Marriage and Ministry

“Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly.” (Colossians 3:15 NLT) It catches my attention to realize the same author to whom the Lord gave insight to write the words of Colossians 1:15ff about the grandeur and majesty of Jesus, also inspired the words of the verse above. It occurs to me that hadContinue reading “Marriage and Ministry”

His Slumbering Church (Part 2)

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.” (Revelation 2:7a NLT) The first and most important place to look for “slumbering” believers is in the mirror. Who are “slumbering” believers? They are those who profess faith in Jesus but have “fallen asleep at theContinue reading “His Slumbering Church (Part 2)”

The Value of Suffering

“I know, Lord, that our lives are not our own. We are not able to plan our own course.” (Jeremiah 10:23 NLT) One of the most significant values of suffering of any kind is that it shows us we’re not in charge of our own life. Suffering in and of itself can be a veryContinue reading “The Value of Suffering”

What If Our Prodigal Doesn’t Return?

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my faither and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of beingContinue reading “What If Our Prodigal Doesn’t Return?”

Is Church Boring?

“The master was full of praise, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT) The Bible has nearly 200 verses that speak directly to the theme of celebration. The Jews had manyContinue reading “Is Church Boring?”

Struggles

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” (Philippians 1:29-30 NLT) The greatest battlefield for aContinue reading “Struggles”

Christianity Without the Church?

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT) Given the state of our world today it seems more people than ever should be flocking to churches, but it’s not the case. With rareContinue reading “Christianity Without the Church?”

Whose Terms?

“But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.” (Jude 1:21 NLT) Whenever we enter aContinue reading “Whose Terms?”

Obedience

“If you love Me, obey My commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT) Obedience is rarely easy. I loved my mom’s chocolate cake. She used to bring one to me when she and my dad would visit when I was in college. But when I was a kid, after she baked one, she never told me: “Eat allContinue reading “Obedience”

In Due Time

“Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them.” (Luke 7:38 NLT) We cry for a lot of reasons, don’t we? Sometimes we’re sad, angry, frustrated, confused, or troubled, butContinue reading “In Due Time”