Posts

Now Is The Right Time!

By
Image
As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Acts 24:25, NIV Now Is the Right Time The apostle Paul was standing before the governor of Judea, a man named Felix, on trial for sharing his faith. Felix was very intrigued by Paul, and as Paul spoke about what it meant to be a believer and how to live a godly life, Felix felt convicted. He knew he was not living with integrity, that he needed to stop compromising, but he didn’t want to deal with it. Even though he was frightened by the coming judgment, he sent Paul away, saying he would call Paul when he found it “convenient.” Two years later, Felix was out of office, and we never read anything more about him. We don’t know if a convenient time ever came or if he ever dealt with what God was bringing to light. Don’t put off what you know God is speaking to you about. On the other side of that obed...
Post a Comment
Read more

True Faith in Christ!

By
Image
  True Faith in Christ Scripture: Romans 4:20–21, Hebrews 11:6 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”  (NLT) “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”  (NLT) Abraham was a man who had true faith in God. True faith includes belief, conviction, dependence in the right object or person, and follow through with action consistent with the conviction. James said,  “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”  (James 2:17, NIV) Intellectual belief alone is not true faith. Faith in Christ and in what he has done on the cross includes conviction and dependence in him alone, which ultimately produces works through the believer. Jesus said,  “Very truly I tell you,...
Post a Comment
Read more

John 10:1-21!

By
Image
  Introduction John 10:1–21: Jesus uses the images of a shepherd, a gate, and sheep to describe his relationship to his followers. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice and follow him. Unlike a thief who comes only to steal or destroy—and unlike a hired worker who fails to protect the sheep—Jesus, as the good shepherd, is willing to die for the sheep. Jesus’s words cause division among the people. Today’s Key Verse: John 10:11 GNT [Jesus said:] “I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep.” Read 10 Jesus said, “I am telling you the truth: the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber.  2  The man who goes in through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.  3  The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out.  4  When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Rooted in the Soil of God’s Love!

By
Image
  Rooted in the Soil of God’s Love Scripture: Ephesians 3:16–17, ESV “… that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love… ” (Ephesians 3:16–17, ESV) This wonderful passage of Scripture should be read in conjunction with several of the surrounding verses to gain their full impact. The Holy Spirit is the great engine of power and capacity, enabling us to successfully fulfill the mission God has given us. We can meet the challenges in life as we allow the Spirit to strengthen us with his power in our inner being. This is accomplished by the process of  SOAK, SOW, and FLOW  with the Word and the Spirit of God. In fact, it is impossible to be a  CONVERTERLATOR  without the Holy Spirit working in our inner person. He cleanses us and strengthens us so Christ himself can live in our heart by fai...
Post a Comment
Read more

Be Alert!

By
Image
  Be Alert! Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13, ESV “ Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ” (1 Peter 1:13, ESV) Scripture warns us to be alert and watchful. We live in a spiritual war zone and battle a strong adversary. “ Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ” (1 Peter 5:8, ESV) The chief CONSUMERLATOR is out to steal, destroy, and kill our efforts to convert the perishable into the imperishable values of heaven. The Lord can return at any moment. He tells us to be watchful and waiting. We need to heed these words from Ephesians: “… for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’”  (Ephesians 5:14, ESV) Christ needs to shine on our efforts if we are to experience his blessing. We also want to av...
Post a Comment
Read more

Strength Under Control!

By
Image
   “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5, NIV Strength Under Control What do you do when someone disrespects you, belittles you, gets angry with you and starts spewing poisonous words at you? Some people think that you should show them meekness, meaning that you let offensive people walk over you and always be their doormat. But meekness doesn’t mean weakness. Meekness in the Scripture means strength under control. You have the power and fortitude to stand your ground and let them know how you feel, but you know when to use it. You don’t waste it getting upset, offended, trying to pay people back. You realize you are not going to change the mind of someone who has unresolved issues and is full of turmoil. You keep your cool and overlook the offense; you ignore it, knowing the situation is going to turn out in your favor. You can’t control what others say and do, but you can control your response. The meek control their emotions. The meek don’t tr...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Triple Three Approach to Battling Life’s Challenges!

By
Image
  The Triple Three Approach to Battling Life’s Challenges Scripture: Micah 7:8, ESV “ Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. ” (Micah 7:8, ESV) How comforting these words are when we sit in the darkness of circumstances that threaten to overpower us. Jesus Christ, the light of the world, shows us the way to life and immortality. The Psalmist also discovered where to look when difficulty came: “ Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. ” (Psalm 112:4, NLT) We have what I call the TRIPLE THREE APPROACH, outlined in 2 Thessalonians, the third chapter. First, he promises to strengthen and protect us: “ But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. ” (2 Thessalonians 3:3, NLT) Second, he directs us to focus on Christ, not on the problem. Focusing on the problem drains life from us, whereas Christ gives us power and peace: “ ...
Post a Comment
Read more