You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.—1 Thessalonians 1:6 (NIV) Recently a friend shared with me that she resists being real with others. Whenever she feels discouraged, frustrated, or hurt, she shrugs it off…
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”—2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV) Hot tears of frustration rolled down my cheeks as I poured my heart out to the Lord. For weeks I prayed to achieve a personal goal. I adopted a plan, followed it perfectly,…
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?—1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV What sets God’s people apart from all the other people of the world? The first thought that pops in my head is doctrine—who or what we believe. As Christians, we follow the teachings of Jesus,…
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…
“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…
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…
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 NIV The brightly decorated house caught my eye. In the center of the yard, in bright green colors, I read these words:…
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…
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…
