God’s Plans for His Children
In all things, God is the Alpha and Omega, and his plans for us are perfect. These two verses of God’s Word need to sink deep into our hearts. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations”…
Breaking the Cycle of Despair
For many believers, sinking to the bottom means the end. They become so overwhelmed by their failures that they develop a sense of unworthiness. Over time, they feel trapped beyond any help. Isaiah wrote of such believers, “Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted…” (Isaiah 54:11 NKJV). Some eventually get mad at God. They…
The Irrationality of Faith
When God says to humankind, “Believe,” he demands something that is wholly beyond reason. Faith is totally illogical. Think about it. The book of Hebrews says faith is the substance of something hoped for, evidence that’s unseen. There is no evidence, yet we’re asked to believe. Believers will face discouragement in this life, yet I…
When Sifting Comes
“And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat’” (Luke 22:31 NKJV). Satan sifts only those who threaten his work. He goes after the tree with the most potential to bear fruit. Why was he so anxious to test Peter? Well, for three years Peter…
Get God’s Power and Go!
As soon as the disciples heard about receiving a baptism of power, they asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel”? (see Acts 1). Jesus answered in no uncertain terms, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in his own authority” (Acts 1:7…
Practicing the Presence of Christ
Many Christians are intimidated by the idea of sharing their faith, myself included. We’ve been taught that there is a set of rules on how to lead people to Christ. We’re worried sick that sharing our faith means “cold calling,” like we’re God’s sales force, buttonholing perfect strangers with sweaty palms and awkward conversation. The…
Going on the True Adventure
I would say I’m a pretty adventurous guy, but there are people who take it to a whole different level. These are the kind of folks who go swimming with sharks. No doubt you’ve all seen pictures of the running of the bulls in Pamplona. Some of those bulls have massive horns, but that doesn’t…
Standing Up Despite the Darkness
How many of you have heard of Huldah in the Bible? She gave exhortation and hope to the Israelites during a very dark stretch of history. Evil foreign kings had invaded, and evil kings from their own people had ruled over the land. Some truly grotesque forms of idolatry were rampant in society; children were…
A Call for the Single Ladies
Leading in church can often feel like a partner sport, like tennis or fencing, especially if you’re a woman. It can be easy to get discouraged if you’re a single woman and the only available position for you in church seems to be childcare, but that’s not an area you feel skilled in or called.…
Leading in Passion and Generosity
Lydia was one of the first converts in Macedonia. One of the early churches was hosted by a successful businesswoman! When Paul and others were first evangelizing in this city, scripture tells us, “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a…