This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one …
Focusing on Christ
Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before me….Teach me your way, Lord….Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. (Psalm 5:8, 27:11, 31:3) Note: When I talk about focus on Jesus, I mean focusing on God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. …
Listening to God
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart. Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes …
Martha, Mary And Christ
As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village (Bethany) where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Jesus and …
Goforth’s Rules
Jesus said: All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and 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 28:18-20) …
We Can’t Expect it to Last
Hear my prayer, Lord. Let my cry for help come to You. Do not hide Your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me. When I call, answer me quickly….My days are like the evening shadow; I wither away like grass. (Psalm 102:1-2,11) Success is Only Temporary Kevin “KD” Durant is a pro basketball player …
The Lord is Faithful
I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness….I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely. Their children will be a blessing. (Psalm 25:10, 37:25-26) Whale Riders and Psalm 37 The Māori …
Secure in Christ
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken….He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 16:8. 40:2) An Insecure Star Paul Newman (1925-2008) was an American actor, …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 3)
Jesus said: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19 NLT) More Pearls …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 2)
I will praise the Lord, who counsels me….God says: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you….You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory….Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalm 16:7, 32:8, 73:24, 119:24) This builds …