Sometimes we forget that the battle is real. I’ve been gathering with a group of friends at church to work through Annie Downs’ Study, Looking for Lovely. I actually started looking for life’s lovely moments when I began Counting My Blessings years ago. So, I expected a “lovely” time doing the homework and meeting with…
Is it easy for you to share your faith? I’ve known outgoing individuals for whom sharing their faith in Jesus came naturally. And I’ve known others who are more introverted and don’t know where to begin. John wanted the world to know the Jesus he knew—the Son of God, his Lord and Savior. He wrote…
What does it take to help a soul prosper? When was the last time you thought about your soul and whether or not it was prospering? There are so many things vying for our attention: things to do, places to be, people to engage, and entertainment to distract. The thought hit me as I read…
I’m wordy. I don’t believe I’ve ever been succinct. I express my thoughts and emotions with words. Lots of words. If someone asked you to describe your faith in as few words as possible, what would you say? I’ve always said, “Jesus.” He is the One on whom our faith is focused. He is the…
Do you know your eternal future is secure? Do you question whether or not God is listening to your prayers? What do you think when you hear the words eternity and prayer? John addresses these concerns toward the end of his first letter. Here’s his answer to the first question… I have written this to…
We’re pausing our study of John’s letters today because it’s my birthday. So, I decided to share some verses that have blessed and encouraged me throughout my life. Helpful verses that the Spirit has used to grow my faith and give me peace and strength for life. The following 10 verses are part of my…
What do you do when you’re living through hard days and fear an uncertain future? John wanted believers to live with peace, confident that their eternal future was secure in Jesus. He wrote… Every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against…
The Bible says that when you love God, it’s wrong to hate your neighbor. That’s not an easy word to hear. It’s inspiring and encouraging to talk about how much God loves us. It’s easy to say the words, “I love God.” The challenge is when His Word says, “show me.” Jesus said, “If you…
Fear can prompt us to avoid foolish decisions and keep us out of dangerous situations. It can also paralyze us and keep us from living the life God wants for us. So, what do you and I need to defeat the fear that keeps us from truly living? I’ve written about my struggle with fear…
If you grew up attending Sunday School or Children’s Church, you likely learned to sing “Jesus Loves Me” at a very young age. Jesus loves me! this I know,For the Bible tells me so;Little ones to Him belong;They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!Yes, Jesus loves me!The Bible…
How do you handle hateful conflict? How should you and I love people who are selfish, divisive, and cruel? How are we to love individuals so determined to get their own way that they will say and do anything to manipulate an outcome? How do you and I love as God commands? John wrote… Dear…
Spiritual battles are real. It feels like the war between good and evil is becoming more evident every day. I wrote this two days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. I’ve watched the news and scrolled social media. I’ve observed expressions of love and hate. I’ve seen people professing their faith and others mock that faith. Good…
How are you and I supposed to know who we can believe? How can we identify reliable teachers or preachers who are sharing the truth? We have to test their words against the true Word.
Have you ever wondered about the difference between believing in Jesus’ name and believing in Jesus? The Bible tells us that both are important in a believer’s heart. John wrote… God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) And……
You and I have been called to live with love for God and people. It’s one of the things that makes our faith unique. Other religions insist on obedience to a specific list of rules. And some believe that those who won’t comply deserve death. Christians trust God through faith in Jesus. Jesus is God…
Have you ever met someone who believes they no longer sin now that they have faith in Jesus? I did once, years ago. What is the truth about faith and sin? John wrote… Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came…
Have you ever thought about that moment when you see Jesus face-to-face in glory? We’re going to look at God’s promises and imagine how we’ll feel and how we’ll react. Oh what a day it will be…
Are you a child of God? It’s not something you or I can do on our own. But it is something Jesus made possible and wants to do for us. John wrote… Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not…
We typically ask, “Who is the Antichrist?” But John explained, The “what” of the antichrists? not just the “who.” Generation after generation throughout the church age (which is from Jesus’ sacrificial first coming to His triumphant second coming), people have tried to identify the Antichrist. John wanted people to SEEK TRUTH. He wanted them to…
Love for this world refers to an attachment to its values, pleasures, and material possessions. It’s a temporary fix for a desire that can only be satisfied with faith, hope, and love.
People still hold varying ideas about Jesus true identity. If you and I want to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST the Lord, we need to SEEK Him first and grow in faith. We need His Word and Prayer to grow.
