2 Corinthians 4:1, 7-10, 16-18 New International Version (NIV) Present Weakness and Resurrection Life 1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are […]

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How We Can Overcome Temptation

Matthew 4:1-11 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness 4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, […]

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The Father’s Love

Luke 15:11-32 New International Version (NIV) The Parable of the Lost Son 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got […]

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A Gratitude Appropriate for Thanksgiving

Luke 17:11-19 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy 11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud […]

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The Blessing of God’s Discipline

Hebrews 12:3-13 New International Version (NIV) 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. God Disciplines His Children 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word […]

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Joy in Suffering – Is That Possible?!

James 1:2-4 New International Version (NIV) Trials and Temptations 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James […]

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Love Breaking Out

Luke 7:36-50 New International Version (NIV) Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s […]

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Importance of First Love

Revelation 2:1-7 New International Version (NIV) To the Church in Ephesus 2 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I […]

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Singleness in the End Times

1 Corinthians 7:25-35 New International Version (NIV) Concerning the Unmarried 25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. […]

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Forever and Our Relationships

Romans 8:20-25 New International Version (NIV) 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of […]

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