When True Faith Begins

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) What disturbs you most about yourself? The prayer of the Psalmist above is a prayer I often pray, but why?Continue reading “When True Faith Begins”

The Path of Least Resistance

“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.’” (Mark 4:26-27 NLT) On some levels the Christian life is a paradox. When we yield our livesContinue reading “The Path of Least Resistance”

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!”

The Sixth Man

“Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” (Genesis 33:26 NLT) In a recent devotional Ron Hutchcraft recounted a tragic scene. He wrote: “When I fly into Washington D.C., I sort of flash back to an unforgettable scene.Continue reading “The Sixth Man”

Hanging On to Your Best

“Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you.” (Numbers 18:29 NLT) The story is told of a time in the late Queen Elizabeth’s life when she asked her chauffeur to take her for a ride in the country. Then she asked him to pull over so sheContinue reading “Hanging On to Your Best”

A Banquet on the Battlefield

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.” (PsalmContinue reading “A Banquet on the Battlefield”

More Blessed to Give?

“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 NLT) What if we sincerely and genuinely believed generosity was good for us? Could part of theContinue reading “More Blessed to Give?”

Choices Have Consequences

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NLT) We make our choices, then our choices make us! Everything we do, for good or ill, has a corresponding consequence. A consequence is a result or outcome, whether it’s good orContinue reading “Choices Have Consequences”

The Ones We Love (Part 2)

“Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT) Every human being who has ever lived, yes, even Jesus, has been bornContinue reading “The Ones We Love (Part 2)”

What Are You Waiting For?

“Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” (Romans 8:20-21 NLT) Waiting is one of the things I most despise in this body. Every day I’m reminded that I’mContinue reading “What Are You Waiting For?”