Live Boldly
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Forever Changed
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they took note that these men had been with Jesus. As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:13,20 Years ago, I went to a Women of Faith conference with several ladies from the church I was attending. After the first day of the conference, we were all gathered in the lobby of the hotel, talking about the highlights of the day. We were amazed at how God was using these women in such mighty ways and how many incredible experiences these ladies were having. As…
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In the Stillness
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46: 1-3,10 This week has been filled with deep emotion. There are numerous events unfolding in the world that have stirred up a wide range of emotions in people across our nation. Everywhere you look, there seems to be unrest, confusion, and people expressing their opinions in both good and bad ways. I watched a funeral yesterday of…
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Delayed obedience is still disobedience
If you love me, you will obey me. John 14:15 A very powerful statement in the Experiencing God study that I’ve been participating in said, “Delayed obedience is still disobedience.” Many times I’ve thought of the story in the bible where a father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard; the first son says “no,” but later changes his mind and goes, while the second son says “yes, sir” but doesn’t go. Jesus asks which son did the father’s will, and the answer is the first son, teaching that actions matter more than mere words. (Matthew 21: 28-32) Today, that very story was mentioned in the study, and…
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On my knees
In the middle of the night, I thought of a woman I had met at one of the Grief Share classes at my church. It was one of those moments when you become wide awake with thoughts that fill every part of your mind. I don’t know what was going on in her life at that moment, but I knew I was to pray for her. I began praying while lying in bed and then felt it was to be an “on my knees” kind of prayer that needed to be prayed. You know the type that requires your full attention and no distractions. After the prayer, I was to…
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Climbing Companion
When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. – Matthew 5:1-2 MSG Today’s passage is where the Sermon on the Mount begins. It’s in this sermon that Jesus teaches his disciples what it’s like to live differently as a follower of Christ. This Christlike lifestyle is further described in the passage as it transitions into the Beatitudes, which, when lived out, display the Godly character of true believers and the blessings that will reward their obedience. The first two verses caught my…
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Notes of Encouragement
On Monday, I was becoming increasingly discouraged by all the world events that were taking place. Wars, riots, greed, deliberate hate, and the list goes on. I generally don’t watch the news for this very reason, but there just seemed to be issues happening everywhere. Then I saw a notice that the son of a friend of mine had died. He was a soldier in the Israeli Defence Force. It was like the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was too much. It seemed like evil was winning, and I just cried and cried for all the hurting that is going on in this world. As I prayed, I…
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Living Differently
You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life. – 1 Timothy 4:12 It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently, as Jesus called us to do. But as true disciples of Chris,t we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount…
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Put it into Practice
I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and puts them into practice. – Luke 6:47 When Jesus finished teaching His disciples about the many ways that following Him was different than following the world, He challenged them to put His teachings into practice. Living the disciple’s lifestyle doesn’t happen overnight, which is why He referred to the process as building, which takes time and must start with a solid foundation. Each time we face a challenge, turn the other cheek, take our thoughts captive, forgive, and not only hear His Word, but become doers of His Word, we are building on…
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Salt and Light
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Matthew 5: 13,14 When Jesus told His disciples that they were to be salt and light, He was giving them references that could be easily understood. Salt is a source of flavor that can also cause thirst. Just as salt seasons and changes the flavor of food, a disciple of Christ should be an agent of change to help bring people into a right relationship with God. Likewise, a taste of salt will cause thirst. When we live as obedient followers of Christ, the way we speak and act has the power to draw thirsty people…
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The Beatitudes
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3-10 The Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded sermon given by Jesus to His followers. He wanted to prepare them, and us, to live a radically…