I recently had a conversation with a gentleman who was a having a real issue with the tradition of celebrating Christmas and Easter. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe Jesus was born or that He was raised from the dead. This man just struggled with the tradition of celebrating them on particular dates of the year. He said, “We don’t ...
I woke up this morning with this rolling around in my spirit: The anointing of God precedes you, prepares you, and propels you. As I laid in bed considering this thought, each word reminded me of seasons in my life. The Bible describes the anointing as a priestly portion in the Old Testament and a communication and reception of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament. In ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network | My son is an associate pastor at our church. Recently, while my husband and I were traveling to some special meetings, he ministered a message entitled, “Is God Enough?” By the title, most would think he planned on preaching a message on faith in God— the One who is more ...
Here’s something we know all too well: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish” (Galatians 3:17). Do you understand what this means? The Message Translations says, “For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us ...
When my oldest son and daughter-in-law lead their youth camp each summer, I get the privilege of keeping my grandchildren, Roman and Nova. They are both at a fun age, especially Nova, as she has recently learned to walk and explore, curious and easily entertained, but definitely still a bit needy. Roman, on the other hand, is a big help ...
“…because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). These words were written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus almost two thousand years ago. If it was true then, it is even more true today. But thankfully, it wasn’t just a simple observation. God gave Paul clear instructions for the church as to how to navigate successfully through evil ...
I recently tweeted: The inevitable cycle (good or bad): We make choices. Our choices make us. When you wake in the morning, you make a choice: get up or stay in bed a little longer? When you make that choice, then another choice must be made… then the next… and so on. All day, every day– our lives are a ...
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a word that made me take a second look. The word was mundane. I figured it meant ordinary, routine, blah, or ho-hum. And these are correct synonyms (words that mean the same). But actually, Webster’s defines mundane as “of or pertaining to this world or earth as contrasted with heaven.” Really? This is ...
In 2006, Steve Wynn, an art collector and real estate developer from Las Vegas, put his elbow through an expensive Picasso he owned, while showing it to friends. According to NPR, the painting was scheduled to be sold within days of the damage for $139 million to his friend Steve Cohen. A restorer said the painting would only be worth $85 ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network | We’re all guilty (some more than others). We post something to Facebook or Instagram and then we watch … will anyone like this? How many people will like? Will they comment? Or share it? Twitter is no different – only the question we ask ourselves – did anyone retweet it? Tag ...
How many of you have been excited about a dream …only to have life happen? I mean, the wheels were turning, your heart was beating wildly with anticipation, and the vision was coming in faster than you could write it down –and then one day, you found yourself wondering what happened? I think this scenario is pretty relatable to most ...
Although we should never lose sight of what Jesus has done for us, we are reminded this time of year as we approach Easter, of the sacrifice He paid so we could have eternal life with God. So I wonder if you’ve ever thought about this: Do you see Jesus as a martyr or substitute? A martyr is one who willingly ...
Recently, while ministering in a women’s prison, I shared with them my struggles, but I also told them about God’s deliverance. I confessed my distresses, but I also testified of my victories in Christ. Afterward, a tough, young inmate came to my prayer line. She confessed that she had come that night only to stir up trouble. But then she ...
Have you ever been surprised by sudden emotion? I mean, really surprised? Like, where did that come from? I have, and I’ve discovered some of the reason why we, as Christians, are overtaken with surprise emotions on occasion. Before I explain, let me clarify that I’m not referring to sudden outbursts of wrath or hysterics–or anything remotely resembling a lack of ...
It’s hard to believe we’re approaching the gift-giving season already –but then again, between family birthdays, baby showers, and weddings, is it ever not the gift-giving season? More specifically, as Christians in tune with the Holy Spirt, it’s ALWAYS the gift-giving season! But don’t get weary with that thought, it’s actually really cool how the nature of God is to ...
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57-58). Can we stress this part again: “…knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord.” ...
The Apostle Paul might have answered this question best when he said: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify” (1 Corinthians 10:23). The Amplified Bible says it this way: “All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things ...
When you develop your relationship with the Holy Spirit and maintain a steady diet of God’s Word, the Lord will speak things to your heart. For example, I was praying and thanking God for a new day (one I desperately needed after feeling unnecessary pressure from the previous one) when this scripture rose up in my spirit: The blessing of the ...