The Power of Words
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." - Proverbs 18:21 NASB20
Joy + Patience = Peace
One night in prayer, I was wrestling with a challenge that I could not see how to pray. I could not see the end result to pursue. Admittedly, It was frustrating until I heard the Lord’s clear small voice, “Can you trust Me even when you don’t know the outcome?” I. Was. Wrecked. As much as I wanted to say yes, I knew I was not there. For me, this realization is where the wrestle began to let patience, perseverance, steadfastness, and calmness work on me. To trust God for the outcomes means
Finding Enduring Hope
When our hope is in God and not the world, we cannot lose it because we set our affection on Him. Hope is such a powerful heart position. It helps get through the difficult times with peace and joy. When we are weak, God renews our strength to endure. Don't lose heart because of delays. Hold on to your joy, your drive, and your focus. Hang on to your dream.
Empowering Grace
In the hustle and bustle of life, there is a need for strength. In order to get through life’s challenges and trials, mental, emotional, and spiritual strength are what carry us through and help us find resilience, perseverance, and endurance. But, how can you be strong all the time? What do you do when your strength is growing weary?
Delight to Do His Will
In the life of a disciple, our primary desire is to do the will of the LORD. By love, we choose the Father's will over our own, regardless of outcome or consequence. This is our delight to do so. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Peace with God Through Prayer
Prayer is a practice and discipline. When we pray, we exercise our faith in God. Though we oft pray petitions according to our own will and desires, we learn from Christ's example in the garden “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will"(Matthew 26:39, ESV). So even when we do not know the answer, God is faithful to hear us and answer by calming our fears.
Overcoming
A life of vulnerability empowers one to live truthfully and openly, allowing people to see your state of mind and heart standing firm in your God-given identity. Being this powerful, impactful, and inspiring moves in unconditional compassion by feeling the pain of another and being moved to offer whatever time, talent, and resources are available. This is what Paul means by overcoming evil with good…
What Would Jesus do?
Learning to do justice is about learning to see the world with God’s sense of impartiality. Some think of justice as punishment. But God’s justice isn’t just about punishment; it’s about fairness. “To do justice “means to do what is fair. When we do God’s form of justice, our behavior reflects God’s standards, not our human reasoning, fermented by a perceived wrong inflicted on us.
Not My Will
He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from me; nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:41-42 NKJV ) There are two crucial lessons in this passage…
God of the Valley
The Syrians were at it again. They were planning an attack against Israel, promising a sound defeat because they had a new plan to succeed. They would attack Israel in the plains, near the city of Aphek. The Syrians mistakenly believed Israel’s God had no power in the valleys and plains. It took no more power for God to deliver Israel from the Syrians than it did for him to speak the earth in existence. Our God is sovereign, not limited by the mountains or valleys of life.
Who is Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. As such, we need to know Who the Holy Spirit is and what His function is in our lives.
When Jesus's time to return to the Father had come, He promised not to leave His disciples without comfort; He promised to send "another Helper."
Don’t Start That Fire!
A fire kindled under control produces light smoke, however, when a fire is uncontrolled, consuming everything around it, there is thick, black smoke. It would seem that James used this illustration to describe the use of our tongue for a reason.
