The Opposite of Joy

“What sorrow awaits you who say, ‘If only the day of the Lord were here!’ You have no idea what you are wishing for. That day will bring darkness, not light. In that day you will be like a man who runs from a lion – only to meet a bear. Escaping the bear, heContinue reading “The Opposite of Joy”

Equipped to Serve

“In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6a NLT) How has the Lord wired you? What do you love to do? Hate to do? Do you enjoy being around people? Make instant friends? Love crowds – the more the merrier? Or do you prefer to be alone?Continue reading “Equipped to Serve”

God Speaks

“So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b NLT) There are things we do and directions we choose that are dangerous and dishonoring to the Lord. So, there are times, as inContinue reading “God Speaks”

The Pain of the Empty Seat

“As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation – a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.” 2Continue reading “The Pain of the Empty Seat”

New Beginnings

“The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years. In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land.” (Exodus 12:40 NLT) God doesn’t provide deliverance from our captivity to sin to leave us the same. He didn’t provide freedom from the EgyptiansContinue reading “New Beginnings”

What’s the First Step?

“What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. What sorrow for those who are heroes at drinkingContinue reading “What’s the First Step?”

A Fresh Look at Repentance

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.” (Matthew 3:8 NLT) Repentance is a multi-dimensional process. Have you ever been on a road trip and well into your journey you realize you are going the wrong way? If you’re adventuresome you may blow it off andContinue reading “A Fresh Look at Repentance”

Where Is the Lord Asking You to Go?

“As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ So he started out…” (Acts 8:26-27a NLT) When the Lord prompts us to do something or go somewhere we have to assume He has a good reason and should not tarry, butContinue reading “Where Is the Lord Asking You to Go?”

Peace and Purity

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT) The role of the local church is clearly defined in Scripture,Continue reading “Peace and Purity”

When It Gets Personal!

“And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say: ‘How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:15 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at how vitally important it is to share our faith in Christ with those in our spheres of influence.Continue reading “When It Gets Personal!”