrifice that Jesus has already made on our behalf. We can have confidence that no matter how difficult the situation may seem, the outcome is already known. The faithful will have peace and reconciliation through God.

Scripture: Romans 5

Faith Brings Joy

¹ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. ³ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
⁶ When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷ Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. ⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. ¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Your Plans

2010-01-08T08:20:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We all have plans designed to provide more security, joy, or happiness. Here is one question to help guide our actions. How will this next goal bring me closer to God? In the end, the more we rely on God, the more secure each future step becomes.

Scripture: Proverbs 16

³ Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
       and your plans will succeed.
⁴ The LORD works out everything for his own ends—
       even the wicked for a day of disaster.
⁵ The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
       Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
⁶ Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
       through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil.
⁷ When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD,
       he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.
⁸ Better a little with righteousness
       than much gain with injustice.
⁹ In his heart a man plans his course,
       but the LORD determines his steps.

All...

2010-01-05T06:33:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We often use the word, "all", when we really don't mean it. The scriptures challenge us to give our "all" to God.

What can we do today to make this aspiration a reality? I am certain the end result will allow us to better serve the needs of others and demonstrate the power to transcend even the most challenging circumstances.

Scripture: Luke 10:25 - 37

²⁵On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
²⁶"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
²⁷He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'^[c]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^[d]"
²⁸"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
²⁹But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
³⁰In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³²So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵The next day he took out two silver coins^[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
³⁶"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
³⁷The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

It's Only Natural...

2009-12-31T10:10:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Everyday we confront aspects of our lives that need improvement. This is natural.

The challenge is to submit our will to the unnatural. We need help that only comes from God. Daily habits that set aside everything else but God, will help us get closer to Him, His word, and His will.

Scripture: Galations 5

¹³You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. ¹⁴The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."¹⁵If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
¹⁶So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
¹⁹The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ²⁵Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

The Best Gift

2009-12-26T07:07:00.000-06:00

Commentary: The best gift that we can possibly give is love similar to God's love. It bears all burdens, forgets all wrongs, is not self-seeking, and rejoices in truth. This gift will help transform the lives of others and ourselves. It's a gift that has power, because it never fails.

Scripture: I Corinthians 13

¹If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.
⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Anxious?

2009-12-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

Commentary: It is natural to be anxious about decisions in our lives. We are encouraged to let our request be known to God through prayer and with a humble spirit. The result will be a clearer picture of the best next steps, removing all doubt.

Scripture: Philippians 4: 4 - 9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Questions

2009-12-19T07:02:00.000-06:00

Commentary: It is natural to ask questions when we don't understand. Often the answer we receive may take some time and reflection to comprehend.We should always know that God reveals himself not only through the demonstrated love of others, but also through His word. It is the primary source by which we can continue to discover the principles by which we find peace, sharing the simple message that God is love.

Scripture: John 14:22 - 27
22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Your Gift

2009-12-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We all have unique personal qualities that can be used to serve others. In doing so, our service has the capacity to demonstrate God's grace. Applying what we do best to help others might provide the easiest way to open the minds and hearts of many.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

New Fruit

2009-12-14T09:05:00.000-06:00

Commentary: How many aspects of our lives bear qualities that are worth replicating? It's a humbling experience looking in the mirror and performing a self-examination of how to improve. We can take heart in the fact that God nurtures those aspects of our lives worth sharing, provided that we humble ourselves and allow Him to make us better.

Scripture: John 15: 1 - 8

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will[b] ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Boast

2009-12-13T08:02:00.000-06:00

Commentary: It may sound a little odd to boast about the Lord. However, I bet after taking just a moment to consider all the areas in which you have been blessed - in spite of your circumstances - the easier it will become to boast and share in ways that are accessible to others the power of God's work in your life.

Scripture: Psalms 34: 1 - 7
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

Jump for Joy

2009-12-11T09:28:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We have so much to be thankful for, even in our most challenging circumstances. We are encouraged to come before the Lord joyfully, singing praises and giving thanks. Although there may be times when our mood says otherwise, take the time to keep perspective. There is a much bigger picture, which often requires that we humble our motives and ourselves.

Scripture: Psalms 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his [a] ;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Health and Nourishment

2009-12-09T10:37:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Who wouldn't want to be healthy and well nourished? We are encouraged to put our trust in Jesus and allow him to guide our decisions. The promise...is that our level of health and nourishment will feel as if it reaches down to the bone. Now that's gotta feel pretty good...

Scripture: Proverbs 3

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight. [a]

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.

Endurance

2009-12-08T09:09:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Often we go through situations that require endurance and trust in the power of God's love. We may not be able to fully comprehend the depth and extent of God's love, but one thing is certain. God's love endures forever.

Scripture: Psalm 118: 1 - 14

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

2 Let Israel say:

"His love endures forever."

3 Let the house of Aaron say:

"His love endures forever."

4 Let those who fear the LORD say:

"His love endures forever."

5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD,

and he answered by setting me free.

6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper.

I will look in triumph on my enemies.

8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in man.

9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD

than to trust in princes.

10 All the nations surrounded me,

but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me on every side,

but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

12 They swarmed around me like bees,

but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;

in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

13 I was pushed back and about to fall,

but the LORD helped me.

14 The LORD is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation.

New Patterns

2009-12-06T07:27:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We are encouraged to develop new patterns that begin by renewing our thoughts. We should find ways each day to reinforce new habits focused on grace, forgiveness, and mercy. These new habits may require sacrifice and letting go of areas in our life in which we feel most comfortable.

Scripture: Romans 12

¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^[a] act of worship. ²Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Why Can't We Be Friends...

2009-12-04T09:34:00.000-06:00

Commentary: The easiest way to demonstrate our friendship is by demonstrating the love of Christ towards others, no matter how difficult it might seem.

Scripture: John 15

⁹"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. ¹⁰If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. ¹¹I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.¹²My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ¹⁷This is my command: Love each other.

The Power to Understand...

2009-12-02T09:22:00.000-06:00

Commentary: We may not often associate the concept of power with love, but it takes power to humble our ambitions so that we might receive infinitely more from the Lord then we might ever comprehend.

Scripture: Ephesians 3, The Power of God's Love

18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

Compassion and Kindness...

2009-12-01T14:22:00.000-06:00

Commentary: What words best describe you? We are challenged to be kind, compassionate, humble, and patient. Even if these qualities may not come naturally for you, try your best. Reduce the amount of unnecessary activity in your life. You might be surprised how unexpectedly peace suddenly resides.

Scripture: Colossians 3

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

True Rest...

2009-11-30T09:07:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Is your day focused on submitting to the will of the Lord? It is easy to remain focused on your own plans. In the end, your true rest and since of fulfillment will only come from the Lord.

Scripture: Psalms 127:1-2

1 Unless the LORD builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the LORD guards the city,

The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

To sit up late,

To eat the bread of sorrows;

For so He gives His beloved sleep.

Sing Praise...

2009-11-29T07:08:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Do we really believe the Lord is great and mighty? Let's make the time to sing praises that recognize the tremendous depth of his understanding and love for us.

Scripture: Psalms 147, Joy and Praise

¹ Praise the LORD. ^[a]
       How good it is to sing praises to our God,
       how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
² The LORD builds up Jerusalem;
       he gathers the exiles of Israel.
³ He heals the brokenhearted
       and binds up their wounds.
⁴ He determines the number of the stars
       and calls them each by name.
⁵ Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
       his understanding has no limit.
⁶ The LORD sustains the humble
       but casts the wicked to the ground.
⁷ Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
       make music to our God on the harp.

Find Rest...

2009-11-28T09:24:00.000-06:00

Commentary: When is the last time you placed all of your cares in the hands of the Lord? He bears all burdens and makes them light. He wants to teach us how to receive the benefits of his gentle and humble heart.

Scripture: Matthew 11, Rest for the Weary

²⁸"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Determining What's Best....

2009-11-27T07:24:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Often we rely on the opinions of others, our priorities, or circumstances in trying to make the best decision. How often do we seek to develop greater love? Even in the midst of being imprisoned, the Apostle Paul constantly prayed for others, that their love might overflow and guide their decisions.

Scripture: Philippians 1, Love that Overflows

⁹And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, ¹¹filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

The Greatest of All Time...

2009-11-26T08:01:00.000-06:00

Commentary: If we are able to humble ourselves as a little child, we have the potential to become the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. As children of God, our significance is revealed in the celebration described in heaven for the saving of just one lost soul. God loves us so much that he is willing to risk the safety of us all in order to save just one. He seeks out and welcomes us home at all times. That's why...He is the greatest.

Scripture: Matthew 18, Parable of the Lost Sheep

¹At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

²He called a little child and had him stand among them. ³And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

⁵"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. ⁶But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

⁷"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come! ⁸If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.⁹And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

¹⁰"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

¹²"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? ¹³And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. ¹⁴In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Take Your Stand...

2009-11-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Each day we face multiple opportunities to demonstrate our faith. We should stand firm and rely on the tools which God has given us. Often, instead of standing firm, we rely on our own strategies. Needless to say, our own strategies will not carry the day. For we are in the midst of a spiritual battle.

Scripture: Ephesians 6, The Full Armor of God

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

The Battle is Not Yours...

2009-11-23T22:01:00.000-06:00

Commentary: Too often we waist energy fighting unnecessary battles. It takes wisdom and courage to stand still and wait for God. He always wins.

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20, Learning a lesson from Jehoshaphat

15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.

Living by the Spirit

2009-11-23T10:26:00.000-06:00

Thought for the Day: We experience the love of God by opening our hearts and humbling ourselves so that we might receive the Holy Spirit. Often the greatest challenge is finding enough courage to admit how much we rely on God to provide peace.

Scripture: Romans 5: 1 - 5, Faith Triumphs in Trouble

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.