Focus

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NLT) WhenContinue reading “Focus”

Our Fierce Father

“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin. It would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. (Mark 9:42 NLT) As a father, especially when my kids were small, one of the things that gotContinue reading “Our Fierce Father”

Where Is God? (Part 2)

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) Yesterday’s post ended with a statement that declared that in order for us to have our heart and mind open to “seeing” God, to recognizing His presence, weContinue reading “Where Is God? (Part 2)”

He Knows!

“Jesus replied, ‘If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask Me, and I would give you living water.” (John 4:10 NT) In the conversation referenced above between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well it quickly became apparent that (a) the woman didn’tContinue reading “He Knows!”

Apathy and Passion

“Then His disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: ‘Passion for God’s house will consume Me.’” (John 2:17 NLT) Passion is a multidimensional issue. There are those in our world today who are very passionate about evil, and it’s no wonder. Satan is extremely motivated to take as many people to hell with him asContinue reading “Apathy and Passion”

Are You Planning to Fail?

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” (Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT) You’ve likely heard the cliché: “If you’re failing to plan, you’re planning to fail.”Continue reading “Are You Planning to Fail?”

Our New Ordinary

“The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13 NLT) If there’s anything special about me it’s that I’mContinue reading “Our New Ordinary”

A Closer Look at Self-Control

“By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” (2 Peter 1:3 NLT) Self-control, or lack thereof, is at the root of a lot of wrong that is done in the name of Jesus. The word that is translated “self-control” in the New Living Translation is translated “temperance”Continue reading “A Closer Look at Self-Control”

Decluttering Our Hearts

“Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you!” (2 Corinthians 7:11a NLT) Yesterday’s post ended with a question: “Is there hope for our addictive behavior that we say we want to change, but inwardly desire to hold onto?” And the short answer is: “Yes and No!” What does that mean? It means it largelyContinue reading “Decluttering Our Hearts”

Let Your Past Be Past

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT) What does it mean to belong to Christ? Think of it like this. Let’s say you buy a used car. It’s new to you, but at one pointContinue reading “Let Your Past Be Past”