Rick Costa

Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert. Use every kind of effort and make every kind of request for all of God’s people.

– Ephesians 6:18 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

We are to be people of prayer.  And not just making requests for ourselves which is fine of course but we are to pray “in the Spirit” in everything we go through and also for your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Jesus replied, “Rather, how blessed are those who hear and obey God’s word.”

– Luke 11:28 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Hearing the Word of God and putting it into your mind is only the first step.  You must then put it into practice into your daily life.

The LORD answered, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you peace.”

– Exodus 33:15 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Do you need God’s peace in your life?  Get into His presence.  It’s the best place to find it.

The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.  You are my friends if you obey my commandments.

– John 15:13-14 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

If you ever feel like you have no friends to talk to, remember that Jesus is your friend and He’s ALWAYS available.

Now, little children, remain in Him, that when He appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

1 John 2:29 (World English Bible)

When Jesus returns to the earth…at that very moment…what will you be doing?  Think about it.

I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.

– Psalm 16:8-9 (New American Standard Bible ©)

If you always put God in the forefront of your life you will have the confidence to go through anything.  When the Creator of all things is at your side, it makes the future seem brighter.

But dedicate your lives to Christ as Lord. Always be ready to defend your confidence [in God] when anyone asks you to explain it. However, make your defense with gentleness and respect.

– 1 Peter 3:15 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

There are many Christians who in their excitement about the Lord are way too aggressive in their witness and come across as arrogant which completely turns people off.  To those who had truly open hearts, Jesus never spoke in a condemning way but rather loved them and calmly told them the truth.  The choice to accept or reject Him was up to them.

He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth- that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west- that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.

– Psalm 103:10-13 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

None of us truly deserves the mercy of God on us.  Over and over we keep sinning and yet He still loves and forgives us.  The enemy can bring up our messed up past against us but God chooses not to even remember it.  How great is His love toward us!

As everyone dies because of Adam, so also everyone will be made alive because of Christ.  This will happen to each person in his own turn. Christ is the first, then at his coming, those who belong to him will be made alive.

– 1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

Since the beginning of mankind we have all had to experience death because of the sin of Adam.  The good thing however is that a second Adam came, Who is Jesus and He instead brought mankind the possibility of life.  We as Christians have this hope that we won’t just cease to exist, nor suffer eternally in hell but we will live on with our Savior forever.

For a short time our fathers disciplined us as they thought best. Yet, God disciplines us for our own good so that we can become holy like him.

– Romans 12:10 (GOD’S WORD® Translation (©1995))

A lot of times God lets us go “through the fire” so to speak in order that the impure desires within us will burn off.  It doesn’t feel good while we’re going through it but in the end we will become more like Him.