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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… -
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… -
What Will God’s New And Improved Creation Look Like?
“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.”—Isaiah 65:17a (NIV)Sighing with resignation, I deleted the paragraph I had just written. The words just didn’t reflect my idea. Writing can be exhilarating—and frustrating. Sometimes the words flow easily. But most of the time it’s a process of writing, rewriting, and then rewriting some more…. -
When Called To Wait, Surrender Actually Brings Powerful Peace
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)My anxious eyes…
