Joyce

Whose Kingdom Is It, Anyway?

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10a -What is the Kingdom of God? Augustine explained the Kingdom in terms of a city -City of God. Adam and Eve lived in this perfect city to manage and care for it. They lived in constant fellowship with GodContinue reading “Whose Kingdom Is It, Anyway?”

The Perfect Prayer – Session 3

This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Matthew 6:9 In our last session we concentrated on “Our Father”. -the fact that we are not alone in the family of God. He is our Father and cares deeply about each one of us, but reminds us that from theContinue reading “The Perfect Prayer – Session 3”

The Perfect Prayer- Session 2

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,10 your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11 Give us today our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ Matthew 6:9-13 How to Pray –Continue reading “The Perfect Prayer- Session 2”

The Perfect Prayer

I just finished teaching a series on The Lord’s Prayer and want to spend the next few posts looking at what Jesus taught His disciples about prayer. Hope you will join me on this adventure. We will begin with … How Not to Pray When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray,Continue reading “The Perfect Prayer”

No Gender Restrictions

They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:14 Luke doesn’t miss a beat in his detailed account of Jesus’ life to Theophilus. He is trying to convince him that Jesus was not only the Son of God, but thatContinue reading “No Gender Restrictions”

No Hidden Agendas

…..we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you. I Thessalonians 2:5 The Message Apparently Paul took heed to Jesus wordsContinue reading “No Hidden Agendas”

Our God Solves Mysteries

When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. He ordered the offering of sacrifices and burning of incense in Daniel’s honor. He said to Daniel, “Your God is beyond question the God of all gods, the Master of all kings. And he solves all mysteries, I know, because you’ve solvedContinue reading “Our God Solves Mysteries”

You Are the Message

The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! 1 Thessalonians 1:7 Paul was bragging about the Thessalonians converts who had accepted the Word and stood firm in their faith. The world around them could see the change and news spread of their radiant faith. Those words,Continue reading “You Are the Message”

Uncontaminated Love

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. 1 Timothy 1:5 Paul continues to urge his followers to follow Jesus with uncontaminated love. Paul, who was so full of hatred before he met Jesus, is now stuck on the theme of love. LoveContinue reading “Uncontaminated Love”

Commitment-Contentment-Courage

Deuteronomy 6:6 -And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. (NLT) Philippians 4:11 – for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. (NIV)Joshua 1:9 -This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Continue reading “Commitment-Contentment-Courage”