Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also you must forgive. Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which […]
What characteristics of a believer’s life are common enough or basic enough to be considered “normal?” What is the difference between that definition of normal, and one that would define it based on Christ’s opinion? When does normal equate with average? Paul prayed this over the believers in the congregations of Ephesus: For this reason I bow my knees before […]
If ever you are lonely, draw someone into that cell with you by prayer. Draw them in and pray for them. Spend time seeking the Lord Who loves them regarding what He would have you ask Him for them. Then ask it. If you are still lonely after that fellowship with the Lord and one He loves, invite another in.
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of people, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve […]
Soldiers are trained to kill invaders and oppressors. Police are trained to maintain peace and protect citizens. Evangelists are trained to lay down their lives to make good news about salvation known to unbelievers. All three activities are potential assignments that the King of Heaven and Earth might give to any of His servants. Knowing your purpose is important. Knowing […]
We should never grow bored with the astounding Love that has invaded our lives and called us to His presence and to His ways. Our song should never be, “Look what the world has come to…” Our song is, “Look what has come to the world!” Lord, continue to cause Your will to be done in us and around us […]
Are you ever lonely in your work as a believer? Is what Jesus called you to so different from average that it is hard to find other travelers on the road? Jesus has great advice and comfort for that situation: die, and gain company – “I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it […]
…we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 English Standard Version ®©) A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure. (Proverbs 24:3-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible ®©) Knowledge puffs up, but Love builds […]
If you set the thermostat in your home to heat the place up to 72 degrees, you expect the thermometer in the thermostat to notice when it is colder than 72 and turn on the heat. The Spirit of Holiness isn’t showing you the sins of corrupt government and lazy coworkers and terrible drivers just so you can declare that […]
We shouldn’t be disillusioned after we try something. We should take care of that ahead of time. The likelihood of anything good coming into the earth through us is minuscule. Our relationship and proximity to the Holy Spirit are what break through the illusion that we are really doing anything when He makes us awesome. When He meets someone’s need […]