Bad situations and annoying or costly events present us with opportunities to suffer. The suffering really comes from our responses to the situations, though, not the situations themselves. When we respond to a difficulty with one of the “works of the flesh” that Paul described in Galatians 5:13-21, we are stuck holding that response, and we are probably miserable. So […]
Be encouraged that when Jesus appeared to people after He was raised from the dead, the people He went to were the people who’s lives would influence the next two millennia. Please notice that they were not Herod, or Pilate, or Caiaphas, but people like you and like me. The people who make a difference in the earth are the […]
The most basic way to describe what has happened when we have evangelized someone is simply to say that we have given them good news. “Ev” in evangelism means “good.” In some other words, “ev” is replaced by “eu” and means the same thing, because there was a time in the development of the English language when it had not […]
The way to respond to difficulties and situations that are producing pain that will bring me to freedom and a place where Life prevails is to submit my emotions and will and heart to the fruit of the Spirit of God before I answer (Galatians 5:22-23). When my response is rooted in who Jesus is, it becomes a source of […]
One wrong response to difficult or painful events and situations is to suppress the memory or consciousness of the source of pain or trouble. An infection that is ignored is not likely to heal, though. Another wrong response would be retaliation or revenge or any action that is listed in Galatians 5:19-21. Any of these poisons will harm me more […]
A farmer was visited by a preacher. As they sat on the front porch gazing at the sun setting over the prosperous fields, the farmer commented that his hard work through the spring and summer was paying off with a great harvest. The preacher added, “I expect God had a lot to do with how well your fields produced.” The […]
I am convinced that Yahweh’s intentions in the earth can be boiled down to two projects: forming the likeness of Jesus in each of us, and forming a bride for Jesus in the earth. Those two processes require much work and coordination and coincidence and cooperation. The projects that are created to make the processes happen are maybe not as […]
I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in Me through their message.May they all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.May they also be one in Us, so the world may believe You sent Me.I have given them the glory You have given Me.May they be one as We […]
Take the land. Fear not. Caleb said, “We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!” (Numbers 13:30) The ten spies with evil reports said, “We can’t go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!… The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and […]
Stop working part-time for the devil, who is the accuser of the Family of Jesus: The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth. (Proverbs 20:19) A gossip goes around revealing a secret, but the trustworthy keeps a confidence. (Proverbs 11:13)