'#love' Tagged Posts (Page 2)
WHO’S AT THE CENTER?
It makes a vast difference in the course of our lives in who we place at the center of it. And it affects our gospel witness as well. What am I talking about? Perhaps Philippians 2:14-15 will give you a clue. Developing this attitude is of such importance not only relationally, but for our witness as well.
DIVIDED AFFECTIONS
So much is calling us today to worship it. If we are not careful, we can end up with divided affections and chasing after idols as Israel did. We’re in Judges today looking at some sad news about how a nation that had witnessed the mighty hand of God turned from him. It’s a spiritual plight that we are not immune to.
#ASKPD: JUDGMENT IN JOSHUA
As I was reading through Joshua 11-12 today, I noticed a phrase that I have seen in the New Testament. Pondering on that for a moment, it helps us to answer the question about why see the drastic measures of God’s wrath in the Old Testament, particularly as Israel enters the land. Take a moment to watch and consider.
COMING ALONGSIDE ONE ANOTHER (PART 2)
We’re continuing to explore that subject of coming alongside one another from Galatians 6:2 with five more observations today. This is an important ministry of the church that we are to have to and with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
COMING ALONGSIDE ONE ANOTHER
We started this discussion during Sunday School on April 18, 2021 after some things said during the service about the need to encourage fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in putting on the new man and putting aside the old. This week, we’re exploring a bit deeper this subject of coming alongside one another as we think about what the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2.
WHAT HAVE I DONE (DEUT 1)
Why have you allowed this God? What have I done to deserve this? Do you hate me? Those are questions that either you or others have asked as they’ve gone through various situations. The nation of Israel did too. Isn’t it interesting how we forget what God had done. As we go through various situations, it’s important to pause and think for a bit on what God may be doing, how he may be growing us, or even how he…
THE END OF THE WORLD…NO, NOT YET
Our world is fascinated by apocalyptic events. Christians as fascinated by end times events. The books of Daniel and Revelation intrigue people. As we look briefly at eschatology today (study of the end times), I find hope, I find a warning, I find a mission, I find a calling. The end of the of the world? No, not yet. But God does have the future planned.
THE TRINITY. DOES IT REALLY MATTER?
The doctrine of the Trinity is one that boggles our minds. It has also been a point of contention within the church over the years. And in an effort to understand it completely on a human level, it has lead to a variety of heresies. Understanding the Trinity as the Bible presents it is vital to our lives, vital to our salvation, and very applicable to our lives.
ABOUT MORE THAN PROPHECY (REVELATION 2)
When people think of the book of Revelation, they often think of end times events and prophecy. Yet the book starts with letters to various churches, words from Jesus himself. And the content of these is much on practical Christian living & church body life. Revelation 2 NET
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
A HEART TO MODEL (1 THESSALONIANS 2)
Reading 1 Thessalonians 2, we see the heart of the Apostle Paul unfold before us. We see his steadfastness, purity, and affection among other admirable traits. His model becomes something for us to imitate as well as we see and think of those around us. Take some time to read 1 Thessalonians 2, watch the video, and then reflect on this text to see how you too can more model the heart of this apostle. 1 Thessalonians 2 NET
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED (JOHN 14)
There is much that can distress our hearts and minds today. Just think through the social and political turmoil over the last year. Then we add to that the daily events in our lives that tug at our hearts and minds to worry and be anxious. Jesus calls us to a different path – “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He calls us to rest in him and trust in him. It’s not always easy, but it gives a…
RESPONDING TO BAD LEADERS & LAWS (#ASKPD)
Sunday we covered the subject of civil disobedience (for that message, please see the link below). Let’s continue that subject a bit asking: “How do we respond to bad leaders & bad laws?” What part can we play in our society as citizens? And what should be our ultimate concern? This is a huge topic that even these few moments here won’t exhaust. Yet, we’ll give a few answers to these questions. “To Obey or Not Obey? That’s the Dilemma.”…
LESSONS FROM OUR KIDS
I often joke that I am going to write a book someday about all the lessons my kids teach me about my relationship with God and how we as adults often react to him. Perhaps I will, but I came across such an excerpt on Facebook today that I’d like to share with you about our relationship with God.
LET’S BE HONEST
“Hi, how are you?” The typical Sunday morning greeting or really a typical everyday American greeting. And this is usually followed by, “I’m good.” “I’m fine.” “I’m doing well.” “Thanks for asking. How are you?” And this is followed usually by the same answers. Are we really though? Are we really doing good? Are we really fine? Are we really well? The truth is that we often keep our brokenness, our hardships, our tears and fears bottled up and hidden…
GOD DOES CARE FOR YOU (1 PETER 5)
In 1 Peter 5, we find a number of verses that are well known to us. They remind us about the spiritual warfare that is present in our world today that is often in the background and may even by the source of our sufferings. In the midst of these trials and difficulties though, we are reminded that God does care for us. Take a moment to read the passage and then watch this video. 1 Peter 5 NET
NO GREATER JOY (3 JOHN)
Third John is a short little book, just 15 verses, yet there are some very meaningful texts that we miss in this often over looked epistle. One in particular has meant much to me as a father and as a pastor. Which one is it and why does it mean so much? Take a moment to watch. 3 John NET
LOVE IN ACTION (1 JOHN 4)
Love. It has often been defined by Hollywood but God gives us a better definition of what love is and then calls us to love. He calls us not just to an emotion though but to action which displays our love for one another. Read 1 John 4 and then take a moment to watch. 1 John 4 NET
LOVE & CONFORMITY (1 JOHN 2)
First John 2 has a number of well-known passages. One of those is vv. 15-17 where we are told not to love this fading world. Throughout the book of 1 John, the apostle calls us to fellowship with God and notes those things that either prohibit it or who that someone doesn’t have a relationship with him. Where does our love lie? Are we cookie cutters of our culture. Take a moment to watch. 1 John 2 NET
WALKING AS JESUS WALKED
As I read 1 John 2:6, I often think of the word obedience. To walk as Jesus walked though isn’t just about keeping a set of rules. Read through the gospels and you’ll note how he interacted with people. He used every opportunity to point people to truth and to the life found in him. As we go through our days, let’s not get so busy as to miss these opportunities to be light and salt as we show the…