"Mary!" Jesus said. She turned to him and exclaimed, "Teacher!" John 20:16 Mary of Magdala. Exorcised of demons and embraced by the Savior. I suppose that is, in many ways, the story for each of us. Whether our past includes the "biggies" or just a few "little" sins, we've all experienced the very real exchange old life for new. As Paul wrote the church at Corinth, What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is ... [Read More]
{Joy Day 30} God Will Supply Every Need
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. Philippians 4:19-22, emphasis added I've experienced this ... the need-supplying God. The abundance of His provision is overwhelming. In situations throughout my life, the Hand of God has protected ... [Read More]
{Joy Day 23} Let Us Hold True
Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:15-17, emphasis added Welcome Sunday! The past seven days have been long and filled with many difficulties, worries, and fears. What a sweet reminder from these verses this morning ... Let us hold ... [Read More]
{Joy Day 8} Joy in the Faith
I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. Philippians 1:23-26, emphasis added Does your faith bring you joy? Is your life filled with joy that transcends all things ... [Read More]
{Joy Day 7} To Live Is Christ
As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose, I cannot tell. Philippians 1:20-22, emphasis added We've all said it, "The Lord is my top priority." We mean it, we really do. We know that our relationship with Christ is ... [Read More]
Let Down the Nets
The final session of .MOM was Priscilla Shirer ... and she was fantabulous! Using Luke 5:1-11 as her text, Priscilla shared how Peter had left his boat after a disappointing and unsuccessful night of fishing ... and yet Jesus used that very boat to teach the crowds, and Peter, AND US!!, "He sees you! We serve a God who sees the deck of disappointment on the boat of your life. We serve a God who sees the boat of our circumstances and He cares!" With a challenge to consider what boats we have ... [Read More]
