Proverbs 15:1-12  (HCSB)15 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. 2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good. 4 The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s discipline, but a ...  Read More

Isaiah 41:10-13 (HCSB)10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand. 11 Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. 12 You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not fi...  Read More

James 1:1-15  (HCSB)Greeting1 James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings. Trials and Maturity 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 Now if a...  Read More

James 1:12,  2 Corinthians 12:9-10  (HCSB)12 A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. 10 So...  Read More

GOD CALMS OUR FEARSWhen fear and anxiety arise, quickly focus on and act on the truth of God’s Word.KEY TRUTH: Recognize the difference between good fear and bad fear (Numbers 13:27–33)KEY TRUTH: Know how to deal with fear, and how to help the fearful (Philippians 4:4–9)KEY TRUTH: Know how to take refuge in God in fearful situations (Psalm 46:1–11)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER C...  Read More

1.  In John 14:3 Jesus says He has prepared a place for you, and He will come back and take you to be with Him. What are you most looking forward to in eternal life? How is that different than now?2. In John 14:14 Jesus says we can ask for anything in His name. What are you asking God for? Remember, it must be according to God’s will. What do you correctly ask for? Where are your   motives/request...  Read More

John 16:25-33 (HCSB)Jesus the Victor25 “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. 27 For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have belie...  Read More

John 14:23-31 (HCSB)23 Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine but is from the Father who sent Me. 25 “I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit—the Father wil...  Read More

John 14:5-21 (HCSB)5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus Reveals the Father 7 “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” ...  Read More

John 14:1-4 (HCSB)The Way to the Father 14 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going....  Read More

Practical Counsel4 So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejo...  Read More

God Provides A RefugeGod’s compassion exists in harmony with His justice. He does not need to lessen one to maintain the other.KEY TRUTH: The law demonstrated God’s justice and mercy (Numbers 35:1–34)KEY TRUTH: Christ demonstrated God’s justice and mercy (Romans 5:6–11; 6:20–23; Hebrews 9:11–12, 23–28)FAMILY CONNECTION: CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION AFTER CHURCH!What was the purpose for the cities of re...  Read More