Light in Darkness
Until God calls us home, our job is to continue walking as children of God-- carrying light into dark places. ========================= ScriptureRevelation 18:4Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins,...
The Power of Prayer
This week, I need to cultivate the daily discipline of prayer--not because my words have inherent power, but because the One to whom I pray has ALL power. ====================== ScriptureRevelation 8:3-5And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden...
Seen, Known, Loved
God calls me to serve Him with a heart of Brotherly Love, trusting that He will make a way when I cannot: ...Because He sees me, He knows me, and He loves me.================== ScriptureRevelation 3:7-8 7And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words...
People, not Problems
The community saw the beggar's problem, but Jesus saw him.============================ ScriptureJohn 9:1,81 - As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.8 - The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, “Is this not the man who used to...
Who, not Where
Jesus didn't stand on the foundation of his birthplace, his family's reputation, his social status, or his community connections. He stood on the certainty that he had been sent by the Father, to perform a very specific mission. ======================== ScriptureJohn...
Mercy Wins
When I remember the depth of God's grace toward me, how could I ever hold a grudge against someone for the small ways that they have wronged me? His grace has triumphed over judgement in my own life--and grace still triumphs over judgement, as I let His mercy flow...
Proven Faith
The strength of my faith is revealed not when I get what I want--but rather when I trust God even though the situation looks hopeless. ============= ScriptureHebrews 11:13"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and...
Practicing
We all start out as infants in the family, but God's desire is that we would choose to grow instead of remaining an infant forever. ================================== ScriptureHebrews 5:14"But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of...
Stable, Steadfast, Unshifting
Spiritual health in Christ comes from a daily walk that is stable, steadfast, and unshifting--not rising and falling with the tides of impulse and emotion. This steady, daily walk with Christ is where his transformation takes place day by day in my heart....
The Most Important Thing
Tension and conflict in the Body should not be ignored, but neither should they be allowed to cause catastrophic division within the Church. The most important thing is that Christ is proclaimed! ======================= ScripturePhilippians 1:15-18Some indeed preach...
Own It
God is good, despite my imperfection: and He does good, despite my flaws. ======================== Scripture Psalm 119:66-68 "Teach me good judgement and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You...
Giving Glory
When I give glory to God, my faith in God grows stronger. I cannot wait until the fulfillment of the promise in order to give glory to God--I must start today!================ ScriptureRomans 4:19-2119 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body,...
Loving the Truth
When truth is not loved, lies, error, and deception become acceptable. When lies are acceptable, Satan's work flourishes. ========================= Scripture2 Thessalonians 2:9-10The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs...
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Even though the circumstances were unsettling, God was at work and still accomplishing what only He could do. The chaos didn't prevent God's plans--instead the chaos accommodated God's plans. ================= ScriptureMatthew 28:2-6And behold, there was a great...
Recharging
Jesus didn't wear exhaustion as a badge of honor, or mark of distinction. He took the time to recharge and refresh his heart in the presence of his Father, before jumping back into everything that needed to be done. =============================== ScriptureMatthew...
Good Seed, Good Soil
The seed of God's word is always capable of producing a harvest. ========================= ScriptureMatthew 13:2323 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a...
The Need
Jesus came to save sinners, not to reassure the righteous.============================= ScriptureMatthew 9:10-1310 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples....
Counterfeit Apostles
Though Paul's words were harsh, his heart was a heart of love which cared too much to ignore dangerous deception. ================== Scripture2 Corinthians 11:12-1512 And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to...