Devotionals

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the …

In Luke 19:11-27, we find a parable Jesus taught to a crowd as they went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. It’s a familiar one, where a departing nobleman entrusted …

No matter how lost you may be, No matter how disoriented life has left you, No matter how long you’ve been wandering in the wilderness, despairing of ever finding your …

Christians have been accused of being so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good. But I’ve found people who are so earthly minded that they’re no heavenly good. So how …

As you see what’s happening in the world today, you see what’s happening in the Middle East, for example. You see what’s happening among people who are longing for their …

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). There are basically only two kinds of religion in the world: those based on human achievement and those …

How many times have we struggled with being “stuck” in a particular holding pattern of thinking, reacting, and living? And maybe as we say here in the great state of …

“We seem to lurch from tragedy to tragedy, shooting to shooting, bombing to bombing. The kids didn’t deserve such a death. Their parents don’t deserve such grief. And we received …

Fear has its cause. It also has its consequences. If we left fear there, we’d be with little hope. Praise God, we don’t have to! The Christian has hope amidst fear. The …

“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of …

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Scripture equips you …

Ecclesiastes chapter three is a good commentary on time. The first sentence is: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Then it …

Who is your enemy? Perhaps you think of Satan or a political leader. Yet, it could be a family member, ex-spouse, neighbor or the person who just cut you off …

What is your fear? Fear may be driving down the interstate during rush hour traffic, speaking publicly, confronting a difficult person, seeing a spider, or walking into a large room …

YOU WERE DEAD IN YOUR TRESPASSES AND SINS, IN WHICH YOU FORMERLY WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR. …

“Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will no longer deliver you. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver …

Here are the nine habits of an intentional parent: I will not do for my child what he needs to do for himself—when I do, I disrespect him. I will …

Our God is the God of many generations. Scripture makes that clear.  It’s even found in one of the names He uses for Himself: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”  Exodus 3:6 God loves …

“Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language who were living in all the land: ‘May your peace abound! I make a decree …

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a …

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths …

“God’s dwelling place will be among His people, and He will be with them” (Revelation 21:3). Let me share with you a few takeaways from the book of Revelation. Everyone …

Psalm 121: “I lift up mine eyes to the hills— Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, The Maker of Heaven and earth.. He will …

Psalm 120: 6-7 “Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am a man of peace; but when I speak, they are for war.”   “I’m coming …

James 1:2-3: ‘Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, 3 for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, …

As the ancient Israelite people–suffering under the hands of the Egyptians–lifted their voices to God for help, He heard their cry and surprisingly responded by sending a fugitive, fearful, and …

For as long as I can remember, I have found such great comfort and “faith building” in the Scripture passage of Isaiah 55:8-11. When I came upon these verses in …

You see there is something so beautiful about His Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember …

The other day I read a statement that was peculiar. The statement went something like this, “If an atheist does acts that are kind, loving and generous, (because it is …

Bob sat on a bench across from the courthouse deep in his thoughts.  He was there to find his father.  He had never met him, but he had heard many …

The Beauty of Being Forgiven… I wonder what it was like for the woman caught in the very act of sin in John 8:1-12. The overwhelming emotions she must have …

2 Kings 23:1 “King Josiah sent word and they brought to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 2 The king went up to the house of the Lord, and with …

Joy. The dictionary defines it as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.” The apostle James tells us to “Consider it pure joy, …

Why should I hope in heaven instead of this dark world? Remember that eternal life starts now. Jesus said in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life; that they may know You, …

There is something so beautiful about God’s Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember I have …

Psalm 95 is a model for approaching God in prayer. It begins with praise and thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul seldom mentioned prayer in the New Testament without an attitude of gratitude. …

Don’t you? Don’t you need some Peace On Earth and Goodwill to Mankind? Don’t you need some Silent Night, Holy Night? Don’t you need the appearance of angels, the sudden …

When the time was just right–being fulfilled according to God’s Divine decree–God sent His Son into His created world to become the man the rebellious world always needed, but never …

Were you afraid of the dark when you were a child? I was. The chore I dreaded most was taking the trash to the curb. The 25-yard walk down the …

Rejoicing always in the Lord (see Philippians 4:4) may seem unrealistic at times. But we must remember that this rejoicing is centered not in a passing circumstance but in a constant …

“He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). All who come to God in faith …

There is something so beautiful about His Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember I have …

Are you in a season of tears? Is the anguish of consequences from misdeeds long ago repented of still lingering? Is the anxiety climbing as you consider future financial prospects …

Most non-Christians aren’t looking for a debate, but they are bombarded by a tidal wave of media that goes against the idea of faith. Non-Christians are plagued by questions like …

“All Scripture is . . . profitable for . . . reproof” (2 Tim. 3:16). People who aren’t interested in holy living will avoid being exposed to sound doctrine. Paul instructed …

Here is a word I haven’t dared to use when I’ve faced relationship issues or tensions in the past. I’ve avoided it. I’ve been afraid to name it. I’ve ignored …

Discouragement creeps up on the best of us. It’s lurking in the corners of a promotion. It’s hiding in the shadows of being passed over. It’s slinking through the bends …

I have slow feet. One of my favorite sports to play is basketball. I’m a decent player; over time my game has improved. I’m a better shooter, ball handler, and …

Have You Learned to Speak To The Storm? In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus had just finished ministering to the multitudes…and He was about to display to His disciples His authoritative reign over the …

There was a man, many years ago, who was intimately acquainted with Jesus. He and his two sisters were greatly loved by the Lord and fellowshipped with Him often. This …

This morning I woke up early in Ohio to much cooler weather, and as I looked out of our hotel room window, I was met with the turning of the …

Discouragement creeps up on the best of us. It’s lurking in the corners of a promotion. It’s hiding in the shadows of being passed over. It’s slinking through the bends …

Talking of ants and not being a sluggard …. Good news for those of us who decided—quite reluctantly—that we needed more exercise! Well, we do. But not in the way we …

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? Most people want to change something about their physical appearance. Imagine having a body that doesn’t wear …

I have slow feet. One of my favorite sports to play is basketball. I’m a decent player; over time my game has improved. I’m a better shooter, ball handler, and …

Today I wanted to share with you a foundational truth that every person needs to hear and be settled in. In a world that glorifies “self”… “selfies”… portraying allusions through …

I love the early mornings, surrounded by quietness and peace. A time when I can spend some special uninterrupted moments with the Lord. During this time I can always expect …

Our lives should completely focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He is the central character in everything that’s happened and all that will be. He is the reason we …

“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of …

“But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself …

For a brief period, Israel was very close to Camelot. A king with a heart after God established its borders and took possession of its capital city, Jerusalem, to display …

  Have you ever struggled with not feeling worthy? Maybe you have lived in a shame based identity for years, never feeling like you measure up. Perhaps you have had …

This morning as I woke up and tended to the needs of my precious 12 year old pup whom I simply adore, I was pleasantly welcomed by a hint of …

I always love how the Holy Spirit gently nudges when He has something to share… Upon returning home from the magnificent Southern Rocky Mountains, there was something that resonated deep within …

As we begin to talk I would ask you, “At the perfect age you are now, do you have any regrets… any “what ifs”… any “what could have beens”… anything that you …

For a brief period, Israel was very close to Camelot. A king with a heart after God established its borders and took possession of its capital city, Jerusalem, to display …

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) Most Christians set out in their new life …

As I greeted the day with a smile on my face, thinking about His goodness and faithfulness throughout the years, I could not wait to spend some much needed time …

“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as …

Christ’s departure from this planet was not a departure from His church. He promised His disciples before He ascended to heaven, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). And in …

The church at Corinth was very tolerant of certain kinds of evil behavior in their midst. And instead of being ashamed over this tolerance of evil, they were actually proud …

I am a planner. A problem-solver. So when I bring my struggles to the Lord in prayer, I also tend to bring my carefully thought-out ideas and suggestions He can choose …

Perhaps the most uncomfortable thing about Christianity is not that God exists, and not that God sent his Son to the earth. It’s not the miracles: did God really make …

“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of …

Who is in the driver’s seat? Who is the master of your life? Jesus says you have a driver’s seat. It will shape your decisions and reactions in life. John Ortberg speaks …

Most non-Christians aren’t looking for a debate, but they are bombarded by a tidal wave of media that goes against the idea of faith. Non-Christians are plagued by questions like …

Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our …

“In the course of time, Judah arranged for his firstborn son, Er, to marry a young woman named Tamar. But Er was a wicked man in the Lord’s sight, so …

“Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b [Mordecai speaking to Esther] Beloved, absorb this with your whole heart: You are royalty. …

“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is …

A while back, I received this desperate text from a hurting friend. She had discovered that some ministry leaders she greatly admired and who had played a significant role in …

The widest river in the world is not the Mississippi, Amazon, or Nile. The widest river on earth is a body of water called If Only. Throngs of people stand on …

Happiness happens when we give it away. Be the family member who offers to wash the dishes after dinner. Be the colleague who serves the staff by arriving on time …

One of my favorite authors, Donald Grey Barnhouse, said, “Love that reaches up is adoration. Love that reaches out is affection. But love that stoops is grace.” Philippians 2:5-11 deals …

At some point every human has thought, “What happens when I die?” It’s one of the most ubiquitous and mysterious aspects of humanity. Where do we go for answers? To the …

Augustine said, “By hearing Thee I am happy; because of Thy voice I am happy.” There’s no place we can go to hear God speak authoritatively, to hear His voice …

If we recognize God’s sovereignty even over Satan’s work, it changes our perspective about our lives and suffering. Satan and God intend the same suffering for entirely different purposes, but …

We’re told that we are aliens and strangers in this world, and should be longing for a better country (Hebrews 11:13-16). However, that better country isn’t up in the clouds—it’s …

  You probably know Jesus was raised in a little town called Nazareth. But did you know that from Nazareth, Jesus had a breathtaking view of the valley of Armageddon? …

  When people think about the end times, they tend to think about the Antichrist. And when they think about the Antichrist, they usually think he’s going to be dark …

  How many times have you heard someone say you become an angel when you die, or heaven is really boring because you sit on a cloud and play a …

  If you know your Old Testament, you probably remember the concept of the kinsman redeemer. If you had to forfeit a piece of land, it could eventually be redeemed …

  When it comes to spiritual gifts, some people—even spiritual leaders and pastors—get a little bit nervous. They’ll say, “I’m afraid to open myself up to the gifts of the …

  I don’t think it’s any secret that we’re living in the last days. In fact, we’ve been in the last days for 2,000 years. But what is the focus …

Be Angry vs Sin not “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26). The “Be angry” part of this verse is easy …

It’s God’s pleasure to reconcile people to Himself, but not every human relationship can, will or should be reconciled. Not all friendships will last a lifetime. They can turn sour …

Throughout the Bible, God consistently leads His people in one direction: “Press on…look ahead…forget what lies behind…REACH FORWARD to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:12-14). Just as the Apostle Paul challenged the …

GOD COMMANDS US TO BE FAITHFUL BECAUSE HE VALUES FAITHFULNESS. Bible Reading of the Day: Read Proverbs 3:1-8. Verse of the Day: “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who …

When you set out with intention to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you are going to face resistance and encounter roadblocks. They are inevitable. Take Nola Ochs, for example. …

Have you ever wondered exactly what we mean when we invite you to experience hope? A lot of the people tuning in to listen to Intentional Living are at that reset point …

Galatians 5:22 IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day …

How many of us have any idea the depths of God’s forgiveness? In June of 1983, a young woman named Karla Faye Tucker savagely murdered a couple as they slept.  …

Bible Reading: Mark 2:23-28 The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 Peter, Andrew, John, and the other disciples were still gnawing …

What is Hope from a Biblical Perspective? Hope is a word used in the Bible both as a verb and a noun. It has a range of connotations, but mainly …

What are the building blocks that makes a Christian family different? The Christian Family is a Display of: …mutual submission (Eph. 5:21) Since the Bible articulates the Christian’s understanding of …

“I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting …

In my troubles I pled with God to help me and he did! Deliver me, O Lord, from liars. O lying tongue, what shall be your fate? You shall be pierced with sharp …

“The Lord is Your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121 Psalm …

Children are a gift from God; they are his reward. 4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows to defend him. Happy is the man who has his quiver …

“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1b KJV Watchmen were always stationed on the walls of Jerusalem to detect the stealthy approach …

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they that build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 KJV “Unless the Lord builds” is a conditional clause. If God doesn’t lay the foundation, …

A while back, I received this desperate text from a hurting friend. She had discovered that some ministry leaders she greatly admired and who had played a significant role in …

“He is aliiiiive! He is aliiiiive!” It was Easter Sunday morning. My five-year-old nephew was to be baptized that day. “Nana” had flown into town to share in the occasion. As …

Seasons of adversity—economic or otherwise—do not catch God off guard. He knows everything that is going on in our world. He also knows what lies ahead. He is orchestrating all …

Have you ever wondered exactly what we mean when we invite you to experience hope? Perhaps you are going through a crisis … A health crisis A financial crisis An issue …

Breath of Heaven, Hold me together Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, Light my darkness Pour over me, your holiness, For you’re holy Breath of Heaven …

Christmas is inundated with some rich wonderful holiday music that lends a profound fullness to the holiday season.  The messages in this music are far different than most of the …

In this series of advent posts, I will share the words of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and birth. The words that follow are from the gospels and are combined, …

Part 1: The Impossible Light In this series of advent posts, I will share the words of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and birth. The words that follow are from …

When lo! above the earth rang out the angels’ chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere! Go, tell it on …

Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! He is a light to reveal GOD to the nations, and he …

O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect Light. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart …

“Come they told me, Pa rum pa pum pum A newborn King to see, Pa rum pa pum pum. Our finest gifts to bring, to lay before the king.” The …

“When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace, the King, And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.” “Look! God’s dwelling …

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to …

“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord will stand forever.” 1 …

“Mild He lays His glory by. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth.” “Praise be to the …

“Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear? Ringing thru the sky, shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear?” He said to them, …

“Away in a manger, no crib for His bed; the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.” While they were there, the time came for the baby to be …

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel. “…and they will call him Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 NIV84 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Time after …

“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you …

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 KJV Angels We Have Heard On High What gives you awe? What things cause …

Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV   Isaac Watts wrote “Joy …

  “The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight …

“The Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other …

“Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years…and all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another …

  “Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants…Ephraim did not dive out the Canaanites…Zubulun did not drive out the inhabitants…Asher did not drive out the inhabitants…Naphtali did not drive out …

Getting The Lay of The Land “The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel…and the …

“And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negev …

  “[Judah] went against the inhabitants of Debir…And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiribati-shepherd and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel the …

  “After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, ‘Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?’ The Lord said, …

FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, SO IN CHRIST ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22 Eve was deceived, but Adam willfully sinned against the Lord. Adam knew what …

SO I SAY, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, AND YOU WILL NOT GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH. GALATIANS 5:16 One of the most dangerous heresies that confronted the Early Church …

JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER. MATTHEW 13:8 The psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand …

ALL THIS IS FROM GOD, WHO RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF THROUGH CHRIST AND GAVE US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18 As born-again believers, we are all new creations …

WALK WITH THE WISE AND BECOME WISE, FOR A COMPANION OF FOOLS SUFFERS HARM. PROVERBS 13:20 How much can we accomplish in the kingdom of God when we operate by …

SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. JOHN 17:17 Jesus had defeated the work of Satan. He had “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle …

I ALSO DO MY BEST TO MAINTAIN ALWAYS A BLAMELESS CONSCIENCE BOTH BEFORE GOD AND BEFORE MEN. ACTS 24:16 Folklore advises, “Let your conscience be your guide.” This has serious …

“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” Proverbs 28:1 KJV Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity.—Hitchens A woman checked into …

  “Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.” James 1:19 CEB Being heard is so close …

“A heart full of joy and goodness makes a cheerful face, But when a heart is full of sadness the spirit is crushed.” AMP A man without a smiling face …

Being in any relationship for any length of time with any person is hard. I mean, let’s face it: We all live this life through a lens focused on self, …

One of the reasons we minimize being on the wrong path is we say to ourselves, “It won’t happen to me.” We think, I’m in control. I know better. I’m not …

“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2). True confession involves a proper understanding of sin. King David was a man after God’s own …

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. . . . Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may …

Disciples commissioned by the divinely powerful Jesus are themselves divinely empowered by him to meet any need. “You yourselves give them to eat!” Mark 6:37 The crowds gathered are like …

Disciples’ commission from Jesus, that attracts the world’s opposition, is enabled by God’s provision. And He [Jesus] said to them [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place …

Jesus’ care, and his power over disease and death, evokes disciples’ fearless, efficacious faith. “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Mark 5:36:41 Mark 5:21–24 and 5:35–43 form the two halves …

Disciples’ faith in Jesus’ person and power enables them to fearlessly face natural and supernatural calamities. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark …

God’s sovereign action produces fruit in a receptive disciple. “… the good soil[s], who hear the word and accept [it] and bear fruit—one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one hundredfold.” …

Disciples—insiders with Jesus—are those who do the will of God. For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35 This pericope opens …

Following Jesus in discipleship involves facing opposition boldly and persistently, without being deterred from God’s calling. And looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He …

Following Jesus is not a self-serving enterprise, but one of selfless service. And He came and raised her up, holding her hand; and the fever left her, and she served …

The life-journey of discipleship, the beginning of the establishment of God’s kingdom, involves suffering. And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, …

To call someone a fool is serious business. Jesus warned against it in the Sermon on the Mount: “Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew …

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (ESV) Have you ever struggled because you know God can do anything, but …

I stood on the edge of the pool. I looked over at my sister who was maybe 4 or 5 years old at the time. She was splashing on the …

“Take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Eph. 6:13). Spiritual warfare isn’t …

We saw the storm coming. While it was still days away, the predictions chilled our spines and jolted our complacency. “It’s a monster!” “Disaster is not only at our doorstep, …

I love to run—with friends, alone, on a trail, anytime, anywhere. I love the challenge and the press of reaching new milestones and levels of exertion, so I know what …

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (ESV) Losing someone you love can cut into your heart so viciously that it forever …

Proverbs 16 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (v. 18). Put another way, be humble or you’ll stumble. Pride is the oldest sin in …

It’s easy to forget that even people like Paul the apostle needed—and indeed had—friends. In the book of Philippians, he named several of them, including Timothy. This man added enormous …

Epaphroditus kind of sounds like a disease, doesn’t it? It’s an unusual name. But in the Bible, Epaphroditus was a dear friend and servant of Paul the apostle. His name shows …

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Eph. 6:10-11). Spiritual victory is not passive; it involves the discipline of …

Here we are explicitly told what the walk of believers entails: the walk “in love,” the imitation of God and of Christ, who loved with a love beyond compare. Having …

Believers, increasingly conformed to Christ in faith by the Spirit, and comprehending, in community, the immensity of Christ’s love, glorify God who dwells in them. Ephesians 3:14-21 This pericope is …

Paul’s divinely empowered role in the administration of God’s plan forms a paradigm for the ministry of all believers, as God is made known to the cosmos through the church. …

All (believing) humanity has been united in one body, the work of Christ removing the condemnation of the law for sin, winning access to God, and building believers together into …

Believers, once in dire straits, but now sharing Christ’s exaltation, demonstrate to the universe God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness as they undertake good works. Ephesians 2:1-10 Prior to regeneration, …

As the fullness and body of Christ, the church manifests God’s incomparable power against supernatural foes. Ephesians 1:15-23 This section is essentially a prayer by Paul. He asks that the …

God who blesses his people, redeeming them for his grand plan to consummate all things in Christ, is worthy of being blessed. Ephesians 1:1-14 This opening section of the book …

The three-foot rule starts deep on the inside of us. It is the head (thinking), the heart (emotions) and the hand (behavior) of who we are. It begins with our …

Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in …

When I am on a jog I often find myself looking right in front of me. Whether it’s because I’m focusing on the path, getting lost in my thoughts, or …

Life, like gardening, is dynamic. If it’s not pests, then it’s weather. If it’s not weather, then it’s critters. If it’s not critters, then it’s poor soil. If it’s not …

The die had been cast. The plans had been laid. The end of a brother would soon come. He wasn’t alone in his deceit. His mother was right there with …

“He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.” Proverbs 18:1 (AMP) The tendency of the human is to separate …

“He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].” Proverbs 14:29 …

““Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble …

My older brother recently sent me a book he enjoyed titled Kingdom Men Rising by Tony Evans. It was an encouraging and heart-felt book that covered a lot of Tony Evans’s life …

What we do today and the decisions we make are going to matter now more than ever. The power of living intentionally in Christ is a huge positive benefit bringing …

“Wisdom teaches you to be honest and to speak the truth,     so that you bring back truthful reports     to those you serve.” Proverbs 22:21 Never be a spectator of unfairness …

“For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—” 1 Corinthians 1:5 Everything becomes a little different as soon as it …

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 We are reluctant …

“Blessed are the peacemakers,     for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 At work and at home, conflicts are inevitable. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect …

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 Diligence is the constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. —Atal …

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. —Lewis Smedes Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven …

There are many opinions on what these three terms mean and how they relate to each other. Here are my thoughts. All three terms describe a process whereby a person …

Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their …

When you set out with intention to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you are going to face resistance and encounter roadblocks. They are inevitable. Take Nola Ochs, for example. …

Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great …

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live …

“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like my suffering that was inflicted on me, that the Lord brought on …

Change is inevitable, and it can be a difficult thing in life. Over my 25-plus years of leadership, I’ve learned six critical moves to solving life problems and I want …

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the …

To some, the dark tone is Psalm 130 seems incongruous with the victorious praise you would expect from a “spiritual young man or woman.” The difference between a maturing Christian …

Jesus gave us a clear picture of what “readiness” looks like in his parable about wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-8: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will …

Paul, in his first epistle to the Thessalonians, clarified further what the concept of “being ready for the coming of the Lord” is all about. He used the same analogy-being …

Samson’s life story is in Judges 13-16, and John’s is revealed in Luke 1-3, Matthew 14:10. Central to Samson’s life is that “he will begin to rescue Israel from the …

The call on John’s life is like no other—he is to prepare the world for God’s only Son. From the womb, the Holy Spirit directs John that he will be …

Walking on the beach of the Sea of Galilee Jesus sees two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew fishing in a boat. Jesus calls out, “Come along with me… And they …

How well does Jesus know me? Well enough for me to trust Him with my life? The answer is “yes.” In the following verses we will learn that Jesus knows …

Grace can be defined as an undeserved gift, that which is given, not because of any attribute of the receiver, rather out of the pure joy of the giver.  It …

We need to live lives that demand an explanation. Paul lived this life that didn’t make any sense. In Philippians 4, he is talking about joy and contentment while chained …

“After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I …

It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.  Attending …

Here are six things you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed with life. 1 – Embrace what you’re facing We usually want to hurry through life; we want to get …

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your …

The glory of God is coming but we must live in His presence now if we expect to walk in His glory later. And it is this very thing — …

We tend to forget that crucifixion was the ultimate form of torture. The science of exquisite torture has never been equaled, much less exceeded, than in crucifixion. The crucifixion of Jesus of …

Of course, Jesus’ entire ministry was spent “passing the torch.” He devoted three and one-half years modeling ministry in front of his disciples. Before ascending into heaven, Christ gave his …

Paul, the apostle, probably gave us the most pragmatic model for making a successful transition in leadership. He penned thirteen New Testament epistles for the sole purpose of helping the …

The prophet Elisha had some pretty big shoes to fill. Elijah, his “father in the faith,” had called fire down from heaven and single-handedly slaughtered the prophets of Baal. Soon …

Passing the baton is an art. Whether it’s the synchronicity of an Olympic relay team, the power transfer from one regime to the next, or the transition of CEO leadership …

Do you remember as a child sitting in the grass, watching various bugs and creatures move about their world? There were ants, worms, and small green grasshoppers. If you watched …

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!” Psalm 57:7 (ESV) I  trust God. Until I don’t. That doesn’t feel like a …

“Then war broke out in heaven, Michael and his angels going forth to battle with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there …

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the …

When I am on a jog I often find myself looking right in front of me. Whether it’s because I’m focusing on the path, getting lost in my thoughts, or …

Fall and Spring are my favorite times of year. “For who hath despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10a   There’s something about a fire that draws me in …

It was morning. The sun peaking over the horizon…whispering its luminescent yellow glow through the trees. The night had been full of a wearisome wrestling. Emotions tattered. Fervor frayed. Logic …

“Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen.” Proverbs 14:4 When I met my now wife, I knew that …

The day had finally arrived. Years. Now, I mean years had gone by…notwithstanding great disappointment. You see, this was a day of miracles. It shouldn’t even have been happened. Not …

The other day, one of my daughters crawled up into my lap and nestled into the side of my chest. She took a deep breath, let it out, and sighed …

Every person is as spiritual as he or she wants to be.   God has called us, created us and redeemed us. In order to fulfill His calling, we must have …

Our words and actions tell the truth of what we believe. If that statement is true—and I believe it is—then is Christ honestly replicated in everything we say and do? …

The die had been cast. The plans had been laid. The end of a brother would soon come. He wasn’t alone in his deceit. His mother was right there with …

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.” (Exodus 20:8) I have no problem not stealing or murdering, but I often disobey the fourth commandment. I’m sure you do too. …

In 2015, The New York Times ran an article called “Googling for God.” In this article, author Seth Stephens-Davidowitz starts by saying, “It has been a bad decade for God, at …

When loss happens, bitterness wants to move in. Especially when your personal feelings of loss or emptiness come because of another person’s selfishness or irresponsibility, causing something in your life …

“Then war broke out in heaven, Michael and his angels going forth to battle with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there …

How can you become heavenly-minded and hopeful?   1.     Remember that eternal life starts now. Jesus said in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life; that they may know You, the only eternal …

The day had arrived. It was beyond sad. It was solemn, and it was heavy. Without hesitation we were there to support, to console, and to be present. In what …

A while back I took a large number of professional and personality assessments to help me hone in on what my greatest strengths and desires are so that I can …

“Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees.” Isaiah 35:3 One of the reasons we make a trip to the desert is so God can heal us. God …

What is one way you have seen or experienced UNITY…? What about inside the church? Why would UNITY be important?  THE ORIGIN OF UNITY What is the ORIGIN of UNITY? …

Do you ever get tired of the spin? It even affects the language that we use. John Ortberg has noted how our language has changed a little bit over the …

I don’t like to be in pain. In any way. And if I’m not careful, this aversion to pain can lead to me grabbing for something to fill the deep …

The man without God says: “You and I control our own destiny. God expects us to make things happen. Faith may give you peace and the freedom to find meaning …

The end of Jesus’ story is found in the beginning. Every detail of God-made-flesh in the manger points to the crucified Savior on the cross. Today, we consider Herod and …

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, may God give us eyes to see the beauty of the Christmas story in a fresh way. Every figure we meet at Jesus’ birth …

“Gabriel.” Just the sound of my King’s voice stirred my heart. I left my post at the entryway and stepped into the throne room. To my left was the desk …

Jesus’ story begins with shepherds coming to him, the lamb of God. It ends with the Shepherd being struck down and the sheep scattering. And then there is a final …

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 When the time was just right–being fulfilled according to God’s Divine decree–God sent His Son …

We all face death. Every day. Especially this year. How do you cope? 1. Don’t fear death. Anticipate it with joy. Paul said it best, “And I trust that my …

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord (Ephesians 5:10 NLT)   Yet what should be the basis for your intentions? Better asked: What does God look at to judge that your …

Jesus assures us that we can cast our cares upon Him. Why don’t we experience His presence and peace? 19th century pastor Charles Jefferson wrote, “Be kind to everyone you meet, …

GOD CAME TO US AND OFFERED HIMSELF. HOW DO WE RETURN TO HIM? Psalm 51, was penned by David immediately after Nathan the prophet had confronted him. It is one …

Christmas is full of cozy thoughts: a sleeping Jesus, wide-eyed shepherds, a soft-faced Mary. The nativity sentiment is warm, the emotion is joy, and the feeling is peace. Such is …

This is one of my favorite prayers, expressing the power and presence of God: The Prayer of Saint Patrick I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the …

Jesus desires us to know, commune and fellowship with Him on a moment-by-moment basis. We need a more personal communion with God in prayer and through His Word so that …

Have you ever found yourself having an out-of-control reaction in response to someone else’s out-of-control actions? I understand. It’s all so very hard. When I share biblical discernment with someone …

“Son of man, when a land sins against me…even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver but their own lives by their righteousness” …

This morning, I’m reflecting on the fact that I’m going to die soon. I don’t know how soon. I don’t know whether I’ll live to be 90 or just have …

My wife loves to drive when we travel. Why? It’s not that she loves the steering wheel, it’s just that she loves to stay on track. My mind tends to …

Jesus prayed for himself. So should you! His prayer in John 17:1-5 gives us a model for how we should pray for ourselves. Jesus starts His prayer with a request …

Why should a Christian seek wisdom? Why is it so critical to our daily lives? 1. Wisdom provides a sense of personal security, stability, and well-being. “My son . . …

Do you feel isolated and lonely? God made us to need each other! Did you know that every time a lion pride hunts together it is a lightly organized operation? …

How can you have a thankful heart today? The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. …

More than any other, Thanksgiving embodies both religious and political freedoms, and puts them in their proper place. Of the numerous holidays Americans celebrate each year, Thanksgiving is uniquely American, …

Music is a unique vehicle when instruments and voices respond to the rap of the Divine Conductor’s baton. Nothing can replace our soul-song. If its outlet gets clogged, the soul …

What are you trusting God to do in your life today? Do you need to address some things in your health, break some old habits and start some new ones? …

Our world is always one push-button away from annihilation. If stocks plunge, nest eggs disappear. Pandemic fears fill our hearts. Don’t even get me started discussing global warming, moral depravity …

God is portrayed in Scripture as full of light. He has a bright radiance, seen by Moses and Elijah and Isaiah and the apostle John and shown in Christ at …

In our contentious times, battle lines are drawn based political philosophies, religious beliefs, ethnic backgrounds, financial status, age and sex. Answers to “what’s right” and “who’s best” dominate the topics …

Denial is a concept found in virtually every major religion. Various ideas on the practice of self-denial can be found in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and other religious and philosophical …

Ours is a cocooning society. Politics and pandemics have isolated us. We sit dazed and mesmerized by our gadgets. But technology is no substitute for companionship. We have virtual friends …

Anyone who has taken the time to calculate a loan repayment schedule understands the implications of interest, and how interest paid on long-term loans will often exceed the amount of …

Have you ever been in that period of your life when you are planning on doing something new, and big…a new vision, or dream that you have been planning? Well, …

“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; …

Jim Roan, an American entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker said, “Your life doesn’t get better by chance. It gets better by change.”  If that is true, why is it so hard …

Worship should be a way of life, with many facets of expression.   The insistence that there is only one way to worship God has often left the body of …

Peter says that he is about to die, so he wants to share with Christians the most significant lesson they could ever learn. As a pastor, if I could say …

Have you received devastating news? Divorce? Disillusionment over current events? Perhaps, like Job, everything in your life seems to be falling apart and you are just waiting for the other …

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were …

“And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31 (ESV) Remember who …

Have you watched the pages of the calendar flip by or listened to the tick-tock of the clock counting out the hours year after year, wondering where God is in …

What’s your go-to greeting? “Good morning!” “Hey!” “How are you doing?” “Grace and peace to you” was likely the most frequently used greeting offered by the leaders of the early …

“How can God just do nothing?” This was the vulnerable and honest question I got from someone in the audience during a recent Q&A. The pain in her question was …

Benjamin (my five-year-old grandson), and I were arm-wrestling on the bed. Benjamin took a short break, crawled to the corner of the bed, and whispered a prayer, “God, give me …

How do you spend your free time? Here are Randy Alcorn’s terrific insights: “We have to look at our lives as a window of opportunity, because none of us has …

Our world is always one push-button away from annihilation. If stocks plunge, nest eggs disappear. Pandemic fears fill our hearts. Don’t even get me started discussing global warming, moral depravity …

“You fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 KJV What a drastic difference salvation makes! To the one who doesn’t know …

Have you ever stopped praying because you have lost heart, or feel like you’re just repeating yourself, or wonder if God really hears you and your words just bounce off …

The story of Ehud the Judge in Judges 3 is framed by two statements about his mission to free Israel from King Eglon of Moab. The first is the statement, “[Ehud] …

When did you learn those words? It’s not fair. What deed exposed you to the imbalanced scales of life? Did a car wreck leave you fatherless? Did friends forget you, a teacher …

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a crisis we’ve never seen before. I started thinking about the word crisis and the different meanings for it. And the definition that really caught my attention: …

In my previous blog, How to Respond to a National Crisis, we looked at the first of four kinds of crisis in our lives, taken from this month’s Intentional Living teaching with Dr. Randy …

One of the callers on the Intentional Living program said, “I’m a single mom. I’m feeling overwhelmed with life. I’m trying to go to work. I’m trying to raise my kids.” And …

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Whenever you travel to another country, you need the right documentation to be admitted across their borders. I made the mistake one time of getting all the way to the Los …

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Some of the best advice I’ve heard about how to deal with people who are grieving is to walk softly around a broken heart. Brokenhearted people need hope, and hope …

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David, the author of Psalm 23, illustrates the relational and covenantal nature of God from the vantage point of a shepherd taking care of his sheep. Just as sheep are totally …

All of us have been shaped by the words of Billy Graham, whether we know it or not. Here are his most beloved words. Let them inspire and transform you …

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  On the night the disciples shared their first communion, Jesus prophesied that one of the twelve would betray him.  Jesus’ prediction proved very inflammatory for the disciples.  With all …

‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ’everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” Mark 14:36 (NIV) Do you ever feel …

Read 2 Chronicles 34 “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in …

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In Daniel 3:1-30  we see the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew companions of Daniel appointed as assistants to him as he ruled over the province of Babylon. King …

God allows His children to face a dilemma in order to reveal the greatness of His power. What appears to be a no-win situation is actually a situation in which …

In 1 Kings 17, the story is told of Elijah’s encounter with the widow of Zarephath – a nameless woman who lived in a city experiencing a dire situation. A drought …

In Genesis 32:24-32 we find the story of Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the twin brother of Esau.  After deceiving his brother, Esau, out of his birthright (Genesis 27), …

God creates contradictory trials as a part of fulfilling His promises to us. In Genesis 22:1-18, God tested Abraham and told him to take his son, Isaac and offer him as …

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Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 (NIV) Painting was the last thing I expected to be doing …

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Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:14-15 Paul had discovered that false …

IT IS THE LORD OF HOSTS WHOM YOU SHOULD REGARD AS HOLY. AND HE SHALL BE YOUR FEAR, AND HE SHALL BE YOUR DREAD. ISAIAH 8:13 A severe storm hit …

“Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7b (ESV)   I want to invite you to journey back with …

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in …

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 …

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  When athletic teams play at home, they know that there are extra odds in their favor. The extra boost of fan participation, applause, encouragement and recognition in their home …

  Our God is a God of pleasure. He wants us to have fun and participate in entertaining activities that lighten our moods, help us laugh, and encourage us to …

Technology is designed to be a tool that serves and informs us, not a master that dictates how we live. Through science, entertainment, and communication, technology makes our lives easier …

  The Christian faith is about a relationship, not religion. As Christians, we sometimes confuse the two and allow religion to damage and poison our relationship with God. We participate …

  Warning lights in cars and other mechanical devices alert us that something needs our attention. Without this indicator light, issues that need attending to may not be noticed. Similarly, …

  One of the most heinous crimes that can be committed is identity theft. According to The Harris Poll, 60 million people in the US were affected by it in …

  Satan has a trap. He wants us to think the word “idol” doesn’t apply to us. However, because sin affects everyone, so does idolatry. As Pastor Evans mentioned, “idolatry …

In Revelation 4:3, there is one group that will worship Him. Do you see who it is? A holy, faithful, benevolent, sovereign God. Man will risk hell before he will …

THE ART OF FORGIVENESS Warren Wiersbe wrote in his commentary Be Skillful: “It’s strange but true that some of God’s people will forgive offenses from unbelievers that they would never …

Our Psalm today, 88, is probably the darkest of all of them, and therefore to our ears, it will feel like the strangest worship song ever. But obviously it is …

Prayer is the key that allows believers to experience the power of heaven on earth – but prayer has to be prioritized. The last chapter of James emphasizes the importance …

Christians have a legal right to have their prayers answered because prayer is not just an activity.  Believers have an authorized right for God to hear and respond to their …

When committed believers pray, an atmosphere is created which allows God to change His mind about negative events in their lives. Hopeless situations, disappointing circumstances, or even consequences of unaddressed …

It is of the utmost importance that believers understand the spiritual authority they possess.  In Ephesians, Paul prayed that the believers would grasp the depth and breadth of their authority …

Our battles are sourced in the spiritual realm, not in the physical realm. If you are focused on the physical realm, then you will not get to the root of …