Time With God, with John North

Jesus uses a relatable story of a woman searching for lost coins to illustrate his approach to reaching out to sinners, highlighting the importance of careful consideration in sharing the message of truth with those we care about. By examining this parable from Luke 15:8-10, readers can gain insight into how to effectively connect God's message with people in their lives and help them experience joy through repentance.

Jesus teaches that a shepherd's love for one lost sheep far surpasses his love for ninety-nine righteous ones, highlighting the depth of God's concern for those who still need to find Him. By embracing this parable, Christians are encouraged to prioritize spending time with and sharing God's love with those around them who are spiritually lost.

The Bible study passage from Luke 15:1-2 reveals that Jesus' ministry was marked by his willingness to engage with sinners and tax collectors, who were considered outcasts in society. By studying this passage, readers can gain insight into the heart of Jesus and how he modeled loving truth, hospitality, and acceptance towards those who needed him most.

A Bible study passage reveals that Paul's unwavering faith allowed him to see beyond physical limitations, leading to a miraculous healing of a crippled man. By focusing on the unseen spiritual aspects, rather than earthly difficulties, individuals can overcome discouragement and fix their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of their faith.

Enoch's remarkable journey with God is revealed in Genesis 5:24, where he "walked with God" before being taken to heaven at the age of 365. This ancient biblical figure teaches a profound lesson about embracing life's seasons, following God's rhythm, and persevering on our spiritual path.

The Bible reveals a profound understanding of human pain and suffering, capturing the tears and anguish of individuals such as Abraham, Moses, Hannah, David, Jesus, Mary, and Paul. Ultimately, it promises that God will wipe away every tear, erasing death, mourning, and pain, and that He sees and remembers each individual's struggles, keeping an account of their tears in His book.

Jesus's parable of the house built on rock and sand teaches us that life's storms will reveal our true foundations, and preparing ourselves is crucial to weathering them. By examining our own foundations and taking proactive steps to strengthen them, we can build a strong foundation for navigating life's turbulent times.

As the ultimate authority and control of one's life, Jesus is the only one who can bring completion to the work He began within us, offering comfort, direction, and peace in both the beginning and ending stages of our journey. By choosing to trust Him and let His word have the final say, we can overcome fear, anxiety, and despair, and instead, find solace and guidance from the Alpha and Omega who is already present in our future.

David's evening devotionals reveal a deliberate practice of reflecting on God, fostering a deeper connection and spiritual renewal; by making time for meditation and gratitude before sleep, individuals can experience a profound impact on their emotional and spiritual well-being. By finishing the day on purpose, people can cultivate a sense of peace, gratitude, and love for their Creator, leading to a more restful night's sleep and a stronger foundation for the next day.

A young Australian woman's journey of finding gratitude in a life filled with love and material possessions reveals that thankfulness is a powerful form of rebellion against the constant pursuit of more, offering a transformative perspective on what truly matters. By embracing daily commitment to gratitude, individuals can shift their focus from what they lack to the blessings already present in their lives.

David's selfless devotion to God is a powerful example of investing in the future of His church, as he gave generously to build the Temple despite never being able to enjoy its presence. By examining our own devotion and giving practices, we can discover how much we're truly investing in the body of Christ and whether our actions are driven by self-interest or a desire to serve others.

David's iconic psalm, Psalm 23, is a powerful declaration of faith that reminds us that goodness and mercy will follow us throughout our lives, even in the midst of adversity. By embracing this promise, we can find peace, security, and hope, knowing that God cares for us and is always present to guide and protect us.

As we navigate life's toughest seasons, it's easy to forget God's benefits and blessings, but remembering them can be a powerful tool in increasing our faith and overcoming adversity. By intentionally recalling God's goodness and mercy, we can shift our focus away from embarrassment and shame and towards the hope and healing that only He can provide.

David's decision to purchase a threshing floor from Araunah for fifty shekels of silver serves as a powerful metaphor for the sacrifices we must make in life, illustrating that true fulfillment and meaningful relationships require effort, dedication, and a willingness to invest. By embracing this mindset, we can transform our lives by offering the best version of ourselves to God, our loved ones, and our communities.

Jesus challenged people who sought to please God by doing good works, instead emphasizing the importance of faith in Him alone for eternal life. By understanding that true salvation comes from faith in Jesus, individuals can shift their focus from earning God's favor to worshiping and thanking Him for His gift of eternal life through Christ.