“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27-28 NIV This is such a familiar verse that we tend to gloss over it. We read it, and accept …
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 NIV We all …
I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy …
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41-42 NIV Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and …
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land. Isaiah 1:19 NIV In the first chapter of Isaiah, God confronts Israel as a rebellious nation. Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I reared children and brought them up, but …
Because I live, you also will live. John 14:19b NIV As we rejoice in the Easter story and cheer as good wins over evil, let’s not forget the personal implications of the resurrection. Jesus gained mastery over death not just for Himself, but for all of us who believe …
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. Mark 16:9 NIV It’s hard to imagine the torment Mary endured having been home to seven demons! Her erratic behavior and display of insanity, no …
The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. Luke 22:61-62 NIV I can’t image the pain Peter felt as he heard …
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in …
Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even …
He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 NLT Jesus completely understands the weight of sin, far better than you and I ever will. …
“…All our righteous acts are like filthy rags…” Isaiah 64:6 NIV Some of us enjoy dressing up in formal attire and some of us prefer comfortable, casual clothes, but no one wants to wear filthy rags! Isaiah reminds us that all our righteous acts are like filthy rags. We may …
“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said …
In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 NIV Ever wonder if God sees your pain? Is He focused on …
I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Romans 15:30 NIV God has designed it so no one battles the enemy alone. Paul understood that, so he petitioned …
Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” “What did Moses command you?” he replied. They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses …