Building God’s House But God said to [David], “You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood.” 1 Chronicles 28:3 As King David grew old, he thought about two things that had to be done before he died: transferring power to his son Solomon and passing on to him the …
Kindness
How Can Kindness Be Painful?* Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 I’ve been grappling with God’s kindness lately. Not the “let me massage your feet” variety—dinner with friends, an encouraging email, an answered prayer—the blessings that I immediately …
Little
Little Flock Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 (NASB) When I was put in charge of food for a series of meetings and a weekend retreat, Fear knocked on my door. Panic tried to slip in. So many details! Could I remember the main things? …
Sanctification
God’s Not Finished Yet Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 In college, I worked at a soft-serve ice cream shop near the campus. Swirling the ice cream into the cone as it came from the machine was more of …
Justification
No Condemnation So we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified. Galatians 2:16 Charles Wesley grew up in a preacher’s home. His mother included Bible readings and Scripture memorization in her children’s daily routine. …
Hope That Never Disappoints
Overflowing with Hope May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 A 2023 Gallup survey revealed a significant increase in the number of people feeling depressed and hopeless. The number of women diagnosed with depression …
Trials
The Joy Ahead Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 Why is this happening to me? When difficulties arise, that’s often the first question that enters my mind. According to James chapter one, difficulties have two causes: circumstances over …