Posts with the tag “love”

"Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." - Joshua 21:45   God’s promises are something you can depend on, no matter how unpredictable life can be. Imagine the people of Israel, looking back over generations of promises made and fulfilled, recognizing a pattern in God’s character: He is always faithful.  Joshua 21:45 tells u...  Read More

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”- John 14:15   “Impossible situations are where God’s glory shines the brightest.” This powerful insight from Sarah Walton encapsulates an important truth we see throughout the Bible.  Think of Daniel in the lion’s den, Peter in prison, Jonah in the belly of a whale, and David facing the giant Goliath. The stories of the disciples battling storms, le...  Read More

“Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them.” - Luke 6:31   Did you know that Jesus’ teaching on kindness wasn’t entirely original? Long before Jesus walked the earth, similar principles were spoken by various thinkers and religious leaders. Confucius, for instance, advised, “Do not unto others what you would not wish done to yourself.”  The Buddhists taught, “Putting oneself in t...  Read More

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” - Ephesians 4:32   You might know Robert E. Lee as a prominent Confederate General from the Civil War, but did you know that after retiring from the military, he became the President of Washington and Lee University? During his tenure from 1865 to 1870, he implemented a remarkable principle that still res...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." – Galatians 5:22-23    The writer of Hebrews reminds us that our primary focus shouldn’t be on this temporary life but rather on the eternal home we have with God. This perspective helps us live purposefully, knowing that our mission on earth is to please and serve Him. Whil...  Read More

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23    Remember playing "dress up" as a kid? Maybe you dressed up as a superhero, a princess, or an army man. When I was young, my friends and I would play "Army Man," and the moment we put on our army gear, in our minds, we were real soldiers.  The battlefie...  Read More

“I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before my God. Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you.” - Revelation 3:1-3  Jesus’ mes...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   We have spent the last few days discussing the church in Ephesus, a church that was once devoted to love. John, the ‘beloved disciple,’ was their pastor. Thirty years before John wrote his Revelation on the island of Patmos, Paul commended this church in his letter to the Ephesians, saying he had heard ...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   As we dive into Jesus’ messages to the seven churches in Revelation, one striking aspect stands out: Jesus doesn’t just praise these churches or merely criticize them. Instead, He offers a balanced perspective, pointing out both their strengths and their weaknesses. This approach is something we can lear...  Read More

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." — Ephesians 1:7   One significant spiritual blessing we experience "in Christ" is our redemption. The concept of being redeemed refers to the act of buying something out of the market, and in biblical terms, it paints the picture of a slave market. Because of the sins in our live...  Read More

"For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him." — Ephesians 1:4   Have you ever wondered about your purpose in life? According to Paul, if you are "in Christ," you have been set apart for a specific purpose: to reflect the holiness and goodness of God to the world around you.  This concept of being "set apart" is deeply significant. Paul t...  Read More

"To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus." - Ephesians 1:1   Let’s talk about being a saint. Sainthood isn’t achieved, it’s received. And it’s only received through the person of Jesus Christ. As I read that this week, I thought to myself… according to the Catholic Church, it is nearly impossible to become a Saint.  But the Bible says something completely different. God calls everyone wh...  Read More

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." - Hebrews 6:19   The devil loves to convince us that we are unworthy. He whispers lies in our ears, causing us to feel insecure in our relationship with the Lord. But Hebrews 6:19 assures us that when we are "in Christ," we are "firm and secure" in Him. When God says you’re something, it doesn’t matter if the devil says you’re somethi...  Read More

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" - John 14:6   Have you ever felt like your religious practices were leaving you empty and unsatisfied? You're not alone. Even King Solomon, known for his wisdom, grappled with this struggle. Solomon pursued every avenue imaginable in his quest for fulfillment, including religion. Yet, he disc...  Read More

"Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, 'I am thirsty.' A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." - John 19:28-30  I...  Read More

"About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." - Matthew 27:46   In the midst of His crucifixion, Jesus uttered a cry of anguish that resonates with the depths of human suffering. His words, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?" reveal not only the intense physical pain He was experienc...  Read More

"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, 'Woman, here is your son.'" - John 19:26   As Jesus hung on the cross, bearing the weight of the world's sins, His eyes fell upon His mother, Mary, and the disciple whom He loved. In the midst of His agony, He didn't forget His earthly responsibilities. Instead, He demonstrated profound compassion by ...  Read More

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13-14   Our life's journey is like choosing between two roads—either heading towards a rough patch or finding redemption. It's an old dilemma that's been echoing ...  Read More

"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:15   Consider the parallel between our lives and the ancient rebellion of Lucifer and the fallen angels. If one day we stand before God as guilty, with our life marked by unaddressed rebellion, our destiny aligns with those who rebelled against Him thousands of years ago. However,...  Read More

"Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14   Take a moment to reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14. The imagery is vivid—two gates, two roads, and the critical choice between them. It raises a...  Read More

"Be ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." - 1 Peter 3:15   The world is brimming with questions, and it seems like everyone is on a quest for answers. As believers, we're called not just to know what we believe but also to understand why we believe it. Over the next few days, we're going to be delving into a tough question that often ...  Read More

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:8 The Bible makes this one thing very clear: God is love. We’re not talking about some half-hearted, conditional love; we’re talking about the real deal. Now, here’s the kicker—we were created by God and for God. But here’s where it gets interesting. To experience true love, you need something crucial—free will...  Read More

“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19 Your DECISION to love God has a transformative impact on your POSITION with Him. And that POSITION, in turn, changes your REFLECTION for God. Every one of us is a reflection of what we love. God intentionally designed us with a mirrored soul so that our deepest affections would naturally radiate, visible for the world to see. Just as y...  Read More

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” – 1 John 5:3 The intertwined nature of our love for God and our obedience to Him is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. In fact, it’s not just a casual connection; it’s a foundational principle that shapes the essence of our relationship with the Almighty. As we explore this truth, let’...  Read More

“But whoever loves God is known by God.” – 1 Corinthians 8:3 The connection between your decision to love God and the resulting change in your position with God is a profound truth that transforms the dynamics of your relationship with Him. You may wonder, “How does loving God change my position?” Let’s explore this concept together. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 8:3, unveils ...  Read More

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5In the timeless message of Deuteronomy 6:5, the Lord speaks to us today with a resounding truth: He desires and requires a love that is complete, undivided, and wholehearted. The challenge laid before us is profound—God is not satisfied with an incomplete love. He doesn’t...  Read More

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 In the profound simplicity of Deuteronomy 6:5, Moses emphasizes a concept that transcends casual affection—a complete love for God. There are two words in this verse that beckon our attention today, and the first word is crucial: ALL. Moses deliberately uses this word thr...  Read More

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” – Deuteronomy 6:5 If you ever stand before the door of an orthodox Jewish home, you’ll encounter a small yet significant reminder of their faith—a Mezuzah. This container, marked with the word ‘Shaddai,’ holds a piece of parchment inscribed with the foundational Scripture from Deuteronomy ...  Read More

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20Our mission is clear. We are called to make disciples of all nations, to baptize new believers, to teach them God’...  Read More

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 In marriage, there are moments when the rhythm falters, and enmity threatens to overshadow the intimacy you once shared. But take heart, for there’s a transformative step in this journey: the intentional choice to embrace love. 1 Peter 4:8 implores us to “love each other deeply, becaus...  Read More

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4 Have you ever noticed how love and selfishness stand at opposite ends of the spectrum? It’s like two forces constantly vying for control of our hearts. In Philippians 2:4, we’re reminded, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of other...  Read More

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20In a world where hate often appears to be on the rise, we are called to be different as followers of Jesus. The term “haters” has become all too common in our society, as people express ...  Read More