In a devotional I read recently, I was impacted by a quote by John Piper — “The gospel is not a way to get people to heaven; it is a way to get people to God. It’s a way of overcoming every obstacle to everlasting joy in God.” I think so many times people limit the work of Christ on the … Read More
What’s in Your Cup?
I’ve heard it said that when you bump a cup, what’s in it spills out. That’s what came to mind this morning as I was reading in 2 Kings this morning. Jehu said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD.”Then he had him ride along in his chariot. (2 Kings 10:16). Zeal in the Hebrew language … Read More
Self-centered or Selfless?
How hard is it for you to be selfless? I know that it is not something that comes naturally for most people. It seems that “self” always makes a way to be inserted into our thoughts, our conversations, our actions, our reactions. Can you be self-centered and God-centered at the same time? Can I balance faith and feelings? Those are … Read More
From Reality to Rest
Have you ever experienced a reality so dire that you felt everything and everyone was against you? I’m sure we all have to one degree or another. Well this morning as I read Psalm 3, I found such a wonderful example from King David, as he progressed from reality to rest. Check this out. THE REALITY (3:1-2) “Oh Lord, how … Read More
Are you really listening?
Have you ever had someone talking to you and while you hear them speaking, you really aren’t listening to what they’re saying? Yeah, sad to say, me too. This morning in my reading, I was convicted of that, as I studied my way through Proverbs 23:19. “Hear my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.” This … Read More
Stuck like Glue
All throughout Scripture we read “wait on the Lord”, but what does that mean and how do we accomplish it? “We wait (expectantly) for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For in Him our heart rejoices, because we trust(lean on, rely on, and are confident) in His holy name (His holy character). Let Your (steadfast) lovingkindness, … Read More
When God Repeats Himself
As I continue on in the Psalms, this morning I read Psalm 136. In it the psalmist commanded, “Give thanks to the Lord” (v1), “Give thanks to the God of gods” (v2), “Give thanks to the Lord of hosts” (v3), “Give thanks to the God of heaven” (v26). As the psalmist described the works of God in these 26 verses, … Read More
You are the light of the world.
I started reading through the book of Matthew the other day. I don’t know about you, but at times I have to guard myself against “assuming I know” the text and thus approaching the Scriptures with a prideful complacency. I want to see, through fresh eyes, what God is saying to me each day as I read His word. So … Read More
Waiting…
What comes to mind when you think of “waiting” for someone? If I’m honest, my initial response to waiting is not a positive one, but rather one of irritation. I mean, while I’m waiting for someone to arrive, I could be doing something I had on “my” list of to-do’s, right? Who does that other person think they are, making … Read More
Don’t Split the Sentence
This morning I finished up my study of 1 Peter. Let me tell you – if you haven’t dug into this book of the Bible, you need to! It’s so rich with encouragement to us as believers living in such an ungodly culture. If you are interested in learning more, reach out to me and I’d be happy to share … Read More