I often struggle with the amped-up ugly interactions that are so prevalent in our current society. I’ve prayerfully asked God to help me look past my own agitation and choose my words here carefully. And I’d like to ask you a question… What’s most important? Popularity? Recognition? Your opinion? Your friend’s opinions? Or the truth? It’s hard to know…
If someone asked you what it really means to believe in Jesus, how would you answer? Most of us have read or heard the verse: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in…
Happy New Year’s Eve Day! We made it! We’ve read and prayed the whole New Testament this year. When we began this journey in January, I was excited but a little nervous wondering if I’d be able to reach the goal. Today, I’m feeling overwhelmed and so very thankful and blessed. I’m thankful to the…
Many books and movies present a dastardly villain as part of the storyline. Readers and viewers are most satisfied when finally as the story comes to a close the villain is defeated and justice prevails. “Villain” does not even begin to describe satan. The dark, dark evils he has reigned down on the world and…
The Bible tells us that the devil is real. He knows his time to turn people away from Jesus is limited. He is intentionally tempting and persecuting the world
Jesus told His followers to be faithful and intentionally ready for His return… Everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Mark…
I sometimes wonder where we are in the end times spectrum. I wonder what if any events have taken place already and what the future will be like going forward. Rev and I were talking the other day, about the challenges of understanding John’s writing of God’s plan. There are some who take it literally…
The next two chapters in the Book of Revelation are specific messages from Jesus to seven individual churches. Some people imagine God on some heavenly throne simply watching human beings go round and round on this big blue orb. But God’s Word is very clear that He is not far away. He is right here…
I love the way Jude began his letter: This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1 The brother of James…
How would you like to know the truth and live with love? It sounds awesome, doesn’t it? When you and I know the truth, doubt is removed . . . and when we live loved, we feel safe and secure. Everyone thrives under those conditions. So, I guess we really shouldn’t be surprised that the…
Peter was among the disciples who asked: “What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” The following is just a portion of Jesus reply: You will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many…
The other day, I received the following comment on something I shared on Pinterest… “Reading about imaginary deities won’t add to your knowledge.” I get similar comments fairly often and honestly, although they sadden me they no longer surprise me. What does surprise me are the times when people who identify as Christians but don’t…
There’s an old saying that describes Christianity as simply having a “Pie in the sky by and by” attitude about life. The criticism is that believers are missing out on life right now just so that when they die, they will go to heaven. The good stuff of life. The “pie” . . . will…
There have been many versions of the following quote over the years: “The greatest Liar has his Believers, and it often happens, that if a Lie be believed only for an hour, it has done its Work, and there is no farther occasion for it. Falsehood flies and the Truth comes limping after it.” ~Jonathan Swift,…
I’m not strong. Not even a little. I am foolish and weak . . . prone to worry and anxiety. And I would be an absolute mess were it not for Jesus! A number of years ago, I highlighted and starred the following words in the notes of my Bible: Just as we are saved…
When I was growing up almost everyone on our street attended church. Being a Christian was just part of the norm. Culture encouraged church membership and it seemed for many – their social lives revolved around time spent with friends from church. Christian values and morals were rarely questioned and believe it or not, the…
We’ve often heard from overseas missionaries that sometimes when they go into a new area they’re excited by the readiness of the people to accept Christ as their Savior. And you and I would agree, that it’s awesome! But then, as they spend more time with these new “Christians” they start to realize in addition…
“I can’t believe you messed up again!” “You just keep making the same stupid mistakes!” “Why won’t you ever learn?” “Why can’t you be more like ________?” “You simply don’t belong and you never will!” Have you ever had something similar said to you? Or maybe, you have a voice in your head that repeats…
Are you hard on yourself . . . painfully aware of every failure and shortcoming? When I’m disappointed in myself, it’s easy for me to believe that God is really disappointed in me as well. I imagine Him as a displeased parent because of something I’ve said, done, or thought. Can you relate? Paul began…
It is often much easier to identify an outright lie than a twisted truth. A twisted truth sounds true . . . almost. But that “almost” can result in a terrible distortion of the complete truth. It was a twisted truth that caused the Apostle Paul to write his letter to the Christians in Galatia….
Do you ever feel like the things you are doing or that you have done to serve Jesus aren’t making a difference? Paul wrote: My dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58…
