Larry Jones

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

After 12 days of backpacking, it was amazing how such a little thing as ice in our drink glasses revitalized us! Israel had undergone such a long period of hardship that by the time of Isaiah, the Jewish people had despaired of God's care for ! But hear what Isaiah said:

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Going out of our ways to help others builds the structures that cause others to see the forgiving and loving nature of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let's be the living examples of God's limitless grace and mercy and love!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Christians face serious problems all through their lives. But there are Scriptural truths that give me hope daily. One: Jesus has promised to be with us always! Two: There will be a time with the Lord when we will not be suffering in any way, and that time will last eternally!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Have you ever been "as mad as a wet hornet"? I was the other day; if only I had turned to this wonderful verse! I would have saved myself from a lot of negative energy! Lord, help in following this verse; maybe our world would be a better place if we all followed its injunction!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

This verse reminds us that there are certain basics about God for which we can always celebrate Him! The fact that God created this truly magnificent waterfall, the fact that God created you and me--our God is the ultimate Creator! And, God sent Jesus to be our salvation!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

I firmly believe that the positive relationships we have here on earth are God's way of keeping His promise to be with us always. Remembering, however, that everyone might not have these such resources, let's do our best to be loyal and loving family and friends to all in need!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

We have a choice to make in many more life situations than we often think we do! And when we are faced with choices, our first choice should always be to seek the Lord's counsel and strength as to the direction we should take! Jesus is always present and eager to help!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Living peacefully in conjunction with others means forgiveness should be at the top of our list of daily activities! And when my mind protests about the produce snatcher this morning, perhaps I should also remember that because of Jesus' sacrifice, I am quickly forgiven!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Why does Jesus focus so much about not worrying? I think it's because worrying places ourselves at the center of our lives rather than the God who saved us and protects us! Worries are going to happen-- but let's not let these worries become the center of our universe!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

In these days of social media, it is especially easy to feel that we are out of the loop. But Jeremiah's wise words remind us that the true source of belonging, of having purpose, of being renewed, is our God! May we be renewed by our friendship with Our Friend, Jesus Christ!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

The psalmist is encouraging us to begin and end each day with an expression of thanks to our Lord! Because every day the Lord is looking out for our welfare and is ALWAYS present for us! Let's build a practice of gratitude, and see our understanding of God's goodness grow!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

The psalmist is calling us to become so at one with our Lord that turning from evil, seeking to do good, looking for the most peaceful solution, and encouraging others in the pathways of peaceful relations become second nature to us, always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Without knowing that God saved us through His Son's death on the cross, we would be on an uncertain path through life. With the assurance of the forgiveness of our sins, our faith is grounded on solid rock!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

I can definitely see a glass half empty, but really, that runs counter to the way God interacts with us! From the magnificence of these mountains to the beauty of a day lily, we are given so many reminders of God's providence. We just need to keep our hearts open to God's gifts!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Jesus tells us to come to Him for rest; God says that there is work to do, but there is also the importance of setting aside time to focus on our Holy God, to be thankful for God's blessings, and to seek wisdom and support from Jesus! Let us all find time to rest in Jesus!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

Jesus's disciples are still thinking in the ways they were raised to think: salvation is something that is earned. If you prayed so many times a day, fasted, and we're nice, you were on the salvation track! But Jesus strongly told them and us: Only God saves! Through the cross!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

I don't think that Solomon is advising us to show kindness to others just so God can pay us back. Rather, I think that doing any good form of help is an act of worship to the God who is the epitome of love-- and our "repayment" is the growing fellowship with God that results!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

The more I plan for a fuller and better life, the further away from my goals I get! Jesus is telling us that every day, we have to choose to live life with God's priorities as our focus. And if we can do that, our lives will ultimately be fuller and better!

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

True freedom: We don't have to prove our worth, because Jesus calls His disciples His friends. We don't live under the power of sinfulness, because Jesus paid the price of our sin. So, free from having to prove our value or justify our existence, we are free to serve others in 💕

[Larry Jones @larryvertice]

If we can't approach people with peace in our hearts and an active practice of trying to obey God's expectations of our behavior towards others, how can we expect anyone to want to know the Savior we serve? If we are trying to serve Jesus--it should show in our everyday lives!