But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him… Matthew 14: 30 – 31a (ESV). How often do we find ourselves in the storms of life, focused solely on the winds and waves that terrify us? The storm takes up all th[...]
We don't much like weakness. Most of us do all we can to shield others from seeing where we are weak. In 2 Corinthians, Paul is speaking about a specific deficiency. We do not desire weakness to be a part of our lives, but it is still present. Personally speaking, I don't enjoy this type of weakness. Who among us likes to strug[...]
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8 (ESV) "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me." – Psalm 139:1 (NIV) These scripture verses reveal powerful and beautiful truths that can provide a deeper sense of abiding and resting in God when we truly receive them[...]
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10 (ESV). Like the Samaritan woman at the well, God often calls us to come away with Him to be refreshed with living water. Some of the mos[...]
“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this!” Esther 4:14 (NKJV). As we arise into all God has called us to, I am encouraged and[...]
I was recently asked what it means to "fear the Lord." I admit, it seems like strange language! Elsewhere in the Bible, we're told that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), so why are we repeatedly encouraged to 'fear the Lord'? I'm glad you asked! In modern vocabulary, when we talk about "fear," we often mean "phobias."[...]
“Beware of False Prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inward are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits…" Matthew 7:15-16(ESV). It was a beautiful, warm, and sunny spring afternoon as I sat on my deck, taking note of the fragrance in the air. My eyes drifted to our fruit trees. I smiled at the[...]
When the mob sentenced the accused man to death by crucifixion, Pontius Pilate washed his hands of the whole Jesus Christ trial. As a centurion, it was my responsibility to oversee the entire affair. My soldiers were ruthless, as they were prone to be in treason/blasphemy cases. After they flogged Him with a lead-tip whip, they[...]
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Exodus 3:13-14a (ESV). “I AM WHO I AM”. A statement full of power and authority yet ful[...]
“So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship.” Hebrews 12:12 (The Passion Translation). I know you’re tired, child. I see that you’re weary. You look down at your weathered hands, but they cannot compare to the worn-out heart I see in you—a heart that is afraid to take[...]