Have you seen the movie, The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise? It’s been on TV a couple of times recently and as I watched it again, I was reminded why I like it so much. Honestly, I’m a true story buff and this one is no exception. I’m not going to spoil the movie and tell you everything that happened, ...
Let me begin by saying, although I’ve never felt called to be in the military, I’m extremely grateful for the men and women who have taken on that responsibility for us all. One thing I know for sure is, I’d be a sad candidate for boot camp! But then again, I’ve learned a few things in the spirit that may ...
It’s so easy to get in a routine and forget that faith still pleases God. For example, I recently woke up early to write my blog but accidentally dozed back off for 45 minutes. Although the extra rest was nice, the problem was my schedule wasn’t going to be very lenient and I lost some valuable time. But in my ...
Do you know anyone who’s ever said (and meant it): “I have arrived” (?) I’m not talking about getting off the plane in the Caribbean for vacation, or teasingly showing up at the parent’s house for the holidays. I mean, I have personally never met anyone who legitimately thinks they’ve arrived IN LIFE. Most would agree life is a journey, ...
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? ...
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 have a sweet friend who used to teach kindergarten. She told me about a discussion some of her students once had about Easter. She said one particular little girl told the others, “It’s just so sad that Jesus has to die every year.” I laughed when I heard this story. The innocence of children always makes me smile. Obviously, ...
There is a rest in God. To rest means to cease from work— and in the Christian world, ”works” is not a word we want to get entangled with. Religion produces works. The do’s and don’ts become bondage and often turn people away from the One who would give them the real rest they seek. I recently told a group ...
I told my brother, “I am learning so much about prayer. I know God hears us when we pray and I don’t need to beg Him to do something His Word clearly says is already His desire. Instead, I feel like my prayers have become a warfare against all the fiery darts of the enemy.” On August 11, 2021, I ...
We live in an hour where short-lived faith won’t suffice. What I mean is, if you and I are going to endure to the end as Jesus encouraged, it’s going to take more than Sunday morning faith. Last year, my daughter-in-law climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (or “Kili” as they like to call it). It was a trip her dad has made ...
Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” (Genesis 50:19). Have you ever wished you could make decisions for God? Or maybe, you’ve been on the other side of that and you’re so glad you’re not God because you would’ve made the wrong decision. Either way, I imagine we’ve all had similar ...
My friend Debbie Beck has a beautiful take on Christmas that reflects my own heart. I hope her enthusiasm encourages you as well: I love Christmas! Let me say it again in case you missed it… I LOVE Christmas! I love the Christmas story. I love Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. I love the angels, and the star and all the wonderful visitors who came ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network My family says I have nine lives. I say, God has rescued me more times than I can count. Even before I knew God, He was in the business of watching over me. In the second grade, I was hit by a car. In high school, my head went through a ...
This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network There isn’t a human on earth who hasn’t at one time or another been discontented, distressed, or in debt. Even at an early age, children and teenagers experience moments of being dissatisfied or fed up with school or rules. And people of all ages have unfortunately suffered heartache and anxiousness. This ...
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 ...
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 ...
Who doesn’t need more faith and more power? I think we all do. At any given time, we can face challenges that require us to take a deep breath and face it head-on, or shrink back in fear. Preferably, God wants us to grow in faith and walk in the power and authority He has given us in Christ. And ...
Ok, I’m going to push you a little today… But hear me out before you form an opinion. The devil has deceived some people into believing that “working” your faith is just that… work. And this kind of thinking opens the door to the enemy for condemnation and frustration when what they’re believing for isn’t coming to pass. So the ...