I was reading in the book of Romans before shutting everything down for the evening. Again, as often happens, a verse seemingly leaped from the page. In my lifetime, this was not my first encounter with this verse, yet it felt as if I was reading it for the first time. Romans 15:13 has been rolling around in my spirit since that evening. I have included it from two of…
Read MoreThree important words for Today: Hope, Joy, Peace
In my Bible reading today, I came across a little verse tucked away in the fifteenth chapter of Romans: 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul is giving words of encouragement and exhortation to believers, and I have a few observations that helped me this morning.…
Read MoreBack to the Basics #2
2 The first two Bible passages that I used in part #1 were: 1 God-focussed Deuteronomy 6:4 2 Christ-following Luke 9:23 Today we are going to look at the next two: 3 Spirit-filled 1 Thessalonians 5:23 4 I am fully-loved John 3:16 23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul prays that the Thessalonians…
Read MoreChristmas Traditions
Joy to the world! It is one of the great carols of Christmas. The coming of Christ brings joy! The angels announced that it was “good news of great joy.” Even secular songs of the season reflect joy all the way from ‘Have a holly jolly Christmas to “its the most wonderful time of the year.” What is it that makes everyone a little happier and kinder? Certainly nostalgia plays some…
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