One of the most well known Bible stories, I have to believe, is the one found only in Luke’s gospel which is entitled The Parable of the Lost Son or The Prodigal Son. I was recently reading some thoughts about the story and agree that it almost seems like a better title for the story would be “The Loving Father.” Continue reading “THE LOVING FATHER”
RESURRECTION POWER
Isn’t the Easter season the most beautiful, powerful time of the year when we really celebrate the centrality of our faith?
Yes, even a little more special than Christmas when we celebrate Jesus’ birth on this earth as a human.
Easter is where the center of our faith resonates!
Continue reading “RESURRECTION POWER”
THE CROSS
This Lenten and Easter season has inspired me to reflect on one of the best know symbols of Christianity and our faith—the CROSS.
I believe this song, Meanwhile Back at the Cross, by Gordon Mote, is a perfect introduction and focus for these thoughts. Continue reading “THE CROSS”
OBEDIENCE
Jesus chose to model the ultimate act of obedience to God, His Father, for YOU… And me!!
Isn’t that a powerful thought to reflect on especially as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter in the coming week? Continue reading “OBEDIENCE”
BE PREPARED
You know that scout motto that has been around forever…BE PREPARED?Let’s take a few moments and reflect on those words.
A quick google search on the Scout Motto of BE PREPARED yielded some of these thoughts from Wikipedia:
BE PREPARED means you are always in a state of readiness.
–Be prepared in Mind
–Be prepared in Body
You have to be prepared at any moment to face difficulties and even dangers by knowing what to do and how to do it. Continue reading “BE PREPARED”
THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD
The presence of the Lord is always existing around us, among us and within us!!
Isn’t that comforting and such a special gift from the Lord? Continue reading “THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD”
BURDENS
Can you relate to this story on some level?
A week ago, my eldest son asked me to accompany him clothes shopping at a big mall (for local readers aka Destiny USA). It was a major shopping trip so he could buy appropriate business attire for the launching of his upcoming professional career in the “real” world! Continue reading “BURDENS”
SHARE THE PAIN
Each day we encounter people who are hurting deeply, struggling to find their way; dealing with pain in some fashion.
In fact, I think it is safe to say that we all experience pain or some type of heartache at different times in our life. None of us are exempt. Continue reading “SHARE THE PAIN”
MISSIONARY DISCIPLE
When you think of the term “Missionary Disciple” what comes to mind?
I wonder if your definition of Missionary Disciple is like what mine was originally. The first thing that pops into my head is a person who goes overseas to proclaim the gospel message to those in other countries where the gospel may not be so prevalent. Continue reading “MISSIONARY DISCIPLE”
BELOVED
Beloved – (Based on a google search definition)
n.–a much loved person
adj.–dearly loved
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Strong’s Bible concordance gives us a little history into the Greek translation of the word BELOVED.
The word BELOVED actually represented agapétos or agape love which in the Greek translation equates to what we consider a sacrificial love…the highest form of love.
Beloved – (Based on the Greek translation)
adj.–with two special applications:
the Beloved, a title of the Messiah (Christ), as beloved beyond all others by the God who sent Him;
Of Christians, as beloved by God, Christ, and one another.
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Where exactly are some places in the Bible where the word BELOVED is used?
Note: Not all the Bible translations use the actual word BELOVED, but the English Standard Version is one that does so I am referencing that translation in these thoughts.
One of the first New Testament references where the word BELOVED is used is when John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River.
Matthew 3:16-17
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (ESV)
God’s voice from heaven announced that Jesus is His BELOVED son! Yes, Jesus is God’s dearly loved Son and is so pleased with Him!
In fact, rather than call Jesus by name, God calls Him, BELOVED! Wow!!