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 …
Pastoral Counseling (Part 1)
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him….We have this hope in Christ as an anchor for the soul, firm, and secure….Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Acts 10:38; Hebrews 6:19, 13:8) …
Meekness is Not Weakness (Psalm 37)
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31) God is Beautifying Us Pastor Scott Sauls says that many of the world’s most accomplished people became their best selves because of their distress, not in spite …
You Can’t Always Say What You Want
With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous….It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor. A sensible person keeps quiet….A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare….Wise words are like deep waters. Wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook. (Proverbs 11:9,12, 15:1, 18:4 NLT) I am currently teaching on “Controlling …
Think Before Speaking
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut….Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent….Fools have no interest in understanding. They only want to air their own opinions….Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. (Proverbs 10:19, 17:28, 18:2, 21:23 …
Tongue Control
Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin.” Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing …
Christ’s Wisdom in Proverbs (Part 2)
Listen, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; …
Christ’s Wisdom in Proverbs (Part 1)
Now then, my children, listen to me. Blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find …
Haughty or Humble?
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) The Corinthian Problem In this part of 1 Corinthians, Jesus reminds us that He sends us out to others and we are His servants, …