“And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.” (Romans 8:17 NLT) We all have, or at least had at one time, desires for how we wanted our lifeContinue reading “What Is Your Desired Outcome?”
Tag Archives: Jesus
What Will Unite A Struggling Church?
“So the crowd was divided about Him.” (John 7:43 NLT) Having pastored mostly small churches, I understand disagreement and division. It’s hard to keep a “ship” on course when you can’t agree on its destination. Whatever measure of success I had in helping churches to grow was rooted in two things. First, keeping their attentionContinue reading “What Will Unite A Struggling Church?”
Are You Longing for a Heaven Without Jesus?
“In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (Matthew 5:45 NLT) Have you ever asked someone who isn’t a believer to describe what heaven willContinue reading “Are You Longing for a Heaven Without Jesus?”
Believer or Belonger?
“’And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.’ He said this to indicate how He was going to die.” (John 12:32-33 NLT) Imagine, like Jesus, being the only one of your kind. Talk about being conspicuous! My second mission’s trip was to the beautiful country of Guatemala. WeContinue reading “Believer or Belonger?”
Created for His Glory
“As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.” (Galatians 6:14 NLT) Why do you believe you were born? As the population of the world surpassesContinue reading “Created for His Glory”
When We Get Honest
“And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” (Luke 8:15 NLT) Nothing of eternal value is ever gained dishonestly. Lying to ourselves or others about the things of God, whether it relates to our daily disciplines asContinue reading “When We Get Honest”
The Ring of Death
“And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow, just as our love for you overflows.” (I Thessalonians 3:12 NLT) In Scripture there are literally dozens of “one another” statements such as the one above. Why is that so important? Because being a follower of Jesus isn’tContinue reading “The Ring of Death”
Are You an Evangelical?
“But some of the teachers of religious law who were sitting there thought to themselves, ‘What is He saying? This is blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!’” (Mark 2:6-7 NLT) I read in a recent BreakPoint article by John Stonestreet and Kasey Leander: “Every two years, Ligonier Ministries works with LifeWay Research to evaluate theContinue reading “Are You an Evangelical?”
Is “Free Will” Really Free?
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me.” (Luke 13:34 NLT) While the terms “free will” do not appear in the King James Version of theContinue reading “Is “Free Will” Really Free?”
What Will Hell Be Like?
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT) Think of one of God’s characteristics that means the most to you. God is good, gracious, compassionate, loving, kind, forgiving, tender-hearted, merciful, just, faithful,Continue reading “What Will Hell Be Like?”
Walking With Jesus 