Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14, ESV
We are set apart for Christ by the Holy Spirit, so we are empowered to seek holiness and to desire peace with everyone, as He has made peace with us.
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6, ESV
Why would we avoid intimacy with our Creator? The more time we spend privately praying, the more we are aware of God at work in us and our world, the more we desire to share the Son with the world, the more joy and contentment we have.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
John 13:34, ESV
God’s love does not change. Love is not always making others happy or comfortable, but sometimes it takes speaking hard truths and turning others away from danger, as fun or kind as it may look.
But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5, ESV
Jesus bore our sins and shame once for all time. Nothing can change that. And putting your faith in Hos death and resurrection forever seals you for eternal life.
Quick update to yesterday’s Pray for a Persecuted Church Right now: The authorities have let go of others but the four elders/pastors detained from this persecuted church have been punished and sent to jail for two weeks. Updates will probably be delayed because of security concern. This post is timely and relevant, as it is about what the Bible teaches about persecution and believers.
Establish the need: Have you thought about Christian persecution?
Purpose: Today we shall see four of eight truths the Bible teaches about Christians and persecutions so that you be strong in Christ when the time comes.
View original post 359 more words
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2, ESV
God’s Word does not change. Listening to “new ideas” or arguments against what it clearly says only leads to confusion and doubt. Trust the Bible.
I like this list. Especially starting with “How are you?” Or something similar. I say especially, but I just like keeping it personal and personable. I also like how people like Ray Comfort and Todd Friel ask questions about people’s lives to make it more real and personal.
Daniel
Someone in a social media group said this:
Please CONTRIBUTE TO A LIST here of “conversation starter comments or questions” for those of us who enjoy spiritually fruitful and engaging conversations with non-believers and/or nominal-believers (those who would identify as christian), but often struggle to get such conversations started due to being introverted and/or somewhat socially awkward.
Here’s my answer, which is presented below:
View original post 172 more words
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
Hebrews 13:3, ESVLet us lift our brothers and sister in Christ up to our Father.
Just received word that one of the churches I have taught overseas at this moment right now have all their members and elders/pastors detained and interrogated by authorities. I want to ask if you can pray for these persecuted Christians. This is very heavy for me to hear.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17, ESV
Because God never changes, we can trust His promises, including that He cares for the needs of His people, often more than we understand.
Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the Lord.
Zephaniah 2:3, ESV
God is returning in judgment. Sooner than we may think.
Be humble and realize your need for His salvation through Christ’s work and from breaking His commands, and you will escape His wrath.
