Renewing Your Mind

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2 NLT) The result of a renewed mind is holiness or the oppositeContinue reading “Renewing Your Mind”

Why Do You Pray?

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 NLT) Why do you pray? What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to use God to get your way, asking God toContinue reading “Why Do You Pray?”

Pleasure or Pain?

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 NLT) As a Jesus follower we are, by virtue of our love for Jesus, a life-long student. Gratefully, we’ve been givenContinue reading “Pleasure or Pain?”

What Else Can I Do?

“Then He added, ‘Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.’” (Matthew 13:52 NLT) The above statement of the Lord Jesus is on the heels of the parable of the fishing netContinue reading “What Else Can I Do?”

Shaped or Shaken?

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11 NLT) What do you believe “a life worthy of His call” should lookContinue reading “Shaped or Shaken?”

Pessimism

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your bodyContinue reading “Pessimism”

Are You Living Forgiven (Part 2)

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11 NLT) From the outset, let’s be clear, Paul is not advocating the salvation of all people in the verse above, he’s saying the salvation Jesus earned for us on the Cross is available to all people. Then in the versesContinue reading “Are You Living Forgiven (Part 2)”

Pleasures Never Lie

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT) Pleasure can be the playground of the devil or the canvas upon which God’s presence is painted more clearly on our heart. Physical pleasure is fleeting yet can become intoxicating for those who seekContinue reading “Pleasures Never Lie”

The Happiness Dilemma

“From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.” (Malachi 3:15 NLT) It’s not uncommon for believers to feel they are caught in the proverbial “cross hairs” when it comes to wealth and material possessions. When we’reContinue reading “The Happiness Dilemma”

When Prayer Becomes Pleasure

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1 NLT) My wife and I have two dogs – a Pug and a mixed-breed we rescued. We love them, but they’re a lot of work. They both love attention and affection, but our Pug’s greatest delight is .Continue reading “When Prayer Becomes Pleasure”