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: Growth
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.
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.
Don’t lose heart, and don’t lose your confidence in God.
35 Do not, therefore, fling away your fearless confidence, for it carries a great and glorious compensation of reward. 36 For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. – Hebrews 10:35-36, Amplified Bible (AMP)… Continue reading Don’t lose heart, and don’t lose your confidence in God.
Oh, how soon we forget.
The people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? – Exodus 15:24, AMP. For three days after God miraculously rescued them by parting the Red Sea, the children of Israel traveled in the wilderness of Shur. By the end of the third day, they were tired and thirsty, and their water supply was all… Continue reading Oh, how soon we forget.
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.
Are you happy with the manna God has provided for you?
While the meat was yet between their teeth, before it was consumed, the anger of the Lord was kindled against the people… – Numbers 11:33, AMP I was driving home the other day, thinking about my real estate brokerage business. My thoughts turned to a recent commission I had earned, and I found myself lamenting… Continue reading Are you happy with the manna God has provided for you?
God would be glad to talk with you once you decide to give Him your undivided attention.
Be still, and know that I am God… – Psalm 46:10, KJV Have you ever been in a conversation with someone where, at the end of the conversation, you had absolutely no idea what the other person has been saying to you? We’ve all done it, and the reason we were clueless at the end… Continue reading God would be glad to talk with you once you decide to give Him your undivided attention.
It’s time you learn how to accept a gift.
Bear ye one another’s burdens… – Galatians 6:2, KJV Years ago some dear friends of mine, Jerry and Lib, offered to pay my way to a small group coaching session with a very successful professional speaker. At the time I was trying to launch a professional seminar company, and my friends just knew the session… Continue reading It’s time you learn how to accept a gift.
Don’t take the bait of discontentment.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. – Philippians 4:11, KJV There are so many lessons to be learned from Genesis 3:1-6. But I had a new one (at least for me) brought to my attention by my friend, Dan, who taught our Sunday School class… Continue reading Don’t take the bait of discontentment.