I know we’ve talked a lot about persecution in the last few weeks, and I understand that no one likes to think about it, let alone talk about it. But if it was important enough for Jesus to inform us, we must pay attention. Why do you think Jesus told His followers to be prepared…
For those of us who have grown up in a primarily Christian nation, it’s unsettling to see the anger and animosity people are directing toward Jesus’ followers. Why do you think people hate followers of Jesus? We shouldn’t be surprised, Jesus said… “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would…
I hardly know where to begin today. Today’s verses are packed full of powerful and uplifting truths for life. Jesus’ Uplifting Truths for Life ♥ The Lord loves you and me, and He wants us to love Him. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9…
I’m not a gardener, but I know branches must be connected to the trunk to survive. Jesus used that truth to share an analogy, telling His followers the importance of remaining connected to Him for life. It’s a truth we still need today. You and I must be connected to Jesus. Rev loved gardening. So,…
How often do you think, if only I could enjoy a few moments of peace? Peace of mind is not easy to come by. There are stressors within and without. The news and social media are full of stories that the enemy uses in his attempt to steal our peace. And once he gets his…
We learn that Jesus loves us as children, but what does it mean to live and love Jesus? If you went to church as a child, you learned the song – Jesus Loves Me… Jesus loves me, this I knowFor the Bible tells me so;Little ones to Him belongThey are weak, but He is strong….
Are you anxious? Do you need encouragement? When Jesus said, “I tell you the truth,” we can believe Him. He consistently spoke reliable truths and promises that never change or fail. The only side note is that His truth must be understood as intended, not manipulated to mean what we want. The night Jesus was…
The following is one of Jesus’ most assuring promises… “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6 The Life Application Bible Notes explain it like this… “As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, He is the reality of all God’s promises. As the life, He joins…
Have you ever wanted to sit quietly alone with Jesus, just to hear Him share His heart with you? When you and I are afraid, confused, anxious, or sad, we need the assurance of God’s promises to encourage us and give us hope. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read the next three…
You might be willing to suffer a lot for someone you love, but how much would you suffer for people who betrayed, denied, and hated you? That’s the overwhelming love of Jesus. The following words prove that Jesus knew what was coming, but they must have been confusing and upsetting for His disciples… Dear children,…
Have you ever been betrayed by someone you loved? You thought you could trust them. You were close and believed they would be part of your life forever. Even today, you may not know what happened, but suddenly, they were gone, and the lies they told about you turned your life upside down. I’ve been…
Do you know someone you would characterize as being humble and loving? Would people use those words to describe you? Paul wrote… For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love….
When the Bible says God hardened hearts, what is it saying? Does God intentionally prevent some people from knowing, loving, and trusting Him? Even after all Jesus’ miracles and promises, John wrote… But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in Him. But the people couldn’t…
Imagine yourself as a part of the crowd in the following verses… Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:23–24 (CSB)…
Holy Week begins on a day we call Palm Sunday. Many churches pass out Palm branches as attendees proclaim… “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” John 12:13 (ESV) Some translations have replaced the word ‘Hosanna” with “Praise God.” And although we have many reasons to praise God as we…
Is any gift too great to give to someone who called your loved one out of the grave and brought them back to life? For Lazarus’ sister, Mary, the answer is “no!” Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man He had raised from the dead. A dinner…
Solomon wrote… History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. Ecclesiastes 1:9–11 Those were the first words that came to mind when I read the following verses in John 11……
Jesus promised to give all who believe in Him life now and forever. Have you ever envied Mary and Martha as you were grieving the death of a loved one? Jesus knew He was on a mission to raise Lazarus from the dead. He told His disciples… “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now…
Blaise Pascal wrote… “Not only do we not know God except through Jesus Christ; we do not even know ourselves except through Jesus Christ.” How is that possible and what does it mean? The Bible tells us it’s because Jesus is fully God and Man. Paul wrote… “In Christ lives all the fullness of God…
Life changed the year COVID-19 first spread around the world. Countless lives were lost, many more were ill, and everyone struggled with lockdowns and social changes. They tell us that feelings of hopelessness and depression increased exponentially. It makes us wonder how to maintain hope when the future appears hopeless. A good place to start…
I’ll never forget the first time I knew I’d heard Jesus’ voice. I’m sure He had spoken to me at other times in my 24 years, but this was the first time I was certain it was the Lord speaking into my thoughts and touching my heart. Jesus told His followers… The gatekeeper opens the…
