The crowds are growing, following Jesus, and a scribe comes up to Jesus and says, “Teacher, I’ll follow You wherever You go.” (Matt 8:18-19) And many want to follow those who can draw a crowd. Many hope to stand on a stage and have a little of that praise and adoration fall on them too.Continue reading “Those who keep following see miracles!”
Tag Archives: trust and obey
Does God REALLY answer when you pray?
Jesus talks about how to fast and pray and emphasizes to do so in a way where it’s not obvious to others -just to God. (Matt 6:6-18) Jesus is pointing to a real, intimate relationship that He made possible between people and God. This was radical to the Jews of the day to think theyContinue reading “Does God REALLY answer when you pray?”
When God repeats Himself
Jesus finished His famous instruction on prayer with “Amen” but then emphasizes, again, the importance of forgiveness. (Matt 6:14-15) Friends, when the God of the universe repeats Himself we need to pay attention! If we want to pray effectively and walk in freedom, if we want our Father to forgive us, we absolutely must forgiveContinue reading “When God repeats Himself”
Where Progressives Get It Wrong
Many, who like to think themselves progressive, suggest the New Testament is all about love not about rules or law. But in Matthew 5:17, Jesus made it clear that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He asserted that God’s laws should be followed as evidence of a changed heart.Continue reading “Where Progressives Get It Wrong”
Our assessment of any situation is always, ever limited.
“Allow it for now” (Matt 3:15, CSB) John the Baptist was protesting when he was asked to baptize Jesus, then Jesus tells him to “allow if for now” so prophecy could be fulfilled. John obeyed.Jesus was baptized.And God was fulfilling His plan. We are to obey the Lord even when we don’t understand just howContinue reading “Our assessment of any situation is always, ever limited.”
Peace, be still … for the storms tossing us to and fro!
I had woken up to a horrific storm. Wind howling. Sheets of rain. Booming thunder. The storm outside passed, but I couldn’t sleep. Another storm, the one affecting us all, the condition of our world, was on my mind. In Luke 8, Jesus is exhausted from his busy ministry. He tells his disciples to getContinue reading “Peace, be still … for the storms tossing us to and fro!”
Just do the next right thing
Something I notice as I read Matthew 1 and 2 is that God didn’t give Joseph all the steps at once—just the next one. But all the while, God was accomplishing His perfect will and working in ways Joseph couldn’t see. Joseph didn’t know the wise men were on their way with gifts. But theyContinue reading “Just do the next right thing”
But even now…
In John 11, her brother, Lazarus, had died and Martha sits mourning with friends and her sister, Mary. They are told Jesus is coming. Martha bursts out of the house and goes to meet Him. She ran to Jesus. Martha is absolutely devastated over her brother’s death, but she STILL ran to Jesus. She saysContinue reading “But even now…”
Pop Tarts and the Bible
I have been getting up early and getting in the Word for years. I do it because it helps me. I started sharing what I found as I read because I thought it might help others too. I so appreciate those of you who study with me. And I certainly don’t read to check offContinue reading “Pop Tarts and the Bible”
A couple thoughts on parenting…
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Col 3:20) The Enduring Word commentary says, “Paul has in mind children who are still in their parents’ household and under their authority. For these, they must not only honor their father and mother (as in Ephesians 6:2), but theyContinue reading “A couple thoughts on parenting…”
Often, we won’t see the miracle until we do this…
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Col 3:18) Why didn’t Paul start with the next verse about husbands loving their wives? (Col 3:19) Does he have to be so direct? And aren’t words like “submit” out of style? Can’t we just ignore this? Not only is the call forContinue reading “Often, we won’t see the miracle until we do this…”
If you want your kids to have REAL HOPE, do this…
Strong godly character that brings blessing to both the individual, and the community at large, comes from applying God’s Word to our lives in a way that behavior is impacted. And here’s something to note – in a world where feelings are emphasized over truth, godly characteristics come from the discipline of applying biblical truthContinue reading “If you want your kids to have REAL HOPE, do this…”
Note from Kim
Last week, I shared a post entitled, “Are you hurting?” regarding how my son was dealing with a hurtful situation in a really good way and the lessons God is teaching. I’ve heard from many who found the post specifically helpful in hurts they are going through. However, in the original post, I included aContinue reading “Note from Kim”
Simple way to PEACE
You know, when I think about it, a lot of my walk with Jesus, and learning to trust Him, has been pretty simple. I’d read a verse, then apply it. As I noticed things actually went well as I followed Christ, I’d keep doing this. And, I found myself trusting God more and more asContinue reading “Simple way to PEACE”
Sometimes, I just have to set my Bible study down.
Sometimes I have to set my Bible study down and simply WORSHIP. Oh, I love to learn of Him. But there is a place in my soul overwhelmed by more of Him than words could ever express… head bowed down, hands held high to the MORE THAN I CAN IMAGINE GOODNESS of OUR GOD! IContinue reading “Sometimes, I just have to set my Bible study down.”
Let’s talk about SEX!
Paul has been expressing his love and appreciation of the Thessalonian church and then, BAM!…he starts talking about SEX! (I Thess 4) And as it is today, so it was then, sex can be a stumbling block even for those who love Jesus. Those early believers had stood strong in the face of affliction andContinue reading “Let’s talk about SEX!”
“No matter what comes” PEACE
Is life hard right now? Are you suffering? Oh friend, hold on. If you think about it, I bet you know others, who have suffered deeply, who will tell you that suffering was the very thing that taught them greater obedience and trust in Jesus. And even Jesus, “though He was a Son, yet HeContinue reading ““No matter what comes” PEACE”
Want PEACE like a RIVER?
It’s 3am and I’m here thinking there won’t be colonoscopy prep in Heaven! Good grief, this is not fun! But this, is actually a very small problem compared to the trials many in this hard world are walking through. I’m reminded of something God laid on my heart a few years ago as I watchedContinue reading “Want PEACE like a RIVER?”
Sometimes I am called judgmental
I write and talk a lot about following Jesus. His ways aren’t always popular with our world (especially lately 😳). And sometimes I get called judgmental… It’s honestly surprising to me. I guess I’ve always assumed those who are called judgmental would be those who feel superior and believe they, themselves, have done nothing wrong.Continue reading “Sometimes I am called judgmental”
God’s Ways >Culture and the Lightyear Movie
I’m thankful God created us with feelings and opinions, but He never intended for us to be ruled by them, or to walk in the dictates of our own hearts, while forsaking His instruction (Jer 9:13-14). There is an epidemic of this in our culture. We are constantly bombarded by those who trust their feelingsContinue reading “God’s Ways >Culture and the Lightyear Movie”