Tag Archives: Christ

A Strong and Focused Sense of Future

A Strong and Focused Sense of Future

The way we conceive the future sculpts the present, gives contour and tone to nearly every action and thought through the day. If our sense of future is weak, we live listlessly. The Christian faith has always been characterized by a strong and focused sense of future, with belief in the Second Coming of Jesus as …

Are We Blessed Because We Are Fruitful?

Are We Blessed Because We Are Fruitful?

One of my favorite Scripture verses occurs in the opening chapter of the Bible: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.’” – Genesis 1:28 Does God want us to be fruitful? Absolutely. Does God bless people because they are fruitful? No!

Complaining and Disputing

Complaining and Disputing

Paul shows us that complaining actually gives place to the enemy in our lives because he thrives in an atmosphere of complaining. The Bible also shows us that we as believers should focus and meditate on the “good” and “praiseworthy” (Phil. 4:8). Complaining, called murmuring in the King James, is …

Why does God seem to wait?

Why does God seem to wait?

Why does God seem to wait when we so desperately are begging Him to “do something?” When we think of God’s timing, it can be common to lapse into a mindset that God’s clock is unintelligible, wound by a Deity who is distant and aloof to our desires. The reality, however, is that God is omniscient. He knows …

Serving When Called

Serving When Called

When my kids were small, they were enamored with Siberian huskies because … well, they’re sled dogs and they’re cool! They wanted a husky more than anything and mentioned it often (by often, I mean often). After caving in to my daughter (a common occurrence), we found a beautiful blue and brown-eyed husky …

God’s Open Doors

God’s Open Doors

God opens doors in our lives for various reasons. There can be doors of opportunities and doors that lead us from one season to another. If we are obedient and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we begin develop a clarity to find these open doors and the courage to explore within. Paul spoke of an open doors in …

Finding Contentment in Unfulfilled Desires

Finding Contentment in Unfulfilled Desires

We serve a God who yearns for us to discover His presence and His purposes for our lives as well … even in the midst of our unfulfilled desires. When all of our desires are focused on Him, He will manage them in such a way that in due season, they will be satisfied. I believe this and similar verses are often …

Finding Joy When a Loved One Passes On

Finding Joy When a Loved One Passes On

The passing of a loved one is often a devastating and life-altering event. It conjures emotions from deep within that often prompts thoughts such as “It’s not supposed to be like this … One minute my life was ‘normal’ and it has now become unbearable …” As this new existence begins to unfold throughout the many bouts with …

What Does God Want From Us?

What Does God Want From Us?

I heard a message recently about a couple who, although both were Christians, had differing beliefs on their understanding of God and His will. The husband had always lived with a fear of her understanding of God because it was different. A new neighbor of theirs had a hip operation and asked this man’s wife if she …

Celebrating Christmas After a Divorce

Celebrating Christmas After a Divorce

The holidays can be stressful. There are more activities to attend and more responsibilities to take care of and, as a result, emotions tend to heighten. Holidays after a major family change are even more intense as everyone anticipates what the transition will look and feel like. Your children will probably wonder how the holidays …

Replacing Worry with Prayer

Replacing Worry with Prayer

To lead a joyful and peaceful Christian life, it’s imperative that we let God preside over situations that are beyond your control. Worry and trust do not coexist. When we invite worry in the front door of our lives, our faith will inevitably depart through the back. So we must ask, “Will I trust my worries, or will I trust …

Prayer for the Unbeliever

Prayer for the Unbeliever

We humbly ask You to continue rescuing the lost from the domain of darkness and bring them into the kingdom of Your Son. You alone can draw and enable them. You alone can send Your Holy Spirit with power to convict them of the sin in their life and their need to repent and believe in Your truth. The truth that Jesus …

Alcohol and Moderation

Alcohol and Moderation

Is the drinking of wine and other alcohol sinful pleasure, or a healthful life-improving habit? We saw that Christ approved of drinking wine. His actions and words set the example by which Christians are to live their lives. Ecclesiastes 9:7 states “Drink your wine with a merry heart.” Psalm 104 states that God gives wine …

The Narrow Road or the Broad Road?

The Narrow Road or the Broad Road?

The broad road is easy to find and easy to navigate. Do nothing and we’re there. It also easily accommodates us and all our baggage. Bring anything and everything with us…we won’t be crowded out! The narrow road however, does require navigation. We must ask for and accept the will of God and we must seek to follow …

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Blossom that Eternally Blooms!

The Fruit of the Spirit: A Blossom that Eternally Blooms!

A good way to determine how steadfast your faith in Christ is, and how completely you have given your life over to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit, is to consider the joyous message we are given in Galatians 5:22 – 25: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith …

Prayer for Discerning Opportunities

Prayer for Discerning Opportunities

As our Protector and Guide, You are the greatest Friend and Joy we have! To be able to come to You in prayer like this is the most beautiful part of our lives! Father, You know what I am facing and the reasons why these doors and opportunities have opened before me. Father please be with me in all things at all times. Protect …