Tag Archives: Spirit

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 …

Finding Peace in the Battle

Finding Peace in the Battle

Imagine you’re in a battle, surrounded by hatred, violence and every type of evil imaginable. You’ve been in this battle for years, you’re in it now and there’s no end in site. All the sudden (in the middle of the battlefield), 20′ tall angels appear to surround you along with a lavish banquet table and two chairs …

Prayer to Restore Our Marriage

Prayer to Restore Our Marriage

I praise You that You are always in control and I pray that You will show us the power of prayer. Father please breathe hope into our marriage, showing us and speaking to us that You can heal, restore and rebuild our covenant before You. Lord, we praise You and thank You that we have confidence in approaching …

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 …

All It Takes is a Pebble to Start a Landslide

All It Takes is a Pebble to Start a Landslide

All it takes is a pebble to start a landslide or an echo to start an avalanche. The Holy Spirit doesn’t need much to work inside of us. Just keep surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and persevering through the trials. We all stumble but He’s there to pick us up every time. That’s the beauty! When we recognize the voice …

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 …

Living Transparently

Living Transparently

As the body of Christ, we are called to live in community with one another. The idea of people watching us or knowing about the sin in our lives can often make us feel uncomfortable. Being known by others and being held accountable is necessary however, not only to meet our basic relationship needs, but also to …

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 …

Prayer to Release Fear

Prayer to Release Fear

Please protect us with the shield of your strength and keep us safe from all fear, evil and harm. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we are told, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” May the power of the Holy Spirit impart this truth and guide us so that we may forever praise You for …