In Christ, God extends grace to all. “Bring [Mark] . . he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 KJV I love the Bible’s true-to-life examples. Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, was a young man traveling with Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. For unexplained reasons, […]
You cannot control others’ opinions nor their expression of those. “Judge nothing before the appointed time.” 1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV. Criticism stings. It is not fatal, only superficial but painful. And there will always be people who are just critical by practice. But sometimes, those whose opinion you trust and […]
Fear is a common malady of the human condition but God’s love banishes fear. “When I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalm 56:3 NIV Fear is a terrible thing, trashing peace of mind, quenching joy, and dashing hopes. Fear is imagining your future – near or far – […]
Peace is the fruit of mutual accord; offer it munificently to others. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV. In these first days of a new year, look once more at the “supreme blessedness” Jesus promised to those who embrace the […]
Govern your desires and you will rightly direct your life. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Matthew 5:6 NKJV. Life is driven by desires and appetites, not casual whims. Those desires can be oriented spiritually or will originate carnally. As early as the Garden of Eden, human […]