How to Look Like Jesus

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:43-45a NLT) It’s much easier to love someone who loves us, who’s kind,Continue reading “How to Look Like Jesus”

Certainty Before Surrender

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Psalm 26:3 NLT) What is it about humans that demand certainty before we move forward with or for God? “Show me a sign!” seems to be the cry of our heart before we obey God. Isn’t faithContinue reading “Certainty Before Surrender”

It’s Your Choice

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NLT) Do you know why God’s plans for you don’t always come to fruition? Essentially for the same reason not all people will goContinue reading “It’s Your Choice”

When Wills Are Wed

“Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:15-16 NLT)Continue reading “When Wills Are Wed”

Salvation (Part 2)

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT) In a very real sense, personal salvation, the ability of an individual person to be saved, wasn’t available until the Holy Spirit was given. How do I know that? Because accordingContinue reading “Salvation (Part 2)”

When Someone Walks Away From God

“For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened – those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come – and who then turn away fromContinue reading “When Someone Walks Away From God”

Obedience

“If you love Me, obey My commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT) Obedience is rarely easy. I loved my mom’s chocolate cake. She used to bring one to me when she and my dad would visit when I was in college. But when I was a kid, after she baked one, she never told me: “Eat allContinue reading “Obedience”

Whose Will?

“Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10 NLT) What we do, in every area of our lives, isn’t nearly as important as why we do it. On some levels it’s similar to –Continue reading “Whose Will?”

What’s Your End Game?

“‘The master was full of praise. “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT) Why do you do the things you do for God? What’s your end game? Success? Recognition? Accolades? Profit?Continue reading “What’s Your End Game?”

What Will You Allow God to Do?

“Next the devil took Him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. ‘I will give it all to you,’ he said, ‘if you will kneel down and worship me.’” (Matthew 4:8-9 NLT) If you want all the glory the world has toContinue reading “What Will You Allow God to Do?”