Romans 13:14–But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. When we think of making “provisions” in our lives whether that is for our own well being or family, it generally means doing what is noble and necessary for basic livelihood. So naturally making provisions for ourselves and others would never […]
You are not just laying bricks. You are building a cathedral! You may have the most mundane job. Perhaps stacking boxes at a grocery store. Working the register at a discount store. Making fried chicken all day at a fast-food restaurant. Changing adult diapers at a nursing home. We die a little death as we do […]
2 Corinthians 6:12-You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections. Everyday meets us with the challenge of managing our affections. Whether that’s engaging our families, co-workers, classmates, or friends, our affections are either freely expressed or “muted” depending on who we are engaged with.However, in a way of protecting ourselves, we can get […]
It is a fearful thing to follow God. In Him, our dreams die…– Abraham dreamt of having descendants as the stars of the sky, but God demanded his only son. – Isaac dreamt of an easier life with his new wife Rebekah, but she couldn’t have children either.- Jacob dreamt of a happy life with a […]
Exodus 13:17–When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.” The more I look back on what I desired to happen, I thankfully appreciate what God didn’t let happen. Because humbly I […]
You can suffer without maturing, but you cannot mature without suffering. I believe God brings suffering to our lives in order to mature us. But suffering does not mature everyone. Some people will grow bitter and walk away from the Lord. However, those who remain in God, the suffering makes them more tender, compassionate, and humble. We […]
Job 29:2-4–“Oh, that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me, 3 when his lamp shone upon my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, 4 as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was upon my tent, From time to time my wife will gather the kids around, and […]
I understood “God is with you” very differently than what it is. I thought that meant that everything you do will turn out to be successful, you will never fail, you will never suffer, and everything will go your way. But looking at Jacob’s life, it was anything but! God promises Jacob: “Behold, I am with […]