I have so much respect for Jacob! Despite his many flaws, and despite his own grief and anguish in this specific moment, he refused to let his son's future be determined by misplaced blame. Instead he decided to man up, deal with his own pain, and speak a blessing...

I don't want to be like Abraham: observing God's power, but not certain if I can trust Him. I'd rather be a Peter: ready to jump out of the boat at a moment's notice...imperfect and flawed, but with an almost illogical degree of trust in the Savior....

This week I choose to see eternal value in the people around me. Despite their flaws and imperfections, the Creator loves and values them--and so must I. =============================== Scripture Genesis 9:6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be...

Following God always costs something. It may cost time, money, popularity, relationships, comfort, or even my life-but there will always be a cost. The question is, what price am I willing to pay, for what result? ==================== Scripture Acts 7: 1- 2 "And the...

I choose to honor and remember miracles and victories from my past--but I choose to live in the miracle of what God is doing today. ================ Scripture Ezra 3:12 "But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first...

How do I interact with those around me? Do I settle for shallow praise and flattery, or do I 'confirm' people in their calling? When I leave, do people feel challenged, encouraged, and strengthened...or criticized and discouraged? ====================== Scripture...

It's far simpler and safer to merely be hospitable to people as guests--but God calls me to welcome people into the family. =============================== Scripture Ezekiel 47:21-22 "So shall you divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel. You shall...

When others turn a deaf ear, I must keep speaking truth. When others turn away, I must choose obedience instead of discouragement. When others ridicule, I must be faithful. ==================== Scripture Ezekiel 2:7 "And you shall speak my words to them, whether they...

If God can mourn as His judgment falls on the wicked Moabites, then I must learn to care just as deeply for those around me. Today I choose to let my heart rejoice, celebrate, mourn, grieve, and 'feel' for those around me--instead of reducing my interactions to mere...

Instead of telling God how to be God...I must bring my prayers to Him with an open hand: "God, here's the situation. It's out of my control, but I know you are sovereign. I'm inviting you into the mess, and I'm asking you to resolve this in a way which fulfills your...

The less-than-flattering parts of my journey are precisely the moments when God's goodness and faithfulness are most clearly seen. I want God to be glorified by my life: Not just the great parts, but all of it! ================================= Scripture Psalm...

The things that I receive from God are not merely a 'benefits package' for my own exclusive enjoyment: He has entrusted these things to me so that others would also come to know him. =========================== Scripture Isaiah 60:1 - "Arise, shine, for your light has...

I must be mindful to seek alignment with God's ways, instead of merely asking Him to bless me.  Today I choose full surrender: I want to fully yield to Him and fully seek Him, so that He can fully bless me. ================================== Scripture Isaiah...

When under fire I must trust that God is accomplishing something greater than I can currently see or comprehend, and simply say 'yes!' to His sovereignty and authority. Today I choose to glorify my Lord by surrendering to His plan...instead of becoming defensive....

I don't want to become so focused on the problems of this world, that I miss seeing my King. Today, I choose to be the watchman on the wall who is attentive to the present problems...but is eagerly watching for the returning King. The King is coming!!!...

Kingdom leadership requires daily investment from my heart. It requires me to wake up each morning, relying on guidance from God's word to inspire me and keep my own heart in check, and it requires me to listen closely to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit to lead and...

If I am in Him and He is in me, then the flood and the flames are inconsequential because He is Lord of them both. The path may lead through, but it will not end there. =============== Scripture Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;...