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.
Stop being a wiggle-worm. Sit still every once in awhile.
Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out… – Ruth 3:18, Amplified Bible (AMP) A long time ago there was a young widow who traveled far from her homeland in search of a better life. She settled in a land of strangers who normally despised her kind, but… Continue reading Stop being a wiggle-worm. Sit still every once in awhile.
Sometimes, people die early for a very good reason.
The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; and merciful and devout men are taken away, with no one considering that the uncompromisingly upright and godly person is taken away from the calamity and evil to come [even through wickedness]. He [in death] enters into peace… – Isaiah 57:1-2, Amplified Bible I’ve lived enough life to have seen… Continue reading Sometimes, people die early for a very good reason.
The key to courage and bravery is based on what you expect.
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. – Psalm 27:14, Amplified Bible (AMP) King David faced more horrors than most of the people whose stories are recorded in the Bible. Regularly hunted down like wild game by enemies both foreign and… Continue reading The key to courage and bravery is based on what you expect.
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.
Stop the nastiness at its source.
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. – Proverbs 4:23, KJV There have been more movies released than I care to count that have the following plot: stop a deadly disease from spreading before it destroys the world. In such movies, the protagonists scramble feverishly to isolate… Continue reading Stop the nastiness at its source.
Do you really understand how serious this is?
But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. – Numbers 32:23, King James Version (KJV) None of us have a true grasp of how horribly destructive sin is. We often excuse our “little” sins by suggesting that no one else… Continue reading Do you really understand how serious this is?
Your idols are powerless to help you.
Who is [such a fool as] to fashion a god or cast a graven image that is profitable for nothing? – Isaiah 44:10, Amplified Bible (AMP) You can either yield your idols to God, or God will strip you of them. If you trust anyone or anything more than the Creator, He will have nothing… Continue reading Your idols are powerless to help you.