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“Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do… Continue reading Work for the Benefit of All

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking… Continue reading Active Persistence

“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” [Romans 8:28 The Voice, emphasis mine] Read full chapter REFLECTION  Things can turn so quickly — one moment there is bubbling joy and then with just… Continue reading Gems in Rough Reality

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true]… Continue reading Supernatural Joy

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts… Continue reading The Antidote to Anxiety

For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal… Continue reading True Encouragers

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.Make me know the way I should go,for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8 ESV) REFLECTION  I didn’t sleep well and got up later than planned, which affected all my morning plans. Instead of letting my imperfections drag… Continue reading The Perfect One

“If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who… Continue reading Ask • Believe • Receive

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Thanksgiving and delight flow forth freely when life unfolds the way I envisioned it would. But, when I… Continue reading Enlightened Thanksgiving

But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. (James 1:22 AMP) Read full chapter REFLECTION First, a confession: this morning I really did not feel like going… Continue reading Faith Fortifying Choices