Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. – John 3:3, Amplified Bible I’ve had many people tell me over the years that they have been a Christian… Continue reading Everything has a beginning.
Category: Grace
Joy is a choice.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24, KJV When trouble comes, it is never welcome. Trouble comes to us all, and it usually comes upon us as a thief in the night – unexpectedly, suddenly, and without mercy. No matter how hard… Continue reading Joy is a choice.
God would rather you not rebuild Jericho.
In his days, Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho… – 1 Kings 16:34, Amplified Bible Merriam-Webster.com defines the word “stronghold” as a “a fortified place” or “a place of security or survival.” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stronghold) The word “fortification” is derived from the Latin words fortis, or “strong,” and facere, or “to make.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stronghold) So, the intent of a… Continue reading God would rather you not rebuild Jericho.
Be happy and glad-hearted at all times.
Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always). – 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Amplified Bible From the most fragile blade of grass to the most brilliant star in the sky, all things share the same fate: death. Some things dies more slowly than others, but all things in this universe will face… Continue reading Be happy and glad-hearted at all times.
God will be there to encourage you in your darkest hour.
…for the journey is too great for you. – 1 Kings 19:7, Amplified Bible Be on your guard after a great spiritual victory, for it is immediately following a great spiritual triumph that you are most susceptible to falling into the darkness of despair. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah experienced his greatest spiritual victory. In… Continue reading God will be there to encourage you in your darkest hour.
God is looking out for your best interests, even when you are not.
…for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. – Matthew 6:8, KJV Years ago when my elder daughter was old enough to attend kindergarten, an extremely odd thing happened to me. We planned to register her to attend the Christian school our church operates, and the registration fee that… Continue reading God is looking out for your best interests, even when you are not.
Be ready when you least expect it.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. – 2 Timothy 4:2, King James Version (KJV) Sara is a missionary to the Philippines. Not long ago her parents visited her in the mission field, and during their visit, something quite unexpected happened. Sara and her parents… Continue reading Be ready when you least expect it.
Why do you love God?
Oh, let him take it all… – 2 Samuel 19:30, Amplified Bible The story of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 is a wonderful representation of God’s grace to the lost sinner. Many Christians are familiar with this story, but not many are familiar with how the story ends. In 2 Samuel 9,… Continue reading Why do you love God?
Do your part to mend the broken relationship.
God…devises means so that he who is banished may not be an utter outcast from Him. – 2 Samual 14:14, Amplified Bible My mother’s relationship with her mother was extremely adversarial. For most of the last thirty years of my grandmother’s life, she lived with my mother, but like oil and water, the two ladies… Continue reading Do your part to mend the broken relationship.
God has a kingdom He’d like to give you.
Fear not, for I will surely show you kindness… – 2 Samuel 9:7, Amplified Bible Imagine for a moment that you are the king’s grandchild. Due to a horrible choice made by your grandfather, the kingdom has been ripped from your family. Others take control of the land, and the home, riches, and glory you… Continue reading God has a kingdom He’d like to give you.