Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. – Matthew 4:1, Amplified Bible (AMP) The idea of “wandering in the wilderness” doesn’t gin up happy thoughts. Instead, it usually produces thoughts of pain, anguish, and despair. It was in the wilderness… Continue reading The wilderness has its benefits.
Category: Discipleship
Hey, take a minute to pick up your brother’s or sister’s backpack.
Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it]. – Galatians 6:2, Amplified Bible (AMP) In my younger years I was extremely judgmental. I had an arrogant, pious attitude towards… Continue reading Hey, take a minute to pick up your brother’s or sister’s backpack.
It helps our relationship if you are a little soft.
Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. – Psalm 37:4, Amplified Bible (AMP) The word “delight” in Psalm 37:4 is the Hebrew word “anag.” It is used ten times in the Old Testament, and it is translated seven times as “delight,” one time… Continue reading It helps our relationship if you are a little soft.
In your next shootout with Satan, make sure you have the right kind of bullets.
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. – Jude 1:9, KJV Have you ever watched an old Western movie where the hero of the movie faces the villain in a good old-fashioned,… Continue reading In your next shootout with Satan, make sure you have the right kind of bullets.
How many times does God have to tell you. You are better off living life His way.
Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, who take counsel and carry out a plan, but not Mine… – Isaiah 30:1, Amplified Bible (AMP) My Scofield Reference Bible has 1,353 pages. Those pages contain a ton of information, life stories, and words of wisdom. But the more I read those pages, the more I understand that… Continue reading How many times does God have to tell you. You are better off living life His way.
I’ll bet you didn’t know that love is the key to great decision making.
And this I pray: that your love may abound… So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital… and of real value… – Philippians 1:9-10, Amplified Bible (AMP) To make good decisions, we need discernment. “Discernment” is defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” The word “obscure” means: 1 : shrouded in… Continue reading I’ll bet you didn’t know that love is the key to great decision making.
Let God tell you the difference between shame and success.
When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness. – Proverbs 11:2, Amplified Bible (AMP) When born-again believers are consistently proud and arrogant, their behavior betrays the fact that Christ, although their Savior, is by… Continue reading Let God tell you the difference between shame and success.
Here’s what you do when your culture hates you.
Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God)…For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me. Colossians 1:28-29, AMP What are Christians supposed to do when we… Continue reading Here’s what you do when your culture hates you.
You’re not alone. Even Paul despaired.
…we were so utterly and unbearably weighed down and crushed that we despaired even of life [itself]. – 2 Corinthians 1:8, AMP It is very easy to look at pastors, missionaries, and others who have given themselves to a career in ministry as some sort of superheroes. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound,… Continue reading You’re not alone. Even Paul despaired.
Are you really God’s disciple?
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his [own] father and mother…” – Luke 14:26, AMP Can you really consider yourself a disciple of Christ? Most Christians would be quick to answer, “Yes!”, to this question, but how many of us would be telling the truth? There is a difference between being a… Continue reading Are you really God’s disciple?