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”

Are You Radically Christian?

“God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.” (Ephesians 2:10 NCV) While visiting in another country I was privileged to speak with men of God who had far less than me materially, but whoContinue reading “Are You Radically Christian?”

Are You Equipped? (Part 2)

“In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift isContinue reading “Are You Equipped? (Part 2)”

When Getting Out of Bed is an Act of Worship

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5 NLT) There have been days, even seasons in my life when I felt I hadContinue reading “When Getting Out of Bed is an Act of Worship”

Loving or Serving?

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let Me.” (Matthew 23:37 NLT) In the later verses of Luke 10 we find Jesus visiting in the home ofContinue reading “Loving or Serving?”

What Saves Us?

“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.” (Mark 8:35 NLT) Are you saved? There are only three definitive answers to this question: yes, no, or I don’tContinue reading “What Saves Us?”

The Pain of the Empty Seat

“As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation – a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth.” 2Continue reading “The Pain of the Empty Seat”

Are You a Grace Graduate?

“From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. (John 1:16 NLT) If you’ve been around people of God very long you’ve no doubt heard them use the word “grace” numerous times. Strong’s Concordance translates “grace” as: “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness.” A common definition among believers is:Continue reading “Are You a Grace Graduate?”

When You’re Most Like Jesus

“He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 2:23 NLT) What is your highest and holiest desire? When you’re alone with God and He’s filling your mind and heart, what becomes your highest aim?Continue reading “When You’re Most Like Jesus”

No Regrets

“For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow.” (2 Corinthians 7:10a NLT) As you view your life, what do you most regret? Was it something you did that you now wish you hadn’t done? Or wasContinue reading “No Regrets”