Only One

“Commit everything you do to the Lord, Trust Him, and He will help you.” (Psalm 37:5 NLT) Over the three years my wife and I have lived in our current neighborhood I’ve passed out several notes and invitations, rarely, if ever, knowing if they were making any kind of impact. So, for Christmas, as IContinue reading “Only One”

Strong for God?

“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. (Romans 4:20 NLT) It’s no small thing to be a servant of the most high God! It takes strength and perseverance, endurance, and persistent effort. Why? Because it’s counter-cultural; it’s the exact opposite ofContinue reading “Strong for God?”

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”

The Path of Least Resistance

“Jesus also said, ‘The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens.’” (Mark 4:26-27 NLT) On some levels the Christian life is a paradox. When we yield our livesContinue reading “The Path of Least Resistance”

Steering Wheel or Spare Tire?

“The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory – for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:16-18) When are youContinue reading “Steering Wheel or Spare Tire?”

When Our Fear Hurts Others

“Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached Me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead My people Israel out of Egypt. But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I toContinue reading “When Our Fear Hurts Others”

The Fundamentals

“When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following Him, He said, ‘I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!’” (Luke 7:9 NLT) What is the essential ingredient without which no one will see God? According to Hebrews 11:6 it’s faith! Why is faith so foundationalContinue reading “The Fundamentals”

Are You Living Forgiven (Part 2)

“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” (Titus 2:11 NLT) From the outset, let’s be clear, Paul is not advocating the salvation of all people in the verse above, he’s saying the salvation Jesus earned for us on the Cross is available to all people. Then in the versesContinue reading “Are You Living Forgiven (Part 2)”

He Is Near To You

“For this is what the high and exalted One says, He who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.’ “ (IsaiahContinue reading “He Is Near To You”

When God Says “NO!”

“So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” (2 Corinthians 12:7b NLT) Jim Mitchell wrote in a Family Life devotional: “I’d been waiting anxiously. This was not just any job—it was my dream job. OneContinue reading “When God Says “NO!””