Daily Beatitudes

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be […]

Jesus Brings Blessing

The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority— quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today. First: He spoke these words outside rather […]

Jesus’ Message of Simple Faith

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 When it came to clear communication, Jesus was a master. Children and adults alike had no difficulty understanding His words or following His reasoning. This is remarkable […]

The End of the Beginning

The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. (1 Peter 4:7) During World War II, Winston Churchill encouraged and supported the people of Britain through endless dark hours. He made many memorable statements and speeches, but one rings particularly apt here. He was speaking to Parliament just […]

Shine Like Stars

Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor […]

The Most Christlike Attitude

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. (Philippians 2:1–2) As I have pored over Luke’s […]

Priorities

Life is a lot like a coin; you can spend it any way you wish, but you can spend it only once. Choosing one thing over all the rest throughout life is a difficult thing to do. This is especially true when the choices are so many and the possibilities are so close. To be completely truthful with you, however, we aren’t left with numerous possibilities.

Home

And his name will be the hope of all the world. Matthew 12:21 (NLT) No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. Acts 2:26 (NLT) Hope is our lifeline, keeping us engaged in the struggle. Marathoners press on to the finish line as long as they […]

He Is Risen!

Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. —Matthew 28:1 (NLT) Resurrection comes from resurge or resurgence, in the sense of “coming back” or “renewing” or “rising up.” In other words, Jesus Christ, who was once down, dead, laid aside, crucified, […]

Darkness and Silence

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. . . . Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” —Matthew 27:45–46 (NLT) Jesus barely clung to life. He was still pushing Himself up against the raw wooden beam […]

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