Just Reach Out to Him

So much effort; so hard to just extend your hand toward Jesus. In the midst of your pain, you reassure yourself to just reach out to Him.

Let’s See Your Credentials

The world operates on credentials. Degrees, certifications, licenses and identification. In many ways, it defines us in this world, but not in the Kingdom of God. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 that our credentials come from the Spirit of God, from Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, our qualifications come from believing in him. […]

Dread and Fear

The disobedience of the first generation of Israelites to leave Egypt has cost them God’s promised land. Now a second generation of Israelites is preparing to enter the land. Deuteronomy 2:7 tells us, “These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing. (NASB).” God has provided for […]

When Envy Stalks Us

Sometimes it is hard to see the prosperity of others and not feel envious of their life. They seem to have everything they desire and it appears they have no troubles. As the psalmist puts it in Psalm 73: “For there are no pains in their death, And their body is fat. They are not […]

Calling Out the Faithful

Beloved. Hard worker. Kinsmen. Fellow worker. Brethren. These are some of the words Paul uses to describe the people he has worked with in spreading the gospel (Romans 16). Many we only know by name, but you can sense the deep appreciation Paul has for their belief in Jesus and willingness to share it. It […]

The Broken Doorbell

Another gentle knock on the door breaks my concentration. A light tapping as if wanting to disturb me, yet wanting to console me.

Raising Up the Truth

It’s one thing to doubt whether something is true, but another thing to suppress an eyewitness account of that truth. In Matthew 27:62-66, after Jesus had been crucified and buried, the Pharisees are so convinced that the disciples will steal the body of Jesus and fake his resurrection that they request Pilate to station guards […]

Struggling for Purpose

We struggle for years, working to serve the Lord. Yet there are moments when setbacks can cause us to wonder why we expended so much effort. It can seem like it is wasted. Isaiah expressed this sentiment: “But I said, ‘I have toiled in vain, I have spent My strength for nothing and vanity (Isaiah […]

God’s Word is Truth

Sometimes it is hard to trust God, to believe His Word is true. When we feel the weight of the world on our shoulders, it is difficult to believe the words of Jesus: “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:29, NASB).” Yet God is faithful. “Know therefore that the LORD […]