What’s Your Motivation to Obey?

“The disciples were amazed, ‘Who is this man?’ they asked. ‘Even the winds and waves obey Him!’” (Matthew 8:27 NLT) Obedience to God’s directives is a vital issue. In John 15:14 Jesus said to His disciples: “You are my friends if you do what I command.” That raises the question, “Can you be a JesusContinue reading “What’s Your Motivation to Obey?”

Be Careful What You Pray For

“When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, ‘Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to You and have served You single-mindedly, always doing what pleases You.’ Then he broke down and wept bitterly.” (2 Kings 20:2-3 NLT) Some of the most uplifting, encouraging, andContinue reading “Be Careful What You Pray For”

Spiritual Warfare

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.” (Ephesians 6:13 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at an early chapter in the lives of the children of Israel as they began their conquest of the land the Lord had promised them.Continue reading “Spiritual Warfare”

What Walls Are You Marching Around?

“It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down.” (Hebrews 11:30 NLT) What is it that you’re desperate for God to do for you? Is it financial? Health related? A relationship? A job or career issue? A lost loved one or friend? WhateverContinue reading “What Walls Are You Marching Around?”

Faithfulness Leads to Fruitfulness

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT) As I look back over my life, I can very often gauge the fruitfulness of my life by my faithfulness. In otherContinue reading “Faithfulness Leads to Fruitfulness”

A Reason to Be Grateful

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT) Today in America is Thanksgiving Day. As is the case every seven years, it’s also my birthday. I’m turning 75 today, so I have thousands of reasons to be grateful, but supreme in myContinue reading “A Reason to Be Grateful”

The Exponential Effects of Your Witness

“When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT) To me the most vital characteristic a Jesus follower must have in order to influence others for Him, is compassion. We fret and make excuse for not reaching out toContinue reading “The Exponential Effects of Your Witness”

Harvest Is Urgent Business

“Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, ‘Rabbi, eat something.’” (John 4:31 NLT) While I have very little experience with farming and literal crops, other than flowers and a few plants we had in a small garden, I know enough to realize that harvesting in a timely manner is critical. To pick the ripening fruit orContinue reading “Harvest Is Urgent Business”

When Our Prayers Get Honest! (Part 2)

“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble, and He answered me.” (Jonah 2:2 NLT) The story of Jonah is interesting on many levels, not the least being his prayer from within the belly of the large fish the Lord sent to rescue him from the ocean. Just to catch you up, inContinue reading “When Our Prayers Get Honest! (Part 2)”

Who’s in Charge?

“I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” (Genesis 3:16 NLT) These words spoken by God to Eve after the fall reminds me that control is an issue with which we still wrestle. NotContinue reading “Who’s in Charge?”