His blood

Christ bore the full fury of God’s wrath in the believing sinner’s place, and there is none left for him (1 Thessalonians 1:10;5:9).

Be encouraged!

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Romans 5:9.

Responding to Our Culture

Be willing to suffer or be misunderstood.

Since the world finds holiness, obedience, and reverence for God confusing or even offensive, taking a stand for righteousness may bring you criticism instead of praise.  Don’t fear the intimidation, you are blessed (Matthew 5:10).

Commentary from the In Touch devotional by Charles Stanley, July 23, 2020.

Be Encouraged

A great encouragement!

If it is possible

Although we should do everything possible to be at peace with others, it will not always come, because it also depends on others’ attitudes and responses.

Commentary from the MacArthur study Bible, notes for Romans 12:18.

God used the evil work

What happened following the persecution of Christians by Saul described in Acts 7, 8.

Be encouraged.

Lean on Me

Many people think that when God comforts us, our hardships should go away.  But if that were always so, people would turn to God only to be relieved of pain and not out of love for Him.  We must understand that comfort can also mean receiving strength, encouragement, and hope to deal with hardships.  The more we suffer, the more comfort God gives us.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, allow God to comfort you.  Remember that every trial you endure will later become an opportunity to minister to other people suffering similar hardships.

If you have a need today, take it to your Father in heaven knowing that His grace is sufficient for you.  Trust Him for how that grace will be manifested.

Commentary from: The One Year NIV Devotional New Testament, April 16 (Tyndale House Publishers, 2003), and Turning Points Magazine and Devotional, by Dr. David Jeremiah, April 15/16.

You are my hope

Danny Gokey lost his wife not long before this song came out.  He knows what he’s talking (singing) about I think.  I hope you’ll take a moment to be encouraged by this song and video.  It’s just one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard and videos I’ve ever seen.  Be blessed  🙂

Hope in Front of Me lyrics:

I’ve been running through rain
That I thought would never end
Trying to make it on faith
In a struggle against the wind
I’ve seen the dark and the broken places
But I know in my soul
No matter how bad it gets
I’ll be alright

There’s hope in front of me
There’s a light, I still see it
There’s a hand still holding me
Even when I don’t believe it
I might be down but I’m not dead
There’s better days still up ahead
Even after all I’ve seen
There’s hope in front of me

There’s a place at the end of the storm
You finally find
Where the hurt and the tears and the pain
All fall behind

You open up your eyes and up ahead
There’s a big sun shining
Right then and there you realize
You’ll be alright

There’s hope in front of me
There’s a light, I still see it
There’s a hand still holding me
Even when I don’t believe it
I might be down but I’m not dead
There’s better days still up ahead
Even after all I’ve seen
There’s hope in front of me

There’s a hope still burning
I can feel it rising through the night
And my world’s still turning
I can feel your love here by my side

You’re my hope
You’re the light, I still see it
Your hands are holding me
Even when I don’t believe it
I’ve got to believe
I still have hope
You are my hope

Speak

But you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words, though briers and thorns are beside you and you live among scorpions.  Don’t be afraid of their words or be discouraged by [the look on] their faces, for they are a rebellious house.  But speak My words to them whether they listen or refuse [to listen], for they are rebellious.

Ezekiel 2:6-7

 Love isn’t warm feelings, instead it’s an attitude that reveals itself in an action.  We can demonstrate Christ’s love by helping others-even when not convenient, by giving-even when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare-rather than our own, by taking hurt-and not complaining or fighting back, by telling others about what Christ did-even if they reject or hate us for it.  This is tough love-tough for the giver.  This is the reason why people notice it, and how people will know that we are following Jesus.  It’s so tough that a man cannot do any of this on his own, but only via a supernatural source-the Holy Spirit.