10 Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by [f]doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin];Continue reading “Behavior That Reflects God”
Category Archives: About Joyce
Clean House and Dig Deep
So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God. 1 Peter 2:1-3 MSG Peter is addressing new Christians and encouraging them toContinue reading “Clean House and Dig Deep”
The Mystery of God
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3 Throughout the Bible, mystery buffs will notice a protagonistContinue reading “The Mystery of God”
Christ! No More, No Less.
Christ! No more, no less. Colossians 1:28 The Message Paul is very explicit, Jesus Christ is the Message! There is no “but” or “and”. To be mature, to be holy, to be pleasing to God, look to and accept the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ and live for Him and like Him. If it looks likeContinue reading “Christ! No More, No Less. “
Daily Rest
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you(AE) by what you eat or drink,(AF) or with regard to a religious festival,(AG) a New Moon celebration(AH) or a Sabbath day.(AI)17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come;(AJ) the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16 Paul is telling us not to live by the old code, because JesusContinue reading “Daily Rest”
Law or Love
0 For all who rely on the works of the law(P) are under a curse,(Q) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Galatians3:10 The law is a never-ending series of commands impossible to keep. Therefore, trying will keep you forever running in a circle but neverContinue reading “Law or Love”
Jesus, Only Jesus
What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn’t work. So, I quit being a “law man” so that I could be God’s man. Christ’s life showed me how and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Galatians 2:19-21 The MessageContinue reading “Jesus, Only Jesus”
True or False
this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:12 Paul is reminding the Galatians that the message they first heard from himContinue reading “True or False”
Example
6 So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. 7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. I Thessalonians 1:6-7 Paul was bragging about theContinue reading “Example”
True Freedom
4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. Galatians 2:4 These false teachers who came against Paul were devout Jews, possibly Pharisees who were jealous of the freedom the Gentiles had in Christ. They were bound in their own spirits and didContinue reading “True Freedom”
Journey with Joyce 