Our Waiting Is Never Wasted

“May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT) Growing takes time. I remember thinking I was never going to turn 16 so I could begin to drive legally. Then I blinked and I wasContinue reading “Our Waiting Is Never Wasted”

Once Saved Always Saved?

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are My followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT) From the outsetContinue reading “Once Saved Always Saved?”

Created or Revealed?

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans 5:3-4 NLT) Have you ever seen someone endure something – a sickness, heartache, trial, setback, or difficulty – and youContinue reading “Created or Revealed?”

Strong for God?

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (Romans 4:20 NLT) It’s no small thing to be a servant of the most high God! It takes strength and perseverance, endurance, and persistent effort. Why? Because it’s counter-cultural; it’s the exact opposite ofContinue reading “Strong for God?”

Your Race of Faith?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Outside magazine ranContinue reading “Your Race of Faith?”

Avoiding the “Bonk”

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NLT) While I can’t personally imagine the horrors of slavery, having been a pastor for many years and spending a fair amount of time visiting and speaking withContinue reading “Avoiding the “Bonk””

A Closer Look at Patience

“By standing firm, you will win your souls.” (Luke 21:19 NLT) Patience is one of those virtues that you really hope one day you’ll have, but you’re a bit afraid to ask the Lord to give it to you. We’re like the man who, in his frustration, shouted to the Lord: “Okay, Lord, I getContinue reading “A Closer Look at Patience”

Keeping Our Focus on Jesus

“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a NLT) Endurance demands training and training demands discipline, neither of which the average professing believer in America has or even desires. How doContinue reading “Keeping Our Focus on Jesus”

God Is Able – To Establish You!

“Now all glory to God, who is able to make your strong, just as my Good News says.” (Romans 16:25a NLT) There have been times in my life as a believer that I was so burdened by my inability to be strong enough, in the sense of being able to keep my focus on Jesus,Continue reading “God Is Able – To Establish You!