When I wrote my first book about righteousness in 2003, my grandmother was 83 years old. Even at that age, I greatly admired her. She was hospitable, beautiful, and in every way reminded me of the Proverbs 31 woman. As we stood in her kitchen in Mt. Vernon, Texas, I was surprised at what she told me about my book. ...
Did you know you were made in the image of God, even before you gave your heart to Him? This means that no matter what you’ve done, what regrets you’ve carried, or how late or early you came to Christ, God never said, “Uh-oh.” He’s never been found crying over spilled milk either. Nothing surprises God. In other words, God ...
I had an opportunity to be mad and frustrated. In my heart, I stood in that doorway about to go all the way in when the Holy Spirit said, “You don’t have to go there.” Thank you Holy Spirit. I would’ve regretted it. I always do. The reactions of the flesh profit nothing. Outbursts of anger, frustration, and the like, ...
“The wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God…” –but a repentant heart does. Whether you thought it was staged or not, everyone who watched (or heard about) the Oscars on Sunday saw this play out for us perfectly. Will Smith apparently got angry with host Chris Rock for using his wife as the brunt of a joke ...
I recently had the opportunity to minister to a group of ladies at a women’s conference. I shared with them from 2 Corinthians 3:18, which says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” I ...
Do you remember the words of Rod Stewart’s song, ”Have I told you lately that I love you?” I may be dating myself by even bringing it up, but it’s a classic. Most people listen to it and think of their love-interest (spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend) and I have to admit I’ve been known to sing this song to my ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network I liked to be liked, don’t you? I mean, seriously, who doesn’t? No one runs around hoping everyone hates them. It’s just not built in our DNA, no matter who you are. But I can also testify that wanting to be liked has probably been the greatest source of my regrets ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network One of my favorite definitions of vision is “something seen otherwise than by the ordinary sight.” In other words, what you see in the natural should never limit what you can see by faith or by revelation. Too often, we are moved by what we see naturally— and this isn’t a ...
God doesn’t want any of us walking in the dark. He knows the light of His Word and His presence bring comfort, faith, and confidence. This is true of every obstacle or area of confusion. God is the first one to say, “You want to understand? Let me show you.” In the book of Micah, the writer makes an interesting ...
To be behind enemy lines is a military term that means you are on their turf, but not on their side. This understanding makes our position as believers in this world very important. In other words, God wants us to help hold ground for the kingdom of Light, even in the midst of dark and trying times. Obviously, the enemy has other ...
Everything we’ve been learning is only knowledge unless we apply it. James 1:22-24 says, “Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk ...
Have you seen the movie Awakenings with Robin Williams? The movie came out in 1990 and is based on a true story about victims of an encephalitis epidemic that left people in a catatonic state. In the 1970’s, Dr. Oliver Sacks tried a new drug regimen that offered the prospect of reviving these people from their unconscious condition. One thing ...
Edith Wharton once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle OR the mirror that reflects it.” Her words remind me that before you can ever truly reflect Christ to others, you must first see Christ in you. Colossians 3:10-11 says, “You’ve become a new person. This new person is continually renewed in knowledge to be ...
I’ve said it before: Salvation isn’t a one-time event. Not only did God’s mercy save us in the beginning, it daily saves us. The Bible says, “When the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, [it was] not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:4-5). ...
One of my favorite quotes ever is: “The wheel’s still spinning, but the hamster’s dead” (author unknown). I think it speaks to me because my early Christian life was a vicious cycle of trying to do good, failing, trying to do better, etc, etc. — all because I was trapped in my own unforgiveness. I tried to reach God through ...
Does the Bible say we’re just sinners saved by grace? No, it actually doesn’t. No-fault religion has taught men to say that. The Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8). In other words, we were sinners ...
I have good news for you: Righteousness is never based on your feelings. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we need to admit we are carnal people (Romans 7:14). What do I mean? To be carnal means to be motivated by the things of the flesh, such as passions and appetites. It’s basically the opposite of being spiritual. One ...
I’m not much of a roller coaster gal, but I’ve been to plenty of amusement parks in my life (mostly for the food!) and I’ve noticed how many rides have a height requirement at the entrance. Many times you’ll see a child approach the measuring stick with hesitancy in hopes they grew a little taller since the year before, and ...