The Challenge – Final Words

Dear Friend in Christ, I pray that this journey through our identity in Christ has strengthened you, encouraged you, but most importantly, helped set you free to be the man or woman that God has called you to be. I encourage you to continue meditating on the scripture. Continue making the scripture a daily part of your lives. Continue to personalize the scripture and see your story in His Story....

The Challenge – Week 10 Day 5

Life is full of challenges. Financial devastation. Broken marriages and relationships. Wayward children. Job loss. Severe weather. Sickness. Divorce. Hopelessness. All come to kill, steal, and destroy. But Jesus promised He came to give us abundant life. Are there areas in your life where you are wondering, “Where is my abundance?” God wants to remind you today that He restores – He makes better than before. He restores relationships, finances,...

The Challenge – Week 10 Day 4

North Korea, terrorist attacks, Neo-Nazis, the economy, war in Afghanistan, turmoil over statues. These events, orchestrated by a very real devil, are vying for our attention. Our enemy desires to put us in a state of turmoil and confusion. We are tempted to fear. We are tempted to accuse others. We are tempted to move to Canada. (Okay that last one may just be me.) But what should be our...

The Challenge – Week 10 Day 3

My prayer for my fellow Americans this morning. I pray that we would prosper in our souls My we prosper in unity. May we prosper in empathy. May we prosper prosper in brotherly love, one for another. May we prosper in common sense. May we prosper in understanding each other. May we prosper in peace, joy, hope. May we prosper in our Christlikeness. May we prosper in our care of...

The Challenge – Week 10 Day 2

I heard a story the other day about a young man diagnosed with cancer. Apparently, his prayer was not that God would heal him but that he would glorify God in the sickness. God honored his prayer. He was able to share the love of God with many people during his illness, including the hospice worker. At his funeral 15 people were saved. I rejoice for all who were touched...

The Challenge – Week 10

WEEK 9 – I AM SAVED (Romans 10:8 – 9) When searching for hotel accommodations in a major city, we often search for the perks. Does it include wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, a gym, or free parking? We want as many perks as possible for our money in order to have a pleasant stay at the hotel. The Father God is not frugal; He is extremely extravagant. However, He is not...

The Challenge – Week 9 Day 4

Accusations. One of the primary tactics of the enemy. He accuses our character, our ability, and yes he accuses our God. Sometimes these accusations come from other people, but more often than not it’s that inner voice that causes us to doubt ourselves and doubt God. It’s that annoying feeling that causes us to think that we are inept, ill-equipped, unimportant, and unqualified. Have you heard that voice? Recognizing this...

The Challenge – Week 9 Day 3

America is divided this morning. Divided like I have never seen in my lifetime. But as Christian, we have an amazing opportunity. We have the opportunity to lay down our political ideals, our denominational ideals and truly be a balm in this nation. We have the opportunity to spread the knowledge of God in these trying times. Let us not draw lines based on supporting a person but let us...

The Challenge – Week 9 Day 2

How do we resist or oppose evil? Paul encourages us to put on the whole armor of God. In light of recent events, this response may seem inadequate. Perhaps a more Old Testament response (an eye for an eye) is more suitable. But as Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently put it: That just leaves everyone blind. So how exactly do I oppose evil? How does this abstract armor Paul...