I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. - Psalm 63:4 (NIV) 

An open or giving hand stands for an open heart, and an open heart is required to…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any…

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Proverbs 4:25 (NIV) 

Have you ever tried to cut something with a dull knife? It was probably a frustrating experience, the knife not doing what it was made…

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.  - 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) 

Putting together a jigsaw puzzle can…

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. - 1 Peter 2:21 (ESV) 

Everything we say or do affects the lives of those…

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (ESV) 

Every situation we face is an opportunity to shine…

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:13 (NLT) 

At the local high school we are preparing students to take…

He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.  - Malachi 3:3 (NLT) 

There…

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 (NKJV) 

Every good thing is from God, and God is eternal. We are all…

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his…

However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed. Luke 5:15-16 (NKJV) 

The…

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in…

No temptation (or obstacle) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that…

Trust in the Lord, and do good; 
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 
Psalm 37:3 (ESV) 

The antidote to fear is trusting the Lord. The more you trust the Lord the less fear and anxiety you have. Think of…

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (ESV) 

Living in the world and not being of the world requires a…

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV) 

We all desire to live…

By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life. Romans 6:4…

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV) 

…

Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, ”Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw…

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 (NKJV) 

We are in a daily fight with…

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 

There is something very special about walking side-by-side…

"The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty [Gibbor] One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV) 

Our focus today…

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV) 

When we need help, we can trust in God to help us…

When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there - you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had…