Church Blog (Page 21)

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 1 | #10: Proverbs 3:5 – 6 Stop and Ask Directions! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5 – 6). The book of Proverbs was, in simplest terms, written to impart wisdom and knowledge to everyone. It contrasts foolish, unholy, deadly living with wise, holy, lifegiving living. Simple enough. Life, however,…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 7: Keep On Doing the Work Jesus Left Us to Do | James 2:14 — 26 As I sit here writing this, it is the night before the election. We have many questions and we wonder who the victor will be in many different races, especially the presidential race. But for us, no matter who wins, what will be different? I say nothing. I say that we should imitate God, Who is the…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 6: Is Today the Day? (1 John 2:28) “And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming” (1 John 2:28). Do you ever count down the days to a specific future event? My family has a countdown calendar that we use to prepare us for special days. We’ll use it for birthdays, holidays, vacations, etc., and…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 5: Encourage One Another Definition ENCOURAGE “Give support and advice to (someone) so that they will do or continue to do something” Encourage one another The promise that “the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 is followed by a command: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Again, the affirmation that “the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the…

Ways to Prepare For Christ’s Return Day 4: Don’t Lose Hope (Titus 3:4 – 7) “. . . when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 3: Accept the Uncertainties Have you ever set a deadline for something thinking you had plenty of time to get that project done and then before you know it that deadline is upon you and you have made little or no progress towards that goal? Time is one of the few things in life that can simultaneously seem like we have both too much and too little. Parents know what I’m talking about.…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return #2: Be Discerning Ready or Not, Here He Comes!  “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). This is a rather unusual devotional because it is not necessarily written for believers, nor is it helpful for anyone alive today. Explanations will follow. Did you play hide-and-seek as a child? When I was in high school, I disliked Phys Ed so much that…

Ways to Prepare for Christ’s Return Day 1: Live as Though Jesus’ First Coming Mattered (Mark Chapter 13) Did you ever embarrass yourself because you were not prepared for an event? For example, because you didn’t understand what it meant to prepare properly, you might have presented the worst seminar in the history of your business. But you could do much worse — You could go into the next life unprepared. Jesus talks about our preparation for his return in…

The Fruit of the Spirit Day 9: Self-Control “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25:28) As we end our series, The Fruit of the Spirit, we come to self-control. As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, it is important for us to practice self-control. When I was young, self-control was definitely not a strength of mine. I had a short temper and was quick to let those around me…

The Fruit of the Spirit Day 8: Gentleness Definition GENTLENESS “The quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered;” “Soft of action or effect, lightness” Bible verses “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5). SHOW YOUR GENTLENESS TO EVERYONE, TIME IS SHORT. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). YOUR BODY SHOULD BE CLOTHED WITH GENTLENESS. “A gentle answer turns away wrath,…