Why Did God Suffer?

“What we do see is Jesus, who was given a position ‘a little lower than the angels’; and because He suffered death for us, He is now ‘crowned with glory and honor.’ Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone. God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many childrenContinue reading “Why Did God Suffer?”

Taking Responsibility for Your Own Heart

“That is why I use these parables, for they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.” (Matthew 13:13 NLT) Is it too much of an understatement to say there are things about God we can’t understand? And is it too great a stretch to believe there areContinue reading “Taking Responsibility for Your Own Heart”

Have You Conquered Yourself?

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NLT) Conquering ourselves is the hardest battle we face as human beings. It’s ironic that we can easily see problems in others, even including solutions for “their” issues, but when it comes to the person in the mirror,Continue reading “Have You Conquered Yourself?”

When Pain Isn’t Good

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Revelation 21:4 NLT) Pain comes in many “packages” and is useful for many reasons, not the least of which is to enable us to see Jesus more clearly.Continue reading “When Pain Isn’t Good”

The Guise of Control

“For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19b NLT) Every person is controlled by something or someone. We don’t govern even our own life. What does govern can vary from person to person, but ultimately, one day God will bring everything under His control (Philippians 3:21). But don’t we have freeContinue reading “The Guise of Control”

The Glory of Garbage

“For the Lord is high above the nations; His glory is higher than the heavens. Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? He stoops to look down on heaven and on earth. He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He setsContinue reading “The Glory of Garbage”

The Safe Room

“I have given them Your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” (John 17:14-15 NLT) On May 20, 2013Continue reading “The Safe Room”

What If the Prodigal Hadn’t Come Home?

“We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!” (Luke 15:32 NLT) The story of the lost son is part of a trilogy: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, all of which are foundContinue reading “What If the Prodigal Hadn’t Come Home?”

Factors That Deter: Faithlessness (Part 2)

“Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.” (Hebrews 10:26 NLT) Knowledge can be a dangerous thing, especially when it comes to being a follower of Christ. As in the verse above, knowledge of Jesus – aboutContinue reading “Factors That Deter: Faithlessness (Part 2)”

Factors That Deter: Faithlessness

“Then He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at My hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’ ‘My Lord and my God!’ Thomas exclaimed.” (John 20:27-28 NLT) Thomas, a member of the original twelve Disciples, has often been referred to as “doubting Thomas”Continue reading “Factors That Deter: Faithlessness”