Joyce

God’s Timing

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. Luke 23:55 Jesus had been crucified and Joseph had taken his body and laid itContinue reading “God’s Timing”

No Strings Attached

12 One day in one of the villages there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus he fell down before him in prayer and said, “If you want to, you can cleanse me.”13 Jesus put out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to. Be clean.” Then and there his skin was smooth,Continue reading “No Strings Attached”

Not me, Never!

Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”33 PeterContinue reading “Not me, Never!”

Whatever It Takes

By this time a lot of men and women of doubtful reputation were hanging around Jesus, listening intently. The Pharisees and religion scholars were not pleased, not at all pleased. They growled, “He takes in sinners and eats meals with them, treating them like old friends.” Luke 15:1-3 The Religious leaders were highly critical ofContinue reading “Whatever It Takes”

Rules and Unreasonable Requirements

But He said, “Woe to you lawyers as well, because you weigh men down with burdens [man-made rules, unreasonable requirements] which are hard to bear, and you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers [to lighten the load]. Luke 11:46 Amplified Version Jesus had just rebuked the Pharisees because they appeared to be cleanContinue reading “Rules and Unreasonable Requirements”

The Almighty Optometrist

Your eye is a lamp, lighting up your whole body. If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. Luke 11: 34- NLT Jesus had just explained that we are to put our lamp on a lampstand to provide light for others to see the way. Then He compares ourContinue reading “The Almighty Optometrist”

Upside Down to Right Side Up

“I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt and confront! From nowContinue reading “Upside Down to Right Side Up”

Charlie Knew Someone Cared

You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. 1 Peter 1:17 The Message God loves us and meets our needs, helps us in times of trouble as any good father would,Continue reading “Charlie Knew Someone Cared”

One in Christ

The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you,So they might be one heart and mind with us. John 17:21 This is the second time Jesus has said this in this chapter. He is leaving this world and the only JesusContinue reading “One in Christ”

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

If I don’t do the things my Father does, well and good; don’t believe me. But if I am doing them, put aside for a moment what you hear me say about myself and just take the evidence of the actions that are right before your eyes. John 10:36-37 Jesus has been using the idea ofContinue reading “Actions Speak Louder Than Words”