Ephesians 1:3-5 NKJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.
Everyone Wants to Belong Read More »
|
You look ahead with such despair and feel all hope is gone, for life has been so difficult already you feel worn. But living life in happiness But if you fear rejection The first step is the hardest, |
|
Taking the First Step: You Have the Key Read More »
But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves,
not having been baptized by John. Luke 7:30, NASB
We hear a lot about the importance of “purpose-driven lives,” but is it enough to follow any purpose… or does it matter whose purpose we choose to follow?
The above verse in Luke tells us that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God’s purpose for their lives. Why? Because they hadn’t been baptized by John. What does that have to do with it?
Learning God’s Purpose for Your Life Read More »
…get me in a lot of trouble.
I got disappointed this week.
Disclaimer: I’m only telling this story because I think it contains some valuable lessons. The details don’t matter—this is about my personal failure, nothing else.
# # # # #
A couple of years ago I was invited to be a very small part of a project. No contracts or financial commitments, just a small once-per-week contribution. Four other people, all much more qualified and credible, also joined. I felt pleased and honored to be included.
Unspoken Expectations Read More »
note: Members may discuss this workshop in the Message Boards HERE
Before we get started, please consider visiting this link and printing
“Excuses” – Workshop Transcript Read More »
You can live the life you love, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. While sometimes it may appear that life throws more obstacles in your path than you can handle, you can always choose to be happy. Yes, you are that powerful. However, at the time of accounting we should not be surprised at the place that we have earned in the heart of Christ. Romans 8:18 states For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Becoming a Character of Faith
Living a Life of Secrets: Becoming a Character of Faith Read More »
One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves, is what God thinks of us.
One has pointed out that in every man, there are four different men:
the man whom the neighbors see,
the man whom one’s family sees,
the man whom the person himself sees,
and the man whom God sees.
One of the Most Important Questions Read More »
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your hearts on things above! Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things! Colossians 3:1-2
Paul reminds us that those who believe on Christ–should live a risen life.
We live on the earth at present. We walk on earth’s streets. We live in material houses, built of stones, bricks, or wood. We eat earth’s fruits, gathering our food from earth’s fields, orchards and gardens. We wear clothes woven of earthly fabrics. We adorn our homes with works of art that human hands make. We engage in the business of earth. We find our happiness in the things of this life.
The Worm became a Splendid Butterfly Read More »
What do you think when you see this little blue guy?
I asked some middle school kids that question. Hands went up, signaling a number of insightful comments. The sign reminded some of friends or family members. A few said they wondered about the people who needed those parking spaces. One appreciated that we care enough to provide this simple aid for folks in need.
After they seemed about finished, one boy who might have been a stand-in for Dennis the Menace raised his hand.
“Technically, the little guy’s white. The background is blue.”
We all chuckled as he protested that he was just being observant.
What Perception Do You Cling To? Read More »
Submission
In John 13, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. It’s a well-known story, a frequently referenced model for Christ’s attitude of humble service to others. But there’s another side to the story.
Foot-washing requires a foot to wash.
In the story, Peter initially refuses to allow his friend and teacher to perform such a menial, degrading task. Jesus replies that submission isn’t optional—it’s an essential element in the interaction.
I don’t think that’s an accident. You can’t force someone to receive an expression of intimacy. If it’s a true act of humble service, the one whose feet are washed must submit.
Humility is a Two-way Street Read More »
