But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but…Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. – Romans 6:17-18, Amplified Bible (AMP) One of the most common reasons a person gives for rejecting the Gospel goes something like this: “I don’t want to give up my freedom. I… Continue reading You are never your own master.
Category: Fellowship
Come, let us reason together.
Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord… – Isaiah 1:18, Amplified Bible (AMP) Imagine that you are Adam (or Eve) before The Fall. It’s a beautiful afternoon in April. The garden is blooming, the sun has assumed the rich orange of sunset, the air is perfectly cool, and peace saturates everything. After… Continue reading Come, let us reason together.
Let God tell you the point of good preaching.
Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith. – 1 Timothy 1:5, Amplified Bible (AMP) There is an old saying that goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” In other words, people who are alike tend to hang out together.… Continue reading Let God tell you the point of good preaching.
The wilderness has its benefits.
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.
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.
Try to encourage your shepherd every now and then.
Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:12, Amplified Bible Which profession do you think fits the description… Continue reading Try to encourage your shepherd every now and then.
Be careful about thinking the grass is always greener on the other side.
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, his wife, and his two sons. – Ruth 1:1, Amplified Bible When things get tough, it is very tempting to bail out of our… Continue reading Be careful about thinking the grass is always greener on the other side.
Please don’t ignore God’s gift while you are making your way to the fridge.
Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life. – Hebrews 11:25, Amplified Bible (AMP) I was at the gym, acting like I wanted to lose weight. As part of the ruse, I hopped… Continue reading Please don’t ignore God’s gift while you are making your way to the fridge.
When you feel utterly alone, remember that God is with you from cradle to grave.
…you who have been borne by Me from your birth…and even to hair white with age will I carry you. – Isaiah 46:3-4, AMP There are times in life when you feel utterly alone. Perhaps everyone has indeed abandoned you. Perhaps no one has. Regardless, you feel deserted, depressed, and useless. You have failed at attaining… Continue reading When you feel utterly alone, remember that God is with you from cradle to grave.