One thing that distraction does is that it means we struggle to pray for any length of time. Even five minutes at a time would be a big improvement for many Christians.     What do you do when you have a few minutes with nothing to do? If you’re like most of the world,... Continue Reading

The Jews had a treasure, given to them by God, over which they should have been stewards so that they would have readily received the Messiah when He came.  Instead, they ignored the treasure and were held accountable for it.   Growing up in church, I heard this parable preached often. There were good applications... Continue Reading

The Apostle Paul wrote “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). He didn’t write that God had completed His work in us, but that He had begun it. You and I are living in... Continue Reading

“I encourage anyone seeking to follow the Lord’s leading to relax and be patient, and let God develop your sense of His voice and direction more as the years go on. As long as you abide in Him and stay rooted in His Word, I believe you’ll find a greater sense of assurance of God’s... Continue Reading

For us creatures made in His image, we are meant to share in God’s glory, and to share this glory with one another. We are meant to be like David and his mighty men—not pursuing glory for its own sake, but pursuing good and mighty works, which God has prepared for us.   When we... Continue Reading

If our emotions give us a window into internal ‘reality,’ maturity involves cultivating affections that line up with external reality, with the new creation that’s blooming in this land of the dying.   This is a large topic that, as is the nature of blogs, I’m going to think out loud around the edge of.... Continue Reading

The Father’s over-arching purpose, or goal, in His Son’s redemptive work…is the heading up of all things in Christ…making His Son to be the “first-born over all creation,” giving Him supreme authority and power over a whole new universe, with the assured result that manifold and precious blessings will fall upon all of the redeemed... Continue Reading

Discipline consistently, and you will know peace and happiness. “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:17). You will be happy if you like your kids, and you will like your kids if you discipline them away from what makes them obnoxious.   The cane... Continue Reading

Through what seemed like a painful chain of events, the young woman who had been forced into marriage with a divorced pagan king became a mighty instrument in the hands of God.   Hadassah was a young woman who lived in the ancient, bustling city of Susa—located in modern-day southwestern Iran—around 480 BC. Her mother... Continue Reading

If you look back, you’ll probably see that the Spirit has encouraged and strengthened you many times in your life. He’ll do it again and again, until He brings you home.   As you look back on times of affliction, do you remember being suddenly, inexplicably encouraged to persevere? This is what the Holy Spirit... Continue Reading