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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…
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Blessed is She Who Believes
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what He has spoken to her. – Luke 1:45 This life is made bearable and meaningful because we have chosen to live it for God, seeking to build His kingdom with the gifts He’s given us, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Living life as an Ambassador of Christ, a Daughter of The King, is not an easy task, but it’s one that God has provided clear direction, hope, and promises to those who choose to believe in Him and follow His leading. Without faith, it’s impossible…
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A Shopping Encounter
Just before Christmas, I was debating whether to go shopping or postpone it for another day. As I thought about it, the idea of buying my husband some new jeans came to mind, and I felt that I was supposed to go that day to a specific store. When I arrived at the store, I was greeted by my sweet friend Molly, whom I didn’t know worked there. It was such a nice surprise. We hugged each other, and we were blessed with a few moments to talk. Earlier in the day, while working on my bible study, I was reminded of Divine Encounters and had written in my journal…
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Instant Replay
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude. It is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 Instant replay can be a wonderful thing when it comes to sports, horse racing, and even funny videos. It can also help solve crimes when reviewing camera footage, looking for specific details or clues. But one area in our lives where hitting replay over and over again can become a major problem is…
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Joy is a Choice
Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 CEV The other day, I was reminded of how easy it is to fall into the world’s way of thinking that everything should work out just the way I want it to. As a planner, I constantly make schedules and create routines that I would prefer to stay just the way I’ve made them, but the truth is, life happens, and they are often interrupted. My washer and dryer had served their purpose, and it was time to replace them. After shopping around, we found…