“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Psalm 26:3 NLT) What is it about humans that demand certainty before we move forward with or for God? “Show me a sign!” seems to be the cry of our heart before we obey God. Isn’t faithContinue reading “Certainty Before Surrender”
Tag Archives: Joy
The Opposite of Joy
“And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound.” (I Kings 1:40 NLT) What do you think of when you think of joy? What’s the most joyful occurrence or occasion of your life? Was it yourContinue reading “The Opposite of Joy”
Beyond the Visible
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) Do you realize that on many levels the most meaningful aspects of our lives are created and stored in the unseen places of our heart? Can you draw a picture of love? Describe the impact of compassion? Formulate thoughts that can adequatelyContinue reading “Beyond the Visible”
Ordinary Miracles
“When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. A host always serves the best wine first,’ he said, ‘Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensiveContinue reading “Ordinary Miracles”
The Storms of Life
“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in many parts of the world, as well as famines. But this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.” (Mark 13:8 NLT) There’s a sense in which what we’re presently experiencing in our personal livesContinue reading “The Storms of Life”
Avenues of Delusion
“Our worship of idols on the hills and our religious orgies on the mountains are a delusion. Only in the Lord our God will Israel ever find salvation. From childhood we have watched as everything our ancestors worked for – their flocks and herds, their sons and daughters – was squandered on a delusion. LetContinue reading “Avenues of Delusion”
For My God?
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT) How many decisions do you and I make in any given day without giving the Lord a thought? HowContinue reading “For My God?”
Are We Loving Like Jesus?
“You have heard the law that says, ‘love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45a NLT) Jesus asks a very revealing question a few verses after theContinue reading “Are We Loving Like Jesus?”
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”
What Causes Your Joy to Grow?
“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” (Matthew 13:44 NLT) Every morning, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who live in the shadowsContinue reading “What Causes Your Joy to Grow?”
Walking With Jesus 