Essential faith is there for the bottom line when life is not pleasant. Do you say, “I believe in God. So What? Faith, so what? How does that help me now?” The following is a list of some of life’s difficulties, bumps on our road. Sometimes, more like mountains in our way. How does my faith in God help me in life in real time? Any of the following in your life today? Take your pick of the following: I’m…
In reading Paul’s letters in the New Testament, did you ever notice how many times he uses the words: abounding, abundant, abound, abundance, sufficient? It sounds like the normal Christian life should be really awesome, right? Let’s see what I found this week. First of all the definition of abounding – great quantities, well supplied, filled, rich. Abounding in hope – Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound…
Jesus promised His followers an abundant life with success every day. Does that sound like a dream, unrealistic? Do you say, “But you don’t know my life? You don’t know how I feel, what I deal with day in and day out.” Maybe you have a really boring job, like a road crew flagger. Is your life one of a caregiver to a disabled relative? Could homeschooling a few children be your day in and day out life? Maybe…
Joy is the desire of Jesus for each of His followers. It is to be a life abounding in joy. Absolutely full to the brim. John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. What has your Christian walk been like? Full of joy? That is what Jesus wanted for each of His followers, His family members. We sing the “joy of the Lord is my…
Limiting God’s Power in our LIves Are we limiting God’s power with our excuses like, “I can’t do that? I’m not that kind of person.” Do we hide behind who we are, or how we see ourselves? Do we realize that we are limiting God’s power in our lives? Recently, I was asked to speak on a Sunday morning at my church. Me? Yes, me. My first thought was God was changing me so I could do this. Then, the…
One simple, but subtle danger in the Christian walk, is not seeing God in the ordinary. In our everyday, often mundane life it might not seem important to know God is very much involved in our life minute by minute. It is obvious that His presence is needed in a preaching, teaching, or singing ministry. But, His presence is just as essential in our daily life, whether we are changing a flat tire, washing dishes, doing our job, or simply…
Isn’t it good to know that we are complete in Jesus? Apostle Paul tells us that in Jesus we are complete. We draw all we need from Him in whom is all wisdom and knowledge. All. We are in Christ and He is in us. Complete. We lack nothing. Have you discovered that you are complete in Jesus? Is this true in your life? Or would you argue the point? Are you lacking something? He has everything we need for…
Jesus says in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing.” NKJV Abiding in Christ How serious is He? Is it really all that important to live in Him? Jesus is our example, right? So what does He tell us? How does He demonstrate that concept by His life? He tells us in John 5:19, and 30 NKJV, “the…
God knows your name. He knows my name. Does God know all our names? Let’s see what the Bible says about this so we can have faith to go to Him. There were those in Jesus’ time, like today, that claimed they should be accepted by God. They thought they were good people and told Jesus that they had performed miracles in His name and ministered in His name. What did Jesus say? “I don’t know you. Get away from…
Redemption was God’s plan from the beginning, and it was to be complete. When God redeems us, he redeems all that is our lives – past, present, and future. All of our past? Redeemed Yes, all of who we have been, what has happened to us and what we have done. Complete redemption. He bought all our sins and cast them as far as the east is from the west, and we have no business digging up the past. He has…
