Tag Archives: perspective

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are Those who Hunger and Thirst

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Taste, and see that the Lord is good. Matt did.

Matt was an official responsible for collecting taxes. He wasn’t well liked, and at times, Matt inflated the amounts owed to add extra cushion to his own pockets. Matt was at work one day, and it turned into a historic day. Matt had a life-changing experience.

The day began as any other. Matt was in his office collecting from tax payers, and taking much more than they owed. A large crowd came down the road being led by Jesus.

As they passed by, Jesus called out to Matt. One thing led to another, and Matt found himself hosting a dinner party where Jesus was the guest of honor. It was on this day Matt realized the truth of Scripture.

“God blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

The life-altering experience for Matt was a changing of pursuits. His desire changed from gaining material possessions for himself to pursuing a close relationship with the Lord. Rather than robbing others, he began having compassion for them. Seeking the Lord satisfied a longing inside Matt that couldn’t be fulfilled any other way.

Notice the promise of Matthew 5:6. Seeking after a relationship with the Lord leads to satisfaction. What are you pursuing today?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

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A nice house, lots of money, and an awesome car. It seemed John had it all. He may have gained his possessions through a questionable lifestyle. Working as an illegal drug runner provided a great income for John, and no one was judging him. That is, except for John himself.

One morning, as John was pulling into his garage, reality hit him in the gut. He had everything, yet he had nothing. He could buy anything, but he was lonely. He didn’t have any friends, and he believed if he died, no one would even care. He had a sense of hopelessness wash over him. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, and searched the word “hope” on YouTube. A video popped up where John heard these words. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matthew 5:3).

John dwelled on these words, and as the day continued, he realized there was hope in this promise.

Just as John found hope in this promise, you and I can as well.

  • “For this is how God loved the world: He gave  his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16-17).
  • “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9).
  • “For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:11:12). 

Realizing our need for God is the first step in finding hope in the promises he makes us.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 10: The Best is Still Coming

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It may be the best year or the worst year, but no matter how it stacks up, we’re guaranteed the best is still coming. This brings us to the 10th of our 10 rock-solid promises.

10. The best is still coming.

2 Corinthians 4 says, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

What we go through today is only temporary and a better day is coming.

The first 10 days of this year may have been the best you’ve ever experienced, but there is something better coming.

2024 may mark the worse start to a year you’ve ever had. If so, something better is coming.

What’s coming is Heaven, and as 2 Corinthians 4 says, Heaven will outweigh all the temporary struggles we have. Scripture gives a glimpse of what this will look like.

John records, “I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’

And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:3-5).

No matter how this year shapes up, we’re assured something better is coming. Scripture assures Heaven awaits.

Thanks for reading, and talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 9: We Are Not Alone

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There may be times in 2024 when we feel isolated, but Scripture provides a rock-solid promise this is not the case.

9. We are not alone.

This is a twofold promise.

The Lord is always with us.

  • “Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me” (Psalm 118:7).
  • “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalm 121:2).
  • Hebrews 13:6 says, “So we can say with confidence, ‘My help comes from the Lord, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?”

We have one another.

Peter reminds us all believers are going through the same thing. “Be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation” (1 Peter 5:9-10).

We can rely on one another. We can ask one another for help. We’re certainly not on this journey of life alone.

Cling to this rock-solid promise if you experience feelings of isolation or loneliness this year.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 7: The Lord Will Help With Heart Break

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Heart break is unavoidable as we go through life, so you and I may experience a broken heart this year. I certainly hope our year doesn’t include heart break. I don’t have it on my list of wanted experiences, but if it occurs, Scripture promises the Lord will help.

7. The Lord will help us with heart break.

Psalm 34:18 promises, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

If you land in a season of broken heartedness this year, you can rely on the Lord to help. He will walk with you through that time and into a better season.

Thanks for reading. Please share. We’ll talk again tomorrow at 6 a.m. Eastern.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 5: The Lord Ensures Our Needs Are Met

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Perhaps one of the major contributors to our anxiety is concern about having enough. Enough money to pay this month’s rent; enough time to get everything done. Enough resources to meet our needs. Start looking at the bank statement and our schedules, and our anxiety level raises. The Lord has a rock-solid promise for these moments.

5. The Lord will ensure our needs are met.

 “I will ensure your needs are met,” the Lord assures us.

In Matthew 6, Jesus points to the birds, and reminds us they do not worry about having enough food, yet they always have plenty. He points to the flowers and reminds us they do not worry about their appearance, yet they are always beautiful. Verse 33 reminds us as we seek after the Lord, he ensures all of our needs are met as well. The Lord promises we do not have to worry about having enough; he will make sure we do.

So, as you begin to ask, “Will there be enough,” remember, the Lord says he has our back.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 4: We Can Cast Anxieties on the Lord

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Here is the 4th of 10 rock-solid promises we can carry with us in 2024 and beyond.

4. We can cast our anxieties upon the Lord.

There’s little doubt 2024 will bring its share of anxieties, but the Lord promises we can cast those cares upon him and he will help us find peace.

We are reminded in Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Amid the anxious moments of the year, remember this rock-solid promise, and cast your anxieties upon the Lord.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll have promise 5 tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Rock-Solid Promise 3: We Can Ask for Help with Confidence

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Life will pull us in many directions this year. Most likely, you and I will find ourselves needing help on more than one occasion. So, here is another rock-solid promise to which we can hold tightly.

3. We can ask for help with confidence.

We can ask for help in any and every situation, and we are assured the Lord understands. According to the rock-solid promise of Hebrews 4, the Lord will respond with mercy and grace.

Hebrews 4:16 encourages, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

No matter where we find ourselves, or what we are forced to deal with, remember, we can ask for help, and the Lord will graciously respond.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Year In Review: A simple Guide for Christians

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As 2023draws to a close, it’s natural for us to take a moment and reflect on the journey we’ve traveled. For Christians, this reflection is more than just reminiscing about the past; it’s an opportunity to look back with gratitude, learn from experiences, and set our sights on the future with hope.

Look Back With Gratitude

First and foremost, let’s focus on gratitude. As Christians, we believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Take a moment to think about the blessings, big and small, that have filled your life this past year. Maybe it’s the support of friends and family, the strength to face challenges, or the joy found in everyday moments. Give thanks for these gifts, acknowledging God’s faithfulness in providing for you.

Learn From Experiences

Next, consider the lessons learned. Life is a journey of growth, and each experience, whether positive or challenging, has something to teach us. Reflect on the times you faced difficulties and how you overcame them. Think about the moments of joy and what they revealed about the goodness of God. What lessons can you carry into the coming year to grow even stronger in your faith and character?

Set Our Sights on the Future With Hope

Now, turn your gaze towards the future with hope. The Bible tells us that God has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As you reflect on the year ending, consider how God might be guiding you into the next chapter of your life. What dreams and aspirations has He placed in your heart? Trust that His promises are true and that the new year holds opportunities for growth, purpose, and joy.

In conclusion, reflecting on the ending year is a simple yet powerful practice for Christians. It allows us to express gratitude, learn from our experiences, and approach the future with hope. As you bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, may your heart be filled with thanksgiving, wisdom, and the assurance that God’s plans for you are filled with hope and purpose.

Thanks for reading.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Cultivating Christmas Joy: 5 Tips for Keeping the Spirit Alive Year-Round

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As the festive lights dim and the ornaments are packed away, many of us find ourselves yearning to carry the joy of Christmas into the coming months. Fortunately, the spirit of Christmas is not bound to a single season but can be nurtured and sustained throughout the entire year. Here are five simple suggestions to help you keep the joy of Christmas alive in your heart, no matter the date on the calendar.

  1. Practice Gratitude Daily: Gratitude is a powerful antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the blessings around you. Recall the warmth of Christmas joy by expressing gratitude for the simple pleasures, the love of family and friends, and the gift of each new day.
  2. Extend Acts of Kindness: Christmas is a season of giving, and this spirit can be perpetuated year-round through acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement, or simply share a smile. Acts of kindness not only brighten someone else’s day but also contribute to the joy that permeates the Christmas season.
  3. Keep the Message of Hope Alive: Christmas is a celebration of hope, symbolized by the birth of Jesus Christ. Stay connected to this message by engaging in regular moments of prayer, reflection, and Bible study. Let the hope that Christmas brings be a guiding light throughout the year, helping you navigate challenges with faith and optimism.
  4. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements: Just as we celebrate the birth of Christ during Christmas, take time to acknowledge and celebrate personal milestones and achievements. Reflect on your growth, express gratitude for accomplishments, and recognize the goodness in your journey. This ongoing celebration fosters a sense of joy and fulfillment.
  5. Foster a Spirit of Giving: Christmas often inspires generosity. Carry this spirit forward by actively seeking ways to give back to your community. Whether through volunteering, charitable donations, or supporting local causes, being a giver contributes to a sense of purpose and joy that transcends the holiday season.

In conclusion, keeping the joy of Christmas alive throughout the year is not only possible but transformative. By practicing gratitude, extending kindness, embracing hope, celebrating achievements, and fostering a spirit of giving, you can cultivate a continuous and lasting sense of Christmas joy in your heart. May the warmth and love of the Christmas season be your companion on every step of the journey ahead.

Thanks for reading.