Forgetfulness

“Can those in the grave declare Your unfailing love? Can they proclaim Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Can the darkness speak of Your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about Your righteousness?” (Psalm 88:11-12 NLT) The term translated “forgetfulness” in the above verse can also be translated “oblivion” andContinue reading “Forgetfulness”

True Happiness

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – trulyContinue reading “True Happiness”

Who Can You Trust?

“Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, He will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, ‘This is the way you should go, whether to the right orContinue reading “Who Can You Trust?”

How to Change Your World

“He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control.” (Philippians 3:21 NLT) If you’re a Jesus follower one day you’ll no longer have to deal with sickness, sin, Satan, or his devilish emissaries. Why not?Continue reading “How to Change Your World”

Imitator?

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. 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 5:1-2 NLT) Do you remember Gunsmoke? It was a TV program a long timeContinue reading “Imitator?”

When True Faith Begins

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) What disturbs you most about yourself? The prayer of the Psalmist above is a prayer I often pray, but why?Continue reading “When True Faith Begins”

What Story Are You Telling Yourself?

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6 NLT) EveryoneContinue reading “What Story Are You Telling Yourself?”

What Are Your Strongest Thoughts?

“And then He added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.’” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT) HowContinue reading “What Are Your Strongest Thoughts?”

Boundaries

“For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation.” (Titus 1:10 NLT) Driving home from a visit with my daughter, who lives in Seattle, Washington, I passed through a lot of open country. Eastern Washington, Montana, and WyomingContinue reading “Boundaries”

Why Are You Afraid?

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT) According to Pastor Rick Warren: “Fear is humanity’s most common problem.” While people fear different things, fear is common to virtually every human beingContinue reading “Why Are You Afraid?”