The spiritual life is a life beyond moods. It is a life in which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
From Philippians 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice“
Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch priest, professor, writer, and theologian.
God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way.
From Hebrews 10:38-39: “But my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back. But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost but among those who have faith and so preserve our souls.”
Leighton Ford (born 1931) is a Canadian-born pastor and Christian evangelist. During his fruitful life of ministry and witness, he has enjoyed relationships with other Christian teachers, including Billy Graham.
The decisions you make today will determine the stories you tell tomorrow.
From 2 Peter 3:17-18: “You therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, beware that you are not carried away with the error of the lawless and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Craig Groeschel (born 1967) is an America pastor and Christian author.
The Bible is a bottomless source of nourishment for becoming like Christ.
From Ephesians 5:8-9: “For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.”
Thine to work as well as pray, clearing thorny wrongs away; plucking up the weeds of sin, letting heaven’s warm sunshine in.
From Isaiah 61:11: “For as the earth brings forth its shoots and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.”
John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) was an American poet. His Quaker background entrusted him to advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States.
From Joshua 24:15: “Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Glory of God breathes
Upon those who serve
Accepting His call
Filling faith’s reserve
Light’s pathway to serve
Faith growing robust
Witnessing Jesus
Branching out with trust
Christ’s blessed invite
Service taking root
Maturing in faith
Sharing Spirit’s fruits
Filled with reverence
Journey’s faithful prep
Holding fast to serve
Walking in Christ’s steps
Humble in spirit
Unselfish intent
Assisting faith’s growth
Serving as Christ meant
Promise to follow
Grace flowing with love
Growing faithfulness
Serving Father above
From John 12:26: “Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there will My servant be also. Whoever serves Me, the Father will honor.”
You’ve got to continue to grow, or you’re just like last night’s corn bread–stale and dry.
From Proverbs 9:6: “Lay aside immaturity and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
Loretta Lynn (1932-2022) was an American country music singer and songwriter. She was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky.
In my weakness, I have learned, like Moses, to lean on God. The weaker I am, the harder I lean on Him. The harder I lean, the stronger I discover Him to be. The stronger I discover God to be, the more resolute I am in this job He’s given me to do.
From Joel 3:16: “The Lord roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel.”
Joni Eareckson Tada (born 1949) is an American Christian author and radio host. Much of her work has focused on ministry in the disability community. Her life journey is a living testament to this quote.
It is imperative that preachers of today learn how to declare the spiritual law of God; for, until we learn how to wound consciences, we shall have no wounds to bind with Gospel bandages.
From Romans 8:14-15: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Walter J. Chantry (born 1938) served for 39 years as pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He has also been a prolific Christian writer and editor.
I know nothing which can so comfort the soul; so calm the swelling billows of sorrow and grief; so speak peace to the winds of trial, as a devout musing upon the subject of the Godhead.
From Isaiah 26:3: “Those of steadfast mind You keep in peace, in peace because they trust in You.“
Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) was an influential English preacher. Even in modern times, his writings and many sermons have remained a constant source of encouragement to Christians around the world. He has often be referred to as the “Prince of Preachers.”
Big Sky Buckeye 