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Wanting To Unlock The Good Gift Of The Holy Spirit
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV) I once heard of someone who refused to take down his Christmas tree so he could hold on to the spirit of the holiday. I get it. Every year… -
The Unexpected Love Jesus Brings To A Neglected World
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”––John 13:34 (NIV)My all-time favorite Christmas carol—O Holy Night, beautifully encapsulates all of the themes of advent. Nested in its verses we see the themes of peace, hope, and joy. And in the last stanza we… -
The Beautiful Truth About Jesus’ Gift Of Joy
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. —John 15:11 (NIV)Each Christmas I set out a small nativity scene where the word “Joy” frames Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the joy Jesus brought to the earth…. -
The Truth About Jesus’ Peace For A Troubled World
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.—John 14:27 NIVThe brightly decorated house caught my eye. In the center of the yard, in bright green colors, I read these words: Peace… -
Jesus Brings Guaranteed Hope For A Hurting World
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.—1 Peter 3:15a (NIV)It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Actually, it started looking like Christmas several weeks ago—about the middle of October. That’s when… -
Remembering Our Need For God When Times Are Easy
But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.—Deuteronomy 8:18a (NIV)Leaning back in my chair, I sighed with contentment. It always encourages me when I cross items off my to-do list. But for days I had avoided addressing these particular items. They involved untangling complicated situations… -
Here Is The Truth About Trying To Imitate Jesus
Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!—Romans 7:25a (NIV)It had been a day. Instead of being patient and charitable toward a loved one, I snapped with frustration and said things—unkind things—in anger. I know better. Giving voice to my angry thoughts never makes me feel better. It only makes everything… -
Finding Security When You Feel Shaken By Change
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)Change is in the air—literally. Here in Virginia the vibrant, colorful leaves have already marked the arrival of autumn. Now as they swirl and fall… -
A Longing Fulfilled: The Beautiful Upside To Deferred Hope
But a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.—Proverbs 13:12b (NIV)Dumbfounded, I watched my friend burst into tears as she read the email. “Can you believe this?” she asked.“Yes,” I replied, trying to understand her confusion. “This is what I’ve been praying for. Haven’t you?”She hesitated a moment and then answered, “Yes, but I thought…
