“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Christian Living
The War Zone
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from […]
Read MoreDaily Beatitudes
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be […]
Read MoreJesus Brings Blessing
The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority— quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today. First: He spoke these words outside rather […]
Read MoreJesus’ Message of Simple Faith
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 When it came to clear communication, Jesus was a master. Children and adults alike had no difficulty understanding His words or following His reasoning. This is remarkable […]
Read MoreThe Uncomplicated Life of Faith
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:8 What if being close to God were simple? What if this thing called faith isn’t as complicated as it’s cracked up to be? And while I’m asking the critical questions: What if you could be liberated—I mean really set free—from all those […]
Read MoreGod’s Sense of Humor
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Proverbs 17:22 God’s sense of humor has intrigued me for years. What amazes me, however, is the number of people who don’t think He has one. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why they can’t see it. He […]
Read MoreTriumphant Thinking
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen. Philippians 4:19–20 Surrounded by so many who are down in the mouth, convinced we are headed for […]
Read MoreAdvice for Growing Older with Joy
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:18 –19 What’s necessary […]
Read MoreGrowing Up as We Grow Older
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more […]
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