Month: August 2024

“There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this,… Continue reading Passionate Patience

“Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].” (Philippians… Continue reading Mindset Matters

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32  NIV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  When the everyday details of life become burdensome and stress is surging within and around, let’s not sulk or exacerbate stress by… Continue reading Gifts of Grace

“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love].” (1 John 4:18 AMP) Read… Continue reading Love Drives Out Fear

“So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other… Continue reading A Living Love Letter

“If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up.Love cares more for others than for… Continue reading Empowered to Love

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives… Continue reading Surrender to the Shaping

“We [If/Since we…] get our new life from the Spirit [live by the Spirit], so we should follow [be guided by; walk in step with] the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25 EXB) Read full chapter REFLECTION  There have been times when I’ve sighed with sadness as I saw the seeming slowness of the sanctification and transformation process.… Continue reading Step by Step

“Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 NIRV) Read full chapter REFLECTION  Sometimes life gets so hard that it feels absurd to give thanks. But, for those of us who believe in Jesus, there are countless reasons to… Continue reading Give Thanks

“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 Reach Out