When Getting Out of Bed is an Act of Worship

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:4-5 NLT) There have been days, even seasons in my life when I felt I hadContinue reading “When Getting Out of Bed is an Act of Worship”

Pleasure or Pain?

“But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26 NLT) As a Jesus follower we are, by virtue of our love for Jesus, a life-long student. Gratefully, we’ve been givenContinue reading “Pleasure or Pain?”

The Joy of Belonging

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don’t take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.” (Psalm 51:10-12 NLT) The joy of belonging begins in earnest whenContinue reading “The Joy of Belonging”

Does Worship Bore You?

“All the nations You made will come and bow before You, Lord; they will praise Your holy name. For You are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.” (Psalm 86:9-10 NLT) Worship is the one thing that human beings can do that gives them opportunity to distinguish themselves from all the other creaturesContinue reading “Does Worship Bore You?”

When Grace Wins

“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14 NLT) There are several words with only a one letter difference, but none so graphic for a believer asContinue reading “When Grace Wins”

Pessimism

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your bodyContinue reading “Pessimism”

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”

Where Do You Want to Sit in God’s Kingdom?

“But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 NLT) In your mind what is the most important thing you do forContinue reading “Where Do You Want to Sit in God’s Kingdom?”

Who or What Do You Worship?

“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) We often read Scripture so quickly we miss important words.Continue reading “Who or What Do You Worship?”

How Do We Honor God?

“So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14 NLT) How did Jesus most effectively honor His Father in heaven? He allowed the Father to pour Himself intoContinue reading “How Do We Honor God?”