“’Don’t be afraid,’ Moses answered them, ‘for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning.’” (Exodus 20:20 NLT) Hundreds of times throughout the Bible we’re told to “fear not” or “don’t be afraid,” yet isn’t fear healthy on some levels? When IContinue reading “When Fear Is Good”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Who Are You Playing For?
“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My dearly loved Son, who brings Me great joy.’” (Matthew 3:17 NLT) In a recent devotional, Ron Hutchcraft told the story of a young man who was performing his first concert as a pianist. The auditorium was filled with an expectant audience, and at the end theyContinue reading “Who Are You Playing For?”
What A Beautiful Name!
“Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (PhilippiansContinue reading “What A Beautiful Name!”
Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?
“This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.” (Luke 22:19b NLT) Today’s post began as a letter to an inmate who was wrestling with why Jesus would introduce Communion (The Lord’s Supper) and Baptism. He seemed to think Jesus’ whole point was to do away with the law andContinue reading “Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?”
What Does Redeemed/Redemption Mean?
“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors.” (1 Peter 1:18a NLT) When I was in high school, I worked in a stamp redemption center. What’s that you may wonder? Years ago, it was common when you made a purchase, to receive stamps.Continue reading “What Does Redeemed/Redemption Mean?”
Why Does God Allow His Children to Suffer? (Part 2)
“I cry to You, O God, but You don’t answer. I stand before You, but You don’t even look.” (Job 30:20 NLT) The second reason God tests us is to see how genuine our commitment to Him is. But, you may ask, doesn’t God already know how genuine our commitment is? Why would He needContinue reading “Why Does God Allow His Children to Suffer? (Part 2)”
Why Does God Allow His Children to Suffer?
“If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children.” (Hebrews 12:8 NLT) Today and tomorrow, I’d like for us to look at three reasons why God allows His children to suffer. But before we do, I’m compelled to address anotherContinue reading “Why Does God Allow His Children to Suffer?”
What Does It Mean to Be Lost?
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10 NLT) It can be very disturbing to be lost. The only thing worse than being lost, is being lost, but not realizing it. Ironically, being lost doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t know where you are. It can also meanContinue reading “What Does It Mean to Be Lost?”
What Does It Mean to Trust God?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT) Trust is a very sacred and fragile thing. Though it can take years to earn, it can be lost in aContinue reading “What Does It Mean to Trust God?”
What Does It Mean to Be Saved?
“We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.” (Hebrews 10:39b NLT) Today we’ll look at two more words that those who follow Jesus often use, but can easily be misunderstood. They are “faithful” and “saved/salvation.” In Matthew 24:45 Jesus says: “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give theContinue reading “What Does It Mean to Be Saved?”
Walking With Jesus 