We may become too self-confident
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. (Proverbs 19:21 ESV)
Jesus wants to help you through them
So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6 ESV)
Forgiveness does not have to do with the circumstances
Forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13 NIV)
Love that becomes real by actions
Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. (1 Peter 3:8 NIV)
But how different the life of a real Christian
Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. (John 12:24 KJV)
This gift was unlike anything I’d ever experienced
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10 ESV)
This is so contrary to the carnal mind
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8 ESV)
Love—this is My special gift for you
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 ESV)
Love God by loving your neighbor
Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)
Oh Jesus, why didn’t You come?
Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40 ESV)
Why would God choose the shepherds?
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. (Luke 2:8-9)
There can be awe-inspiring life transformation
And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.' (Luke 2:10)
How tough it must have been for them at times!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
Those things weren’t for sale either, and they’re still not
Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. (Luke 12:21 NLT)
One key to this relationship is simplicity
The earth is the Lord 's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. (Psalm 24:1 ESV)
God often chooses unexpected people to do wonderful things
But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10 ESV)
Let’s pray that He will give us His mind and His heart
Freely ye have received, freely give. (Matthew 10:8)
That’s pretty awesome, but it’s also a challenge
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12 NIV)
All gossip can be hurtful or embarrassing
Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler. (Proverbs 20:19 ESV)
His encounter with Jesus completely changed his life
When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today. (Luke 19:5 CEV)