Standing Up to Opposition

There is a lot we can learn from Nehemiah about overcoming opposition to your work for the Kingdom of God.

Morning Praise: Humble Servant

“Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6, NIV) Praise you, oh God. Praise your holy name. Praise your good works. Thank you for the love and grace you […]

Waiting on Standby

To get your name on the right flight, you need to go through the travel agent called Jesus Christ. Dedicating your life to Christ means you will not be left behind, tossed into the Lake of Fire because your name was not found in the Book of Life.

Giving Your Faith a Workout

This made me think about the man on the stationary bicycle. What if I put that same amount of effort into living a godly life? I picture myself going to the “Godliness” gym and giving my faith a workout.

Morning Praise: Seeking God’s Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Proverbs 10:10, NIV) Show us your way, Lord. Teach us this day the path to follow. Fill us with your wisdom. Let us fear you and not people. Give us understanding of your holiness dear God. Help […]

Sparkles of Hope

The pain is deep It eats at my soul My heart stiffens I ache for relief My body tightens Muscles tense Tendons strain I can’t move My brain swells Turbulence within Emotions swirl A whirlwind inside Tears well up Eyes close Salt water streams Touch my lips Body crumples Folding in half Whimpers break The […]

Pray Without Ceasing

A constant connection with God A life aligned with His will Selfish ambitions cease Harmonizing my life with God No longer out of tune Shedding the burdens God lightens the load “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (NIV).” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 […]

Listening to the Counselor

As you go through your day, how do you make decisions? How do you discern what is a good choice and what is a bad choice? Do you take time to pause and listen to the counsel of the Spirit of God? In Luke 22:7-13, Jesus tells his disciples exactly what he has planned for […]

Encouraging the Discouraged

“Hey,” my brother in Christ said as he entered the dark room illuminated by a lamp. “There you are.” He sat down next to me and placed the lamp on the floor between us. “What are you doing here? You look so worried.”

Fearing the New Day

The day dawns Fear rises from the east Daylight emerges Overtaking the darkness The day is ahead Yet I hesitate to enter it Anxious thoughts About a future yet to be Sunlight spreads Moving across the floor Cold feet Immovable as I grip the chair Sunbeam advances Warmth touches my toe Distressed thoughts Released as […]