Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 Rick Renner shares in Sparkling Gems about how "lay apart" is an intentional action, like taking off clothes or pushing aside a plate of food. It doesn't happen by accident. The word that caught... Continue Reading →
Grieving the Spirit
Holy Spirit is within us, and we take Him into the mire of our sin.
Enduring in Prayer
The passage in Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes constant prayer and perseverance. Just as we eagerly converse with loved ones, we should approach our relationship with God with the same enthusiasm. It's crucial to pray for others, as we may not fully comprehend their struggles. Whether big or small, God encourages us to bring everything to Him in prayer, seeking His guidance and involvement in our daily lives.
Endurance
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 2 Timothy 1:6 I took a deep breath as I started back to work after a long holiday weekend. Systems weren't working like they should and so I was frustrated. The... Continue Reading →
Your Prayers
The writer reflects on the importance of prayer and support during difficult times. They acknowledge the role of God and the Holy Spirit in their life, and the significance of having people who can provide spiritual and emotional support. The writer expresses gratitude for existing connections and prays for deepened and strengthened relationships.
Committed Works
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3 It is a new year, so of course I start it committing my plans to God. Scripture says it is my works that I commit. Then he will establish the plans. Do the work and he establishes the plan. When I think about... Continue Reading →
Pay
The passage from 1 Peter 1:18-19 emphasizes being ransomed from futile ways by the precious blood of Christ. It highlights the value of the sacrifice and the freedom it brings. It touches on the concept of ransom, the unconditional nature of Christ's sacrifice, and the depth of God's love in giving His Son.
Immanuel
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 God with us. Jesus was that sign. I wonder if Mary ever called him Immanuel, a term of endearment? A nickname? Jesus is Immanuel, but was He called that by others? I was... Continue Reading →
Giving and Helping
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply... Continue Reading →
What Do You Want?
The blind man asked Jesus to restore his sight. The writer draws a parallel, expressing the difficulty of articulating personal desires to the divine. They seek their family's devotion to Jesus and their own alignment with His will. The prayer concludes with a request for guidance and an increased desire to fulfill God's will.
