“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJV) Do you live life joyfully? Is that even possible in our fast-paced, stressed-out, far-from-perfect world? Will joy survive when life gets tough? While many would answer yes, others might shake their heads no. They feel life has…
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16, NKJV) Just to be clear, I am not an arborist, a horticulturist,…
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (I Corinthians 4:2, NKJV). Many of us feel pride in the things we own—our homes, our vehicles, our numerous electronic gadgets, the clothing that fills our closets, our bank accounts. We may not flaunt what we have, but we…
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17, ESV) Have you ever gone on an organizing spree at…
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) Perfection. When I say the word, another quickly comes to mind: impossible. While I may be blind to some of my faults, I recognize enough of my shortcomings to realize that I am a…
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3, ESV) Many people find storms frightening, and rightly so. They can exert tremendous force, resulting in great damage. Those living in coastal areas soon learn the dangers of hurricane season, while those in “tornado alley” keep an eye…
And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark…
“When the Israelites set up camp, each tribe will be assigned its own area. The tribal divisions will camp beneath their family banners on all four sides of the Tabernacle, but at some distance from it.” (Numbers 2:2, NLT) In my Bible reading, one of the things I have noticed is…
“Behold, the days come saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11). Each year millions die from hunger and malnutrition. While most of us are…