“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Matthew 3:8 NLT) Perhaps you’ve heard the old adage: “The proof is in the pudding.” What does that mean? It means if you’re going to brag about your pudding, it’d better taste good. The same is true ofContinue reading “Prove It!”
Monthly Archives: February 2022
Making Room for Jesus
“He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’” (Luke 12:17 NLT) As Americans, we tend to live very crowded lives. Down time is rare, but when it happens, it’s often difficult to decide what to cram into the void. It’s as though we’re geared to be activeContinue reading “Making Room for Jesus”
What Is Temptation?
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14 NLT) Temptation can and often does lead to sin, but temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted, but He never yielded. Today I’d like for us to look at what the Bible teaches about temptation. Temptation literally means: “anContinue reading “What Is Temptation?”
Surrounded by Suffering
“We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know we are destined for such troubles.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2b-3 NLT) We often get tripped up in our faith by the troubles and trials we face. But JesusContinue reading “Surrounded by Suffering”
When Loves Shines Through
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out.” (John 1:5 The Message) Whether you’re speaking literally or figuratively, darkness can be terrifying, especially if you’re in a place you’ve never been before. When my wife of more than 20 years left me, it was as if the light in myContinue reading “When Loves Shines Through”
The Choice to Believe
“But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12 NLT) At some point in our lives, we decide what we’ll believe. We, as human beings, are wired to be guided by some set of beliefs. Some of those beliefs include God, some do not.Continue reading “The Choice to Believe”
The Fear of Believing
“’Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.’” (Matthew 1:20a NLT) Fear is a very real and present danger when it comes to understanding and carrying out God’s will. It has many implications and can often be confusing and disturbing. But if we’re patient and openContinue reading “The Fear of Believing”
God’s Platform for Perfection
“For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.” (Hebrews 11:40 NLT) When I was in school my best subject was math. Perhaps that’s why my ears perked up when I heard this equation in a recent sermon by Pastor Robbie Symons (https://hopeoakville.ca/glory-story-robbie-symons/): “Jesus plus nothingContinue reading “God’s Platform for Perfection”
When Jesus Stands!
“And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!’” (Acts 7:56 NLT) The only time in Scripture where it’s mentioned that Jesus was standing at God’s right hand is when He stood at Stephen’s stoning. In every other referenceContinue reading “When Jesus Stands!”
What Really Scares You?
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT) When I was a boy, I had an inflatable clown that I used to punch, and it would bounce right back up. I keptContinue reading “What Really Scares You?”
Walking With Jesus 