I’m finding Philippians has great advice for living well. This morning, I am reminded that: 1. I don’t have to strive to be perfect. God is at work in me. Every Christian should wear a sign that says, “Pardon my mess. I’m under construction.” We are each being transformed from glory to glory into His image. We are not perfect. We must remember to extend grace to ourselves and grace...
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 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...
Pray
Falsely imprisoned. Chained. Bound. Peter peacefully slept while others prayed for him. While he was sleeping, his deliverance came. While he was resting, chains were broken. When he didn’t understand what was happening, he was set free. Our prayers are powerful. We may have a loved one bound in sin, chained in addictions, enslaved by fear. But we can petition our Father on their behalf and He can set them...
Reckless Love
Saul could not have been further from Jesus – a Pharisees who persecuted the church. He had just received his marching orders to kill both men and women of “The Way.” While Saul is basking in this latest victory, God in a Sovereign act, stops him in his tracks, reveals himself to him, and Saul, now Paul, is forever change. I am praying for a loved one who is opposed...
Ten Steps to Get Into Heaven
Do you want to go to heaven? 1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God. 2. Confess that belief with your mouth. 3 – 10. There are no other steps, I just gave it that title for my high achieving friends. Heaven is not complicated. It is not an exclusive country club where you need a secret password to get in. You cannot work real hard and achieve heaven. You...
Choose
In the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to share God’s love with a few people. Inevitably, the conversation has led to this question: “How can God love me, yet send me to hell?” This has been where the conversation ended because I sensed the person was more interested in a debate rather than the truth and I am not God’s lawyer, I’m His daughter. But this...
Preach the Gospel
Since returning from India, I have often meditated on the exchange between Jesus and John the Baptist. When asked if He were the Messiah, Jesus said, “Tell him what you see – the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the poor has the gospel preached to them. He did not say that the poor was fed or clothed, or sheltered. The remedy for the poor was the gospel. Two questions:...
Your Benefits Packet
When we start a new job, we tend to focus on one thing – the salary. But your salary is just part of your value to the company. You have a benefits packet that in some cases can value more than your salary. Did you know as Christians we have a benefits packet? Most of us focus simply on our salary – our get out of hell free card. Which,...