Because of Jesus we can walk right up to God. Without Jesus we do not have an access to God. But because Jesus died on the cross and was raised on the third day, we can approach God without hesitation. Quite a gift, isn’t it? Now we can draw near to God and we are more than welcome in his presence. And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of…
How did you react to the reading of the Christmas story from Luke 2 this year? Isn’t it amazing how it captures our hearts every time we hear it? Why does it move us year after year? You know, most stories do get boring. But the Christmas story is not just any story. The Christmas story is not just any story We are all familiar with the story line yet we never get tired of hearing the Christmas story. Because…
I love different Bible translations. Years ago I wrote a thanksgiving post based on the Message version of this verse and thought it was so inspiring. Today I read the same verse from the Amplified Bible and saw it in a totally different light. So here’s my this year’s thanksgiving post. Praise God for the peace of Christ. Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding…
Did you wait for summer so life could get a bit less hectic? But now you’ve found yourself running a busy summer schedule? Now you’ve wondering where did the promised restful time disappear? Where is your peace, right? It’s great to have many opportunities. It’s great to have a chance to try different things. But busyness does not bring peace or rest or rejuvenation, all those things that we were wanting from this summer. It’s time to cut back, don’t…
The world says losing is for losers. The Bible says losing is gaining. Which one do you believe? The world says you need to cumulate stuff, fame, wealth in order to be happy. The Bible says if you lose it all, you will gain everything in Christ. It sure sounds backwards. But it is the way to life everlasting. Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside…
God is love, right? The Bible says so. And most of people agree. God is also joy. Something we don’t always think about. Even that is not all. God is also peace. Really. God does not only give peace but he is peace. The Bible tells this too. So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. (Judges 6:24, NIV, emphasis added) Just like we can’t separate real love or joy from God, we can’t…
Are you stressed out? Does a quiet retreat sound good? Are you looking for a get away in the midst of chaos? Make sure you’re not looking for peace in wrong places. C.S. Lewis reminds us “God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.” There’s no peace without Jesus. No matter what the world says. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have…
The million dollar question in today’s chaotic lifestyle is how you can have peace and quiet despite all odds. How about you? Do you know how to have peace beyond understanding? If you do, you are blessed beyond measure. Here are two Bible verses to lead you in the right direction: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:7, NIV,*) The fruit of that righteousness will be…
This is a gentle and hopefully encouraging reminder that you are not alone in your troubles. No matter how you feel, no matter how chaotic your life seems to be right now, you are not alone. God is our ever-present help. He will not leave you nor forsake you. You can stake your life on that promise. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the…
Sometimes you hear someone mention they’ll return to God when they get their act together. That makes me sad because they’ve misunderstood the process so badly. It’s not our job to put our act together on our own. We need Jesus for that. But Jesus is more than happy to help us out. Anytime. Anywhere. With the words of Oswald Chambers “If the Spirit of God detects anything in you that is wrong, He does not ask you to put…
