Hope and Optimism

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.” (1 Peter 3:15-16a NLT) As a Jesus follower hope is a multi-faceted confidence that centers in and focuses upon Jesus, our SaviorContinue reading “Hope and Optimism”

The Safe Room

“I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” (John 17:14-15 NLT) On May 20, 2013Continue reading “The Safe Room”

Listening for the Voices

“So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8 NLT) Troubles and suffering are common to mankind. No one isContinue reading “Listening for the Voices”

A Life Without Worry?

“So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing – except what kind of food to eat!” (Genesis 39:6) Can you imagine a life without worry? If you can, that’s a great start to reaching your goal of a worry-free life. Worry is likeContinue reading “A Life Without Worry?”

What’s Your Motivation to Obey?

“The disciples were amazed, ‘Who is this man?’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and waves obey Him!’” (Matthew 8:27 NLT) Obedience to God’s directives is a vital issue. In John 15:14 Jesus said to His disciples: “You are my friends if you do what I command.” That raises the question, “Can you be a JesusContinue reading “What’s Your Motivation to Obey?”

Faith and Feeling

“When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, ‘I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!’” (Matthew 8:10 NLT) When I first began to follow Jesus there was a small tract that had a drawing of a train with an engine,Continue reading “Faith and Feeling”

Getting Your Life Back

“If you try to hang on to your life, your will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26 NLT) One dayContinue reading “Getting Your Life Back”

Is Conversion a Good Thing?

“Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, ‘I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest inContinue reading “Is Conversion a Good Thing?”

Are You Praying Safe Prayers?

“Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now? (Matthew 26:53-54 NLT) Prayer is the most powerful force on earth, yet we often treat it likeContinue reading “Are You Praying Safe Prayers?”

The Happiness Dilemma

“From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.” (Malachi 3:15 NLT) It’s not uncommon for believers to feel they are caught in the proverbial “cross hairs” when it comes to wealth and material possessions. When we’reContinue reading “The Happiness Dilemma”