Archive for April 2020
When love broke through
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nysf9-d902dd We are all works in progress. From the moment of justification, we have been changed daily. Sometimes we don’t acknowledge the changes, but God knows the work that has been done and that continues in us. On this resurrection day, let us consider and meditate on the ways in which God has transformed us…
Read MoreS53P3 – A picture of temptation: team effort
Gal. 6:1-2 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For many people, it is not out of the ordinary for others to…
Read MoreS53P2 – A picture of temptation: the promise
1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Looking back now, those were not the…
Read MoreS53P1 – A picture of temptation: the trap
Matt. 26:40-41 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” While I might say that I cannot decide whether…
Read MoreS52P7 – Outside ourselves: sowing and reaping
Gal. 5:13-15 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you…
Read MoreS52P6 – Outside ourselves: all restored
2 Cor. 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Friendships come, and friendships go. There were some things about life that she accepted as just factual. It never occurred to her that she could…
Read MoreS52P5 – Outside ourselves: welcoming one another
1 Pet. 4:7-11 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,…
Read MoreS52P4 – Outside ourselves: faith in action
Rom. 1:8-12 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s…
Read MoreMoving past the pain
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-uf8wi-d852b0 Survey the world, and you will see one clear thing: the walls are up. People have all kinds of reasons why they will not let God in. They are the same reasons why people will not let others in for the purpose of sharing God with them. Learning how to handle these encounters and…
Read MoreS52P3 – Outside ourselves: lights on
Matt. 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. …
Read More