From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 The word “repentance” is not always understood. To repent is to feel regret or remorse. It is to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to amending one’s life. Confession and repentance are necessary parts of […]
Read More...To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 At times we face unjust suffering, not as extreme as Jesus’ crucifixion, but painful, nevertheless. This calls for us to look to Jesus as our example – to fix […]
Read More...When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:33-34 (First published […]
Read More...Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 (PHILLIPS) […]
Read More...If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 Years ago, when I was still driving, I was pulled over after going through a school zone. The officer asked me, “Did you know what your speed was?” I didn’t. […]
Read More...“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven….Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-45, 48 Controlled by an inner […]
Read More...Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would […]
Read More...Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. God, in his foreknowledge, chose them to bear the family likeness of his Son, that he might be the eldest of a family of many brothers. Romans 8:28-29 (PHILLIPS) […]
Read More...There came a time when the entire truth surfaced. Pain intensified and anger did as well. All that had been her life, the present and the past, stolen. Multiple betrayals. Reputation destroyed. Mental health damaged. Jesus told us to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44) She had obeyed as […]
Read More...(Written in January 2017) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 Jesus knew all about forgiving. He came to do a […]
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