Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law … so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law … so as to win those not having the law. To … Continue reading →
After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy. ~1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 NLT When my two daughters were young, I attended all the group presentations in which they participated. I took note of the other parents. When their child was next to do a solo or recitation, the parents’ anticipation rose. Shortly, … Continue reading →
As I waited in the doctor’s office, a young boy barged in and slammed the door. The receptionist, visible through the open window to the office, said, “Hi, Buddy. How was your day?” Been with the World The boy rolled his eyes. “Fine. Why do you ask me that every day? What’s to eat?” With a red face, the secretary buzzed her son through to the back. She noticed me watching and shrugged. “He’s always hungry when the bus drops … Continue reading →
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ~Matthew 5:14 ESV I remember receiving my first flashlight as a child. It illuminated the darkness around me and gave me a safe passage. I am a fan of flashlights. They guide us to see the dangers that lurk around us. The only catch is that they must work, and will if we have batteries and can turn them on. A flashlight with no … Continue reading →
The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. ~Matthew 26:41 ESV Recognizing our clay feet is the first step in having victory in the battle between the flesh and spirit. Once, on my way to church, the battle between the flesh and the spirit played out. I changed lanes on the expressway ahead of an oncoming vehicle. I had plenty of room to move over, but I guess I was going too slow for him because he started … Continue reading →
Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. ~2 Corinthians 2:15 NLT Having once been antique collectors and dealers—and still loving antiques—my wife and I love the smell of “old.” But smelling good for God. Well, that’s another story. How does old smell? Perhaps only those who deal with old things can tell. When I open a book published in … Continue reading →
Perfume’s Unchanging Value Your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out. ~Song 1:3b ESV Consider the value of fragrance. Perfume does not lose its value, regardless of what we spill it on. We can spill it on the floor or a wealthy person’s skin, and the value remains the same, as does the fragrance. Perfume can sit on a shelf untouched or be cherished one dab at a time by someone who has saved for years … Continue reading →
Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. ~Philippians 2:14-15 ESV Do you feel the tension? The battle between darkness and light? This dark and divided world is not a friendly place for people of the Light, but we can’t stop shining. We stop shining when we become offended when the … Continue reading →
One of my fondest memories while living at Bangor, Maine, was the night sky. I can still vividly recall the thousands of stars twinkling in the darkness and in contrast, the brightness of the moon…
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Father God loves giving us gifts. That’s why He desires that we receive and share the One True Bread, Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. In John 6:35 Jesus says to the disciples, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” …
