In Galatians chapter 5, Paul is talking about the Law of Moses, which was given by God to Israel. A law whose very foundation is love. Because love is the basis for all that God does, and it should be the same for us. For how can we say we love God, and not love those He calls His. If the Holy Spirit truly lives in our hearts, love should flow easily from us towards others. And loving our neighbors as we love ourselves is a natural response when our love for God allows us to see them as He does, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
As fallen beings, we are barely able to comprehend all God has in store for us. For we know His ways and thoughts are higher than we could ever comprehend. But in His mercy, God sent the Holy Spirit to indwell all who receive Jesus as their Savior. And through the Spirit, God reveals to us Himself, His plans, and the great depths of His love. A love unequalled, and one that brings to us all of God’s promises, blessings, and peace. For God loves to reward generously, and beyond imagining, all whom He calls His own!
The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations during his ministry. He was repeatedly put in prison, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Under constant fear of death, Paul was flogged countless times. He was often hungry, thirsty, and cold. Yet even with all of this, God allowed him to be broken further. But instead of giving in or giving up, Paul drew closer to God. And in the process he learned that there is strength in weakness. …
No matter the trials the Thessalonians faced, Paul’s prayer was that the Lord would guide and direct them. For no matter the trouble, when we place our trust in God alone, we can endure. And by abiding in the steadfastness of Jesus, not only can we endure, but we can grow. Because it’s often in our times of hardship when we find God’s love the strongest. May we each place our love and trust in the Lord, and let Him guide, support, and love us through even the worst of situations. And watch as we come out the other side stronger, and closer to to the Lord!
John Baker, Founder Of Celebrate Recovery Has Died
John Baker, co-founder of Celebrate Recovery, an evangelical support group that helps people with “hurts, hangups and habits,” has died. The ministry, started at Saddleback Church in the 1990s, announced the news of his death February 23rd on social media. A recovering alcoholic, Baker wrote out a vision for what would become Celebrate Recovery’s own version of the 12 steps, each one paired with a teaching from Scripture. Read more about Baker and his work here.
Evangelical Leaders Condemn “Radicalized Christian Nationalism
In an open letter, more than 100 pastors, ministry and seminary leaders, and other prominent evangelicals express concern about the growing “radicalization” they’re seeing, particularly among white evangelicals. The letter explains “that evangelicalism, and white evangelicalism in particular, has been susceptible to the heresy of Christian nationalism because of a long history of faith leaders accommodating white supremacy. We choose to speak out now because we do not want to be quiet accomplices in this on-going sin.” Read more about this letter here.
TobyMac Releases New Song
Popular Christian singer, TobyMac has released a new song called, “Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight).” The song comes just over a year after the death of his firstborn son. The singer says the song marks the first time he felt he could “scream hope from the mountaintop.” The song of reassurance and hope features a special guest: TobyMac’s son, Judah McKeehan. Read more about the song and watch the video here.
Chip And Joanna Gaines Transform Shelter
Rather than working on a traditional house, Chip and Joanna put their design skills to use to renovate a shelter for girls. The shelter is home to around 16 girls aged 5 to 21, and they typically stay in the shelter for around 90 days, as it’s a transitional home between an emergency and a more long-term solution like foster care. The 3,900-square-foot space has seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms. Read more about the transformation here.
The recent Presidential election has definitely brought to a head the many divisions our country suffers. The climate today is filled with anger, hate, and violence. Especially towards Christians and the core beliefs of the Church. And such a climate is one that the devil revels in. Everywhere you look you see the work of Satan. And as he knows the return of Jesus is near, he is ramping up his attacks. …
When it comes to having a godly character, kindness and truth are two very important qualities. For both are extensions of love. And God calls us to love others the same way He loves us. For we cannot be good representatives of Christ on earth if we don’t mirror His ways. Impossible on our own, but through the work and help of the Holy Spirit, we can tattoo God’s commandments on our hearts. And hearts truly belonging to God will treat those around us with the same gentleness, love, and truth Jesus treats us with every day.
Do you suffer with anxiety and worry? You’re not alone. But God doesn’t want us living in a state of stress, and instead wants us to be filled with His perfect peace. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) …
Each of us is blessed with our own unique talents and gifts. But no matter how talented we are, when those gifts aren’t used with a foundation of love, they mean nothing. God blesses us so that we in turn can bless others. That means using our spiritual gifts with unselfish motives of furthering God’s kingdom. And when we fully understand the depths of love that God has for us, everything we do will come from hearts of thankfulness. For even though faith and hope are vital to the Christian walk, love is the greatest of all. And we can love, because He first loved us!
Psalm 92 is known as, “A song for the sabbath day”. It is recited by the Jewish people no less then three times during the Sabbath. Once at night to usher in Sabbath, and twice the following morning. This Psalm is a beautiful expression of praise to God and His wonderful works. But what struck me the most, was verse 14. “They will still yield fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap and very green.” …
