As I look at the condition of our world today, the last thing I see is peace, and frankly, seeing the social and economic upheaval really rocks me at times. Can you relate? Well, times certainly weren’t peaceful when Jesus was alive either, and they were going to get worse. So Jesus gave His disciples some advice in how to … Read More
Teach Us to Number our Days
“Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” ~~Psalm 90:11-12~~ Having had a birthday recently, the phrase “teach us to number our days” really popped off the page to me. It got me wondering how … Read More
Discouraged?
“So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”~~2 Thessalonians 2:15-17~~ When you … Read More
The Glory of God
For the music director. A Psalm of David.The heavens tell of the glory of God;And their expanse declares the work of His hands.~~Psalm 19:1~~ As I read and studied my way through this verse this morning, I was struck by the “glory” of God. Kabod is the Hebrew word used here and it means: weight, splendor, or copiousness. Now if … Read More
Is Peace Possible?
In a world of noise and chaos, do you ever ask yourself, “Is peace possible”? I mean, I’m a believer, and Jesus promised, “My peace I give you”; so why is it I’m not experiencing peace? Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts … Read More
How to be an Effective Encourager
“22 … they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.” … Read More
Bullwinkle
This morning I came across PSALM 91:1-2 – “1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust.” As usual, I did some digging into the definitions of key … Read More
A Lesson from James
So my study this morning included James 1:4, but where God took me from there….well, let’s just say I love following rabbit trails with my Abba! “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~~James 1:4~~ I learned yesterday that perseverance is the characteristic of the person who is unswerved (not changing … Read More
1 Timothy 6:11-16 (Part Two)
PAUL’S CHARGES TO TIMOTHY FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH Fight <agonizomai> is in the imperative mood (it is a command, not a suggestion) and it means to struggle. This word is used both literally (describing to compete for a prize) and figuratively, (describing to content with an adversary; or to contend, struggle with difficulties and dangers). PAUSE TO PONDER. … Read More
1 Timothy 6:11-16 (Part One)
“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified … Read More