Connection with others is a basic human need. Being seen and known makes us feel validated and valued, like we exist. When we’re ignored or neglected, we wonder what’s wrong with us and question whether we’re good enough. The feeling of shame experienced in an individual or group can be devastating. It strikes at our self-worth, our dignity — the very part of us made in God’s image that was blessed and pronounced as “very good” at creation. (Gen. 1:31)
Read MoreIt’s said ‘if we don’t use it, we lose it’ in physical fitness. I say the same is true spiritually. Active faith builds a healthier, stronger Body. Flexing our ‘spiritual muscles’ through daily exercises of loving, listening, obeying, and following God purifies and matures us. It makes us better fit in times of heavy lifting. When circumstances displace us, or decisions become too weighty, our spiritual discipline helps us bear down, to press into God and push back the evil one.
Read MoreWhen God puts His finger on something, we should take note. No doubt, the Holy Spirit has come to point the way. To mark the spot. When we can’t put our finger on it — that thing that keeps us in bondage — the finger of God can! He knows why something is the way it is and can set us free and heal us.
Read MoreOn the path of life, a crossroad, or a fork in the road many times is a sign of spiritual warfare or crisis. A decision must be made which activates our faith. Like a door or a gate of opportunity, our choice will either add to our faith or to an element of fear in our lives. Thankfully, Jesus said He is our “Gate” –- our Way through. (John 10:7) So, we proceed ahead, following Him and trusting Him with the opening or closing of opportunities for us.
Read MoreImagine driving without road signs or symbols. Not only would getting lost be easy, but traffic jams and wrecks would be everywhere. Road rage, too. Signs and symbols help keep us on track. Their meanings help guide us along the way. The same can be true spiritually. God often uses symbols to speak to us and give direction for our journey through life.
Read MoreWhen it comes to the blame game, we’ve all played and lost. Our attempts to avoid responsibility and accountability have only caused greater harm and destruction. No one wins, except Satan, when we’re pointing fingers at others, deflecting, denying, and defending ourselves.
Read MoreThere’s a difference between a house and a home. One is a structure built by human hands; the other is a home made by human hearts. It’s from the heartbeat of home that family is made. This was God’s idea: He destined the human heart to be His home (Acts 7:48) and offered His gift of salvation to the world through a family (Luke 2:11-12). God’s wisdom confounded those inspired by the evil one. While they expected a king in a palace, Jesus came as an ordinary person in a home.
Read MoreIf entering a new year or realm feels daunting, take heart! God has already gone before you. There is no better foundation for going somewhere new than this truth: God is behind you, God is before you. Just as Abram was met by the high priest Melechizedek in the Promised Land, so Jesus awaits you in yours. But, expect opposition, as you move forward into the new, engaging people and territories that are rightfully the Lord’s.
Read MoreTo bloom wherever you are planted brings together worship and geography, just as God intended. Indeed, He has determined the specific times and places where we live and is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:24-28) We worship God everywhere, but specifically in the place He has put us. There, our roots grow deep and in time we produce fruit. This is also where we are the greatest threat to the kingdom of darkness.
Read MoreOut with the old, in with the new. Thankfully, that was not God’s idea for humanity, or the baby might have been thrown out with the bath water! The Good News does not throw out the Old but transforms it through a personal, passionate relationship with God’s Son. “I came to fulfill the Law, not abolish it,” Jesus said. (Matt. 5:17) So, we must discern and proceed carefully. How we help others transition from Old Testament (OT) living to New Testament (NT) living can have long-lasting implications.
Read MoreWhat “pot of gold” at the end of a rainbow would you treasure, if there were such a thing? Most likely it would be different from mine. Treasure to me might not be the same to you. And that’s okay. God designed us that way. Satan detests God’s creativity and keeps stirring his black pot with much intention to strip us of our uniqueness.
Read MoreThroughout the ages, mankind has been fascinated by God’s glory. We’ve meditated upon it. Marveled at it. Sought after it. Prophesied about it. Moses even saw it. (Well, only part of it.) God’s glory is powerful and transformative. This is why Satan is so determined to keep our minds blinded from it. (2 Cor. 4:4)
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