“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV). What does this … Continue reading For His Good Pleasure
Songs
What’s Our Purpose?
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that … Continue reading What’s Our Purpose?
Be Careful What You Believe
“Jesus said to them, ‘Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” “’How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, … Continue reading Be Careful What You Believe
The Past is Supposed to be Past
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out … Continue reading The Past is Supposed to be Past
Being of the Same Mind
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more … Continue reading Being of the Same Mind
I Have Seen a Horrible Thing
“But in the prophets of JerusalemI have seen a horrible thing:they commit adultery and walk in lies;they strengthen the hands of evildoers,so that no one turns from his evil;all of them have become like Sodom to me,and its inhabitants like Gomorrah.” (Jeremiah 23:14 ESV) “They say continually to those who despise the word of the … Continue reading I Have Seen a Horrible Thing
The Shepherds Who Destroy
“’Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who care for my people: ‘You have scattered my flock and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to … Continue reading The Shepherds Who Destroy
Tempted with Evil
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when … Continue reading Tempted with Evil
Needing Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person … Continue reading Needing Wisdom
Leap for Joy?
Let’s have a show of hands. How many of us, when we go through tough trials, immediately count it all joy? How many of us delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, and in difficulties? How many of us, when people hate us, when they exclude us and insult us and reject our … Continue reading Leap for Joy?
Run With It 