Tag Archives: spiritual growth

Expressing Faith; January 7, 2024


1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. There are all kinds of hypocrisy, and every one is obvious to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Prayer for Those in Authority; January 4, 2023


1 Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. The last … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Weakness; December 31, 2023


Hebrews 5:2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. It is an interesting thought exercise to think about what it was like for Jesus to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sanctification; December 28, 2023


1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Standing Firm; December 26, 2023


1 Thessalonians 3:8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. In Japanese this verse uses a phrase that I have seen exclaimed over in various English publications, and that is ikigai, “a reason to … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spiritual Fathers; December 23, 2023


1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Successful Christian Living; December 21, 2023


Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Here we have the key … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Stress; December 20, 2023


Colossians 1:29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. I think Christians endure a lot more stress than God intends. Stress itself isn’t necessarily bad. Without it, we would quickly become … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Gospel; December 19, 2023


Colossians 1:6 The gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Calling; December 13, 2023


Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. As often happens in Paul’s letters, the rest of this chapter unpacks all the meaning contained in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian, encouragement, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment