In my life, there are needs that are plain to see, and decisions which must be made. But my own logic and reasoning will not accomplish the right outcome, if I neglect God's voice in the process--and decisions made in absence of the Holy Spirit will have far reaching...

This week, I choose to let my heart again be captivated by the wonder of the God that I serve--instead of staying daily distracted by that which cannot last. ============================ Scripture Psalm 72:18-19 18 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone...

Personal ambition is a tricky thing, and must at every moment be submitted to God's heart and to Kingdom purposes. If that order ever gets reversed, then eventually I will find myself instead submitting God's word to my own desires...and that can only lead to...

The voice of the Holy Spirit is available to guide me. I must choose daily to seek counsel from the Counselor so that I can walk with confidence through the things that are unknown to me. ======================================== Scripture Joshua 9:14-15 "So the men...

I want to notice immediately when something has gotten off track in my heart, and I have stepped outside of God's blessing. I don't want to keep on trying to do things on my own power, but instead take the time to get my heart right before God. I don't want to go,...

Even in painful moments, there's a peace and a certainty in knowing the things that will never change. God's love for me will never change. God's promises for me will never change. God's faithfulness will never change. Instead of allowing my life to be shaken by the...

God's blessings and God's ways go hand in hand, inseparable from each other. His blessings always accompany his ways, and his ways always invite his blessings. ============================ Scripture Deuteronomy 28:8-9, 12 8 The LORD will command the blessing on you in...

Scripture Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Observation Through Christ we have freedom--but not freedom for the purpose of self-indulgence, but...

Accountability is not merely a starting-line strategy, but rather a permanent way of life for a Godly leader. Accountability is not merely a guideline for the novice, but rather a strategy which ensures long-term health for the experienced veteran. If I want to ensure...

People, even those close close to me, will not always feel the weight of my season. I cannot look to them for my strength, but neither should I discard them from my life. They have a role to play, but my strength must come from God alone....

Jesus tells me to expect hardship, but he warns me to keep a right perspective. When facing the fire, I am not there merely to suffer: I am there to shine brightly for my King! ================= Scripture Mark 13:9 "Be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to...

God's blessings are not limited by his capacity to give, but rather by my capacity handle what he gives me. He knows my heart and my capacity, and so I must trust his sovereignty and his love for me when he defines the boundary of my blessing....

There are seasons and storms that I've faced, and felt completely alone. There are waves that have crashed on top of me, and I didn't see anyone else next to me. But the truth is that I never have (and never will) face life's storms alone--because THE SAVIOR SEES ME....

Paul tackled conflict head-on in a Christ-like way, with the result that people around him came to know Christ. ================== Scripture Acts 28:17 "After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them,...

The shepherd's love causes me to rest, and also to move.  He causes me to lie down in the pasture, and urges me forward on the path in spite of my reluctance. He knows the limits of my strength, and he knows the path ahead. ============ Scripture Psalm 23:1-3...

Whether in boldness or restraint, Paul's objective was that people experience more of God--and he didn't let his own ego and desire to be 'right', derail what God was wanting to accomplish. ================================ Scripture Acts 19:2,9 2 And he said to them,...

How do I react when conflict happens? Some things are worth disagreeing over, but how does it affect my heart? Do I let it come between me and God, or derail me from the mission? Instead, I must keep my heart right before God and keep walking forward....

I must pay close attention to what God is doing. Is he moving forward? Is he remaining still for a time? My life must be so closely connected to his heart, that his steps become my own. When I do that, I can navigate even the hostile wilderness with...