Self-Control Is Christ’s Control
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV) *** *** *** *** There’s nothing you can do as well without Christ as you can with him. Any struggle you’re facing will be easier to conquer with his help. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you have to clean up all your messes before you ask God for help. That’s like curing yourself of a disease before you drive down and see the doctor. Go to God first and get his help in all your …
Empowered For Rebuilding Lives
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people. And do not make evil plans to harm each other.” Zechariah 7:9-10 (NLT) *** *** *** *** You have the power, by God’s Spirit within you, to help people rebuild their lives, to give hope to people in despair, to offer others a fresh start when it seems they have nothing left. God empowers us to: · Judge with an even-hand – We show compassion when we act as a …
Empowered For Rebuilding Lives
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: Judge fairly and honestly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people. And do not make evil plans to harm each other.” Zechariah 7:9-10 (NLT) *** *** *** *** You have the power, by God’s Spirit within you, to help people rebuild their lives, to give hope to people in despair, to offer others a fresh start when it seems they have nothing left. God empowers us to: · Judge with an even-hand – We show compassion when we act as a …
A Risky Obedience
“Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of….” (Luke 19:26 MSG) In order to obey God, you need to take risks. Risk is the substance of faith because it requires you to take Step 1 before you see Step 2. Risk compels you to action, even when there seems to be no guarantee of what will be on the other side of your choice. But it’s those risks, large and small, that God uses to stretch you from living by sight into living by faith. By taking the risk of following God, you move …
“It Is Finished”
Author’s note – In Monday’s devotional, “Jesus in Hell,” I left the impression that Jesus had more redemptive work to do, even after his death on the cross. My hope is today’s devotional will clarify any confusion. *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Mark 15:37-38 (NIV) When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30 (NIV) *** …
Jesus Cleanses And Calls
“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go …
Jesus in Hell
“For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.” Matthew 12:40 (HCSB) **** **** **** **** Jesus spent three days in hell. He spent three days in hell in order to bring us home with him. He spent three days in hell because he loved you more than the human mind will ever be able to comprehend. We often talk about the crucifixion, and we often talk about the resurrection – …
Developing Confidence By Losing Confidence
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NASB) *** *** *** *** The secret to living with confidence is to be confident in God’s compassion and power. He is the Almighty and everlasting God, and his power and compassion are unlimited. We gain confidence by developing confidence in God and letting go of confidence in ourselves. When we think we have to do it on our own, or when we think we are doing it on our own, we stand on an uncertain foundation, like the man who built his house upon …
Burned-Out On Religion?
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT) *** *** *** *** Jesus might have asked: “Aren’t you tired and burned-out on all that religious stuff? Look, come walk with me, and I’ll help you recover your life – your real purpose – and even though …
Love Is Fruit, Not Root
“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love other believers.” 1 John 3:14 (GWT) *** *** *** *** Our love for others is the fruit, not the root, of our relationship with God. The Apostle John taught that our love for others emerges from our relationship with God, that anyone who is born of God and knows God will love with the love of God. (1 John 4:7, NLT) In a sense, you could say the process of sanctification – the movement toward becoming like Jesus – involves the Eternal One’s love …
