Christ doesn’t love us because of our merits. He knows we’re sinners. He loves us just because He loves us. He gave Himself for us, unworthy as we are. In the same way, the love of Christ within us seeks to serve, not to be served.
We all need a purpose that’s bigger than our own entertainment, and yet this is the norm for those caught up in the things of this world and what it has to offer. Let us not seek the entertainment of this life as our purpose.
Growth and maturing are offered to us through the Holy Spirit.
We’re called to be filled with the Spirit. In doing so, we find the Spirit begins to develop character traits within us: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
God never promises that His people will all be rich in material things in all seasons of life. Don’t make wealth your goal. Don’t be afraid to benefit others. Work hard, and trust God.
I have been confused by the hostility of family and friends. I look at people I have known all my life–so hate-filled that they agree with opinions they would never express as their own.
Whether we’re a professional athlete, a newsletter writer, a business person, a teacher, a plumber, or anything in between, we have an opportunity every day to honor God in our work with the gifts He’s given us, and to show the love of Christ to those around us as we do.
Those who are poor in spirit willingly ask, “Lord, is this pursuit or possession for Your glory or mine?” He delights in answering prayers like this and will uncover pride hiding in places we least expect.
I wanted the reward and not the struggle. I wanted the result and not the process. I was in love not with the fight, but only the victory.
Do you know what made the first-century church so effective? They weren’t rusted together by traditionalism or frozen together by some doctrinal belief. No, they were melded together by their genuine love for one another.
