We are to love others, but we aren’t called to willy-nilly love everything about everyone and everything they do. We aren’t called to love the SIN of others, nor simply ignore it and act like it never exists. As I turn again to Philippians, Paul prayed for those reading his words (that’s us), for ourContinue reading “Love, but with Purpose”
Tag Archives: walk in truth
But will they hang on then?
It’s easy to say “yes” to Heaven, but are we ready to face the affliction that might come because we follow Christ? Are we ready for that? Will our kids be? Paul and Silas had been beaten and jailed in Philippi because of the gospel. Their joy, as they sat in prison singing hymns, hadContinue reading “But will they hang on then?”
Not everyday is a hallelujah moment in the Word.
Jesus gives Peter, James and John a supernatural peak into His deity. Oh, they had seen miracles but what they were about to see and hear would cause them to fall flat on their faces ( Matt 17:1-9). The face of Jesus shone like the sun and His clothes became as white as light!Long dead,Continue reading “Not everyday is a hallelujah moment in the Word.”
The ONLY CHANGE that Matters
We can want physical change, and social change, and all sorts of change, but if we don’t have a changed heart that runs to Jesus, none of that change matters. If our goal is to change the world for any cause other than Christ—political, social or physical, we are missing the mark and the changesContinue reading “The ONLY CHANGE that Matters”
We aren’t loving others when we encourage sin.
Let’s be careful to walk in truth, as defined by the Bible. Let’s understand there is no “my truth” and “your truth.” Let’s be bold enough to say this because we trust God more than we trust ourselves. Let’s understand the danger of the popular phrase -“I’m so happy you found your truth”. These wordsContinue reading “We aren’t loving others when we encourage sin.”
You are NOT alone
There is an enduring, connecting, special bond deeply felt with others who have suffered similarly to you. And for those who have faced persecution and tribulation because of their faith in God, there is especially so. For sisters and brothers are truly born from adversity. (Prov 17:17) Like the bond of soldiers fighting together inContinue reading “You are NOT alone”
Put on your armor and keep standing. Your hope is in Jesus.
My daughter, Abi, wrote this a few years back. This truth is a powerful, keep-you-going reminder— I felt alone. Sad, disheartened, fighting back tears-very much like an alien and stranger though surrounded by others my age as I sat in my Contemporary Moral Issues Philosophy class, at the University of Tennessee, listening to my classmatesContinue reading “Put on your armor and keep standing. Your hope is in Jesus.”
All of it should matter today.
As Jesus stands in a city surrounded by throngs of idols, He asks His disciples who others say that He is (Matt 16:13) to which they give various answers. Jesus presses further and says, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matt 16:15) Peter famously replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of theContinue reading “All of it should matter today.”
They are their own gods
Instead of looking for ways to follow God closer, many, even many who call themselves Christians, look for loop-holes. They quote scriptures that affirm their feelings and ignore the ones that don’t. In all actuality, they are their own gods who foolishly trust their hearts—hearts that the Bible tells us are deceitful above all things.Continue reading “They are their own gods”
Thank you Charlie Kirk
Like many of you, our family is still incredibly upset over the assassination of Charlie Kirk. My kids are especially upset. Charlie was of their generation, but my 81 year old mom also listened to his podcasts all the time. Charlie was a bright light. He loved Jesus, and he loved people. He knew theContinue reading “Thank you Charlie Kirk”
Parents—don’t fund your children’s sin.
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 “Parents—don’t fund your children’s sin.”
In the quiet and the still…
In the quiet,in the still,perhaps in the sanctuaryof the early morning,David wrote,“O God, You are my God;Early will I seek You;My flesh longs for YouIn a dry and thirsty landWhere there is no water.I have looked for You in the sanctuary.To see Your power and Your glory.” (Ps 63:1-2) In the sanctuary of the earlyContinue reading “In the quiet and the still…”
God didn’t have to give us this verse…
I just read one of my favorite verses ( Mark 9:24). How merciful and gracious…. “I believe; help my unbelief.” Help me believe You God.Help me hold on.Help me follow You when your way doesn’t seem easy. Help me believe when my eyes can’t see You and my heart can’t feel You. Help me believeContinue reading “God didn’t have to give us this verse…”
When my heart is overwhelmed…
When my heart is overwhelmed, when I long for peace, joy and hope, I know I can no longer look to this world. I have been led to the rock that is higher than I. (Ps 61:2) I’ve tasted and seen that He alone is good. I have been blessed to take refuge in Him.Continue reading “When my heart is overwhelmed…”
Good Listening
I often say, “good listening” to my two year old granddaughter after she’s struggled, and I’ve coaxed, but she decides to obey what I’m asking her to do. I realized this week, it is still not so different with me and God sometimes. Just this Monday, as my work and family task list felt extraContinue reading “Good Listening”
We aren’t skipping through daisies. We are in a battle. A spiritual battle.
If we are honest, most of us would agree, these are hard words— “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrathContinue reading “We aren’t skipping through daisies. We are in a battle. A spiritual battle.”
Relevant Words from an Ancient Prophet
I believe as a country, a church and as people, we are being deceived by false prophets speaking empty oracles. Jeremiah talks of false prophets and empty oracles. He says the false prophets “walk in lies and strengthen the hands of evildoers so that no one turns back from his wickedness” (23:14). Doesn’t that soundContinue reading “Relevant Words from an Ancient Prophet”
We have to do this with the utmost urgency
“Be of the same mind as one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” (Rom 12:16) Paul says a lot here. He has just told us to pay attention to the emotions of others —rejoice with those who rejoice andContinue reading “We have to do this with the utmost urgency”
Are you a mercy martyr?
Paul spends time in Romans 12 explaining, God gives us gifts of His choosing based on grace not merit. GraceNotMerit The Apostle Paul goes on to say, “let us use them” (Rom 12:6) and goes on to describe various gifts (prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership and mercy). He further encourages about how we shouldContinue reading “Are you a mercy martyr?”
Perfect Purpose not Puffed Up
Just before Paul begins to explain we are one body with many members and different functions (Rom 12:4) he warns us, not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. And if you’ve ever stood on a stage to speak or sing, if you’ve ever been appointed to leadership, you’ve likely feltContinue reading “Perfect Purpose not Puffed Up”
