“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis. Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the…
“A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song” (Proverbs 15:15, The Message). It’s easy to have a merry heart when things are going my way, but God’s Word tells me that I can have joy even when I’m faced with affliction. In all…
“Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God – That’s where your future lies. Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.” (Proverbs 23:17-18 in The Message). My dreams may not be coming true at this point in my life, but I must learn…
While reading the incredible account of Mary’s response to the news of her part in God’s plan of redemption in Luke 1:26-55, I was inspired to write these words of encouragement for a hurting friend today: “God approves of you! God sees you. Don’t be confused, disturbed or afraid. The…
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!” (Revelation 12:11-12a in the New King James Version of the Holy Bible). There…
How often have you said, “I just wish someone understood me?” This verse reminds us once again that God really does understand what we are going through. Jesus is no stranger to pain and suffering. “He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:…
“And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way;” (Exodus 13:21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible). Walking around with your head in the clouds is not always negative! Oh, how I want to spend my day…
Do you need wisdom to resolve a conflict in a relationship? Perhaps you did not contribute to the disagreement or offense, but you find yourself trying to find a way to diffuse the situation. I recommend reading the account of Abigail in I Samuel 25:1-39 for a biblical perspective on…
“Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you” (II Corinthians 13:11 in the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible). There is no feeling quite like giving or receiving encouragement. One of the positive aspects of social networking is…