Godliness Can’t Be Counterfeited!

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” Godliness, like character, cannot be taught. It must be learned through association with godly people who love Jesus more than they love themselves. I was told early in my walk with the Lord thatContinue reading “Godliness Can’t Be Counterfeited!”

The Long, Treacherous Road to Patience

“By standing firm, you will win your souls.” (Luke 21:19 NLT) Early in my walk with the Lord, an older saint reminded me to never pray for patience unless I was serious. When I asked why, they simply said: “Because He’ll answer you!” Patience is described in Strong’s Concordance as: “the characteristic of a manContinue reading “The Long, Treacherous Road to Patience”

Has God Fallen Off His Throne?

“But to the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.’” (Hebrews 1:8 NLT) When we’re in the midst of a “storm” it seems it will never end. A mountain of debt, physical issues that seem only to worsen, relational strain that continues to intensify,Continue reading “Has God Fallen Off His Throne?”

What Is Your Choice?

“If by continuing to live I can do more worthwhile work, then I am not sure which I should choose. I am pulled in two directions. I want very much to leave this life and be with Christ, which is a far better thing; but for your sake it is much more important that IContinue reading “What Is Your Choice?”

No Place Like Home

“But Jesus said ‘No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful He has been.’” (Mark 5:19 NLT) Recently my wife and I met some dear friends in Utah and visited Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon. Wow! Trying to process what your eyes areContinue reading “No Place Like Home”

Is Divorce the Answer?

“’For I hate divorce!’ says the Lord, the God of Israel.” (Malachi 2:16a NLT) Our goal as Jesus followers is to follow God and His choices for us, not seek to have Him agree with our choices. What are we to follow? In short, His paths of righteousness. What does that mean? Righteousness simply meansContinue reading “Is Divorce the Answer?”

Why Do We Suffer?

“Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law.” (Mark 8:31a NLT) As human beings living on this planet, we will suffer, but have you ever stopped to wonder why? All people shareContinue reading “Why Do We Suffer?”

Contentment

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” (1 Timothy 6:6 NLT) My first mission’s trip was to an area near Lima, Peru. Nothing would have prepared me for what I saw. I cried much of the first day. The average life expectancy there was about 40 years. Children were running the streets begging,Continue reading “Contentment”

God’s School of Faith

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1 NLT) When you think about it, we start at ground zero in the faith department as a new believer in Christ. How do I knowContinue reading “God’s School of Faith”

When God Says “No”

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me.” (Matthew 26:39 NLT) Has God ever said “no” to you when you thought you were asking in complete faith and trust? Have you ever prayed, agonizing in your spirit, begging God to take something: a pain, some form ofContinue reading “When God Says “No”