I had a friend reach out to me this morning and share an excerpt from a holiday-themed devotional plan she was doing. In the devotional, the question was posed, “Where do you shine your spotlight?” As the holidays approach, not everyone may be looking forward to them. We all have memories. Some good. Others, not so much. While some … Read More
When Life is Hard
I’m sure we all go through seasons where we just feel life is just so…hard. When you have times like that, where do you go? What do you do? Who do you text? How do you handle those emotions? I came across a verse in Psalms this morning that really impacted me as it addressed how the Psalmist handled times … Read More
The Umpire Rules
“Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts”. — Colossians 3:17 RULE <brabeuō> means to arbitrate, i.e. to govern (figuratively, to prevail). Paul is using it here to mean: to be an umpire; to decide, determine; to direct, control, rule. Let’s look at some definitions. To arbitrate means: to settle (a dispute between two people or groups) after hearing … Read More
I am KEPT and GLORIFIED by God
As we finish up our study of “Who I am in Christ”, I’d like to combine the last two in one blog. . I am KEPT by God “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My … Read More
I am SANCTIFIED by God
I think the best way to start out here is to define what “sanctified” means. Sanctified (hagiazō in the Greek language) means to make holy or consecrated. The Bible describes three “phases” of sanctification – positional, progressive, and final. Let’s take a look at each of them. POSITIONAL SANCTIFICATION: As believers, when the Holy Spirit brings us to life spiritually, … Read More
I am SET APART for God
In the original language, the term set apart comes from the roots (apo–which means separation; and horizō–which means to define or mark out). So set apart (aphorizō) means to mark off from others by boundaries, to limit, to separate; set apart for some purpose. Think about that. Our lives are to be marked by the standards God has set for … Read More
I am ADOPTED by God
The dictionary defines “adoption” as taking someone by choice into a relationship; the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something. As believers, we have been adopted into God’s family! Let’s dig in and discover what that means. One of the richest Gospel passages that reveals the blessings associated with our adoption as children of God … Read More
I am REDEEMED by God
What comes to mind when you hear the word “redeem?” Redeeming a coupon at the checkout to get a few cents off your grocery bill? Well, I don’t think that is the concept God was going for in our focus statement today — I am REDEEMED by God. Before we can truly appreciate being “redeemed by God”, we need … Read More
I am RECONCILED to God
Next in the list of “Who I am In Christ” is “I am RECONCILED to God”. Let’s start off by defining the word reconciled (katallassō in the Greek language). Romans 5:10 says “…we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son…”. The word “reconciled” is in the passive voice which means that I am the “receiver” of the … Read More