Reflect and anticipate
This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. – Proverbs 2:12 We’re coming to the end of the year when people reflect on the past and anticipate the future. I imagine you’ll do both. As you reflect, can you say that you are more obedient then you were a year ago? If so, why? […]
Worship involves sacrifice
Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. – Romans 12:1b I was once a part of a training event that simply required my presence. I didn’t have to pass a test, participate in the conversation or engage in any activity. Simply being there […]
The things that shackle our hearts
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32 Every man has the opportunity to live free. Free of shame, anger, bitterness, addictions, etc. The things that shackle our hearts has a key. That key is held by Jesus, and He wants to set us free. But it […]
Headed towards…
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this… – Psalm 37:5 Where are you trying to go? Are you trying to get away from something? Are you trying to get to something? Every man is on his way to something while coming from something. We are coming from or […]
In the stillness
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10a The times when we need to be reminded that God is God and still in control are usually the times it is unreasonable to be still. And God […]
Uncertain
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding – Proverbs 3:5 Most of the frustration in my life comes from a place of feeling out of control. By being in control I can lean heavily on what I have learned through experience and advice. Not leaning on the […]
The enemy of despair
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58 Despair is one of the fiercest enemies to conviction. It looks at us as fools and […]
The standard
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12 How do you know you are doing good? What do you consider a “win” in your life? […]
To get out of whack
Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. – Jonah 2:8 It is incredibly easy for our priorities to get out of whack. For example, Thanksgiving is just a few days away. Yet most in our culture treat this “day of giving thanks” as the obligatory stepping stone to Black […]
You won’t follow him
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33 “What do you want in life?” The answer to that question will guide you throughout your days, weeks, months and years. If you are driven by pride, pleasure, or power; then you will […]