For we know Him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” (Hebrews 10:30) In the Scripture above there is found great foreboding. It is not just a reminder for us to avoid judging, but a reminder that God is the judge, and He will indeed one day judge us all. That can be comforting when you see another person getting away with some sinful behavior. God…..
As we enter the final weekend before the elections, I would like to offer up this prayer: Lord, we praise and thank You for the undeserved blessings upon this nation, especially for Your mercy and faithfulness. We call upon Your name as our Fortress and Sovereign Lord. We praise You for founding this country on Your truth that is evident in the gift of Your Word. Guide us as we pray for Your glory to be made manifest in our…..
Are you trusting in Christ’s promise that he will come again? Jesus promised his disciples that he would do just that. John 14:1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled…In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may…..
Resentment can result from an actual or perceived wrongdoing form another. For example, most of us have been publicly humiliated – maybe even by a friend. Sometimes we protest, sometimes we don’t. That can also be true when another belittles us privately or puts us down on a regular basis. I have numerous Christian friends who have found it difficult to get over the humiliation and the resentment that can grow from this kind of treatment. I have heard it…..
It feels good to be proud. Proud of what we have accomplished through hard work, proud when people look up to us. And certainly we should take pride in the fact that we are unique and special to God (and perhaps show gratitude for the gifts He has given us by serving others). Yet should we keep our pride in check? Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” So don’t be surprised when…..
It is difficult, especially as Christians, not to be judgmental. Yet the Bible is pretty clear on this. I think the best admonition is found in Matthew 7:1-2. Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Wow! This causes me to pause. Will I really be judged one day the same way I…..
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are reminded that we can let go of our anxiety and find peace. Peace comes from prayer, thanksgiving, and obedience to God’s will. So we are to lay our anxieties upon God,…..
“I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) There are times when we all feel weak and need extra strength to deal with life’s challenges, whether they are sudden or ongoing. Fortunately, no matter the nature of the challenge, God promises to give us strength, as stated in the Scripture above. And we can realize that promise if we are faithful in the following ways. First, we should trust that God will protect us and will…..
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Have you ever meditated on this Scripture? I have often found strength from it, and I believe there are several important lessons we can learn from its message. First,…..
Rewards in the kingdom of heaven are given to those who serve without thought of reward. There is no hint of merit here, for God gives out of grace, not debt. In Matthew 25:40, we read, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me.” This Scripture certainly confused listeners then, as it does today. When did I do something for you, Christ? I don’t understand. And…..