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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… -
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… -
Jesus Is The Truth We Need To Free Ourselves
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.—1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV)Are you acquainted with mountain top experiences? The term comes from times when God interacted… -
Surprised By Suffering? Let It Be A Great Gift
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.—1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)The road sign immediately caught… -
How To Experience Perfect Peace In An Imperfect World
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.—Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)Walking across the gangplank, I breathed a sigh of pure contentment. My husband and I had waited for months to start this much-needed vacation. Cruising, unlike other forms of travel, feels stress free. We pay for everything in… -
Better To Know Others Well Than To Be Well Known
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (NIV)Caught off guard, I turned away so she couldn’t see my face. My friend didn’t mean to be malicious, but her careless words left me seething.What did she mean by… -
When You Want To Have A Promising Fresh Start
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.—Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)All around me I see signs of a new school year. Stores boast fully-stocked shelves and offer back-to-school sales. Our restaurants and streets hum with the return of college students…. -
How To Experience God’s Blessing Of The Sabbath
For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.—Exodus 20:11 (NIV)What am I supposed to do with myself all day?I’d been studying and practicing different spiritual… -
How To Actually Follow The Holy Spirit With Confidence
The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”—Acts 8:29 (NIV)The Spirit told me to share these words with you. My friend spoke confidently, and then continued to voice encouragement for my soul. She could not possibly have known how desperately I needed to hear her words at that moment. But through the…
