Here is an amazing promise: “In this world we are like Jesus!” Now that sounds lofty maybe even blasphemous. But it is a promise found in the Bible. What exactly does that mean? Will I be sinless? Will I be crucified? I believe it means, because of the atoning finished work of the cross, I can: Love others like Jesus Heal like Jesus Demonstrate compassion like Jesus Befriend like Jesus...
The Challenge Week 6 Day 4
“Teach us to pray,” the disciples asked. I don’t think they were prepared for the revolutionary prayer Jesus was about to give them. “Our Father..” wait a minute. Shouldn’t I address God as Jehovah, El Elon, Master? No, when you pray, remember He is first and foremost, “Abba, Daddy, Papa.” We are His children. He’s our Dad. We approach Him as a child sitting in a loving, generous Father’s lap,...
The Challenge- Week 6 Day 3
Greater works. He promised. But I have to admit, I have yet to see the greater works. I have heard of them, but I personally have not witnessed them. Today, we encountered a woman worried about her child who was sick – throwing up. We prayed for healing for the child. But there was more. Not only was her child sick, but she had a heavy heart. She was lonely....
The Challenge – Week 6 Day 2
Do you think Jesus feared? Probably not. Even when He was facing the cross, knowing He would be beaten and crucified, I don’t think he feared. He was hesitant perhaps, but not fearful. How do you think Jesus could face this world without falling prey to fear? Perhaps He knew He was a Son. Knowing your Father is Almighty God, maker of the universe, parter of the sea, healer of...
The Challenge Week 5 – Day 1
WEEK 6 – I AM AN HEIR (Ephesians 1:11) The coveted and honored birthright. It was bestowed upon the first born son. The birthright allowed the first born son to receive a double portion of his father’s inheritance. The eldest son was considered the priest of the family and inherited the judicial authority of his father. Firstborn sons were respected, exalted and favored in their families and communities. Jesus, God’s...
The Challenge – Week 5 Day 5
God is love. Therefore God is patient towards me. He is kind. He does not envy, is not proud. God will never dishonor me, is not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of my wrongs. God will never delight in evil but rejoices in truth. God always protects me, always trust me, always hopes in me, always perseveres for me. God will never fail me. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV)...
The Challenge- Week 5 Day 4
I got some disappointing news this week. It’s been weighing on my heart. At the same time this week, I have been meditating on God’s love. So my struggle all week has been which reality am I going to let define me. It’s been a struggle. God and I have had some serious discussions. I’ve told him I’m disappointed. He said “Trust me.” I’ve told him I’m angry. He said,...
Week 5 Day 3
We have all sinned – done the unspeakable, the unthinkable, the unimaginable. We were all deserving of God’s wrath. We all deserved a life separated, exiled from a Holy God. We were all sinners. But God…. Even while we were dripping in sin, loved us. Even when we were unlovable, loved us. He loved us so much He… Sent His Son to die on our behalf Raised us up from...
The Challenge – Week 5 Day 2
As King of a nation, David had his share of foes. Perhaps he felt as if he were always on guard against his enemies. As a response, David wrote prayers in the form of songs, we call them Psalms. As we read through David’s prayers we see him declaring truth, declaring his assurance of God’s love and faithfulness, declaring the majesty of God. David was a man who made some...
The Challenge – Week 5
WEEK 5 – I AM LOVED (Ephesians 3:17) Israel sinned. She was the jewel of heaven, God’s own special treasure. He fought for her, He delivered her. He provided extravagantly for her. He was faithful to her. But alas, she chose to walk away, to abandon the love of God and pursue the love of less inferior beings. Her sin was egregious. God was left with only one choice –...