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 exploring local bookstores when we’re on vacation. I’ve found all kinds of treasures on their racks. One such treasure was the book, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon. Even if you’re not familiar with the book itself, which I highly recommend, you probably are well aware of the acronym that came from it….
How much time do you spend investing in relationships with unbelievers? Historically, there have been some groups of Christians that have chosen to create their own exclusive communities to remain isolated from the “influence of the world”—people who choose not to be friends with people outside of their faith community. In 1 Corinthians 5, the…
I’ve stumbled over these words of Jesus more times than I’d like to admit… If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 I didn’t struggle with the “follow me” part. The “give up your own way” part…
There’s a story about a pastor who came to town and decided to give his new congregation a living parable. As the story goes… He dressed up as a homeless man and walked around the church for 30 minutes while people were arriving for the service. Hardly anyone looked at him and fewer spoke to…
What do you think it means to be a good disciple? I was taught that to be a good disciple you needed to be a good student. Although, learning what Jesus taught and studying God’s Word are an important part of discipleship, I believe there’s another simple definition that better explains what it means to…
I finished reading the Old Testament this week. Each time I work my way through the books of the Law, the historical books, the Psalms, and the prophets … I am overwhelmed with gratitude that the Lord of the universe wants us to know Him. Really KNOW Him! And now, I’m settling in and sitting…
“I tell you, love your enemies.” Seriously! Did Jesus really mean love? An enemy is defined as someone who feels hatred for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another. And Jesus wants us to love them. Really?! He didn’t leave us wondering what He meant by the word “love.” He went…
As you focus your heart and mind on Jesus suffering and death today… I want to ask – an important Good Friday question. How do you see Him? Pleading and praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? “My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not…
A very wise friend once said, “If everyone is annoying you and getting on your last nerve . . . you have to stop and think about the common denominator. Maybe the problem is you.” How’s your attitude? When I’m cranky and irritable it’s easy to blame everyone and everything. To look around and grumble…
Then He [Jesus] called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. Mark…
