“But I warn you – unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!” (Matthew 5:20 NLT) These words of Jesus were given in the context of His Sermon on the Mount, which was given early in His publicContinue reading “Are You Ready for Heaven?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Refined By Fire
“And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in.” (Daniel 3:22 NLT) The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is the kind of unbelievable, impossible tale as to only be believed by fools or people whoContinue reading “Refined By Fire”
The Greater Work
“But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.” (Nehemiah 4:9 NLT) Most often, it seems we’re tempted to see prayer as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. When we pray, like Nehemiah, our expectation focuses on what we want God to doContinue reading “The Greater Work”
Why All the Angst?
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) The thought of being in heaven without my kids is unbearable. To see them walking without an intimate relationship withContinue reading “Why All the Angst?”
What Is the Object of Your Praise?
“For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” (John 12:43 NLT) One of the clearest pictures of a person who loves Jesus more than they love themselves, is their reaction to praise. That’s something with which I’ve wrestled for many years, and still do on some levels. For example, when I wasContinue reading “What Is the Object of Your Praise?”
What It Means to Be a Masterpiece
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) We’ve been looking at the sacred nature of our relationship with Jesus that spills over into every area of our lives – not only howContinue reading “What It Means to Be a Masterpiece”
Seeing Our Work As Sacred (Part 2)
“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24 NLT) In yesterday’s post we began investigating how our view of work should beContinue reading “Seeing Our Work As Sacred (Part 2)”
Seeing Our Work As Sacred
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) We’re tempted, especially as a new believer, to view what we do to earn a living as “ours,” and what we do in and throughContinue reading “Seeing Our Work As Sacred”
Everything You Need!
“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.” (Matthew 6:32 NLT) When you think about “needs,” what comes first to mind? If you’re a Jesus follower, hopefully, you’ll recognize your overarching need of Jesus. But when it comes to practical, everyday needs, what’s first? Food, clothing, shelter,Continue reading “Everything You Need!”
The Exponential Effects of Your Witness
“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT) To me the most vital characteristic a Jesus follower must have in order to influence others for Him, is compassion. We fret and make excuse for not reaching out toContinue reading “The Exponential Effects of Your Witness”
Walking With Jesus 