What Do You Want?

“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’sContinue reading “What Do You Want?”

Nothing Compares

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.” (Acts 4:32-33 NLT) The closer we get to Christ theContinue reading “Nothing Compares”

Before the Outcome is Known

“Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT) While we can debate Paul’s “weakness,” my sense is it had to do with hisContinue reading “Before the Outcome is Known”

Faith and Holiness

“Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14 NLT) What comes first to mind when you think of holiness or being holy? Long skirts or dresses and women’s hair in a bun or with a bigContinue reading “Faith and Holiness”

A Believer’s Highest Honor!

“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” (Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT) Service for the Lord comes in all shapes, sizes, and levels of difficulty. For some, servingContinue reading “A Believer’s Highest Honor!”

How Vital Is Prayer for You?

“So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, ‘We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. Then we apostlesContinue reading “How Vital Is Prayer for You?”

To Serve or Be Served?

“’Get out of here, Satan,’ Jesus told him. ‘For the Scriptures say, “You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.”’” (Matthew 4:10 NLT) Serving God takes many forms and can at times create a very thin line between serving and being served. There are three words in Greek that can be translatedContinue reading “To Serve or Be Served?”

Seeing Ourselves with Sober Judgment

“Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given you.” (Romans 12:3 NLT) Have you ever worked so hard or run so longContinue reading “Seeing Ourselves with Sober Judgment”

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)”

Gratitude

“Then Elisha summoned Gehazi. ‘Call the child’s mother!’ he said. And when she came in, Elisha said, ‘Here, take your son!” She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.” (2 Kings 4:36-37 NLT) While pastoring I met a manContinue reading “Gratitude”