When brothers and sisters around us fall victim to sinful acts or engage in sin, we must intervene.
Maybe through prayer, physical intervention, or verbal counsel. But we should always be moved
to act.
All in Spiritual Growth
The Simple Things: Remain
If you're not remaining, you're missing out on the effects of the greatest blessing of your life: Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Everything Jesus has for you is there, in your heart. If your love is reluctant, your focus too worldly, your joy lacking, you have no peace. Remain in Him and rest assured He will fill all the empty corners of your life. It's that simple.
Training for What Matters Most
Sometimes, I think we assume our spiritual development will happen automatically.
While growth can occur unexpectedly, most spiritual maturity comes from a desire to
know the Lord and His Word more deeply. We do not simply grow from spiritual
childhood into godliness without effort on our part—not for salvation, but certainly for
growth as a disciple of Jesus.
Treasures Along the Shore
Every time I go to the beach, God uses the experience to teach me something about
who He is and how He works. In fact, He has been so faithful to do this that I now look
forward to each trip not only for the beauty and rest, but also for what He will teach
me—and perhaps allow me to share with others. I anticipate He will speak, and I come
ready to learn.
The Power of Joy
The prophet Habakkuk recorded a third prayer to God. This prayer was in the form of a song written for the choir director to be song with stringed instruments. Habakkuk responded to what God foretold of the judgment of Israel by the invading Babylonians. Even though God declared that He would defend His people with His mighty arm, Habakkuk "trembled within" as he waited quietly for the Lord’s deliverance.
New Growth
I have an old self, a former way of life, that is corrupted by deceitful desires that seem to cling to me like that old shriveled up leaf clinging to the tree. It takes super-natural help from the Holy Spirit to push off the old self… to make it let go.
The Will to Hear
Jesus spoke of “ears trained to hear” when speaking to the crowds of John the Baptist—the one the prophets had predicted would come to prepare the way for the Messiah. Those who had trained their hearts to hear spiritual truth accepted what Jesus said. Others failed to understand. Their ears could not hear.
Wrestling in Prayer
It did not take me long after we moved to another city to realize that a prayer warrior is simply one who prays fervently. I became convicted about not just saying I would pray for someone, but going ahead and doing it right then and there. Sometimes it would be in person, other times a phone call. Meaningful prayers can also be typed in a text message.
The Storms of Life
How many of you can relate to the feelings of the disciples in our passage? Have you ever been caught in a storm in your life? Have you had a time when your problem seemed too big and your faith was too small? Have you ever felt threatened by the storm and its uncertainty?
Strongholds
Based upon this biblical definition, believing failure to be beyond God’s redemptive grace, self-deprecating thoughts, and chronic negative attitudes qualify as strongholds. This sobering awareness challenges me to carefully evaluate any thinking pattern that limits my ability to know God as He truly is.
New Songs
A repeated command found throughout the Psalms is, Sing a new song to the Lord. 'A new song' refers to a song that is not common to this world. In other words, the follower of Jesus learns songs that the world cannot teach.
Mercy and Me
In Micah 6:8, God says we are to “love mercy.” Showing mercy when I’ve been slightly wronged isn’t very difficult. But extending forgiveness to someone who has deeply and grievously wronged me is profoundly challenging. Can you relate?
Warmth
Picture sitting by a warm fire ablaze, roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate on a cool winter evening with family and friends. Enjoying sweet fellowship is a delightful moment most people cherish. The warmth of the fire and love for each other encourages our hearts.
The Shepherds: Go and See
God interrupted the commonplace. The glory of God shattered darkness. A message from an angel broke the silence. The Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born! As shepherds in the field beheld the angel, their initial response was fear. But with the announcement of the birth of the awaited One, fear turned to determination. The shepherds said, Let’s go…and see... (Luke 2:15). They hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the heralded baby lying in a manger.
Sun and Clouds Together
I love all beach sunrises—even the gray ones—because… well, we’re at the beach. But my absolute favorite is when sunshine and clouds meet. There’s nothing quite like the beauty of colors revealed as sunlight breaks through the clouds. Only a Creator God could design something so breathtaking.
Joy in Fear
Lord, I don’t want to die yet. If I must go through cancer, give me joy and strength.
I wrote those words just a few days before a dear friend sent me today’s verse.
She knew I needed joy and peace. I waited for a biopsy — scheduled on my son’s eighteenth birthday. Of course, my mind swirled with fear and what-ifs.
Wandering
Wandering in a little European town often begins with excitement and a sense of adventure! Aimlessly, you can explore cute shops filled with interesting things or charming cafes that invite enjoying a cappuccino and a croissant.
