What Do You Expect?

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT) As a pastor I was privileged to sit with people in the best times of their lives and their worst times. A parent’s worst nightmareContinue reading “What Do You Expect?”

Why Do You Pray?

“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray toContinue reading “Why Do You Pray?”

The Gift of Christ’s Cleansing Blood

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”  (1 John 1:9 NLT) After a long, hard day of working in the hot summer sun, nothing is quite as refreshing as a drink of cold water and a long,Continue reading “The Gift of Christ’s Cleansing Blood”

Praying Like We Expect an Answer!

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”   (Mark 11:24 NLT) There are numbers of stories in the Bible that inspire and challenge me, but none more than when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in John 11. I’ve often wondered why HeContinue reading “Praying Like We Expect an Answer!”

Praying With Intentionality!

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”   (Mark 11:24 NLT) What is the Lord teaching you in this season of your life? Regardless of your age or station in life, if you love Jesus, His Spirit will continue to fill your heartContinue reading “Praying With Intentionality!”

What Is Propitiation? (Part 3)

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9 NLT) It occurred to me that yesterday’s article may have raised more questions than it answered, so let me see if I can explain a couple ofContinue reading “What Is Propitiation? (Part 3)”

God Is Able – To Establish You!

“Now all glory to God, who is able to make your strong, just as my Good News says.” (Romans 16:25a NLT) There have been times in my life as a believer that I was so burdened by my inability to be strong enough, in the sense of being able to keep my focus on Jesus,Continue reading “God Is Able – To Establish You!

The Unifying Power of Prayer

“They all met together and were constantly united in prayer…” (Acts 1:14a NLT) Unity on some level isn’t difficult to achieve. People unite under all kinds of banners, from politics to sports; from workout plans to diets; from rights to wrongs. But, ironically, the Church really struggles to get some measure of unity. Why doContinue reading “The Unifying Power of Prayer”

Are You a Door or a Window?

“Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through Me will be saved.” (John 10:9a NLT) As I pondered what the Lord is seeking to say, in relation to the purposes of doors and windows, it occurred to me that some doors are glass, thus the view of whatever is on the other sideContinue reading “Are You a Door or a Window?”

Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?

“Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.” (Proverbs 11:3 NLT) “Honest” Abe Lincoln believed “Honesty is the best policy,” but is it? Couple that with Proverbs 12:22 that says: “The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in those who tell the truth.” I’ve heard people say things like: “This is the honest truth.”Continue reading “Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?”