1. In Addition to Talking to God, We Also Need to Listen to HimImagine you were on the phone with someone. The other person can speak, describing events in their day and asking questions, but you are unable to say anything in return. Likely, you and the other person would become frustrated and end the call. Not much of a conversation, is it? The sa

When you choose to live under his Lordship, then you bring him into the daily decisions of your life. It means you give up control of the direction of your life because you want to do what he desires for your life. If Christ is truly Lord of your life, then "not my will, but yours be done" becomes the purpose for which you live. If you are not will

- He is Our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; 1 Peter 5:4).- He is the Apostle (Hebrews 3:1).- He is the Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16).- He is the Bridegroom (Ephesians 5:31-33).- He is the Better Adam (Romans 5:14-15).- He is our Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).- He is the Inheritor of all God’s Promises (2 Corinthians 1:20).- He is the Mediator of the New and Bett

1. Joseph Forgives His BrothersAfter being betrayed and sold into slavery by his own brothers, Joseph comes to prominence in Egypt. Through Joseph’s faithfulness in slavery and prison, he finds favor with God and Pharaoh, ultimately rising to second-in-command in Egypt to help the kingdom through a severe famine. When the famine strikes Joseph’s fa

This is the inspiring story of the Centurion and his servant. How about the Roman Centurion at the foot of the cross? The Bible's Account of the Roman Centurion Who Declared Jesus Was God’s SonAs all believers know, the Crucifixion is a pivotal moment in the life of Christ. At this moment in history, Christ gives up his Spirit to God the Father, t

1. Speak God’s Truth When You’re Confused Maybe we’re struggling with a decision, or trying to choose the best path forward. When confusion comes, what should we tell ourselves? We need God’s truth to help us. We need wisdom from the Word, and in the proper fear of God. Perhaps we’re trying to solve a problem on our own. James tells us to “ask God

Prayer and Reflection on GratitudeHaving a sense of gratitude gives us a sense of humility for the gift of life, community, and each new day. When I think of how many painful things I have gone through on my journey of faith and look back on how so many incredible people were there for me when I was struggling, I praise Christ--for the community I

Here we can see Joseph believes God’s promise to bring Abraham’s descendants into the land of promise (Genesis 15:13-16). Yet after Joseph assures his kin about God’s promise, he then makes a rather peculiar request. Joseph makes his kin promise to take his remains (literally his “bones”) up from Egypt to the Promised Land when God brought them up

For an Old Testament example, we can look at King Ahab and Naboth’s vineyard (1 Kings 21). King Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard because it was close to his palace and desired it for a vegetable garden. Ahab became sullen and resentful when Naboth refused to sell or trade the vineyard. His covetous desire led to unjust actions orchestrated by his wif

Prior to your visit, determine (preferably as a couple) what behavior you will and won’t tolerate and how you’ll respond when someone steps over that line. Optimally, each person will take responsibility for their family. If, however, your spouse hasn’t yet gained the emotional strength to do so, you can guard your heart by setting boundaries with

Joseph and UsWhen bad things happen to people who are caring and honest, and criminals get away with their crimes, we wonder why God allows such injustice. The story of Joseph and his brothers highlights the fact that our sufferings are not always just about the sanctification of our own hearts, although the ways we respond to suffering are indicat

Not only that, but Zacchaeus’ heart was sincerely converted after Jesus’ invitation. In front of the crowd, he said to Jesus, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Those aren’t words of a miserly tax collector, but of someone whose

Again, let’s think about the nature of our vote. It is a stewardship of civic duty meant to promote justice, righteousness, and neighborly love. It is a means by which we can seek the welfare of our community. What happens if, in your estimation, you cannot in good conscience cast a vote for any of the proposed candidates?I appreciate what John Pip

3. Speech Seasoned with HonorThe people who know us the best can often be the ones whom we easily hurt the most. It is common for children of any age to respond with dishonor towards their parents. The words and tones we use say a lot about if we are following the 5th Commandment, and ultimately if we are living by the power of the Holy Spirit.“Let

1. God Knows AllNumerous places in Scripture demonstrate what scholars refer to as God’s omniscience, which means His perfect knowledge of all things, past, present and future. One example I’ve reflected on in uncomfortable seasons comes from Exodus 13. This was immediately after the Lord rescued His people from 400 years of slavery and oppression

It can also help all people — busy or not — understand how important it is to cultivate mindfulness, which is simply becoming fully present and fully aware of your surroundings. In our fast-paced world, this is a very important skill to develop and a beautiful way to draw closer in your relationship with God.It’s also a practical way to reflect wha

And when the servant girl asked, Are you one of His disciples? Peter crumbled. Three separate times, he denied even knowing Jesus.Overnight, it became a right relationship in desperate need of repair.Fighting for Right RelationshipsAfter Jesus’ arrest, Peter found himself alone in hostile territory and in fear for his life. Under such pressure, he

When I press pause and listen to my body, I often recognize emotions I hadn’t yet acknowledged. I notice tense muscles. I sense shallow breathing. I discover my jaw is clenched. These physical reactions provide clues to what’s going on in my soul. God wants to meet with us on this level — at the core of our being, helping us understand what we’re f

This is what grace is. Grace is an unhurried friend willing to be with us as we press forward through our fear. Grace says it’s okay to process, to be human, and to rely on God to get to the place he is calling you to. Truth be told, we can only get to those higher places with Him.Walk through the Fear Towards FaithRemember, God is calling us towar

1. Jacob During Jacob’s journey to Haran to find a wife, he stopped for the night to sleep. There, he had a dream of a ladder or stairway leading up into heaven with angels on it, going up and down (Genesis 28:12). Above this ladder was the Lord, who revealed Himself to Jacob that night: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of