Reading this quote by Charles Spurgeon always impacts my heart because of how true it is– no matter how long you’ve walked with the Lord, it’s so easy to lean on the flesh from time to time ((as if the flesh saved us in the first place). Paul said it this way in his letter to the Galatians: “How foolish ...
The Bible says, “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25). The word strategy describes a plan, method, or series of maneuvers for obtaining a specific goal or result. It’s also a military term defining the war techniques in planning and directing large operations. Now, understand this: God is NOT behind the ...
I recently saw someone at church I hadn’t seen in a long time. As soon as we had a chance to greet one another, I made a bee line to him to say hi and give him a hug. He was obviously uncomfortable and a little shy of looking anyone in the eyes, but he hugged me back as others ...
Warning: I’m about to rant… I saw a sign in front of a church that said, “God will not give you more than you can handle.” Now where is that scripture? Because the implication is if you’re sick, broke, or overwhelmed, God is the one who gave it to you, but don’t worry, He knows how much you can take… ...
You’ve heard it. You can quote it. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Jesus said this several times as He ministered to the multitudes regarding the truths of God’s Kingdom. And now, over 2,000 years later, the question remains: Can you hear me now? (This is my modern version of what Jesus was saying.) But hear what? ...
I’m going to tell on myself. My birthday is February 13, the day before Valentine’s, and so for my entire life, my birthday has been associated with love. I actually believe all birthdays should be celebrated with love no matter what day they fall on, but mine is especially accentuated because of the month and day it falls on. One ...
The Bible says the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). We could say these are character traits of our God. In other words, you can be assured that as a good Father, God’s thoughts and actions toward you will always line up to these characteristics. So, in taking this ...
We’ve been sitting in this pot for awhile now. I’m referring to this world we live in, but my reference isn’t limited to those who are over a certain age– this situation we’re in now, it’s been a slow boil for all of humanity. We’re like the boiling frog who didn’t know he was in danger. You see, if a frog is ...
A woman walks into a party, already a bit nervous for no reason other than insecurity. Within a few seconds inside, she observes a small group whispering across the room. One glances her way and then turns back to the others with more whispers. She wants to leave. “They don’t like me. I knew this was a mistake to come…,” ...
I love family gatherings. My motto is: The more, the merrier! And when I had teenagers in my house, I learned to be quickly adaptable to 3 more boys for dinner without notice. But it wasn’t a problem… we simply made room. But what would be a problem is if I took that same thinking and allow the devil a place ...
“An enemy has done this…” Have you ever had a thought like that? Suddenly facing a trial you weren’t expecting, getting a bad report out of the blue, hearing news that was unsettling — as a Christian, your immediate thought should be: “This isn’t God. The enemy is behind this.” Jesus actually said this to his disciples in a parable: ...
God has been trying to help me recognize and understand the distractions in my life. In fact, I’ve learned: “Whatever is not your assignment is your distraction.” You might think this would be a simple lesson, but I have found it to be a difficult one. Every day we have opportunities before us, but which to choose? How do we ...
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 We’ve been addressing the troublesome question: Is God in control of everything? Let’s be clear what we’re talking about… Everything is a BIG word. It describes the total of all things. Yet when we look at our world, and compare what we see with scripture and our understanding of our Good God, ...
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 I asked this question in last week’s post, and came to the conclusion that no, God is not in control of everything that happens. Jesus Himself helps substantiate this in His teachings. For example, let’s look at the Parable of the Wedding: And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables ...
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 You hear this sometimes… when a tragedy has happened, or something is unexplainable: “Well, you know God has a reason… He’s in control of everything that happens…” Is He? If this is true, then why did Jesus tell His disciples how to pray? If God is in control of everything, why do ...
Have you ever played a real game of pinball? Not the virtual kind on a computer or xBox, but the stand-up, hold the sides of the table, real pinball? Or maybe stood on the side and watched someone play …? The player starts the game by pulling a lever back that sends a silver ball souring through an obstacle course ...
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 You are the keeper of your heart. Sometimes, we’re unaware that the trials we are facing are directly related to the things we are allowing. Jesus said, “And some [seed] fell among thorns, and thorns sprang up with it and choked it… Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when ...
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. (James 1:14) CONSIDER THIS It’s easy to read this scripture and think of tempting desires such as adultery, pornography, addictions, and so forth. But let’s not get hasty in that assumption. Satan is the author of all temptations. In fact, the word enticed here ...